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151-0741-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-MAVT

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Sustainable Materials

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Léa Deillon

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:06

Abstract

The lecture addresses the issue of sustainability in manufacturing, focussing on materials. The most used materials, their production and transformation into a product are analysed in terms of energy consumption and emissions. Emphasis is then placed on alternative design strategies which reduce the use of materials and innovative processes which lower energy consumption and emissions.

Objective

After this lecture students will be able to: • Develop a critical thinking of published sustainability data and facts • Explain where the materials that we use come from, what emissions arise from the different steps of raw material production and product manufacturing • Determine where significant changes can be brought • Develop feasible solutions towards a more sustainable use of materials

Content

• Introduction : what is sustainability, which industrial sectors are responsible for the most CO2 (and other) emissions • The “real” numbers: where to find reliable data and how one can play with the figures • Basics of life cycle analysis • CO2 and other emissions • The most used materials o The 5 most used materials today, their key properties and what they are used for o Evolution of production, consumption and resources • Production, recyclability and new processing routes for Al and steel • Use less material by design • Re-use of materials & prolonging products life • Production of cement, new developments & alternatives • Presentation of students’ projects

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides distributed and available on Moodle

Literature

References given in the lecture

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Independent project (A)Grade = 75% written report, 25% oral presentation

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Sustainable Materials	Mon 10:15-12:00 (ML F 39)	2 h weekly
independent project	Sustainable Materials	No time listed	2 h weekly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2010)
  - Focus Specialization
    - Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Dennis Kochmann In order to achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing you are free to choose any of the courses offered within the focus. If you wish to take one of the Master level courses, you must get approval from the lecturer. One course in addition to those listed can be requested, on approval by the Focus Coordinator.)
Mechanical Engineering Master
- Core Courses
  - Mechanics, Materials, Structures (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)