Course information

Environmental sustainability is the practice of using natural resources like water, soil, or air responsibly so they can support both present and future generations. United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 targets “responsible consumption and production” by reducing the ecological footprint of products, services, and consumption patterns. Beyond that, social and economic sustainability goals aim to achieve, e.g., respect for human rights along value chains or sustained economic growth. Scientifically valid life-cycle-based information is crucial in order to implement sustainability strategies successfully. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a helpful tool for aligning decisions with ecological criteria and reducing environmental impacts. This module covers LCA and related topics, including life cycle thinking, life cycle inventory modeling, and life cycle impact assessment from an environmental perspective. Other topics include the social and economic life-cycle perspective wit social LCA and life cycle costing (LCC). In groups, students will apply life cycle thinking and LCA methods to specific problems. The module enables students to transfer insights from applied science to industry and society through life cycle thinking and life cycle management. Students will learn how to identify and develop effective sustainability measures that contribute to the global SDGs.