Overview

This module reviews the environmental challenges and opportunities of key energy and resource management activities. Some of the themes covered may include energy generation, waste management, food and water supply, consumer goods (sustainable production and consumption).

This module reviews the environmental consequences of key energy and resource management activities, including energy generation, waste management, food and water supply, consumer goods (sustainable production and consumption). It considers recent policy initiatives and drivers and examines key green technologies. Specific topics include: • Energy generation & its environmental impact • Innovation and deployment of emerging green technologies • Green technology policies and initiatives • Energy policies and initiatives • Resource management, policies and initiatives • Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for green technologies • Contribution of green technologies to sustainable development

Assessment Strategy

Threshold -(D) The student displays a basic understanding of the principles and practices of green technologies; in addition to the drivers and constraints on their development. Most of the key issues are identified but there may be some omissions or gaps in understanding. Links between theory and practice are not well developed and the use of GIS in identifying options for green technology potentials and deployment is limited.

Good -(B) In addition to the above: the student should demonstrate an understanding of the range and application of appropriate green technologies and the relevant policy and legislative frameworks within which they operate. They should also display the ability to use GIS to identify opportunities and constraints for green technology potentials and deployment. The student is able to evaluate and compare different green technologies and identify their potential applications and limitations.

Excellent; (A) In addition to the above, the student demonstrates a holistic understanding of the links between existing environmental problems and the structure of the economy, the range of existing and emerging green technologies and the opportunities and barriers to their deployment and uptake. In addition, the student demonstrates competence in the use of GIS as a tool for the spatial identification of opportunities for green technologies. There are no major areas omitted and the student demonstrates an ability to critically analyse and evaluate relevant information. Sound team-working and presentation skills present further evidence of understanding and wider-reading.

Learning Outcomes

• A critical understanding of current modes of energy generation and global resource management, their associated environmental impacts, and emerging green technology solutions

• An in-depth appreciation of the policy and legislative context nationally and globally relating to the development and deployment of green technologies

• Knowledge and experience of green technology development and innovation, or novel application for an existing green technology, and factors determining its uptake by society

• Proficiency in the application of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) in relation to green technology solutions