ENVR08020 2019 Resource Management
Full Title
Resource Management
Transcript Title
Resource Management
Code
ENVR08020
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
08 - Level 8
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Cait Coyle, Noel Connaughton
Programme Membership
SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science
SG_SENVI_K08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science
SG_SSCIE_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science
Description
This module appraises the value of our geological, soil and hydrogeological resources with due consideration to related socioeconomic and environmental aspects. The importance of sustainable development, encompassing the application of satisfactory environmental management practices, is emphasised in order to protect non-renewable, natural resources. Major global land management challenges will be critically assessed through the application of case studies. The module focuses in particular on the sustainable development and management of water. A particular focus is also given on clean production methods, green procurement, life cycle assessment (LCA) and the financial appraisal of proposed environmental initiatives.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Critically review various aspects of current national and international developments in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Eco-labelling and Cleaner Production (CP).
2.
Critically review various aspects of current national and international developments in Green Public Procurement process.
3.
Carry out a financial appraisal of proposed projects to determine whole life costs using discounted cash flow techniques.
4.
Identify major threats to the groundwater resource and discuss management strategies for its protection.
5.
Explain major threats to the soil resource and appraise key approaches for its sustainable management in agriculture.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered full-time. This will include lectures, augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals).
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 50% Continuous Assessment and 50% Final Exam.
The first element of continuous assessment (10%) will consist of an MCQ covering green procurement, eco-labels and life cycle assessment (LCA).
The second element of continuous assessment (20%) will consist of an individual/group assignment requiring a financial appraisal of proposed environmental initiatives.
The third element of continuous assessment (20%) will consist of a written assignment relating to the topics of the groundwater resource and the protection of soils.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.
Indicative Syllabus
Critically review various aspects of current national and international developments in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Eco-labelling and Cleaner Production (CP).
- Principles of LCA (ISO 14040, ISO 14044)
- Critical review of a range of LCA Case Studies
- Principles and methodologies of Cleaner Production (CP)
- Application of CP methodologies to a selected range of sectors to proactively protect the environment
- Eco-Label Criteria
Critically review various aspects of current national and international developments in Green Public Procurement (GPP) process.
- Legal framework and Basic Principles for GPP
- Green Criteria and Technical Specifications in tender documents
- Selection and Award Criteria
- Obstacles to and Implementation of GPP
Carry out a financial appraisal of proposed projects to determine whole life costs using discounted cash flow techniques.
- Payback
- Net Present Value
- Internal Rate of Return
Identify major threats to the groundwater resource and discuss management strategies for its protection.
- The importance of the groundwater resource.
- Groundwater abstraction.
- Impacts on groundwater quality.
- Impacts of poorly managed mining operations on the water environment.
- Mitigation measures to help protection groundwater quantity and quality.
- Relevant legislation.
Explain major threats to the soil resource and appraise key approaches for its sustainable management (in agriculture).
- The importance of the soil resource
- Major threats to the soil resource (in agriculture)
- Approaches for the sustainable management of the soil resource.
- Relevant legislation.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
50 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
50 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Individual or group assignment requiring data acquisition and analysis and preparation of professional report | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 20 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3 |
| 2 | Individual assignment requiring a literature review, data acquisition, case studies and preparation of a professional report. | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 20 % | Week 12 | 4,5 |
| 3 | MCQ covering LCA, Eco-Labels and GPP | Coursework Assessment | Multiple Choice/Short Answer Test | 10 % | Week 13 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 50 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Not Specified | Lecture | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
| Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self-study, research, reading and reflection | 4.5 | Weekly | 4.50 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Various reports prepared by River Basin District Boards, Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, and the EPA
Sonnemann, Tsang & Schuhmacher (2018) Integrated Life-Cycle and Risk Assessment for Industrial Processes and Products, CRC Press.
ISO 14040 (2006), Environmental Management – Life Cycle Assessment – Principles and Framework. International Organization of Standardization.
ISO 14044 (2006), Environmental Management – Life Cycle Assessment – Requirements and Guidelines. International Organization of Standardization.
Relevant articles reflecting latest research and practice from the Journal of Cleaner Production (and other publications as appropriate) across a range of sectors.
European Commission (2016), Buying-Green-Handbook on Green Public Procurement -3rd-Edition
Irish Green Procurement Strategy and EU Eco-label Regulations and technical documents
Karlheinz Spitz 2008 Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal CRC Press
Paul L. Younger 2006 Groundwater in the Environment: An Introduction Wiley‑Blackwell
Raymond R. Weil 2016 The Nature and Properties of Soils Pearson
Journal Resources
Journal of Cleaner Production https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-cleaner-production
Groundwater Journal.
Journal of sustainable agriculture.
URL Resources
Implementation of the Circular Economy - http://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/index_en.htm
Green Public Procurement (GPP) - http://www.tenderteam.ie/advice/green-public-procurement-gpp-buying-green/
Geological Survey of Ireland - www.gsi.ie
Teagasc - www.teagasc.ie
FAO - www.fao.org
Environmental Protection Agency - www.epa.ie
Other Resources
Access to the dedicated Moodle page for the module
Additional Information
None