The module focusses on the following main areas, supplemented by topical issues: 1. Grand challenges for sustainability faced by the manufacturing, transport and energy industries – achieving the transition from fossil based, energy intensive to renewable (carbon neutral) and efficient processes over the coming decades. 2. Sustainable materials and the circular economy. Introduces the technology associated with recycling including recovery, sorting and reuse. Established technologies such as metal, paper and glass recovery will be contrasted with newer approaches. Consideration will be given to product designs that utilise recycled material while also facilitating recyclability. 3. Life cycle assessment and Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations. The concept of sustainable development is discussed and tools for quantitative assessment of our approach to sustainability are introduced. For example, lifecycle analysis is covered according to the principles of ISO14000, including use of commercial software (eg GABI). Introduction is given to the principles and practice of environmental legislation within the UK and the EU. 4. In the context of the above, topics and case studies may include (but will not be limited to): a. Cellulosic fibresb. Strategic and critical materialsc. Fuel cell technologiesd. Energy storage including battery technologye. Decarbonisation of energy supplyf. Reduction in use of solvents (in coatings industry for example) g. Waste water treatment including recovery of organics.h. Carbon capture and storage. Including carbon (and other emissions) trading i. Global resources (eg UN Report March 2019)
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Carry out a simple life cycle assessment and interpret more complex life cycle assessments following ISO protocols.
Understand the principles behind environmental legislation and discuss how legislation can be a force for change in practise and behaviour.
Understand the challenges faced by global economies, industries and populations in the context of climate change and declining resource and discuss possible solutions in terms of technology development, economic incentives and legislation.
Discuss the benefits and opportunities presented by the “circular economy”, the barriers to its implementation and the technological or legislative developments required.
