A degree in engineering management with an industrial management focus prepares graduates with more than just knowledge in the specifics of engineering and technology. Graduates of Texas State University’s online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM), concentration in Industrial Management program gain engineering-specific knowledge, industrial management insight and strategies for success that apply to every industry.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is crucial in advancing sustainable development goals across industries. This powerful analytical tool delivers insights that enable designers, engineers and analysts to target improvements that foster a product’s sustainability from the “cradle to grave.”
What Is the Life Cycle Analysis Definition?
LCA is a systematic approach to assess products’ potential environmental impacts from sourcing raw materials to disposal. Industrial engineers use data gathered from assessments to analyze, model and improve systems and processes to maximize efficiency, reduce waste and enhance sustainability.
Earning an advanced degree in engineering and industrial management is an ideal way to acquire expertise in life cycle analysis. Texas State University’s MSEM online program curriculum focuses on the principles of LCA, such as industrial ecology and product life-cycle stages from sourcing to end-of-life. Graduates obtain the skills to integrate sustainability principles into product and process design and develop strategies that minimize waste and pollution.
What Is Sustainable Development and Why Is it Important?
Sustainable development is a comprehensive approach to growth “that meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs,” according to the United Nations. It balances economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection — ensuring companies use resources responsibly and preserves ecosystems for long-term well-being.
Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in the way consumers make buying decisions. While they once placed the highest priorities on price, convenience and value, they are now trending toward a significant change, according to IBM. Growing research indicates that brands committed to environmental sustainability will possess a tremendous competitive advantage.
“In the era of COVID, consumers see that sustainability and wellness go hand in hand,” according to IBM. “62% of consumers say they’re willing to change their purchasing habits to reduce environmental impact.”
What Life Cycle Stages Do Engineers Measure to Support Sustainability?
LCA examines a product’s journey, revealing environmental impacts at every stage of its development, use and disposal. Engineers employ LCA protocols to promote sustainable sourcing of raw materials by assessing the impact of depleting them, the energy required to extract them and the environmental impact of those operations. In the transportation and manufacturing stage, engineers leverage LCA to optimize energy use and reduce waste.
LCA points to opportunities for enhancing the movement of finished goods to minimize energy consumption and emissions. It enables the development of products that last longer, which reduces raw material consumption, production and transportation. Finally, in the end-of-life stage, it advocates for developing effective recycling or safe disposal methods.
This ongoing evaluation is what makes LCA successful. “By identifying the areas of the life cycle that have the most significant environmental impact, changes can be made to reduce the negative impact and make the system more sustainable,” according to Hedgehog Co.
What Are Some Life Cycle Analysis Examples?
Becton Dickinson conducted a life cycle analysis of its ecoFinity system for disposing of single-use medical sharps such as hypodermic needles and syringes in critical care facilities. The study demonstrated how the system could help hospitals reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining the clinical advantages of single-use devices.
A study of cement manufacturing developed a life cycle method specifically to assess the raw materials, transportation and energy consumption in the production of ready-mix concrete. The study produced a model that integrates the environmental impact, production cost and social impact in the field of ready-mixed concrete.
Procter & Gamble uses life cycle analyses to reduce the environmental impact of its product packaging. For instance, a study found that packaging its Swiffer dusters in cardboard instead of plastic reduced its plastic usage by 173 tons annually — about the weight of 122 automobiles.
Given these examples, it is clear that LCA significantly improves resource efficiency, waste reduction and overall environmental performance. By embracing LCA and sustainable practices, businesses can not only meet regulatory requirements but also gain a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
What Are Prospects for Careers in Sustainability?
Sustainability careers are only set to grow in number and importance. “There is a growing demand for people who have the technical expertise to evaluate the design, architecture, and implementation of that data to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency,” Harvard Business Review notes.
The Texas State University MSEM, concentration in Industrial Management online program equips graduates with the technical expertise to conduct LCAs, optimize processes and integrate sustainability principles into product design. This future-proof skill set positions graduates for leadership roles in developing eco-friendly solutions and driving sustainable innovation in various industrial sectors.
Learn more about Texas State University’s online M.S. in Engineering Management, concentration in Industrial Management program.
