Objectives and Contents

The course deals with industrial ecology under the perspective of continuous improvement of company operations performances (eco-efficiency). The goals of the course are as follows: to demonstrate the relationships among production, consumption, sustainability, and industrial ecology; to show how industrial eco-efficiency serves as a driver for innovation in technology and operations. Emphasis is given to a systemic and engineering approach to environmental sustainability by learning analytical methods such as cost benefit analysis, material flow analysis, energy analysis, and life cycle assessment of products and resources. Particular attention will be given to energy efficiency as a strategic resource in industry.

Description of the topics

Eco-efficiency in the context of operations strategy and management: Eco-efficiency definition and dimensions, impact on operations strategy, historical evolution of approaches, methods and solutions, discussion of success stories.

Eco-efficiency in production and operations: Pollution Prevention and Waste minimization: approaches and ROI. Life Cycle Assessment.

Energy efficiency in industry: Relevance of energy as strategic resource. Energy Efficiency opportunities in industry; Barriers and drivers to implementation of energy-efficient technologies.

Product Recovery Network planning and management: Green Supply Chain Management. Product End-of-Life Management: reuse, remanufacture, recycling. Packaging Life Cycle Management. Product Recovery Network design.

Industrial Symbiosis and Eco-industrial Parks: Resource efficiency and its implications in terms of environmental, engineering, economics, sociology and policy issues. Eco-industrial Park design and planning. PPPs for sustainability.

The course is organised into lecture lessons, discussion of case studies, testimonials from industry and in-class exercises. Grading / Student evaluation will be based on both a written and an oral test, that will be taken during examination sessions.