ENVR09041 2020 Introduction to Sustainability

General Details

Full Title
Introduction to Sustainability
Transcript Title
Introduction to Sustainability
Code
ENVR09041
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
09 - NFQ Level 9
Credit
10 - 10 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2020 - Full Academic Year 2020-21
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Frances Lucy, Steve Tonry, Declan Feeney
Programme Membership
SG_SSUST_S09 202000 Postgraduate Certificate in Science in Sustainable Food Systems SG_SSUST_M09 202200 Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems SG_SSUST_O09 202200 Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Food Systems
Description

Global populations and their consumption patterns have placed increase demands on our natural ecosystems.  As a result society has an ongoing challenge to develop within the carrying capacity of the planet.  This module will look at sustainability in the context of development and manufacturing and the challenges that industry faces today and into the future.  Students will investigate what sustainability means in the 21st century and explore our connectivity to ecosystems and the services they provides.  Students will look at the application of circular economy principles and the policies and practices that can help transition society to one that is more sustainable, that works within the carrying capacity of the planet. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Interpret sustainability and sustainable development and what it means in the context of industrial systems and society.

2.

Determine the importance of ecosystems service and natural capital in the context of a modern world and interpret its impact humankind.

3.

Appraise the application of circular economy principles in the transformation to a more sustainable future.

4.

Evaluate Irish and European policy in terms of challenges for current industrial practices and what it means for future manufacturing activities.

5.

Contrast a selection of methodologies used to measure sustainability.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The students will be exposed to a blend of learning activities e.g. online lectures (via MS Teams, Adobe Connect or similar), independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address various student learning needs. Moodle will be used to upload educational material (e.g. powerpoint presentations, recordings of online lectures and supplementary reading material) and a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals). The online delivery may be blended with workshops to bring the learners together to facilitate group learning.

Module Assessment Strategies

Continuous assessment - 100%. Regular assessments may be undertaken via moodle and assignments delivered as per module requirements. Students may be assessed individually or in group environments with a strong emphasis on continual improvement and skill building.

Repeat Assessments

Repeat assessment, where relevant, will involve assignment, assessment that provides evidence that the student has met the subject and topic learning outcomes to the required standard. Assignment guidelines will be provided.

Indicative Syllabus

Interpret what sustainability and sustainable development means in the context of industrial systems and society

  • Sustainability and sustainable development, what is it?
  • UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)
  • Ways to look at sustainability; economic, social and environmental
  • What a sustainable world looks like, a vision of the future

Assess the importance of ecosystems service and natural capital in the context of modern society

  • What is ecosystem services and natural capital?
  • Interpreting and estimating the value of ecosystem services
  • Ecosystem services in decision making

Investigate the application of circular economy principles in the transformation to a more sustainable future

  • Circular economy and sustainability, do they connect?
  • Circular economy, opportunities for manufacturer and consumer
  • Circular economy and barriers to change, e.g. cost, consumers, quality
  • Circular economy models, e.g. EU Farm to Fork Strategy
  • Sustainability in practice – sustainable systems

Evaluate Irish and European policy in terms of challenges for current industrial practices and what it means for future manufacturing activities

  • Changes in Irish and EU policy
  • The European common agricultural policy and sustainability
  • The European Green Deal

Appraise a selection of methodologies used to measure sustainability.

  • Sustainable development indicators
  • Economic methods for measuring sustainability
  • Measuring sustainability beyond money

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Individual Written Report Coursework Assessment Assignment 30 % Week 5 1,2
2 Group Project Work Coursework Assessment Group Project 40 % Week 9 1,2,3
3 Book Review and Presentation Coursework Assessment Individual Project 30 % Week 12 3,4,5

Online Learning Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Distance Learning Suite Online Lecture 2.0 Weekly 2.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent Learning 10.0 Weekly 10.00
Workshop / Seminar Not Specified Workshop 4.5 Once Per Semester 0.30
Directed Learning Not Specified Directed Learning 1.7 Weekly 1.70
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 4.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Recommended Reading
2018-02-22 Doughnut Economics Random House Business Books
ISBN 1847941397 ISBN-13 9781847941398

The book behind the hit TED Talk**The Sunday TimesBestseller**Economics is broken, and the planet is paying the price.Unforeseen financial crises. Extreme wealth inequality. Relentless pressure on the environment. Can we go on like this? Is there an alternative?In Doughnut Economics, Oxford academic Kate Raworth lays out the seven deadly mistakes of economics and offers a radical re-envisioning of the system that has brought us to the point of ruin. Moving beyond the myths of 'rational economic man? and unlimited growth, Doughnut Economics zeroes in on the sweet spot- a system that meets all our needs without exhausting the planet. The demands of the 21st century require a new shape of economics. This might just be it. *A Financial Timesand ForbesBook of the Year**Winner of the Transmission Prize 2018* *Longlisted for the FT/McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award 2017*'The John Maynard Keynes of the 21st century.? George Monbiot, Guardian'This is sharp, significant scholarship . . . Thrilling.? Times Higher Education'Raworth?s magnum opus . . . A fascinating reminder to business leaders and economists alike to stand back at a distance to examine our modern economics.? Books of the Year, Forbes'There are some really important economic and political thinkers around at the moment - such as Kate Raworth?s Doughnut Economics.? Andrew Marr, Guardian'An admirable attempt to broaden the horizons of economic thinking.? Martin Wolf, Books of the Year, Financial Times'A compelling and timely intervention.? Caroline Lucas MP, Books of the Year, The Ecologist

Recommended Reading
2018-04-03 Factfulness
ISBN 1473637465 ISBN-13 9781473637467

*the #1 Sunday Times bestseller * instant New York Times bestseller * #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller * * Irish Times bestseller * Audio bestseller * Guardian bestseller * 'One of the most important books I've ever read - an indispensable guide to thinking clearly about the world.' BILL GATES *BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week* 'Hans Rosling tells the story of "the secret silent miracle of human progress" as only he can. But Factfulness does much more than that. It also explains why progress is so often secret and silent and teaches readers how to see it clearly.' MELINDA GATES Factfulness: The stress-reducing habit of only carrying opinions for which you have strong supporting facts. When asked simple questions about global trends - why the world's population is increasing; how many young women go to school; how many of us live in poverty - we systematically get the answers wrong. So wrong that a chimpanzee choosing answers at random will consistently outguess journalists, Nobel laureates, and investment bankers. In Factfulness, Professor of International Health and a man who can make data sing, Hans Rosling, together with his two long-time collaborators Anna and Ola, offers a radical new explanation of why this happens, and reveals the ten instincts that distort our perspective. It turns out that the world, for all its imperfections, is in a much better state than we might think. But when we worry about everything all the time instead of embracing a worldview based on facts, we can lose our ability to focus on the things that threaten us most. Inspiring and revelatory, filled with lively anecdotes and moving stories, Factfulness is an urgent and essential book that will change the way you see the world.

Recommended Reading
2012-05-23 Sustainability in the Food Industry John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781118468456 ISBN-13 1118468457

Sustainability is beginning to transform the food industry with environmental, economic and social factors being considered, evaluated and implemented throughout the supply chain like never before. Sustainability in the Food Industry defines sustainability with a comprehensive review of the industrys current approach to balancing environmental, economic and social considerations throughout the supply chain. In addition, tools and information are provided to enhance future progress. To achieve this, the book combines technical research summaries, case studies and marketing information. Coverage includes sustainability as it relates to: agricultural practices, food processing, distribution, waste management, packaging, life cycle analysis, food safety and health, environmental labeling, consumer insight and market demand, product development, practices in food manufacturing companies, food retailing and food service. An international group of authors covers the information from a global perspective. Sustainability in the Food Industry offers an overview of sustainable sources of impact and improvement, how they relate to the key sectors of the food industry and how programs may be implemented for further improvement.

Recommended Reading
2011-02-14 Sustainable Development in Practice Wiley
ISBN 0470718714 ISBN-13 9780470718711

Sustainable Development in Practice: Case Studies for Engineers and Scientists, Second Edition explores the concept of sustainable development and its implications for science and engineering. It looks at how sustainability criteria can be combined with traditional scientific and engineering considerations to design and operate industrial systems in a more sustainable manner. Taking a life cycle approach to addressing economic, environmental and social issues, the book presents a series of new practical case studies drawn from a range of sectors, including mining, energy, food, buildings, transport, waste, and health. Written in an accessible style, the book opens with a general introduction to the concept of sustainable development and explores its practical implications for technical experts. Recognising that practical application of sustainable development depends on the context, the second part of the book is devoted to case studies. The case studies explore scientific and technical aspects alongside relevant environmental economic and social issues. The key features of this completely revised and updated second edition include: Twelve new chapters, including the case studies on nuclear energy, biofuels, aviation, buildings, urban transport, food, sanitation and health. Six completely revised chapters Coverage of a wide range of sustainability issues in both developed and developing countries Integration of scientific and technical aspects with economic, environmental and social considerations Discussion of policy implications Communication with the non-engaging and non-scientific audience Considered essential reading for all engineers and scientists concerned with sustainable development, Sustainable Development in Practice: Case Studies for Engineers and Scientists, Second Edition also provides key reading and learning materials for undergraduate and postgraduate science and engineering students.

Recommended Reading
24/06/2019 The Circular Economy A User's Guide Routledge

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources
Journal Resources

See module Moodle page for details.

URL Resources

See module Moodle page for details.

Other Resources

See module Moodle page for details.

Additional Information

A dedicated Moodle page will be available for the module.  This will contain dynamic resources for the module.