Resumen de Green Chemistry, Life Cycle Assessment, and Systems Thinking: An Integrated Comparative-Complementary Chemical Decision-Making Approach
Kyle M. D. Reyes, Kyla Bruce, Shegufa Shetranjiwalla
Chemistry students are passionate about using their learning to contribute toward a sustainable future, yet they feel unprepared to make green and sustainable practical decisions informed by industry-relevant tools. Most green chemistry metrics are mass-based, which do not estimate environmental impact or help address global socioeconomic challenges. We present the introduction of two complementary quantitative tools used in industry to compare greenness and environmental impacts of chemical reactions: (i) DOZN 2.0, a free online software inspired by the 12 principles of Green Chemistry and (ii) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) metrics integrated with systems thinking to connect the chemical reactions to the UN SDGs. Students worked collaboratively on projects comparing two organic synthetic processes with the free, online software DOZN2.0 developed by MilliporeSigma to calculate aggregate scores and choose the greener synthesis. The chemical evaluation was complemented with quantified univariate green chemistry metrics and multivariate life-cycle impacts using nine LCA impact category indicators. The quantified results were considered with a systems thinking lens and connected to the UN SDGs. Students developed critical scientific communication skills by presenting their evaluation in a virtual presentation and in an industry-focused report. Responses to survey questions indicated that the use of the complementary tools empowered students to make more informed and insightful decisions that could not be supported by using a single tool. They felt more prepared to make sustainable decisions for careers in industry and academia and became more conscious of the role of chemists in environmental and social responsibility and justice.
