Essential techniques for measuring, analyzing, and reducing product carbon footprints using LCA in sustainable design.
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA) tailored for product designers who want to create environmentally conscious products. Students will learn about the four critical phases of LCA: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment (with a focus on carbon), and result interpretation. The curriculum covers cradle-to-grave vs cradle-to-cradle lifecycles, hotspots in various industries, and how global standards like Net Zero and EU regulations are shaping product design. Learners will gain hands-on experience in defining system boundaries, sourcing inventory data from leading databases and tools, and reading LCA reports to make actionable design decisions.
What you’ll learn
- Explain the four phases of Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA) and their application in product design..
- Identify and analyze the environmental impacts of products through cradle-to-grave and cradle-to-cradle approaches..
- Utilize industry tools and databases to conduct life cycle inventories and interpret LCA data..
- Apply design strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of products and communicate findings through reports and presentations..
Course Content
- Introduction –> 7 lectures • 1hr 28min.
Requirements
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA) tailored for product designers who want to create environmentally conscious products. Students will learn about the four critical phases of LCA: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment (with a focus on carbon), and result interpretation. The curriculum covers cradle-to-grave vs cradle-to-cradle lifecycles, hotspots in various industries, and how global standards like Net Zero and EU regulations are shaping product design. Learners will gain hands-on experience in defining system boundaries, sourcing inventory data from leading databases and tools, and reading LCA reports to make actionable design decisions.
The course also includes practical exercises such as sketching product lifecycles, evaluating sample LCA reports, and conducting a mini-LCA project. Advanced modules introduce frameworks, software, and strategies for low-carbon design—including material switch, lightweighting, circular economy principles, and creating effective presentations for stakeholders. No prior experience with lifecycle assessment is required, making the course suitable for beginners as well as professionals seeking to advance their sustainability skills. By completing the course, students will build a portfolio-ready project and gain valuable insights applicable to a wide range of real-world products, from consumer goods to industrial equipment, supporting forward-thinking careers in product design and sustainability.