Life Cycle Assessment from Coursera

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Syllabus

Product-Oriented environmental assessment : Introduction to LCA

This week we take a look at the sustainability performance of products over their entire life cycle, from cradle to cradle. After analyzing the large number of products-chemicals we are in daily contact with, we identify the need for LCA, learn about the motivations to conduct LCAs versus other environmental tools. The goals and system definition step defines the goal and scope of the study, including the product function, functional unit, and the product system and its boundaries

LCA Goal Definition

Life Cycle Inventory Part 1

The Life Cycle Inventory, the second LCA phase, quantifies the inventory of the various elementary flows of resource extractions and substance emissions crossing the system boundary. We first learn how to build the life cycle inventory and determine aggregated elementary flows from cradle to gate. We then establish the energy and CO2 balance for several products, identifying the dominant stages in the life cycle. This module then provide an overview of existing databases, describes in further detail the widespread ecoinvent database, illustrating the inventory via a simple car example.

Life Cycle Inventory Part 2

The chapter finally introduces us to two special topics of importance: the allocation of emission between co-products and the possibilities offered by Input-output allocation to complement the process LCA approach developed in detail in this chapter.

Life Cycle Impact Assessment

The life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) is the third phase of an LCA. It use the inventory data to determine their environmental impacts and compare different types of impacts. The impact assessment methods are simple to apply, though their development can be relatively complex. After an introduction to LCIA and various environmental impacts, we first present the LCIA principles and framework. The module then details and illustrates using the Impact World+ method each LCIA step, i.e. a) the classification of emissions into different impact categories, b) the characterization of midpoint impacts, c) the damage (end point) characterization and the optional d) normalization and e) weighting steps. The module finishes by an overview of the existing LCIA methods and the present research efforts to arrive to a global consensus method.

LCA Interpretation

This chapter aims to guide you in the interpretation of results, in the implementation of an LCA in the SIMAPRO software and in the environmental classification of products. After describing the main interpretation principles, we illustrate the interpretation steps using an example of desktop versus laptop computers. We then discuss strategies to check LCA results, and identify and discuss the main uncertainties in life cycle impact assessment results and illustrate it with the hands drying example. We then perform a SIMAPRO tutorial exercise, implementing the hand drying example in SIMAPRO. We finally discuss a simplified product classification and provide rules for sustainable design of products, also looking at reuse,recycling and (e-)waste strategies.

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Appropriate for those who want to acquire or strengthen skills in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Useful for students in environmental science, sustainability, and product design

Familiarizes learners with industry-standard tools and databases for LCA, preparing them for various job functions

Designed for those with prior knowledge of the fundamentals of environmental assessment

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Life Cycle Assessment with these activities:

Review of undergraduate environmental science

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Refresh your knowledge of fundamental environmental science concepts, such as ecosystems, biodiversity, and pollution

Browse courses on Environmental Science

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Review course notes and textbooks
Complete practice problems and assignments

Practice LCA calculations

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Enhance your understanding of LCA calculations by solving practice problems

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Find practice problems and datasets online
Calculate LCA impacts using the provided data
Compare your results to published sources

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Career center

Learners who complete Life Cycle Assessment will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Life Cycle Assessment Specialist

A Life Cycle Assessment Specialist is responsible for conducting LCA studies. They evaluate the environmental impact of products and systems over their whole product life cycle. This course can provide Life Cycle Assessment Specialists with a comprehensive understanding of LCA methodology. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge is essential for Life Cycle Assessment Specialists to conduct accurate and reliable LCA studies.

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Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant assists clients in various industries in developing and implementing sustainability strategies. They evaluate the environmental, social, and economic impacts of products and services. This course can be highly beneficial for Sustainability Consultants as it provides them with a framework for assessing the environmental impact of products and systems. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge enables Sustainability Consultants to make informed decisions about sustainable product development and management.

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Sustainability Analyst

A Sustainability Analyst is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizations. They analyze the environmental, social, and economic impacts of products and services. This course can be highly beneficial for Sustainability Analysts as it provides them with a framework for assessing the environmental impact of products and systems. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge enables Sustainability Analysts to make informed decisions about sustainable product development and management.

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Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizations. They analyze the environmental, social, and economic impacts of products and services. This course can be highly beneficial for Sustainability Managers as it provides them with a framework for assessing the environmental impact of products and systems. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge enables Sustainability Managers to make informed decisions about sustainable product development and management.

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Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager is responsible for developing and implementing corporate social responsibility strategies. They analyze the environmental, social, and economic impacts of products and services. This course can be highly beneficial for Corporate Social Responsibility Managers as it provides them with a framework for assessing the environmental impact of products and systems. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge enables Corporate Social Responsibility Managers to make informed decisions about sustainable product development and management.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems. They evaluate the environmental impact of products, processes, and facilities. This course can provide Environmental Engineers with a comprehensive understanding of LCA methodology. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge is essential for Environmental Engineers to assess the environmental impact of their designs and solutions effectively.

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Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and its components. They evaluate the environmental impact of human activities. This course can provide Environmental Scientists with a comprehensive understanding of LCA methodology. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge is essential for Environmental Scientists to assess the environmental impact of human activities effectively.

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Environmental Consultant

An Environmental Consultant assists clients in various industries in developing and implementing environmental management plans. They evaluate the environmental impact of products, processes, and facilities. This course provides a solid foundation for Environmental Consultants by teaching them how to assess the environmental impact of products and systems over their whole product life cycle. The course covers various phases of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge is essential for Environmental Consultants to help their clients make informed decisions about their environmental performance.

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Product Developer

A Product Developer is responsible for designing and developing new products. They consider the environmental impact of products over their entire life cycle. This course can be valuable for Product Developers as it provides them with a framework for assessing the environmental impact of products. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge enables Product Developers to make informed decisions about sustainable product design.

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Environmental Lawyer

An Environmental Lawyer specializes in environmental law and regulations. They advise clients on environmental compliance and litigation. This course can be valuable for Environmental Lawyers as it provides them with a framework for assessing the environmental impact of products and systems. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge enables Environmental Lawyers to advise their clients effectively on environmental matters.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

An Environmental Policy Analyst develops and analyzes environmental policies. They consider the environmental impact of products, processes, and facilities. This course can be valuable for Environmental Policy Analysts as it provides them with a framework for assessing the environmental impact of products and systems. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge enables Environmental Policy Analysts to make informed decisions about environmental policy.

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Environmental Planner

An Environmental Planner develops and implements plans for the protection and management of the environment. They consider the environmental impact of products, processes, and facilities. This course can be valuable for Environmental Planners as it provides them with a framework for assessing the environmental impact of products and systems. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge enables Environmental Planners to make informed decisions about environmental planning.

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Environmental Economist

An Environmental Economist analyzes the economic impacts of environmental policies and regulations. They consider the environmental impact of products, processes, and facilities. This course can be valuable for Environmental Economists as it provides them with a framework for assessing the environmental impact of products and systems. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge enables Environmental Economists to make informed decisions about environmental policy and regulation.

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Environmental Auditor

An Environmental Auditor evaluates the environmental performance of organizations. They assess the environmental impact of products, processes, and facilities. This course can be valuable for Environmental Auditors as it provides them with a framework for assessing the environmental impact of products and systems. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge enables Environmental Auditors to conduct thorough and effective environmental audits.

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Environmental Health and Safety Manager

An Environmental Health and Safety Manager is responsible for developing and implementing environmental health and safety programs. They evaluate the environmental impact of products, processes, and facilities. This course can be valuable for Environmental Health and Safety Managers as it provides them with a framework for assessing the environmental impact of products and systems. The course covers various phases of LCA, including goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation. This knowledge enables Environmental Health and Safety Managers to make informed decisions about environmental health and safety.

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Life Cycle Assessment

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