Introduction to Green Engineering (APPEL-GREEN)

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and communicate NASA engineering challenges with respect to environmental impacts as well as future risks, requirements, and potential solutions.
• Explain the different phases for a product, process, or system over the entire life cycle and give examples of potential environmental impacts and risks in each.
• Describe and apply basic life-cycle assessment (LCA) techniques for engineering projects.
• Develop an inventory of inputs/outputs for products/processes/systems.
• Develop a simple streamlined LCA template for use in their job function.
• Identify best practices and resources for continued learning and application of sustainability principles to NASA projects.
• Employ environmentally conscious designs, materials selection, and manufacturing techniques—enhanced through interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Design and develop materials, products, processes, hardware, and systems that are inherently safer, generate less waste, and use energy efficiently.
• Practice minimizing impacts associated with environmentally-driven risks, especially through an understanding of policies, regulations, and other external requirements (U.S. and international).
• Use available green engineering and sustainability tools and resources, along with NASA expertise, within system design and development efforts.
• Explain their role in fostering a sustainability culture within NASA.