When considering how to reduce the environmental impacts of a product, a service, an organisation, a household or even a nation, it is vital to take a life cycle approach. In this module we introduce you to life cycle thinking, the concept of the circular economy, life cycle management and related environmental systems analysis approaches. We consider how such approaches can guard against trade-offs in sustainability, thus leading to better-informed decisions.

Course Description

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Explain the concept of life cycle thinking (LCT) and describe the benefits and challenges of its application in practice, in industry and for policy making
• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the circular economy concept
• Describe the goal, key methodologies, challenges and role of systems analysis approaches such as life cycle assessment (LCA) and input-output analysis
• Appreciate different types of footprints, appropriate methodologies, and to be aware of current protocols and 
• standards used for carbon foot-printing of products, services and organisations
• Apply the principles and tools of design for sustainability to consumer products