Ergoecology: fundamentals of a new multidisciplinary field

Abstract

This article conceptualises a new multidisciplinary field by establishing the elements of an 'ergonomic system' (human beings, physical space and object/ machine) and defining the term 'surroundings' (PESTE factors) while emphasising the ecological aspects of human activities. The definition of ergoecology is explained by an etymological analysis of the names of the contributing disciplines (ergonomics and ecology). The new multidiscipline combines and extends the scope of the two foundational disciplines using new principles, notions and concepts, such as 'built environment', 'surroundings', 'ergoecology', 'ecoefficiency' and 'ecoproductivity'. The aim of ergoecology is to provide tools for confronting twenty-first century challenges. In line with the sustainability movement, we believe in the importance of using ecologic and ergonomic perspectives (in their broadest sense) to develop action aimed towards environmental preservation and the development of sustainable products, processes and service designs.

Ergoecology: evolution and challenges

“…It should be emphasized that although Ergoecology was conceived from its start with systemic and integral focus [1][2], its academic diffusion was local and its impact in productive sectors marginal, while the integral management, although is subsequent and arises from a fundamentally instrumental perspective, has had a stimulus and growing interest due to the application of quality standards [8], health, and security [12], management environmental [7] and more recently the social responsibility (ISO 26000) [13] as strategy of business positioning. Therefore, a business that has obtained certifications shows them as a letter of introduction in front of the competition in a global market, as well as in front of consumers to earn their trust.…”

“…Finally, but not less important, it must be pointed out that the concept of sustainability -in its moment 'sustainable development'- [2] underlies to the general approach of Ergoecology. It may be said now, that from the social studies point of view, it has been talked about cultural ecosystem, socialecology, and then, included in this last one, housingecology.…”

“…Then, we consider an ergonomist responsibility to participate in the creation of environmental regulations at the work place, as well as the securing of policies and programs to recover the environment's quality (i.e. recycling and recuperation of waste pro-grams can help the adaptation of conditions in the place of work) [2].…”

“…To understand why is found today in force the Ergoecology, which conceptual proposal was presented more than a decade ago [1], it is necessary to know its theoretical bases [2] as well as to revise the methodological and conceptual development of what has been subjected to. [3][4][5][6] Defined as a scientific and technological discipline, the Ergoecology was developed to integrate evaluation and intervention processes generally used by ergonomics, and environmental management systems.…”

Еко-Ергономічне Проектування Робочого Середовища

“…A similar trend occurs in ergonomics. In recent years, new ergonomics areas emerged, such as ergoecology [1,2] and green ergonomics [3,4]. Their fundamental principles are the study and analysis of the relationship between the man-machine system and the environment.…”