Research Group Sustainable Systems Engineering (STEN)

The research areas of STEN focus on both methodological developments and different technological applications. From a methodological perspective, environmental sustainability assessments lie in the core of STEN’s expertise. This is translated in this research group’s extended work on life cycle assessment methods. As an engineering group, STEN’s methodological expertise covers process engineering methods and material flow analysis as well.

The different methodologies are applied to a broad range of materials, products, and technologies. A broad expertise has been developed in the blue life sciences through the involvement in different projects. In the EnAlgae project, different life cycle assessments were performed covering multiple algae production systems. Also, in the ALPO project, the STEN team was in charge of the sustainability assessment of different routes to extract value added components from microalgae biomass. This expertise is also applied in the SUMES project, coordinated by the STEN team, where a comprehensive model will be developed to assess the impact of human-induced changes on the marine ecosystem and beyond. In addition to its expertise in the blue life sciences, STEN’s work also covers the assessment of raw materials and resources; bio-based processes and agricultural and food systems; technologies in the chemical, pharmaceutical and energy sectors; research on the transition to a circular economy by investigating an optimal end-of-life management; and research on nature and natural resources management.

Linking these different technologies and systems with sustainability assessments from an engineering perspective is what defines the unique perspective of the STEN research group. The research is in close collaboration with national and international universities, research centers, policy makers and industry in areas of the following nature: chemical, pharma, primary raw materials, waste-as-a-resource, agro-bio food, etc.