In a world where sustainability is more important than ever, engineers and other design professionals need and want to make informed decisions based on quantifiable evidence relating to the environmental credentials of their products and services.
What is Life cycle Assessment?
Life Cycle Assessment or ‘LCA’ is the ideal methodology to equip industry professionals with the tools to evaluate the environmental impacts of any product, process or system you use or experience in your daily life, from the phone in your hand to the building you are working in. You can consider any tangible asset across all stages of its life cycle, from raw material extraction to production, use, disposal, and beyond.
For professionals who have a role in delivering products or projects, applying life cycle principles can empower you to produce evidence that supports your decisions. In doing so, your LCA results can drive sustainability by minimising the associated negative impacts on human health, our natural environment, and the consumption of finite resources.
Why is it an important skill for engineers?
We live in an era of increasing concern about environmental issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and different forms of environmental pollution.
Technological solutions may support a sustainable future, but we can always apply LCA to push boundaries and inform changes in how we design and what we use in our design. LCA can help engineers and design professionals recognise hotspots throughout their entire life cycle, which can drive more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.
In addition to tackling environmental challenges, life cycle methodologies consider the economic and social dimensions of sustainability. These tools can support compliance with regulations, reduce costs, drive innovation, and promote continuous improvement. As sustainability becomes increasingly important in engineering and society, LCA skills in your organisation will make you more competitive and responsible.
Upskilling and reskilling in life cycle assessment with Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin has launched a 12-week micro-credential in Measuring Environmental Impact: Life Cycle Assessment for Engineers to support capacity building in this area nationally.
The short, accredited course, offered by Dr John Gallagher, a professor in Environmental Systems Modelling at the School of Engineering, provides learners with a deep understanding of life cycle thinking and how this can lead to economic, environmental, and even social ‘win-win-wins’.
Learners will explore a range of case studies to understand how truly sustainable outcomes can be achieved by balancing environmental, economic, and social considerations in product, process and system development.
As part of the course, you will also apply their learning to undertake a detailed, hands-on LCA of any engineering product, process or system of your choice and apply life cycle principles to improve its overall sustainable performance.
Dr Gallagher said: "By taking this short course, you can enable and implement effective strategies in your current role or future career and help shape a low-carbon and resource-efficient future in Ireland. You can also become a leader in more nuanced eco-metrics, such as circularity measurement and assessment."
What are micro-credentials?
Micro-credentials from Trinity College Dublin go beyond traditional education models by offering short, flexible learning experiences designed with practising engineers and professionals in mind.
By completing a micro-credential, learners gain formal credit and a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing job market. All micro-credentials offered by the School of Engineering are approved for CPD by Engineers Ireland and carry credit in the form of ECTS, the EU standard credit system for university-level education.
The micro-credential in Measuring Environmental Impact starts in January 2024, with applications closing on December 15, 2023. The course is delivered online, allowing maximum flexibility to balance your studies with other professional and personal commitments.
To find out more and to apply for this micro-credential visit: https://www.tcd.ie/courses/microcredentials/by-school/micro-credentials---engineering/measuring-environmental-impact---micro-credential/ or email micro-credentials@tcd.ie