Novel Interactive Learning Tool for Cleaner Production Studies: Case Study

Abstract This study introduces a novel interactive learning tool (ILT) designed to enhance the understanding and application of cleaner production principles with a case study in mushroom cultivation waste management. Utilizing a System Dynamics approach, this tool evaluates the socio-economic and environmental impacts of the polysaccharide extraction process from the spent mushroom substrate. The methodology encompasses the use of a model to simulate causal effects within production and supply chains, supported by an interactive interface that has been tested among master’s degree students of the Environmental Engineering program. The effectiveness of the tool was assessed through an online survey of 11 environmental engineering master’s students at the Riga Technical University. A Bayesian binomial test provided moderate support (BF+0 = 6.086) to the hypothesis that the proportion of students in support of ILT application is greater than 0.5 (95 % CI [0.553, 0.946]).