Course content

The course is given every second year. The course will focus on selected topics in relation to a sustainable built environment. The curriculum will be adapted to the individual students. Important topics are: Extent and values of infrastructure (buildings, structures, plants and networks for communication and transport, water and wastewater treatment, production and distribution of energy); relations between infrastructure and sustainable development; regulations and standards; indicators of sustainability; consequences of climate change; vulnerability and safety of infrastructure; materials and technology for construction and management; service life and life cycle assessments (LCA, LCC, MFA, environmental assessment).

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The course will give an overview and understanding of values and societal importance of the built environment, and the influence on a sustainable development. Skills: Conduct a simple environmental impact assessment. General competence: The course will give knowledge on how to use environmental impact assessments as a tool for design, construction and management of a sustainable built environment.

Learning methods and activities

Colloquia, self studies, preparation of an individual project report. The topic of the report will be related to the research areas covered by the course, and it may be related to the actual PhD project of each student. To pass the course a score of at least 70 percent is required.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

MSc degree within research areas related to Civil and Environmental Engineering or Industrial Ecology.

Required previous knowledge

The course will be run if at least 3 students with relevant background wish to attend. If you wish to attend, please contact the course coordinator. Students not admitted to the PhD programme in engineering may be approved by the course coordinator.

Course materials

Textbooks, reports, papers, etc. to be announced at the start of the course.