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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: 2026-06-01 11:31:22

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
The lecture starts in the second week.
  • Mon 10:15-12:00 (ML F 39)
2 h weekly
independent project Sustainable Materials No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In