Recycle and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Products and Processes
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course has two main goals: 1) to promote a deep understanding of the computational structure of the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methodology; 2) to apply this methodology to evaluate the sustainability of materials and processes. In pursuing these goals, special attention will be paid to the definition and construction of systems of environmental impact indicators to be used in the assessment procedure. A consistent portion of the course will be devoted to the application of the LCA methodology to representative real life cases. Exercise sessions will be mainly quantitative; no specific numerical skills are required.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will master the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methodology and will be able to apply it to real life cases. They will be able to present a case study on a selected topic.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course has two main objectives: 1) to promote a deep understanding of the computational structure of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, and 2) to apply this methodology to assess the sustainability of materials and processes. In pursuing these objectives, particular attention will be given to the definition and construction of sets of environmental impact indicators to be used in the assessment procedure. A significant portion of the course will be dedicated to the application of LCA methodology to representative real-life cases. Training sessions will primarily be quantitative, and no specific numerical skills are required.
Course Content:
Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Thinking: historical context, regulations, procedures, applications. Calculation methodology, databases, and technical software. Sustainability assessment: introductory concepts.
Eco-indicators: dispersion of pollutants in the environment, measurement methods, environmental impact and damage categories, impact quantification, energy approach.
Industrial processes for materials production: case studies (e.g., cement, polymeric materials, metallic materials, and ceramic materials).
End-of-life for materials: open and closed-loop recycling, reuse, waste-to-energy processes, waste management processes.
Course Content:
Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Thinking: historical context, regulations, procedures, applications. Calculation methodology, databases, and technical software. Sustainability assessment: introductory concepts.
Eco-indicators: dispersion of pollutants in the environment, measurement methods, environmental impact and damage categories, impact quantification, energy approach.
Industrial processes for materials production: case studies (e.g., cement, polymeric materials, metallic materials, and ceramic materials).
End-of-life for materials: open and closed-loop recycling, reuse, waste-to-energy processes, waste management processes.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites are required to take this course. However, a good understanding of mass and energy balances and strong computer skills can be beneficial in effectively engaging with the material and completing the activities.
Teaching methods
The teaching approach involves a combination of traditional classroom lectures and virtual sessions conducted on Teams. During the frontal lectures, the instructor utilizes a projector to display PowerPoint (PPT) slides on the classroom screen or whiteboard. This allows students to follow along visually and engage with the material.
Additionally, the students participate in hands-on exercises specifically focused on the utilization of SimaPro software. These exercises aim to enhance their proficiency in using SimaPro, a powerful software tool used for life cycle assessment and environmental impact analysis. Through these practical exercises, students gain practical experience and develop their skills in navigating and utilizing SimaPro effectively.
Overall, this teaching methodology combines theoretical concepts conveyed through frontal lectures with practical application and engagement with SimaPro software. By incorporating both classroom and virtual elements, students have the opportunity to learn and apply their knowledge in a dynamic and interactive manner.
Additionally, the students participate in hands-on exercises specifically focused on the utilization of SimaPro software. These exercises aim to enhance their proficiency in using SimaPro, a powerful software tool used for life cycle assessment and environmental impact analysis. Through these practical exercises, students gain practical experience and develop their skills in navigating and utilizing SimaPro effectively.
Overall, this teaching methodology combines theoretical concepts conveyed through frontal lectures with practical application and engagement with SimaPro software. By incorporating both classroom and virtual elements, students have the opportunity to learn and apply their knowledge in a dynamic and interactive manner.
Teaching Resources
· W. Klöpffer and B. Grahl, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) - A Guide to Best Practice, Wiley-VCH, 2014
· M.F. Ashby, Materials and the Environment - Eco-informed materials choice, Elsevier, 2013
- Life Cycle Assessment Handbook: A Guide for Environmentally Sustainable Products, Editor(s):Mary Ann Curran, 2012, Print ISBN:9781118099728, DOI:10.1002/9781118528372
· M.F. Ashby, Materials and the Environment - Eco-informed materials choice, Elsevier, 2013
- Life Cycle Assessment Handbook: A Guide for Environmentally Sustainable Products, Editor(s):Mary Ann Curran, 2012, Print ISBN:9781118099728, DOI:10.1002/9781118528372
Assessment methods and Criteria
Preparation of a free theme project through the use of the SimaPro software given to the student for the duration of the course.
CHIM/04 - INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Bianchi Claudia Letizia Maddalena
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