MEC5801 Industrial ecology

This new unit will provide analytical tools and methods for implementing principles of industrial ecology. The course will encompass sustainability concepts and tools on the potential role of industry in reducing environmental burdens throughout the product life cycle from the extraction of raw materials, to the production of goods, dematerialization, and to the use of those goods and to the management of the resulting waste. The practical applications covered in the course will be based largely on current research in the area of life cycle assessment (LCA). Case studies will be used to demonstrate concepts and principles of industrial ecology with the accomplishments of LCA. The unit would take a systems perspective in seeking the answers to questions such as how to improve resource efficiency; how to minimize waste generation; which material to use considering their costs, supply security, and criticality; and how to design an industrial process to minimize its resource and environmental risks. The unit will be highly beneficial for students, researchers, professionals, policymakers and engineers working in the industries.