Fundamentals of Sustainability

This graduate course delved into the foundational principles of sustainable design, including systems thinking, lifecycle analysis, and the Three Pillars of Sustainability (environment, society, and economy). Students explored concepts like planetary boundaries, the circular economy, material health, and true cost accounting, while learning to map systems, analyze material and energy flows, and identify leverage points for impactful change. The course emphasized critical thinking, the Precautionary Principle, and biocentric design strategies, equipping students to innovate solutions that address sustainability challenges holistically, avoid shifting burdens, and consider long-term impacts on all stakeholders.

Acrylic Paint Life Cycle Assessment

This work is a comprehensive life cycle assessment of acrylic paint, exploring its environmental, social, and health impacts from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. It highlights issues like the use of petroleum based products/biproducts and heavy metals, the release of microplastics, and the challenges of recycling, while questioning the sustainability claims of acrylic paints.

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