Assessment of Sustainability

11M2227

Master

German

5.0

only summer term

1 semester

Sustainable management, climate protection and resource conservation are among the central tasks for companies in engineering and materials science. In the sustainability assessment module, students are given an overview of assessment systems that take various aspects of sustainability into account. The focus of the module is on imparting knowledge of life cycle analysis in accordance with DIN 14040/44. Students learn about the system and exemplary programs for calculating life cycle analysis and apply these to typical products and processes in materials science.

1. Overview of assessment systems for the various aspects of sustainability (e.g. Sustainable Development Goals, sustainability reporting, common good balance sheet)
2. Instruments for balancing the use of energy and materials and assessing the environmental impact of production processes
3. Methodology of life cycle analysis (life cycle assessment) according to DIN ISO 14040/44
4. Software tools and databases for the creation of LCAs
5. Laboratory exercises: Data collection and independent preparation of an LCA for specific products or processes

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Homework / Assignment

• Field work / Experimental work

• The term paper comprises 10 - 20 pages.
• Experimental work: approx. 1 - 2 experiments

none

Students have detailed knowledge of the balancing of energy and material use and the evaluation of environmental impacts. They can select suitable approaches and methods based on their knowledge.

Based on their specialist knowledge of life cycle assessment, students can analyze and interpret specific processes or products.

Students can analyze and evaluate specific processes or products using a standard software package. They carry out the necessary data acquisition independently in the laboratory. 

Students select suitable evaluation methods for their case analysis and interpret their results in the context of the literature.

The students exchange information with the laboratory staff on a subject-related and professional basis and discuss their results with the people involved in the case study.

Students are able to make a well-founded assessment of existing and future challenges of sustainability and resource protection.

• Rosenberger, Sandra

• Rosenberger, Sandra