Large Technical Systems and the Environment

Aim

In this course, the student will develop knowledge of modern environmental engineering. Emphasis is on new and established proactive solutions of environmental problems related to large technical systems. After the course, the student will be able to;

• explain how large technical systems influence the environment and discuss technical, economic and political implications in re-developing such systems.
• outline common mitigating measures used to minimise pollution of air and water and describe the role of such end-of-pipe technologies in modern environmental engineering.
• describe and, on a general level, reflect upon how different proactive strategies such as dematerialization and life cycle approaches can contribute in limiting environmental impacts of the society’s use of materials and energy.
• discuss and analyse environmental problems and strategies together with other peer students and present and argue for his/her conclusions in writing.

Content

The course covers different themes such as the emergence of environmental problems, environmental history, technical, organisational and environmental aspects of large technical systems with special emphasis on energy, transport, water and waste management systems, traditional end-of-pipe technologies, system thinking and life cycle approaches in solving environmental problems.