Advanced life-cycle assessment methods

Introduction to prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA). Principles of environmentally extended input-output modeling. Presentation of environmental learning theory and quantification of environmental learning rates. Introduction to background system modelling, shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), representative concentration pathways (RCPs), and integrated assessment models (IAMs). Exploring the sustainable-by-design concept. Linking prospective environmental impacts to absolute sustainability. Practical problem-solving using Python and software tools like SimaPro and MATLAB. Students will learn to critically reflect on the limitations of advanced assessment results for decision support, considering the application context and uncertainties. Participants will discuss and interpret results from a chosen application, formulate technical summaries, provide peer feedback, and present simulation results.

The course aims to broaden students´ knowledge in life cycle assessment (LCA), equipping them to solve complex problems using advanced LCA methods within sustainable engineering and related scientific disciplines. Participants will obtain skills to perform prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA), propose sustainable-by-design strategies, and conduct environmentally extended input-output analyses. The course prepares students for real-world applications and a career in life cycle-based sustainability assessment in industry or academia.

Lectures and exercises