BYG404 Life-cycle assessment and optimization of constructions (Autumn 2025)
- ECTS Credits:
- 7.5
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Engineering and Science
- Course Leader:
- Reyn Joseph O'Born
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- English.
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Civil and Structural Engineering, Master's Programme
- Master's Programme in Industrial Economics and Technology Management
Teaching language
English.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, the student is expected to:
- Be able to understand environmental impacts in a system perspective
- Be able to discuss principles for the implementation of LCA
- Be able to quantify the environmental impact of a broad spectrum of economic and societal activities, by conducting an LCA study
- Be able to propose and discuss measures to minimize negative environmental impacts from infrastructure, construction activities, products, and energy systems
- Be able to identify and discuss strengths and weaknesses in LCA
Contents
- Environmental impacts of infrastructure, construction activities, material production chains, and energy systems
- Life cycle assessment (LCA) in theory and in practice
- Interpretation of EPDs and other LCA studies
- Applications of LCA
- Limitations on standardized LCA methods
- Life cycle costing (LCC)
- Life cycle management (LCM)
- Introduction to circular economy in the building industry
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, exercises and laboratory/project work.
Estimated work load for the average student is 27 hours per credit.
Examination requirements
None
Examinations
Portfolio, 60% of final grade. Information about the content of the portfolio will be given in Canvas by the start of the semester. There will not be arranged a postponed exam for the portfolio.
Individual written exam, 4 hours, 40% of final grade
Graded assessment.
Student evaluation
The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.”
Offered as a free-standing course
Yes. Subject to availability or capacity.
Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course
Admission requirements for the course are the same as for the master’s programme in Civil and Structural Engineering.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| BYG401 – Life-cycle assessment of constructions. | 7.5 |
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Oct. 15, 2026 1:27:24 PM