MJ2516 Sustainability perspectives for assessing and designing research, projects and policies 3.0 credits

Based on the latest science in the area, central sustainability concepts and tools  are presented, for examining how energy research, projects and policy can influence (positively or negatively) the fulfilment of each of the 169 targets in the UN's 17 goals for sustainable development.

The course focuses on the latest science to assess the relationships between research, project and policy and a broader sustainable development.
The students will in the course learn to use tools to evaluate the sustainability consequences of a specific energy project. 

The course consists of lectures and practical exercises.

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

1. Give an account of different interpretations of sustainability and sustainable development in relation to the most important international agreements in the area
2. Give an account of relevant challenges for sustainable development in relation to specific research domains
3. Critically reflecting, give an account of how the student's own research field relates to Agenda 2030 and the United Nations' (UN's) global goals for sustainable development
4. Survey, explain and evaluate how an energy project relates to sustainability paradigms and contextualise this in terms of synergies and balances with the sustainability goals

In today´s hyperconnected world, any research activity, project or policy may have multi-faceted negative and/or positive impacts on the society, the economy and the environment. Knowledge and management of those impacts is crucial when striving for sustainable development.

Based on the latest science in the field, it will introduce key sustainability concepts, and provide tools to investigate how energy research, projects and policies may affect (positively or negatively) the achievement of each of the 169 Targets of the 17 UN´s Sustainable Development Goals.

The course focuses on the latest science to assess interlinkages between research, projects and policies and broader Sustainable Development – and will play a crucial role in adding considerations around sustainable development and equality in energy-related MSc programmes at KTH. The course will be composed of a mix of lectures and hands-on exercises.

One of the course output will be giving MSc students the tools to evaluate the sustainability implications a specific energy project.

The course is given in English.

The following activities will compose the course

-      Lecture 1

-      Lecture 2

-      Tutorial 1

-      Tutorial 2

-      Seminar

-      Final project presentation (PROA)

The examination will be given as outcome of the project:

·       PROA – Project and presentation, 3.0 credits. Grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

 English B/6 or equivalent; Degree of Bachelor or equivalent in Energy engineering

BSc or equivalent in an energy- or sustainability- related subject

All course content, information, instructions for assignments etc. will be published on the internal course web (i.e. in Canvas.) All registered students (and teachers) can login with the kth.se account. We use Canvas to distribute all course material and for sharing information.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• PROA - Project and presentation, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Francesco Fuso-Nerini

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.

After the completion of this course, the course participants will be able to:

 ILO1: Explain different interpretations of Sustainable Development (and sustainability) and the key international agreements in the field

ILO2: Explain relevant sustainable development challenges in relation to the energy sector

ILO3: Critically reflect on how energy projects can relate to the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals

ILO4: Map, explain and evaluate how an energy project relate to sustainability paradigms and contextualise it within its synergies and trade-offs with the Sustainable Development Goals