Introduction to sustainable manufacturing using the LCA framework for a banana split

Abstract

The current manufacturing mindset is not environmentally friendly; however, industry and academia are beginning to recognize the importance and impacts that manufacturing has on the environment. This paper presents a creative approach module to introduce first-year manufacturing engineering technology students to sustainable manufacturing using the Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a banana split. Using a team-based collaborative approach, the students make the ice cream from the basic ingredients while examining the anatomy of the individual components and conducting a mini-LCA on each. This approach is both hands on and theoretical and is designed so the students begin to view the environmental impacts of manufacturing, including the acquisition of raw materials, materials manufacturing, production, use/reuse/maintain, and waste management. The student outcomes are to: • Gain insight into the energy loss to produce a product. • Obtain information on the Eco-indicator 99 damage type life cycle assessment. • Explore a holistic approach to manufacturing. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2009.