SYSEN 5230

Energy Efficiency in the Circular Economy

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024.

Energy efficiency is a key element of the energy transition towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable development. Energy efficiency improvement is about reducing the amount of energy needed to perform tasks and provide services. To achieve that, energy efficiency improvements will have to double in the coming decade. This course provides understanding about the energy efficiency potential and the different angles to tackle it, going from energy efficient technologies to energy efficient systems. The course materials explore different systems boundaries and ways to define energy efficiency improvements and tap on the potential. We treat energy efficiency from the point of view of resource efficiency in the context of the circular economy. Through different case examples, students will learn how to address energy efficiency within different systems boundaries and the implications of the choices made. They will learn a systems approach to energy efficiency and strategies to define actions that can bring larger impact. The course is designed for engineering students from different backgrounds who are interested in the multiple dimensions of energy efficiency and would like to explore how it can be pursued at systems level.

When Offered Fall.

Permission Note Open to: Systems Engineering students.

Comments Non-SYSEN students must request department permission.

• Understand and contrast energy efficiency improvement potentials at unit and system levels. (i.e. plant level, infrastructure system level).
• Analyze synergies between energy and material flows in the circular economy (as opposed to the linear economy).
• Recognize and define energy efficiency potentials and constraints using the circular economy framework.
• Define, motivate, and explain system boundaries to explore energy efficiency improvements in different sectors.
• Critically review energy efficiency options considering multiple criteria including potential energy efficiency improvements at different levels, stakeholder perspectives, and contributions to the circular economy.

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