Advances in Life Cycle Optimization for Process Development

The development of systematic tools for the design and planning of more sustainable processes has been the focus of much interest in the recent past. Particularly, among the tools available, the integrated use of process optimization and life cycle assessment (LCA) has gained wider interest. In essence, this methodology consists of optimizing a system taking into account (simultaneously) economic as well as environmental concerns (the latter ones expressed using LCA principles). On one hand, the use of LCA allows for the assessment of the impacts taking place in all the stages in the life cycle of the product/processes being optimized. On the other, optimization tools automate the search for solutions leading to environmental and economic improvements. Due to its appealing advantages, the combined use of process optimization and LCA has expanded rapidly in both, academia and industry, finding applications in a wide variety of problems. This session invites papers which promote the use of this integrated approach. Papers are sought primarily for applications as well as methodological developments. The session chairs encourage submission of success stories and efforts undertaken by industrial and academic researchers.