ECTS credits ECTS credits: 5
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Student's work ECTS: 85 Hours of tutorials: 5 Expository Class: 15 Interactive Classroom: 20 Total: 125
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary subject Master’s Degree RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Chemistry Engineering
Areas: Chemical Engineering
Center Higher Technical Engineering School
Call: First Semester
Teaching: Sin docencia (Extinguida)
Enrolment: No Matriculable
0.- Course details
ECOLOGICAL DESIGN OF PROCESSES AND PRODUCTS has a direct link with those subjects included in the Module 6 (Environmental Management) of the Master in Environmental Engineering. Besides, it has the same close relation to other subjects in the Masters that cover scientific and technical fundamentals, such as Mass and Energy Balances, Environmental Modelling and Management and Waste Management & Treatment.
Course name: Ecological Design of Processes and Products
Type: Compulsory
Credits: 5 ECTS
Schedule: see calendar of the program
Academic Staff
Gumersindo Feijoo Costa
Department of Chemical Engineering
Phone number: 881816776
e-mail address: gumersindo.feijoo [at] usc.gal (gumersindo[dot]feijoo[at]usc[dot]gal)
María Teresa Moreira Vilar
Department of Chemical Engineering
Phone number: 881816792
e-mail address: maite.moreira [at] usc.gal (maite[dot]moreira[at]usc[dot]gal)
Office hours (D3.4)
Required tutorials: See program schedule
Professor tutorials: Tuesday and Wednesday from 17 to 20 h.
Its main objective is to achieve and to acquire a general understanding of key concepts related to sustainable design of processes and products through the study of different tools of analysis and evaluation from an environmental point of view.
2.- Description of Course Contents
The contents of the course correspond to the ones listed in the descriptor of the subject in the curriculum of the Master in Environmental Engineering: "Sustainability indicators. Environmental management systems and sustainability. Integrated Product Policy. Life cycle analysis. Ecolabelling. Ecodesign. Ecological footprint. Environmental Risk Assessment. "
The program is divided into two blocks and nine topics, which are listed below:
I) Sustainability: Principles and Bases
I.1. Life Cycle Thinking vs. Circular Economy. Background information. Key aspects in the definition of the philosophy and the life cycle initiative. Circular Economy. Methodologies and applications. Sustainable Development Objectives. Agenda 2030
I.2. Sustainability indicators and Integrated Product Policy. Definition of indicator. Example of indicators. Sustainability report under the GRI System. Integrated Product Policy.
I.3. Environmental management systems. General issues. PDCA Cycle. ISO 14000. EMAS. Environmental declaration. Environmental audit
II) Tools for analysis and evaluation
II.4. Life cycle analysis. Life cycle thinking. Methodology and phases. Application in the analysis of processes and products. Use of specific software. Case studies
II.5. Ecodesign. Definition of eco-design, eco-products. Key elements to promote eco-design. Eco-design tools. Case studies
II.6. Ecolabelling. Definition and types of eco-labels. European ecolabel. Footprint. Pescaenverde ecolabel
II.7. Eco-efficiency. Sustainability Indices & Global Initiatives. Eco-efficiency in business strategy. ISO 14045. Data Envelope Analysis. Case Studies
II.8. Environmental Risk Assessment. Definition. Methodology and phases. REACH Regulation.
Specific objectives (by block)
The detailed contents of each block as well as their associated objectives are described below:
I) Sustainability: Principles and Bases
This block starts with an introductory chapter that presents the general aspects of environmental management, considering both process- and product- oriented analysis, and defining a precautionary and preventive approach to production processes and services. It also introduces the concept of Circular Economy together with the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030 by the UN in 2015. Afterwards, several indicators of sustainability will be described, with focus on the sustainability reports. And the block ends with the definition of different elements related to environmental management systems covered under the ISO standards and the EMAS regulation.
Other objectives to be developed or strengthened are those that have to do with social skills (such as group work) and communication skills. It also seeks to improve analysis capabilities, initiative and negotiation aptitudes. In addition, the efficient use and management of different sources of information (web, books, direct information ...) will be promoted by solving case studies.
II) Tools for analysis and evaluation
Life Cycle Analysis is a methodology used to evaluate the environmental burdens associated with a product, process or activity, taking into account the full cycle "from cradle to grave." Thus, for a given activity is the analysis goes beyond "my" industrial facility, by considering the associated proportion of pollution that takes place upstream and downstream of the product or process itself. All this is possible through the identification and quantification of raw materials and energy use, as well as the generation of waste and direct emissions to the environment. So, LCA is not only a tool to protect the environment and conserve natural resources, but also a business tool to reduce costs and improve market positions. LCA is also a useful technique when applying other tools and methodologies such as eco-design, eco-labelling, ecological footprint and environmental risk discussed also in this block.
Within this block, students are expected to carry out, among others, the following group activities:
• LCA of a product or a process by using an specific software (SimaPro or Gabi)
• Product Ecodesign by Gamestorming
Basic Bibliographic
Baumann, H., Tillman, A.M. The Hitch Hiker´s Guide to LCA. An orientation in life cycle assessment methodology and application. Lund: Editorial Studentlitteratur, 2004. ISBN: 91-44-02364-2. Label BETSE: A244 15
Complementary Bibliographic
Calow, P. Handbook of environmental risk assessment and management. London: Blackwell Science, 1998. ISBN: 0-86542-732-1. Label BUSC: EMA 889
Cooper, W.W. Data envelopment analysis : a comprehensive text with models, applications, references and DEA-solve. New York: Spinger, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-387-45281-4 . Label BUSC: Q6 199
McDonoug, W., Braungart, M. Cradle to Cradle (de la cuna a la cuna): Rediseñando la forma en que haemos las cosas. Barcelona: McGraw-Hill, 2005. ISBN: 84-481-4295-0. Label BETSE: A234 14
Muthu, S.S. Assessment of Carbon Footprint in Different Industrial Sectors. Volume 1 & 2. Berlin: Springer, 2014. ISBN: 978-981-4560-40-5 (Vol. 1) & 978-981-4585-74-3 (Vol. 2). Label BETSE: 244 10
Rosling, H., Rosling, O, Rosling, A. Factfulness: Diez razones por las que estamos equivocados sobre el mundo. Y por qué las cosas están mejor de los que piensas. Barcelona: Deusto, 2018. ISBN: 978-84-234-2996-7. Label BUSC: S3 396
Basic
• CB6. Knowledge and understanding that provide a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and / or applying ideas, often in a research context
• CB7. To apply the broader (or multidisciplinary) acquired knowledge and ability to solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments within contexts related to their field of study
• CB8. To integrate knowledge and handle complexity and formulate judgments based on information that was incomplete or limited, include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments
• CB9. To communicate their conclusions and the knowledge and rationale underpinning to specialists and non-specialists in a clear and unambiguous
• CB10. Capacity for independent learning
General
• GO1. To identify and develop environmental
Specific
• E1A. Understanding of the social factors involved in environmental solutions
• E12. Relacionar las leyes de las diferentes esferas para alcanzar la sostenibilidad
• E18. Understanding of the systems and tools for environmental management
• E19. Knowledge related to the procedures for assessing environmental and technological hazards
• E29. Application of environmental management tools: life cycle analysis, industrial ecology, clean technology, ISO standards, EMAS
• E32. Comparison and selection of alternatives
• E36. Organize, plan and manage environmental services
• E43. Effectively lead and work in interdisciplinary teams
• E46. Effectively solve problems
• E48. Effectively communicate of own ideas and defend them
• E49. Decision-making capacity considering technical, economic, social and environmental issues
The applications of Moodle and Teams will be used as a tool for communication with the students, offering them information about the teaching program throughout the course in the classroom and complementary materials for the study of the course (teacher's notes as well as scientific-technical articles) promoting the autonomous study of the student and the handling of bibliographical sources in English. Some of the problems of the subject will be carried out using a spreadsheet (Excel).
Scenario 1:
Theory classes will alternate with seminars in which problems applied to real cases will be evaluated. The basic theoretical contents of the subject will be given based on lectures where they will be explained and developed. These classes will be supported by the use of Power Point presentations.
Scenario 2:
Lectures will be held in Teams and the seminar classes will be held in the classroom to guarantee social distance in the classroom.
Scenario 3:
Lectures and interactive sessions will be held in Teams.
Scenario 1:
Evaluation activities:
• LCA case study (team work): 50%
• Ecodesign case study (team work): 20%
• Face-to-face Exam: 30%.
The student has to obtain a minimum of 3 out of 10 in the exam to be considered for the balanced score. The exam will be a test of 20 questions with only one real answer. For every 3 questions answered incorrectly subtracted 0.5 points.
If the student has not passed the course at the first opportunity, he or she will have to do again those activities that he or she has not passed, i.e. hand in the work again or take the exam. The qualification obtained in those activities passed at the first opportunity will be maintained in the second opportunity. The distribution of grades will be the same as at the first opportunity.
Skill assessment:
• LCA case study: CB6, CB7, CB8, CB10, G01, E19, E29, E43, E46
• Ecodesign case study: CB6, CB9, G01, E1A, E12, E32, E36, E48, E49
• Exam: CB7, CB8, E18
In case of fraudulent exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations for the Evaluation of Students' Academic Performance and for the Review of Grades shall apply.
Scenario 2 and 3:
Evaluation activities:
• LCA case study (team work): 50%
• Ecodesign case study (team work): 20%
• Synchronous telematic testing: 30%.
The student has to obtain a minimum of 3 out of 10 in the exam to be considered for the balanced score. The exam will be a test of 20 questions with only one real answer. For every 3 questions answered incorrectly subtracted 0.5 points.
If the student has not passed the course at the first opportunity, he or she will have to do again those activities that he or she has not passed, i.e. hand in the work again or take the exam. The qualification obtained in those activities passed at the first opportunity will be maintained in the second opportunity. The distribution of grades will be the same as at the first opportunity.
Skill assessment:
• LCA case study: CB6, CB7, CB8, CB10, G01, E19, E29, E43, E46
• Ecodesign case study: CB6, CB9, G01, E1A, E12, E32, E36, E48, E49
• Exam: CB7, CB8, E18
In case of fraudulent exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations for the Evaluation of Students' Academic Performance and for the Review of Grades shall apply.
The subject has a workload of 5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). Each ECTS credit corresponds to 25 hours of total work. For this particular course, the credits are allocated as follows:
Activity Face-to-face hours Factor Personal work hours TOTAL
Lectures 18 1.5 27 45
Seminars 20 2.0 40 60
Compulsory Tutorials 2 3.0 6 8
Exam 3 3.0 9 12
TOTAL 43 - 82 125
Face-to-face hours represent the number of hours of classroom material through the various activities carried out. The factor indicates the estimated hours the student has to dedicate to each hour of activity. Personal work hours are obtained by multiplying the two previous elements and represents the total workload involved in each activity.
Students that get enrolled in this subject are expected to have passed the first module of the master, as the knowledge and skills developed there are requirements here. Due to its direct relation, knowledge in areas such as Mass and Energy Balances, Water Treatment Technologies, Waste Management and Treatment, and Atmospheric Environment, is also of great interest.
Additionally, English language proficiency at reading as well as medium level of knowledge on Word, Excel and internet is advisable.
The laptop is used in an important way in this subject, since many of the case studies require computer applications as a support element.
The language of the subject will be Spanish in line with the strategic decision of the Master that defined as a fundamental target the recruitment of students from outside the autonomous community.
The use of the virtual campus as well as MS Teams is necessary.
Compliance with safety measures in the classroom, interactive and laboratory sessions.
Recommendations for telematic teaching:
- It is necessary to have a computer with a microphone and a camera to carry out the telematic activities that are programmed during the course. It is recommended to acquire equipment with MS Windows environment, since other platforms do not support some of the software used in the subjects, available at the USC.
- Improve your information and digital skills with resources available at the USC.
Follow scrupulously all the indications of the health authorities and of the USC, for the protection of the health of Covid-19. Wear a mask, apply hydroxel or wash your hands with water and soap as indicated and, whenever possible, increase the distance between you and your classmates and teacher in the classroom.
CONTINGENCY PLAN
A) Teaching methodology
Scenario 2:
Lectures will be held in Teams and the seminar classes will be held in the classroom to guarantee social distance in the classroom.
Scenario 3:
Lectures and interactive sessions will be held in Teams.
B) Assessment system
Scenario 2 and 3:
Evaluation activities:
• LCA case study (team work): 50%
• Ecodesign case study (team work): 20%
• Synchronous telematic testing: 30%.
The student has to obtain a minimum of 3 out of 10 in the exam to be considered for the balanced score. The exam will be a test of 20 questions with only one real answer. For every 3 questions answered incorrectly subtracted 0.5 points.
If the student has not passed the course at the first opportunity, he or she will have to do again those activities that he or she has not passed, i.e. hand in the work again or take the exam. The qualification obtained in those activities passed at the first opportunity will be maintained in the second opportunity. The distribution of grades will be the same as at the first opportunity.
Skill assessment:
• LCA case study: CB6, CB7, CB8, CB10, G01, E19, E29, E43, E46
• Ecodesign case study: CB6, CB9, G01, E1A, E12, E32, E36, E48, E49
• Exam: CB7, CB8, E18
In case of fraudulent exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations for the Evaluation of Students' Academic Performance and for the Review of Grades shall apply.
Gumersindo Feijoo Costa
Coordinador/a- Department
- Chemistry Engineering
- Area
- Chemical Engineering
- Phone
- 881816776
- gumersindo.feijoo [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Professor
Maria Teresa Moreira Vilar
- Department
- Chemistry Engineering
- Area
- Chemical Engineering
- Phone
- 881816792
- maite.moreira [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Professor
| Thursday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Galician | Classroom A8 |
| Friday | |||
| 12:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Galician | Classroom A6 |
| 16:00-18:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Galician | Classroom A8 |
| 11.02.2020 16:00-18:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A6 |
| 11.02.2020 16:00-18:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Classroom A6 |
| 06.28.2021 16:00-19:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A5 |
| 06.28.2021 16:00-19:30 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Classroom A5 |