You will be introduced to specific tools for analyzing product sustainability as well as various design strategies to reduce products' environmental effects.

To assess environmental effects, we will use data and the analysis model life cycle assessment. We will collect data from literature, databases and generate our own data. We will use the Granta Edupack database and the Eco Audit program. In addition to these, you will expand your competencies in materials and their properties, as you will work 'hands-on' with alternative materials and assessment of environmental effects.

The activities in the elective course are based on an existing product. You determine the environmental effects of the product and redesign it in order to improve the sustainability of the product.

The course is methodically exploratory and will be facilitated with student involvement.

The student has knowledge about:

• sustainability in a product development process
• life cycle assessment and software
• data in sustainability assessment
• design strategies to reduce the environmental impact
• relevant standards, certifications and labels
• circular economy

The student is able to:

• perform an evaluation of a product's environmental impact
• select the right design strategy to improve a product’s environmental impact
• work experimentally with materials in the laboratory
• evaluate alternative materials’ environmental impact
• assess and select the most sustainable material and manufacturing process
• develop a business model by applying principles of circular economy and environmental sustainability

In a product development process the student is able to:

• contribute competently to designing products with minimal environmental impact.