IRMGR40118 Adapting Technology to the Circular Economy (Autumn 2020)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Master in Green Energy Technology (Compulsory).

Lecture Semester

First semester (autumn).

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge:

The student

• understands the background and consequences of the UN sustainability goals

• understands how social sustainability may impact social issues both nationally and internationally

• has knowledge of the EU strategy on Circular Economy

• understands the principals of performing a Life Cycle Assessment for products

• understands the basic principles of LEAN production

• has knowledge about EUs Candidate list (REACH) for avoiding hazardous substances

• has a theoretical knowledge on how to achieve optimal resource efficiency in a closed material loop

• has basic knowledge in writing as an engineer and reporting on a business level

• has basic knowledge of methods related to innovation and how to use these methods when working towards optimal resource efficiency in closed material loops.

 

Skills:

The student

• can perform a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using computer programs (SIMAPRO or similar)

• can plan and write a report as a feasibility study on improvements in LCA phases from an environmental standpoint and from a logistical standpoint

• can perform a LEAN analysis on material flows through the life span

• can perform an ethical analysis of possible consequences of material supply-chains in regard to the UN sustainability goals

• can analyze the business potential in identified possible improvements in the closed material loops

• can lead innovation workshop with an industry partner on closed circuit technology and possibilities suggested in reports

• can perform a substitution process to avoid hazardous substances in materials.

 

General competence:

The student

• has a solid understanding on the challenges connected to resource scarcity on a global level

• shows good cooperative skills in group work situations

• can work in close interaction with an industrial partner, and understands their business and challenges

• has an overall understanding on the ethical challenges regarding possible conflict between short term busyness goals and possible long term consequences of the lifecycle of new and innovative solutions.

Content

The subject introduces the student to the principals outlined in EU priority on the translation to a circular economy, and how this will be a key framework factor for future business. The subject offers theoretical education on basic tools, but will mainly be focusing on the business-report to the industry-partner, and the process leading to this report.

 

Keyword for content:

• Adapting the UN sustainability goals in technology and business

• LCA basic: Environmental indicators, phases in LCA (Life Cycle Assessment)

• LCA tools: Benchmarking performance for product-phases

• Ethical considerations regarding sustainability, utilization of hazardous substances, material supply-chains, and possible conflicts between short term busyness goals and possible long term consequences of the lifecycle of new and innovative solutions.

• LEAN basic: Logistics, optimizing resource use

• LEAN tools

• Innovation tools

• Writing business reports

Forms of teaching and learning

• Lectures and guest speakers

• Literature-study

• Group work

• Workshop with group members and supervisor

• On the job observation ¿ industry partner

Workload

250-300 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

• Approved pre-versions of business reports

• Web-based test before assessment-start: Good to go?

Examination

1. Individual written exam, 3 hours. All written aids and calculator are permitted. Counts 50% of the final grade.

2. Group (max. 5 students) or individual report from project assignment. Counts 50% of the final grade

 

The students will receive one final grade for the course as a whole; grades on sub-evaluations will not be shown.

 

Grades from A to F, where A is the best grade, E is the lowest passed grade, and F is failed.

Examiners

One internal and one external examiner.

Conditions for resit/rescheduled exams

If the student fails the written exam, they can re-take this exam maximum two more times. A resit will be arranged in January the following semester. The student do not need to deliver a new report in order to re-take the written exam.

 

If the project report is graded as failed, the student will be given one more chance to improve the report.

Course evaluation

The course will be evaluated by a standardized electronic form.

Literature

Last updated 05.10.2018. The reading list may be subject to change before the semester starts.

 

Life Cycle Assessment:

• Baumann, H., & Tillman, A. M. (2004). The Hitch Hiker's Guide to LCA. An orientation in life cycle assessment methodology and application. External organization.

 

Circular Economy:

Selected parts of

• Webster, K. (2017). The circular economy: A wealth of flows. Ellen MacArthur Foundation Publishing.

 

• McKinsey&Company (2016). The circular economy: Moving from theory to practice. Online resource: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability-and-resource-productivity/our-insights/the-circular-economy-moving-from-theory-to-practice

 

• Wijkman, A., & Skånberg, K. (2015). The circular economy and benefits for society. Club of Rome.

 

• Krarup, M., Kiørboe, N., & Sramkova, H. (2015). Moving towards a circular economy: successful Nordic business models. Nordic Council of Ministers.

 

• SB Insight. THE NORDIC MARKET FOR CIRCULAR ECONOMY.