Industrial Ecology

Recommended Prerequisites

A basic knowledge in Thermodynamics is required. Basic knowledge of Environmental Management and/or Circular Economy is recommended.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical lectures (T): oral exposition of the defined topics.

Practical lectures (PL): Resolution of exercices, presentations of paper and of the topics under discussion. Development of a project using computational tools. Presentation and discussion of the proposal and results of the LCA project. The participation of each student in the class is graded.

Grading without final exam, based on a written test (32.5%) a LCA project (60%) and presentations in class (7.5%). 

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes aim to enable students to understand Industrial Ecology and its main tools, namely the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, but also others (e.g. Material Flow Analysis). The students will learn how to: Prepare and present a proposal of an LCA project, including a critical review of similar studies.  Implement an LCA for a selected product system, using a life cycle software and databases. Develop and implement a life cycle model and inventory. Define the goal and scope and scenarios to be assessed. Understand the the multifunctionality problem, data quality and different types of uncertainty. Perform allocation and system expansion. Assess LC impacts and present the LCA results obtained, including a critical interpretation.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

- Industrial Ecology and Sustainability. Introduction to Industrial Ecology tools.

- Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Methodology and Aplications. Resolution of Exercices.

- Extensions to the classic format of LCA, including Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment.

- Preparation of an LCA proposal and implementation of an LCA project. Developing a life-cycle model and implementing the LCA project using software.

Head Lecturer(s)

Fausto Miguel Cereja Seixas Freire

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Other: 7.5%
Mini Tests: 32.5%
Project: 60.0%

Bibliography

Brunner, P and Rechberger, H (2003) Practical Handbook of Material Flow Analysis. Lewis Publishers

Clift, R & Druckman, A. (eds) (2016). Taking Stock of Industrial Ecology.

Ferrão, P. (1998) Introdução à Gestão Ambiental. A avaliação do ciclo de vida de produtos. IST Press

Ferrão, P. (2009) Ecologia Industrial. Princípios e ferramentas. Instituto Superior Técnico (ed)

Freire, F. (2019). Industrial Ecology: course Guidelines. FCTUC. Universidade de Coimbra.

Graedel, T. and Allenby, B. (2010) Industrial Ecology and Sustainable Engineering. Prentice Hall

Guinée, J. et al. (2001) Life cycle assessment: an operational guide to the ISO standards, Centre of Env. Science, Univ. of Leiden, Kluwer

Heijungs, R. and Suh, S. (2002) The computational structure of life cycle assessment. Kluwer Academic Pub.