The Implementation Of Life Cycle Analysis Tools In Environmental Education

Post manufacturing life cycle analysis, e.g. design for serviceability and design for retirement, are surfacing in very structured methodologies and tools, primarily software. These methodologies and tools not only impact environmental friendliness, but also impact our economical efficiency and production quality. It is the objective of this paper to present these methodologies and discuss their incorporation in an educational program. The authors feel that environmental awareness should start early in our educational system. The paper describes how life cycle methodologies and tools can be implemented in a mechanical design for the environment course. In addition, the paper shows how searching the Internet has led to the discovery and use of software for post manufacturing life cycle analysis. This software and others could easily be used in the classroom to evaluate common products (e.g., household appliances) and industrial case studies.