Module Description
This online, self-paced module introduces sustainability assessment through the principles and practice of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It begins by explaining the sustainability challenge and the need for structured environmental assessment tools, then develops the core concepts of life cycle thinking, ISO-based LCA methods and standards, system boundaries, multifunctionality and allocation, datasets, software tools, life cycle costing, social LCA, carbon footprinting, and a guided OpenLCA case study.
The module supports evidence-based decision-making for sustainable products, processes, and energy-related systems across the Mediterranean region. It helps learners connect environmental analysis with innovation, eco-design, circular economy practices, and transparent sustainability communication in research and industry.
The purpose of this module is to build foundational competence in sustainability assessment, with LCA as the main analytical framework. By the end of the module, learners will be able to understand, interpret, and apply the main phases, assumptions, tools, and outputs of an introductory LCA study, while communicating environmental impacts and sustainability trade-offs in Mediterranean contexts.
The module supports evidence-based decision-making for sustainable products, processes, and energy-related systems across the Mediterranean region. It helps learners connect environmental analysis with innovation, eco-design, circular economy practices, and transparent sustainability communication in research and industry.
The purpose of this module is to build foundational competence in sustainability assessment, with LCA as the main analytical framework. By the end of the module, learners will be able to understand, interpret, and apply the main phases, assumptions, tools, and outputs of an introductory LCA study, while communicating environmental impacts and sustainability trade-offs in Mediterranean contexts.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
- Describe the sustainability challenge and explain why life cycle thinking is needed to assess the environmental impacts of products, processes, and energy-related systems.
- Explain the purpose, structure, and main phases of Life Cycle Assessment, including the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 framework.
- Define and apply key LCA methodological choices, including goal and scope definition, functional unit, system boundaries, inventory flows, multifunctionality, and allocation.
- Analyze life cycle inventory and impact assessment results, including environmental indicators, carbon footprint results, and CO₂-equivalent metrics.
- Evaluate how Life Cycle Assessment can support eco-design, circular economy strategies, product comparison, and evidence-based sustainability decision-making.
- Learn how to compare LCA datasets, databases, and software tools, including OpenLCA, SimaPro, and GaBi, and identify suitable data sources for introductory LCA studies.
