Carbon Footprinting

This micro-credential is aimed at engineers and scientists in sectors which require knowledge on methods to quantify sustainability for internal benchmarking, process improvement, and reporting against policy targets.

On completion of this micro-credential, you will be able to:

(1) Define an appropriate goal and scope for the assessment of a carbon footprint of a product
(2) Review data sources and assemble a representative data inventory or a specific product
(3) Develop an excel-based model for the quantification of a carbon footprint of a product
(4) Report the carbon footprint of a product in line with international standards

The module will introduce the concept and importance of carbon footprinting. The ISO standards for the assessment of the carbon footprint of products will be discussed throughout the module with case studies used to illustrate the application of the standards to a project. Critical review, reporting and certification will be covered as important topics in assessing the quality of a carbon footprint.

This module in sustainability assessment, will equip students with the skills to calculate and report evidence-based environmental footprints in compliance with ISO standards. Assessment strategies will encourage the development of the core competencies e.g. data acquisition, analysis and interpretation.

Students will be ready to apply their skills within companies, SMEs, local authorities, consulting companies etc., to drive the transition to a zero-carbon economy.

1. Lectures to deliver theory: Students will have access to this content asynchronously to allow for fully flexible engagement and learning
2. Synchronous Tutorial Sessions: students will engage in tutorial sessions delivered in webinar style to facilitate real time interaction.
   
3. Asynchronous discussion forums to connect students: a task will be set which students will be required to engage with to explore, challenge, critically evaluate and exchange ideas.
   
4. Assignments: to develop critical awareness, analysis, synthesis and communication skills.
   
5. Directed Study: Learners will be directed to access and work through a program of content which will be delivered asynchronously. This approach will enable the students to access and work through a program of content at a time of their choosing within the weekly time frame and within the context of the supported learning environment. The directed learning will draw from a wider variety on learning resources and materials, such as reading (academic and journalistic), podcasts and videos.

Applicants must hold an NFQ Level 8 honours degree (or international equivalence) in a relevant subject or >5 years of relevant professional experience.

Students will develop an Excel-based spreadsheet model to calculate the Carbon Footprint of a product of their choice. Student learning will be achieved through the completion of an industry-standard, Carbon Footprint project which will be completed over the course of the module.

Written feedback will be provided for assignments.

This module is part of two UCD awards: Graduate Diploma in Environmental Sustainability Implementation; Graduate Diploma in Carbon Accounting & Life Cycle Assessment;

If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.

On successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level.