Module: EM7502-15 - Waste, Energy and Pollution Management

Level: 7

Credit Value: 15

Module Tutor: Ian Thornhill

Module Tutor Contact Details: i.thornhill@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module

This module will develop your understanding of the potential negative impacts that arise through human interactions with the environment. Key aspects will include resource use and polluting emissions, especially through the generation of waste and utilisation of energy sources. It will also enable you to appreciate role of new technologies in alleviate such effects.

You will evaluate the potential impact of pollutants in a range of environmental compartments/media. In addition you will develop an appreciation of impacts arising from conventional and renewable energy sources and the opportunities provide through energy conservation and management as well as integrated pollution prevention and control.

A range of waste and resource management options (such as landfill, recycling incineration/energy from waste and anaerobic digestion) will be considered in a range of waste sectors, from municipal to industrial (including construction, water, and agricultural industries).

Overall, you will develop an understanding of sustainable approaches to aspects of human activities with a view to reducing impacts through promoting change.

2. Outline Syllabus & Teaching & Learning Methods

Workshops will introduce key concepts, some of which will be delivered by specialist guest speakers. Specialist speakers and site visits will enable these concepts to be illustrated and discussed in more detail.

You will critically review conventional and renewable energy sources and the relationship 47 of these to the carbon cycle. In doing so you will relate these themes to energy efficiency, conservation and management systems. You will review the sources and effects of contaminants in the different compartments of the environment: air, water, land, biota, and critically appreciate the strategies to prevent, control, and manage environmental pollution towards a sustainable environment.

You will develop a critical understanding of waste generation, legislation and management options. You will also consider the problems and opportunities arising from different waste sectors and how current thinking is changing to waste as a resource. You will develop a detailed understanding of the drivers that affect waste management decisions, including public opinion, legislation and environmental sustainability.

To develop depth of understanding, you will undertake a review of an organisation to determine current sustainability principles and practice that incorporates relevant legislation and other drivers. The particular focus of the review will be on waste management, resource use, pollution impact, or energy use. You will consider how the company’s approach could be modified to meet regulatory requirements and benefit the environment. This assignment will be in the form of a written report, for your chosen organisation, designed to inform decision making in that organisation, but that would also educate, influence or challenge people within that organisation to lead or promote change to more sustainable practice. You will also translate opportunities for action into a webpage designed to promote change.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework
• Description: Review and reporting of waste/resource/energy/pollution management options (3500 - 5000 words).
• % Weighting: 100%