Industrial ecology is the systematic analysis of global, regional and local material and energy flows and uses that are associated with products, processes, industrial sectors, and economies. Energy consumption, non-renewable and renewable materials consumption, air pollutant emissions, waterborne pollutant effluents and solid waste generation associated with human activities are tracked. These analyses are the core tools of industrial ecology, which seeks to design and manage products and services that meet human needs in a sustainable manner. Industrial Ecology provides a scientific foundation for advancing the “Circular Economy,” which is a framework gaining the attention of business and industry.

The course will provide you with analytical tools and methods for implementing principles of industrial ecology and the circular economy. The practical applications covered in the course will be based largely on current research in the area of life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle design. Life cycle assessment is a comprehensive tool for identifying and evaluating the full environmental burdens associated with a product system from production through retirement. This methodology is used for comparative analyses of alternatives including materials (e.g., biobased vs petroleum based), energy systems (renewable and fossil fuels), consumer products and packaging, automotive component designs, and residential construction methods. Other analytical tools covered include ecological footprint analysis, carbon footprint analysis (life cycle assessment of greenhouse gases), and life cycle cost analysis. Life cycle design focuses on integrating environmental considerations into product design. The challenge is to align and meet performance, cost, legal, and cultural requirements while achieving environmental improvements.