Abstract: Conventional modular design methods tend to deal with function and structure of products, which leading to insufficient consideration of environmental factors in the modularization scheme. An environmental conscious modular design optimization method based on design structure matrix（DSM）, group genetic algorithm（GGA） and minimum description length（MDL） is proposed. Firstly, the model of environmental conscious modularization is put forward. Secondly, the quantitative DSM is constructed via the features of the function, structure, lifetime, material and recycling of components with weighted sum approach. Then an integer encoding GGA is developed combining with the MDL optimization objective to perform components clustering. Finally, the continuous and discrete scaling features of modules are analyzed through the adjusting scheme of components in the modules. The effectiveness of the proposed method is proven through the case study of modularization for shielding hydraulic supports and the comparisons among modular results. Comparison with other DSM clustering algorithms and sensitivity analysis proves the efficiency and robustness of the proposed GGA.