Sustainability Through Open-Source Hardware: A Review on Sustainability Aspects

Open Source Hardware (OSH) represents a novel paradigm that fosters collaborative design and the open sharing of hardware, analogous to the principles underlying Open Source Software (OSS). This review explores the sustainability dimensions of OSH, with a focus on its potential to enhance product longevity, repairability, and resource efficiency. Our analysis reveals that while OSH is frequently emphasized for its positive environmental impacts, most studies offer qualitative assessments and lack rigorous quantitative evaluations, such as life cycle assessments (LCAs). To address this gap, a structured framework for sustainable OSH is proposed, integrating key enablers such as design principles, documentation, production practices, and licensing. This framework serves as a tool for assessing the sustainability of OSH projects, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach. The argument is made for a stronger research focus on empirical studies, particularly LCAs, to quantitatively compare the environmental footprints of OSH and proprietary hardware. Such studies are essential for validating claims regarding the sustainability of OSH and guiding future innovations towards more environmentally and economically sustainable practices.