Life Cycle and Supply Chain Sustainability Assessment

Through advanced tools and methods, industrial ecology aims to assist in reorganizing industrial systems and human activities to be more ecologically and socially sound. Life cycle assessment (LCA)—which involves the systemic analysis of products, services, and supply chains environmental impacts—is an essential method of industrial ecology. Socioeconomic impacts can also be included in assessments, leading to the definition of life cycle sustainability assessment. LCA can be used to verify sustainability and circularity claims and guide decision-making. This course is designed to equip participants with a hands-on, in- depth understanding of the frameworks, principles, tools, and applications of LCA. As part of the course, students learn to use and apply professional software tools and databases addressing supply chains' environmental impacts. We also review the current state of LCA practices, developments, and initiatives. The course is grounded on providing students with the skills to identify solutions which would make human activities more sustainable.