The course focuses on environmental systems analytical tools and include basic theory and concepts within environmental systems analysis and systems analysis. A selection of different environmental systems analysis tools are considered, that can be applied on different decision situations within e.g. policy, planning, projects, management and technologies from a sustainability perspective, with a systems analytical approach. Examples of tools that will be discussed are environmental impact assessment, strategic environmetal assessment and integrated assessment, multi criteria decision aid, life cycle analysis, material flow analysis, environmental management systems, cost-benefit analysis and position analysis. The relation of the tools to different system borders, decision situations and actors will be considered, together with their range of appliation and limitations.
The course is given in form of lectures, seminars and laborations. In addition, a project task is included that will be reported in a seminar and in a written report. The lectures present basic theory, concepts and trends together with a discussion of the concept of a systems perspective and of the different environmental systems analytical tools. The exercises are related to the energy field and/or development projects where one or more tools are applied. The project task provides an opportunity to learn more about one or several environmental systems analytical tools.