Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2020 - 2021
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Description Whole Life Cycle Analysis, or sometimes referred in literature to as Whole Life Cycle Cost, is an analysis of the impact, systems, processes, or services have on environmental, economic and social domains from cradle to grave. The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the concept of life cycle thinking, and to equip the student with the appropriate skills and understanding to conduct Whole Life Cycle Costing (WLCC) of engineering systems, processes, and services. Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (E-LCA), economic Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA), and Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) represent the three pillars of WLCC and encapsulate the relevant aspects of environmental, economic, and social impacts of system investment and operation. This module also provides an understanding of the responsibilities of the engineering profession towards people and the environment. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Assess the environmental impact of engineering systems, products, and services within the framework of the LCA methodology as per the ISO 14040 series of standards 2. Select appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for benchmarking applications in WLCC 3. Develop bespoke system models with LCA software for analysis and optimization of a system’s environmental profile 4. Evaluate economic ‘hotspots’ in a system through LCCA and propose recommendations on change actions 5. Interpret qualitative S-LCA data and evaluate the associated location-specific social standards as they relate to a system supply chain and network 6. Compile comparative WLCC analyses of competing systems and products for relevant stakeholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Introduction to Whole Life Cycle AnalysisHistory and development; principles and context; environmental assessment tools; applications; life cycle software and databases; stakeholder and commissioner engagement.Environmental Life Cycle AssessmentISO 14000 series of standards; assessment type selection; goal and scope definition; functional unit selection; boundary definition and avoided products; life cycle inventory analysis; classification and characterisation; normalisation; impact assessment; interpretation; sensitivity and scenario analyses.Economic Life Cycle Cost AnalysisCapital expenditure estimation; construction cost indices; temporal and locational normalisation; operation and maintenance calculations; net present value; discount rates; technical and economic lifetimes; return on investment; sensitivity analysis.Social Life Cycle AssessmentSupply chain tracking; cultural heritage; human rights; occupational risk; governance; local community; socio-economic repercussions.Energy and WaterLCA of primary, intermediate and end-use energy conversion; wastewater treatment; water distribution; electrical grid-mix; sludge treatment; water conservation and reuse. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 38927, Handbook, Guinée, J. B., & Lindeijer, E., 2002, Handbook on life cycle assessment: operational guide to the ISO standards, Csiro, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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