Abstract: Materials selection decision-making in green design takes lifecycle environmental impact of materials as one of the most important objectives. Eco-Indicator’99 is adopted to analyze the holistic lifecycle environmental impact of materials and processes, in order to quantify the decision objective. Environmental performance index is presented based on performance index concept by M. F. Ashby. The environmental performance index analysis model for materials selection is established. The bottom panel design problem for air-conditioner is described. The minimal environmental impact of materials is given based on the stiffness constraint and strength constraint condition. As shown in the case study, the results of the decision-making analysis can provide useful design guidelines for materials selection in green design.

Key words: Eco-Indicator’99, Green design, Material selection, Performance index, Cohesive zone model, Impact fracture, Laminated glass, Traction-separation law