Course detail

Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment

FAST-CZV-1ULCAAcad. year: 2026/2027

This course presents fundamental introduction to the LCA (Life-Cycle Assessment) method, which is globally recognized standard for quantification of impacts of human activity. This method provides basis for easier understanding of related legislation, su ch as European Green DEal, Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) or Carbon Billing Mecchanism (CBAM).

The focal point of the course is introduction of the basics LCA standards (ISO 14040 and ISO 140400) and structure. Students will become familiar with the four LCA phases: from definition of the goal and scope, through inventory of relevant inputs and outputs, to impact assessment and interpretation of the results. Students will learn how data on global warming or raw material consumption help shap strategic decision-making and circular economy. The aim of the course is to provide graduates with knowledge to transform vague environmental proclamations into detailed technical data necessary for the successful transformation of the industry and related policies.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Assignment to study programme types

lifelong learning

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Department

Institute of Building Structures (PST)

Entry knowledge

Not applicable.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Not applicable.

Aims

Not applicable.

Study aids

KOČÍ, Vladimír. Posuzování životního cyklu Life Cycle Assessment - LCA. Chrudim: Vodní zdroje Ekomonitor, 2009.

ÚNMZ. ČSN EN ISO 14040 Environmentální management - Posuzování životního cyklu - Zásady a osnova. Prague: Úřad pro technickou normalizaci, metrologii a státní zkušebnictví, 2006.

ÚNMZ. ČSN EN ISO 14044 Environmentální management - Posuzování životního cyklu - Požadavky a směrnice. Prague: Úřad pro technickou normalizaci, metrologii a státní zkušebnictví, 2006.

STRUHALA, Karel, PUTNA, Ondřej. Úvod do hodnocení životních cyklů. Brno: Vysoké učení technické v Brně, 2025.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Not applicable.

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme CZV3-VKEI Lifelong learning - long-term course 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Introduction to LCA: The concept of sustainable development, LCA history, related legislation and standards.

2. Goal and scope definition: Determination of the functional unit, reference flow and system boundaries.

3. - 4. Inventory analysis: Data collection, data types, databases, allocation.

5. - 6. Impact assessment: Mechanisms for converting flows into environmental impacts; impact categories, characterization, normalization and weighting.

7. - 8. Interpretation of results: Result analysis, identification of "hot-spots" and formulation of conclusions according to the target group needs.

9. - 10. Life cycle cost assessment (LCC), social impacts (sLCA) and sustainability (LCSA): Principles and applications.

11. LCA in the enterprise: ESG, CBAM, ecodesign, certification tools, software.

12. LCA in the context of the circular economy: How to measure circularity?

13. Final summary and presentation of semester projects.

Seminar

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer