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529-0052-00L

Concepts and Tools for Sustainable Chemicals Manufacture

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-07-21 00:35:20

Abstract

Sustainable chemistry embodies the design and efficient manufacture of chemicals from abundant and renewable raw materials using routes that minimize energy requirements, avoid damaging the environment and human health, and are economically viable. It is a powerful tool to help society achieve several of the Sustainable Development Goals identified by the United Nations.

Objective

This course introduces tools to design and evaluate sustainable routes for chemicals and materials manufacture. You will understand approaches to process design and optimization, from the molecular to the planet level, and learn the fundamentals of sustainable chemistry.

Content

- Introduction to green versus sustainable chemistry - Lifecycle analysis - Corporate sustainability - Alternative carbon sources - Catalytic processes - Chemical fate and toxicological effects - Role of finances - Industrial view - Ethics Each topic will be presented by a lecturer or guest speaker with relevant expertise.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Course content based on slides

Literature

Klöpffer, W., Grahl, B. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A Guide to Best Practice, Wiley (2014)

General Information