The module introduces the student to current environmental policy and leglisation, principles of water quality control, the planning process, waste water treatment and energy use in Ireland. Environmental management systems in particular the prevention of air pollution, waste management and health and safety in the workplace will be examined with discussion of national and global environmental and sustainability issues.
Sustainable management in business
The value of greening your business, management systems from reative to proactive, life cycle product assesment in horticulture and using environmental indicators to reduce environmental impacts on biodiversity and habitats.
Air Pollution
The composition of the atmosphere. Types of pollutants: suspended pollutants, gaseous pollutants including Ozone, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, and liquid pollutants. The nature and effects of greenhouse gases, and their suspected role in climate change. Sources of air pollution, both indoor and outdoor. Effect of the atmospheric conditions on dispersion or concentration of pollutants. The impact of air pollutants on human health and other living organisms. The role of urban plants in ameliorating air pollution.
Soil and Water Pollution
Soil composition, soil properties, sources of organic and inorganic soil pollutants. Remediation of polluted soils. Characteristics of surface and groundwater. Sources and types of water pollutants. Oxygen and nutrients and their impact on water environment. River basin management plans
Waste Management
The collection, transport, processing, recycling or disposal of waste materials such as solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive substances. Explanation of the concepts of Waste Hierarchy; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Details of the different methods of disposal including landfill and incineration and methods of recycling, including composting of green waste. The collection, transport, processing, recycling or disposal of waste materials such as solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive substances. Explanation of the concepts of Waste Hierarchy; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Details of the different methods of disposal including landfill and incineration and methods of recycling, including composting of green waste.
Environmental agencies
Agencies in Ireland, at national and local level, with responsibility for monitoring pollution and enforcing laws effecting the environment. European Union and international laws and agencies on Pollution and other forms of environmental degradation. International treaties on pollution.
Environmental Law and Planning
Legislation and planning regulation, applications, validation, obervations/objections, conditions and appeals. The role of An Bord Pleanala, county/regional development plans and using landscape character assessment. The EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, its implementation and preparing environmental impact statements.
A blended learning approach which will include lectures, lab contact classes, in class activities.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |