What does "sustainability" really mean in the context of today's bioeconomy? This self-paced online course offers a practical introduction to the sustainability of bio-based products, covering environmental, social, and techno-economic aspects. You'll explore key concepts such as the circular economy, life cycle assessment (LCA), and value chain thinking—from raw materials to end-of-life. Designed for professionals and learners alike, the course builds critical skills for assessing and improving the sustainability profile of bio-based solutions.

Syllabus

Learning Outcomes

After the completion of the course, you will be able to:

Explain core sustainability concepts relevant to the bio-based products industry, including systems thinking, the bioeconomy, and the circular economy.
Analyze sustainability from an environmental perspective within the context of bio-based materials.
Evaluate the sustainability of bio-based products across their lifecycle.

Content and Schedule

Throughout this course, you’ll learn about sustainable yield, material and energy flows, and carrying capacity. You’ll compare circular and linear economic models and make informed decisions despite uncertainties. The course also covers bioresource utilization, bioeconomy integration, and the importance of value chains and stakeholder engagement.

Additionally, you’ll be introduced to the three sustainability domains. Followed by a deep dive into the environmental domain of sustainability under the life cycle assessment (LCA) method in the context of bio-based products.

The estimated study time for the course is 54 hours. The course allows flexible study patterns; you can decide on your own schedule and the speed of your progress.

The course is divided into three parts:

Part 1 - Sustainability: the basics for building critical thinking.
Part 2 - Bioresources, bio-based products and value chains.
Part 3 - Introduction to Sustainability Metrics: an LCA perspective.

For Whom?

The course is ideal for:

Professionals and students in sustainability studies, environmental science programs, and allied fields.
Individuals driven to contribute to environmental and social well-being through advancements in sustainable bio-based solutions.