Enrollment
You can register for the standalone modules at the end of this page
Delivery mode
Live online, Hybrid
September 25, 2024 - May 16, 2025
Frequency
Location
Live Online & Hybrid (University of Bordeaux, TU Bergakademie Freiberg)
Language
English
Scope
6-12 ECTS
Certificate in Advanced LCA Simulation
Advanced Life Cycle Assessment Based on Process and Thermodynamics
A competitive Europe needs highly trained experts capable of addressing the constantly growing demand for raw materials. To that aim, it is necessary to have professionals trained in the most sustainable engineering techniques for the processing of raw materials.
Certificate in Advanced LCA Simulation contributes to the design of a circular economy by developing new designs and methodologies, improving resource efficiency, re-covering critical raw materials from current levels, and enhancing process design methodologies towards Zero Liquid Discharge of effluents and solid wastes. Additionally, the program focuses on the Ecodesign of batteries and the whole value chain from the perspective of circularity. The aim is to demonstrate the principles for more sustainable battery production, especially for the EU market.
Fee: € 2,650 (+ VAT)
The fee with the add-on simulation module is € 3,300 (+ VAT). Select the add-on package with simulation from the start menu.
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The program supports the EU’s sustainable products initiative to make products placed on the EU market more sustainable. It provides product designers with knowledge and tools to understand how they can adjust existing material cycles and design new processes to optimize the environmental performance of batteries while maintaining their functional quality. Applications include electronic equipment such as computers, phones, and tablets, the automotive and aeronautic sectors, and sustainable energy-related technologies.
The program is designed and developed by Aalto University, Metso, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, University of Bordeaux, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. VTT and Aalto University Executive Education.
Learning outcomes
During the program, you will gain experience in various commercial life cycle assessment (LCA) and thermodynamics software tools. The focus is on developing skills that can be applied in work tasks, extending theoretical knowledge, and finding sustainable solutions for industrial processes.
After completing the program, you will
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Understand the life-cycle of a product
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Understand what is meant by the circularity of a product and the expectations for product design due to the new Ecodesign directive
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Identify and describe the environmental impact of a product in a critical and analytical manner
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Defend and formulate ways to improve the circularity of a product
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Create a circular product, that is easy to repair, remanufacture, or dismantle and recycle
For
The program is targeted at the process industry and the battery and electronic equipment manufacturing industries. The program is well-suited for professionals with a background in chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, environmental engineering, chemistry, and material science.
The studies are also suitable for doctoral degree students specializing in these topics.
The program is particularly beneficial for professionals working on process and product design, consultant enterprises, and authorities in public administration in the EU. Their work can consist of, for example, process or product design, R&D, or production of HSE (health, safety, and environment).
Example participants include
- process engineers
- experts in modeling/simulations
- experts in environmental footprint calculations working in production plants
- experts working in sustainability assessment enterprises, and
- process technology providers
engineering companies designing process plants
Before joining the course, participants should have basic knowledge of metallurgy, materials science, or chemistry. Understanding mass and energy balances, unit operations, unit processes, chemical reactions, material science, and sustainability is beneficial.
Program structure
The program has a modular structure, consisting of three core modules and two industrial camps, one held at the beginning and one at the end of the program. Throughout the program, participants will work on a case study, designed to support their professional development and help integrate their new knowledge into their work and organization.
All modules are organized either live online or in a hybrid format, allowing participation from any location.
The Industrial Camps are organized at our partner universities' campuses. In fall 2024, the camp takes place at the University of Bordeaux, and in spring 2025, at TU Bergakademie Freiberg. These camps provide a unique opportunity for participants to meet face-to-face. Networking is a crucial aspect of the program, as it can foster partnerships that may lead to innovations in products, processes, and business models. Hybrid participation allows participants to join the camps either on-site or online.
Modules
Kick-off Industrial Camp
Schedule
September 25–26, 2024
Location
Live Online or Onsite (University of Bordeaux)
The Kick-off industrial camp is organized at the University of Bordeaux (France). You may also attend the kick-off days live online.
The training days enhance networking and new partnerships. During the two days, you will get to know your instructors and other program participants and hear interesting presentations from industry experts.
September 25, 2024 (12:00-16:30 CEST)
- Opening remarks
- Process simulation (Antti Roine, Metso)
- Life Cycle Assessment (Guido Sonnemann, University of Bordeaux)
- Thermodynamics fundamentals (Daniel Lindberg, Aalto University)
- Battery Design (Xiangze Kong, Aalto University)
- Program practicalities
+ Evening program (face-to-face participants only)
September 26, 2024 (8:30-12.30 CEST)
- Introduction of HSC LCA real cases, Copper Plant (Markus Reuter, TU Bergakademie Freiberg)
- Introduction of Water footprint and mineral technologies (Wroclaw University of Science and Technology)
- Introduction of Chemsheet (Risto Pajarre, VTT)
- Introduction of openLCA (Shravya Hebbur Murali , Greendelta)
- Introduction of LCA databases (Olivia Kaarlela, ecoinvent)
Sustainable Process Industry with Process Model-Based LCA
Schedule
7.10.-19.11.2024 (core module) & 2.-13.12.2024 (optional add-on simulation)
Location
Online
This module is divided into two parts. You may choose to join the core module only or also complete the voluntary add-on simulation module that focuses on real HSC Sim LCA cases and calculation exercises.
1. Core module
The core module is taught by experts from Metso and the University of Bordeaux. This module consists of a 2-day kick-off and 10 live online sessions. In addition, you will work on assignments in between sessions.
- September 25–26, 2024 - Kick-off (possibility to participate on-site at the University of Bordeaux)
- October 4, 2024, 12.00-15.30 (EEST) - HSC Chemistry Introduction
- October 8, 2024, 13.00–15.30 (EEST) - HSC Sim Basic – Process Modeling Software
- October 9, 2024, 12.15–14.45 (EEST) - Life Cycle Assessment (Environmental Impacts and Modelling)
- October 10, 2024, 13-15.30 (EEST) - Sustainable Processes with HSC Process Models
- October 15, 2024, 13.00–15.30 (EET) - HSC Sim Element Distribution-Based Models with LCA (PYRO)
- October 22, 2024, 13.00-15.30 (EET) - Sim-LCA Homework Results - Iron Process
- October 29, 2024, 13–15.30 (EET) - HSC Sim Chemical Reactions-Based Models with LCA (HYDRO)
- November 5, 2024, 13-15.30 (EET) - Sim-LCA Homework Results - EW Process
- November 12, 2024, 13-15.30 (EET) - HSC Sim Particle-Based Models with LCA (MINPRO)
- November 19, 2024, 13.00–15.30 (EET) - Sim-LCA Homework Results - Concentrator Plant
2. Add-on simulation module (optional)
The optional extension module focuses on hands-on modeling and simulation of hydro- and pyrometallurgical processes. This module is organized by Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg and it provides a unique opportunity to increase knowledge of the HCS Sim tool. The module includes discussions on topics like the Circular Economy, Critical Raw Materials Act, Design for recycling, and Exergy.
During the extension module, participants will join live online sessions and develop a case study on a topic of their choice.
- December 2–6, 2024, Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 (EET) - Lectures and demonstrations
- Dec 9–13, 2024, Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 (EET) - Supervised case studies
Water Footprint and Thermodynamics Fundamentals for LCA Simulations
Schedule
7.1.-25.2.2025
Location
Online
This module covers the following topics:
- Low-temperature thermodynamics: water solution chemistry, water footprint
- Fundamentals of water solution chemistry
- Water footprint, e.g. calculations and analysis of water-mass balance schemes
- Process modeling software packages for water solution chemistry
- High-temperature thermodynamics in pyrometallurgy & inorganic process chemistry
- Thermodynamics fundamentals in the high-temperature range
- Modeling software packages for high-temperature thermodynamics
Schedule:
- January 7, 2025, 10.00-12.45 (EET) - Fundamentals of Chemical Thermodynamics and Thermodynamic Modeling
- January 14, 2025, 10.00-12.45 (EET) - Thermodynamics for High-Temperatures and Aqueous Systems
- January 21, 2025, 10.00-12.45 (EET) - Solubilities in Aqueous Solutions
- January 28, 2025, 10.00-12.45 (EET) - Thermodynamic Modeling with Chemsheet
- February 4, 2025, 10.00-12.45 (EET) - Thermodynamic Modeling with Chemsheet
- February 11, 2025, 10.00-12.45 (EET) - Water Footprint - WFN Method
- February 18, 2025, 10.00-12.45 (EET) - Water Footprint - Water Management of Ore Processing Plants
- February 25, 2025, 10.00-11.00 (EET) - Water Footprint - AWARE Method
Instructors from Aalto University, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. VTT, and Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
Sustainable Battery Design
Schedule
4.-25.3.2025
Location
Online
This module focuses on the fundamentals of battery materials and their sustainability assessment from the perspective of circularity. The aim is to demonstrate the principles for more sustainable battery production, especially for the EU market. The learning objectives are to reduce the overall life-cycle climate and environmental footprint of the products, to achieve longer product lifetimes via more durable and reparable products, to increase circular material use rate, to reduce waste, and to achieve higher recycling rates. Hence, consumers, the environment, and the climate will benefit from more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable, and energy-efficient products.
Schedule:
- March 4, 2025, 10.00-12.45 (EET) - State of the art lithium battery materials and their functioning
- March 11, 2025, 10.00-12.45 (EET) - Battery materials future development and research trends
- March 18, 2025, 10.00-12.45 (EET) - Environmental footprint of advanced materials used in batteries
- March 25, 2025, 10.00-12.45 (EET) - Resource implications of raw materials
Instructors from the University of Bordeaux and Aalto University.
Case Study
Schedule
September 2024 - May 2025
Location
Online
The program is designed to support your professional development and help bring your learnings to practice. Throughout the program, you will work on a case study that helps you practice applying information and work on calculations that also benefit your organization.
You can complete the case study individually or as part of a group (with a maximum of three participants). The group work option is intended for individuals from the same organization. Teachers of each module are available to support and guide you in utilizing the program tools included in the program.
The output of your main results is a presentation that will be presented to the whole group in May 2025.
Annual Industrial Camp
Schedule
May 15-16, 2025
Location
Live Online or Onsite (TU Bergakademie Freiberg)
The final industrial camp is organized at TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany) on May 15-16, 2025. The final camp is delivered in a hybrid format allowing you to join either on-site or online. The program participants come together to present the findings of the group work and receive final feedback.
The module includes
- Case study presentations
- Peer and expert feedback (academia and stakeholder)
- Networking
- Final remarks
What is the workload of the program?
The estimated workload of the Certificate in Advanced LCA Simulation is 6 ECTS, which corresponds to approximately 162 hours. With the add-on simulation module, the total program workload is 12 ECTS, corresponding to approximately 324 hours.
These workload estimations include all aspects of the program, such as attendance in live online sessions, assignments and case work, and independent study.
Who should I contact regarding travel arrangements to Industrial Camps?
After registering, you will receive additional details on the upcoming training days and arrival instructions. If you have any questions, our program team is always available to assist you.
Can I complete the full program online?
Yes, it is possible to complete the entire program online.
What happens if I miss a session?
In case you are unable to attend a session, please inform the program team beforehand. You will be provided with a recording or other compensatory materials.
What is the “add-on simulation”?
The optional add-on simulation module, organized by Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, takes place between December 2 and 13, 2024. This module focuses on hands-on modeling and simulation of hydro- and pyrometallurgical processes. It offers a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge of the HCS Sim tool and includes discussions on topics such as the Circular Economy, Critical Raw Materials Act, Design for Recycling, and Exergy. During the two-week module, participants will join live online sessions and develop a case study on a topic of their choice.
Are there any additional costs if I join the add-on simulation module?
Yes, the additional cost for the two-week intensive module is €650 (+ VAT). You can choose to join the program with or without the add-on simulation during registration.
Are there any prerequisites to join the program?
Participants should have basic knowledge of metallurgy, materials science, or chemistry. An understanding of mass and energy balances, unit operations, unit processes, chemical reactions, material science, and sustainability is beneficial.
If you are unsure whether the program is right for you, please contact us to discuss further
Program Fee and Registration
Program Fee
The fee for the Certificate in Advanced LCA Simulation program is € 2,650 (+ VAT). The fee with the add-on simulation module is € 3,300 (+ VAT). Choose the add-on package with simulation from the selection.
Registration
We offer special pricing for doctoral students:
- € 500 (+ VAT), or
- € 550 (+ VAT) with add-on simulation module
Standalone Modules
The following modules can also be taken as standalone modules. You may choose to register for one or more of the modules below that are relevant to your learning needs.
September - November/December 2024
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Schedule September - November/December 2024
Location Live Online & Hybrid (University of Bordeaux)
The process industry covers energy-intensive sectors like chemicals, metallurgy, steel, minerals, cement, ceramics, engineering, pulp and paper, refining, and water. The process industry also has a key role in recycling because the same chemical and metallurgical processes and infrastructure, which have been developed for the primary ores and raw materials, may also be utilized to recycle waste materials from the consumption of the manufacturing industry products.
Fee: € 1,150 (+ VAT)
January 7, 2025 – February 25, 2025
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Schedule January 7, 2025 – February 25, 2025
Location Live Online
This upskilling program concentrates on low-temperature thermodynamics, focusing on water solution chemistry and water footprint, as well as high-temperature thermodynamics in pyrometallurgy and inorganic process chemistry. Throughout the program, participants will be immersed in cutting-edge insights sourced from both academic research and industrial expertise.
Fee: € 900 (+ VAT)
March 4, 2025
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The learning objectives are to reduce the overall life-cycle climate and environmental footprint of the products, to achieve longer product lifetimes via more durable and reparable products, to increase circular material use rate, to reduce waste, and to achieve higher recycling rates. Hence, consumers, the environment, and the climate will benefit from more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable, and energy-efficient products.
Fee: € 650 (+ VAT)