Life cycle assessment of a quantum computer
- usherbrooke
- Jan 19
- 2 min read
Presentation of Sylvain Cordier’s research project
Postdoctoral researcher
“On my train rides between my hometown and the engineering school in Valenciennes, I noticed trash discarded between the railway tracks and the fields. This made me think about eco-design and the end-of-life of our objects. My longstanding environmental consciousness led me to take an interest in sustainable development.”
Context
Solving increasingly complex problems with technology or artificial intelligence requires more computing power. Therefore, quantum computers have become indispensable to cutting-edge scientific and technological research.
However, the environmental impact of manufacturing and using quantum computers has never been assessed. The environmental impacts of information technology are often overlooked because they are not as tangible or visible as the consequences of excessive textile or plastic consumption, causing them to be underestimated.
Passionate about engineering sciences, Sylvain earned his engineering degree in energy mechanics in France. Interested in product design and end-of-life issues, he pursued a master’s degree in eco-design and environmental management.
Eager to advance scientific knowledge, he moved to Canada to undertake his PhD at LIRIDE. His thesis focused on developing a dynamic consequential LCA to evaluate the impact of increased use of wood in the construction sector.
Sylvain’s concerns for sustainability and environmental innovation motivate him to explore under-researched topics. His interest in life cycle assessment and eco-design stems from his desire to understand and minimize the environmental impacts of human activities.
His doctoral work allowed him to transcend his role of consultant and push his analyses to the next level. |
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The Project
In this context, Sylvain will analyze the life cycle of a quantum computer by developing a new method to better understand and evaluate the environmental impacts during their manufacturing and increasing use.
The innovative and unprecedented research is being conducted in partnership with the Institut quantique at the Université de Sherbrooke.
At LIRIDE, Sylvain broadened his knowledge and deepened his expertise in life cycle assessment and eco-design.
He is now continuing his career as a postdoctoral researcher at LIRIDE, working on several projects, including the life cycle assessment of a quantum computer. |
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Discover the articles and publications of Sylvain Cordier :
About LIRIDE
Founded in 2013 under the direction of Professor Ben Amor, the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory in Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Economy (LIRIDE), attached to the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, stands out for its cutting-edge expertise in life cycle assessment, eco-design and circular economy, mainly in the field of materials, energy and construction. LIRIDE's expertise focuses on modeling and assessing the life-cycle impacts of a product or service. LIRIDE is internationally recognized for its scientific research.
