MANF 464 - Sustainable Manufacturing

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 55
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Examines principles and practices for environmentally conscious manufacturing and business continuity. Explore strategies such as efficient resource use and waste reduction, integrating sustainability into decision-making. Case studies and projects analyze environmental, economic, and social impacts, guiding the design of manufacturing approaches that balance productivity with environmental and social responsibility.

Prerequisite: Admission to BASAMD program and Dept. Chair permission.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Evaluate sustainability frameworks and integrate environmental, economic, and social considerations into manufacturing decision-making.
Design manufacturing process improvements to optimize resource use and minimize waste through sustainable best practices.
Analyze manufacturing operations using sustainability metrics to assess environmental impacts and recommend improvements.
Formulate balanced manufacturing strategies that align productivity objectives with environmental and social responsibility.

Course Contents

Economic, Social, and Environmental Considerations - Examines triple-bottom-line impacts in capstone decisions, from raw materials to product end-of-life.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for Product or Process - Measures cradle-to-grave inputs and outputs, guiding design choices that minimize carbon footprint.
Material Selection & Resource Stewardship - Evaluates material properties (toxicity, recyclability), balancing durability with environmental responsibilities.
Energy Efficiency & Waste Reduction Strategies - Investigates methods (efficient motors, process optimization) that cut resource consumption and operational costs.
Water Conservation & Treatment - Considers manufacturing water usage, reclamation technologies, and chemical handling for reduced ecological impact.
Design for Environment (DfE) & Extended Producer Responsibility - ntegrates product designs that enable easier disassembly, reuse, or recycling.
Continuous Improvement Models & Eco-Certifications - Reviews ISO 14001, LEED, and other standards guiding sustainable manufacturing operations.
Supply Chain Management for Sustainability - Aligns vendor selection, logistics, and inventory practices with ecological and ethical commitments.
Business Continuation Planning & Emergency Preparedness - Develops robust strategies to handle disruptions (natural disasters, market shifts) ensuring long-term viability.
Waste & Wastewater Treatment Solutions - Explores practical, regulatory-compliant methods for handling production byproducts, safeguarding both environment and public health.

Instructional Units: 5