EV5015 - Sustainability in Practice

This subject explores the efficacy of sustainability and sustainable development by considering a variety of contemporary social processes operating within civil society. The subject begins by considering the theory and practice of sustainability assessment (SA), including typical 'triple-bottom-line' accounting. Sustainability within modern industry and business is considered along with the role of non-profit and non-government organisations. The theory and practice of a variety of approaches that support sustainability are examined including market-based approaches, technocratic approaches and community approaches. Students will have the opportunity to consider other practical initiatives that support sustainability including: participatory forms of decision-making; capacity building; fair trade, corporate social responsibility; and, environmental management systems. Assessment in the subject provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent sustainability research project.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate advanced, integrated knowledge and understanding of sustainability combined with specialised disciplinary (e.g. science, business, social science) depth;
• critically analyse and evaluate sustainability theory, models, concepts and techniques;
• apply analytic tools to define, evaluate and describe sustainability problems and solutions from within chosen discipline/s (e.g. science, business, social science);
• communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing;
• devise, plan and conduct a sustainability research project incorporating appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative research methods from within chosen discipline/s.

Subject Assessment

• presentation (10%)
• research project report (40%)
• literature review (25%)
• research project proposal (10%)
• practical & tutorial exercises (15%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.