Class Circular economy fundamentals

This curricular unit fits into sustainable development issues addressing complex themes regarding the interaction between humans and the biosphere, considering ecological, sociological and economic plans. Easy access to energy resources (mainly of fossil origin) triggered the technological evolution during the last century that contributed to the general improvement of populations and their living conditions, which translates into the increase of the world population and of life expectancy. However, intensive use of natural resources and widespread pollution have been transforming the planet, sometimes in irreversible manners. The concept of sustainability led to a new paradigm of development model, not only economic, but holistic and all-inclusive. To develop circular economy models, there is a need to use tools to evaluate the environmental performance of natural resources, processes, products, and services which implies the application of life cycle assessment and thinking.

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All topics are adapted for e-learning. Sustainable development: concepts, complexity of the theme in its various perspectives including environmental ethics. Integration of sustainable development policies in society expressed by directives, legislation and action programmes. Sustainable production and consumption: environmental management performance as an opportunity to optimize processes and to create new business. Relation between environment /sustainability and business strategy. Instruments for the implementation of corporate environmental strategies: eco-efficiency and eco-design. Circular economy, green economy, low carbon economy and bioeconomy in the European context: policies, action programmes and legal instruments. Sustainability assessment tools and environmental performance management tools of products, processes and services. Life Cycle Analysis: concepts, strategies and studies typologies, case-studies. Ecological footprint, carbon footprint, water footprint. Eco-labelling

Theoretical classes are predominantly supported by exhibition of teaching materials. Practical classes use a hands-on approach learning, addressing real problems and case-studies to deepening concepts and to promote the active participation of students in the debate of ideas and solutions. A life-cycle management perspective will be applied to address problems. Materials and products life-cycle assessment will be supported by collecting information from inventory databases, websites and normative reference documents. Evaluation is continuous, distributed throughout the semester, with tests and assignments: practical exercises, analysis of case studies and essays. Final grade by continuous evaluation = 0,20 x (T1 + T2 + T3) + 0,15 x (TP1 + TP2 + TP3) T1, T2, T3 - Theoretical evaluation tests carried out throughout the semester at pre-defined dates TP1, TP2, TP3 - Practical works According to ULP regulation, students may be approved by continuous evaluation or by passing the final exam.

Matthews, H. Scott; Hendrickson, Chris T.; Matthews, Deanna. 2014. Life Cycle Assessment: Quantitative Approaches for Decisions that Matter. Livro em acesso aberto, disponível em https://www.lcatextbook.com/ Sítio de internet da APA Instrumentos Voluntários de Gestão Ambiental: https://apambiente.pt/index.php/avaliacao-e-gestao-ambiental/instrumentos-voluntarios-de-gestao-ambiental Rótulo Ecológico Europeu: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/ Documentos Sectoriais de Referência (SRD) EMAS sobre as Melhores Práticas de Gestão Ambiental: https://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/activities/emas/index.html