Life Cycle Assessment for Biomaterials
Learn to scope, model and interpret life cycle assessments of mycelium products so environmental claims rest on sound evidence.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Life Cycle Assessment for Biomaterials
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Mycelium Design & Architecture. A Fungaris program of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 3 months (12 weeks) · 72 hours in total · 6 modules of 12 hours · 12 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own program, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: January 11, 2027 to April 2, 2027. Enrollment closes on January 4, 2027. Following intake: March 8, 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Program description
This course teaches the fundamentals of life cycle assessment applied to mycelium and other grown materials. You will learn the ISO-based structure of an LCA, how to define a goal, scope and functional unit, and how to gather inventory data for processes such as substrate preparation, sterilization, incubation and drying. Impact assessment methods and the interpretation of results are explained step by step, so that you understand what the numbers mean and what they do not.
Environmental claims are under growing scrutiny, and statements such as carbon negative or zero waste need evidence. Grown materials are often assumed to be low impact, yet energy-intensive sterilization or drying can change the picture. The course suits designers, engineers and sustainability analysts who want to commission, read or carry out simple LCAs with confidence. Live sessions include worked examples and data exercises. In the final project you produce a screening LCA of a mycelium product, with a defined functional unit, documented assumptions and a short note on which claims the results support.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in design & architecture, useful in areas such as sustainability and environmental consultancy, biomaterials and product development, construction products, packaging and consumer goods.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This program gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgment and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the program able to apply its content professionally and with judgment. In short:
Learn to scope, model and interpret life cycle assessments of mycelium products so environmental claims rest on sound evidence.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: LCA principles and ISO framework; Goal, scope and functional unit.
- Put them into practice: Inventory data for grown materials; Impact assessment methods.
- Apply everything to a real case: Interpreting and comparing results; Credible environmental claims.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Explain the structure and purpose of an ISO-based LCA.
- Define goal, scope, boundaries and functional unit for a study.
- Collect inventory data for mycelium production processes.
- Identify environmental hotspots and test sensitivity of results.
- Judge whether an environmental claim is supported by evidence.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Designers, engineers and sustainability analysts.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic numeracy and spreadsheet skills are recommended. No prior LCA experience is required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Sustainability analyst for biomaterial products
- Designer integrating LCA into product decisions
- Junior LCA practitioner in a consultancy
- Product manager responsible for environmental claims
- Research assistant in sustainable materials
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | LCA principles and ISO framework | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Goal, scope and functional unit | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Inventory data for grown materials | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Impact assessment methods | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Interpreting and comparing results | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Credible environmental claims | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| Total | 72 |
6 modules × 12 hours = 72 hours: 24 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- What LCA measures
- ISO 14040 and 14044 structure
- Types of LCA study
- Defining the study goal
- System boundaries
- Choosing a functional unit
- Mapping the production process
- Energy use in sterilization and drying
- Using databases and primary data
- Impact categories
- Characterization methods
- Climate change and beyond
- Hotspot analysis
- Sensitivity and uncertainty
- Fair comparisons with alternatives
- Rules for environmental claims
- Communicating LCA results
- Avoiding greenwashing
5.3Company placement
This program does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A screening LCA of a mycelium product with functional unit, documented assumptions and a note on supportable claims.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your instructor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 6 hours a week for 12 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, data exercises in each module and a final screening LCA reviewed by the instructor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your instructor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Design & Architecture school coordinates the content and quality of this program. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The instructor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrollment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
10.3Deadlines
Enrollment for the intake starting on January 11, 2027 is open until January 4, 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: $450
- Full payment before the start: $360 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation ($180) and 3 monthly installments of $90.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organization. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the program and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for canceling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrollment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Life Cycle Assessment for Biomaterials?
Basic numeracy and spreadsheet skills are recommended. No prior LCA experience is required.
How is Life Cycle Assessment for Biomaterials taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, data exercises in each module and a final screening LCA reviewed by the instructor.
What is the final project?
A screening LCA of a mycelium product with functional unit, documented assumptions and a note on supportable claims.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Life Cycle Assessment for Biomaterials?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycelium Product Design.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This program does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Keep branching.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly installments. All prices are stated in US dollars (USD).