Resource Engineering

The Resources and Waste Engineering (RWE) track will start with only one module A. This module A on Resource Engineering is therefore compulsory for all students following the RWE track.

The module builds further on the topics addressed in the RWE stepping stone and gives students an introduction to the flows of resources and wastes, as well as to the types and properties of waste that result from human activity. Students will learn about using methodologies to quantify changes in resource demand and evaluate these in terms of their environmental implications and resource availability (critical materials). The module will further explore the issues and variables that play a role in using secondary resources more efficiently, and in closed loops. In this context, the limitations for circularity and the role of bio-based solutions (renewable and bio-based materials) in achieving circularity will also be addressed.

Module A offers an engineering perspective to address key aspects related to circular production and construction processes and introduces a range of engineering tools to assess environmental performance.

Goal: The objective of the Resource Engineering module is to gain in-depth knowledge of managing material flows and waste streams in closed loops and learn how circular and bio-based economy approaches can be implemented in production and construction processes, thus contributing to increasing the use of renewable and recyclable resources while minimizing the consumption of energy and raw materials. The module content is organized in the following two themes:

(1) Flows of materials, resources and residual wastes

(Link to learning objectives of the module: A-LO1, A-LO2, A-LO3, A-LO7 and A-LO8)

Central topic of this theme is the analysis and management of material flows and waste based on circularity and bio-economy knowledge, with the aim of reducing environmental impacts.

(2) Circular construction processes and sustainable materials

(Link to learning objectives of the module: A-LO3, A-LO4, A-LO5, A-LO6 and A-LO7)

Central topic of the theme is the application of circularity and bio-economy concepts on construction processes and materials and their evaluation based on tools for the quantification of the environmental performance at system and material levels.