Low-Carbon Office Chair Design Integrating Life Cycle Assessment and Ergonomic Optimization: Mechanisms for Improving Musculoskeletal Load

摘要

Background and Gap: With the evolution of modern office work patterns, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) induced by prolonged sitting have become a prominent occupational health issue. Existing office chair designs mostly focus on single ergonomic support, while ignoring the carbon emissions generated by the furniture industry during the manufacturing and end-of-life stages. Under the background of the "Dual Carbon" goals, there is a lack of systematic design research that deeply integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with ergonomics. Methodology: This study proposes a low-carbon office chair design framework that combines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with ergonomic evaluation. First, LCA was conducted to identify major carbon-emission hotspots of conventional office chairs and to explore feasible low-carbon material substitution and modular design strategies. Second, an ergonomic design scheme focusing on lumbar support, seat depth, and adjustability was developed based on existing ergonomic principles and office seating guidelines. Finally, a user-based comparative evaluation was carried out among office workers using posture assessment, self-reported discomfort scores, and satisfaction questionnaires to examine the practical effect of the proposed chair design.Core Conclusions: The LCA results suggest that the use of recycled materials and modular design has the potential to reduce the life-cycle carbon burden of office chairs compared with conventional designs. User evaluation results further indicate that the proposed chair design may contribute to improved sitting posture, reduced self-reported lower-back discomfort, and better overall seating satisfaction in office environments. These findings support the feasibility of integrating low-carbon strategies with ergonomic considerations in office furniture design. Significance and Value: This study verifies that office chairs integrating low-carbon materials and ergonomic optimization can not only effectively reduce environmental load but also significantly improve users' musculoskeletal load. This design framework provides interdisciplinary theoretical basis and practical guidance for sustainable furniture manufacturing, and is of great significance for promoting the synergistic development of occupational health and green design.