Life Cycle Thinking: Sustainable Practices

This lecture by the instructor covers the concepts of Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) and its importance in understanding the economic, environmental, and social consequences of products. It delves into the transition from a linear to a circular economy, emphasizing closed-loop lifecycle management and synthetic indicators for decision-making. The lecture explores the implications of industrialism on the environment, the need for sustainable development, and the challenges posed by the current unsustainable economy. It also discusses material efficiency, industry sustainability, and the significance of sustainable (green) manufacturing. The presentation concludes with insights on the design for environment, life cycle assessment, and the critical role of DFE in minimizing environmental impacts throughout a product's life cycle.