Program Overview

AL2521 Life Cycle Assessment of IT Products, Services, and Systems

Course Description

The course covers applications of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with a focus on IT products, services, and systems, LCA methodology and standards, use of LCA databases, use of LCA software, and current research and development in the field. The course consists of lectures, seminars, computer exercises, a group project, and a home exam.

Intended Learning Outcomes

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

• Explain the purpose and applications of the LCA method in general and with a focus on the environmental impact of IT products, services, and systems in particular
• Explain the analytical phases and central concepts of the LCA method and apply these to IT products, services, and systems
• Show basic knowledge of current research and development within the scope of the course, with a focus on the environment but also other aspects of sustainability
• Identify uncertainties in the LCA method and data in general and with a focus on the environmental impact of IT products, services, and systems in particular, and evaluate how these affect the results of the analyses
• Report in writing the completed LCA study according to ISO's standard for LCA
• Use LCA software
• Give an account of the results orally of the completed LCA study
• Work in a collaborative project setting
• Report in writing and give an account of a critical review orally of an LCA report

Specific Prerequisites

• Completed basic level course in mathematics which shows that the applicant has experience in mathematical problem solving
• Completed basic level course in statistics and probability theory which shows that the applicant has experience in reasoning mathematically about uncertain outcomes
• Completed course AL1523, AL1504, DM2573 or equivalent in environment, sustainable development, and digitalization
• Courses from upper secondary school corresponding to the courses Eng B/6 according to the Swedish upper secondary school system or equivalent

Literature

Information about course literature can be found in the course memo for the course offering.

Examination and Completion

Grading Scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

• PR01 - Project, 5.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• TEN1 - Home exam, 2.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Ethical Approach

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution

Further Information

Offered by

ABE/Sustainability and Environmental Engineering

Main Field of Study

Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering

Education Cycle

Second cycle

Course Details

• Course location: KTH Campus
• Duration: 16 Mar 2026 - 1 Jun 2026
• Periods: Spring 2026: P4 (7.5 hp)
• Pace of study: 50%
• Application code: 60285
• Form of study: Normal Daytime
• Language of instruction: English
• Number of places: Places are not limited
• Target group: No information inserted
• Planned modular schedule: No information inserted
• Schedule: Link to schedule
• Part of programme: Master's Programme, Sustainable Digitalisation, year 1, Mandatory

Contact

• Examiner: Anna Björklund
• Course coordinator: Anna Furberg, Shoaib Azizi
• Teachers: No information inserted