Tecnologias Verdes e Estratégias de Decisão

Objectives

One of the major roles of the next generation of biological and chemical engineers and scientists is to evaluate and integrate technologies able to provide economic and environmental sustainable solutions to industry. At the end of this course, the students should had develop skills on: 1. tools and methodologies for quantification of economic and environmental impacts (fate model, level I and II, plume model, toxicity thresholds, green metrics, life cycle analysis, etc), 2. analysis of regulation and good practices for environmental issues, 3. selection of “best available technologies” and emergent technologies, 4. problem structuring 5. formulation of creative solutions 6. evaluation of the potential and viability of the suggested solutions 7. detailed analysis of the solution with more potential, taking into account the real corporate and regulatory culture; and 8. final decision about the feasibility of the proposed solution.

Syllabus

This UC learning tracks are: 1. Basic concepts of sustainability and key notions on i) green chemistry and green metrics, life cycle analysis, carbon footprint; ii) climate change challenges; policy; regulations; corporate sustainability; and carbon compensation; iii) circular economy and bioeconomy; and iv) management, strategy and negotiation. 2. Emergent Technologies Introduction to the “Best Available Technologies (BAT)”. Critical discussion on emergent technologies on the fields of bio- and organocatalysis; new reaction matrixes and chemical reaction activation; chemical process of separation, recycling and waste valorisation; bio-materials and biprocesses. The work addresses a set of problems with severe impact on industry sustainability. 3. Problem structuring and solving: a business perspective of green technologies. 4. Evaluation and final recommendations. The approaches taken and feasibility of the recommended solution will be critically discussed with professionals.

Prerequisites

This course was designed for Chemical, Environmental and Biological Engineers. The course is based in a project-based learning approach, and the students need previous knowledge on separation processes, operations units, mass and energy balances, (bio)catalysis, etc.

Cross Competence Component

This UC is focused on the development of transversal competences, using sustainability thematic, with emphasis on development of critical and strategic thinking and ability to take strategic decisions and problem solving. Proactivity, initiative and ability to make decisions are skills promoted on projects with open solutions. The project and exercises in class are designed to challenge the more straightforward answers. Professional ethics, tolerance, openness and respect for diversity are promoted by working in multi-cultural teams and discussions and debate. Skills in oral and written communication, as well as teamwork are here promoted. Development of global citezenship and civic responsibility towards the planet and people are at UC core. Data mining, information shearch and media literacy are promoted in the preparation of the project and exercises design to confront students analysis and media information. 70% of the evaluation of this UC is on soft skills.

Programming And Computing Component

Use of programs to perform sustainability analysis, processes optimization of fitting and analysis of industrial experimental data.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be alble to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.