Sustainable Food Production: LCA and Carbon Footprint Calculation (2cr)

Evaluation scale

1-5

Content scheduling

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): rules and guidelines
• The four main phases of LCA
• LCA modeling: methods and databases
• IKE carbon footprint calculator
• Practical use of the IKE carbon footprint calculator
• Final assignment: carbon footprint calculation

Objective

After completing the course, the student will be able to apply the principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in evaluating the sustainability of food production. The student will recognize the four main phases of LCA — goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory (LCI), life cycle impact assessment (LCIA), and interpretation — and be able to clearly describe each of them. The student will be capable of selecting appropriate modeling methods and utilizing LCA databases for assessing the environmental impacts of food products.
During the course, the student will gain hands-on experience with the IKE carbon footprint calculator developed by SeAMK and will be able to use it for carbon footprint assessments. The student will be able to analyze and compare the results generated through modeling and produce a clear report based on a real or realistically simulated case in food production. Additionally, the student will be able to evaluate and justify the choices made during the modeling process and identify the limitations and uncertainties related to the assessment.

Content

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): rules and guidelines
• The four main phases of LCA
• LCA modeling: methods and databases
• IKE carbon footprint calculator
• Practical use of the IKE carbon footprint calculator
• Final assignment: carbon footprint calculation

Materials

Course materials and instructional videos

Teaching methods

Online course independent of time and place

During the course, the student will gain hands-on experience with the IKE carbon footprint calculator developed by SeAMK and will be able to use it for carbon footprint assessments. The student will be able to analyze and compare the results generated through modeling and produce a clear report based on a real or realistically simulated case in food production. Additionally, the student will be able to evaluate and justify the choices made during the modeling process and identify the limitations and uncertainties related to the assessment.

Student workload

Teaching 15h
Independent study 7h
Assignments 12h
Final assignment 20h

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is able to plan and carry out a simple life cycle assessment (LCA) with support. They can identify the key phases of LCA but require guidance in applying the methods. The student uses the IKE carbon footprint calculator at a basic operational level, but their work is still mechanical and lacks evaluation or justification of choices. The final assignment is acceptable, but may contain inconsistencies or limitations, for example in data selection or interpretation of results.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student can independently carry out a life cycle assessment and clearly describe the phases of the modeling process. They are able to select and justify the methods and data sources used. The student uses the IKE carbon footprint calculator appropriately and integrates their learning in analyzing the results. They are capable of evaluating their own work and choices and presenting the outcome in a clear and structured way. The final assignment demonstrates a consistent and well-justified assessment that meets a good practical standard.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student demonstrates a deep understanding of the principles of life cycle assessment and is able to apply them flexibly in varying contexts. They independently plan and execute the assessment, making effective use of the IKE carbon footprint calculator and analytically justifying their choices. The student critically evaluates their own work and identifies areas for improvement. The final assignment is of high quality, based on a real or convincingly simulated industrial case, and shows the ability to apply LCA in a professional context. The work is clear, well-argued, and aligned with real-world needs.