EDUCATIONAL PLATFORM FOR LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS OF TREATMENTS BASED ON NANOPARTICLES APPLIED TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
▶Summary
Nanotechnology has revolutionized various fields, including construction, by offering materials with advanced properties such as increased strength, durability, corrosion and fire resistance, superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning, and antibacterial capabilities. However, the widespread use of nanomaterials poses environmental and health risks when nanoparticles interact with ecosystems and biological organisms. Addressing these concerns, NanOER has developed innovative educational materials to analyze and mitigate the environmental and health impacts of nanoproducts in construction. This initiative responds to a critical gap in specific training on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and the broader implications of nanotechnology. Through international collaboration, NanOER has produced free, easily accessible training resources available in multiple languages, including English and those of the project partners. These materials empower current and future change agents with transnational competences to tackle global challenges, fostering sustainable development and social transformation while promoting the safe and responsible application of nanotechnology in line with European objectives.
▶Objectives
With the implementation of the NanOER project, it was intended and has been achieved to provide manufacturers of nanoparticulate products, professionals in the construction sector and environmental managers with the necessary knowledge to understand the environmental and health impacts generated by the manufacturing, application and disposal processes of the most used nanoproducts in the construction sector. The objectives of the NanOER project have been the following: -Personal and professional development of professionals related to the subject matter of the project. -Awareness of the importance of the environmental impact of nanotechnological products. -Integration of the innovative curriculum created in the NanOER project in the curricula of universitites to introduce knowledge in LCA of nanotechnological products for the professions of the future. -Creation of quality material freely available online that can be used for self-training. -Sensitization of professionals in the construction sector, manufacturers of nanoproducts and environmental managers on the importance of the environmental impact of nanotechnological products.
▶Impact
In the NanOER project, all the proposed outputs and results have been successfully achieved. Among them, the following stand out: -Quality educational material about calculation of LCA of nanoproducts in construction materials that contributes to the education and preparation of future agents of change for Green Jobs. -A comparison of European and national information about LCA and nanomaterials. -A transversal and innovative HE curricula. -An e-Guideline on the curricula. -5 interactive Flashcards on the environmental impact of nanoproducts. -An easily accessible and free OER with the contents of the NanOER project. For more information and results: https://nanoer.eu/