ESC-10097 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

Not available to students who have taken ESC-00004 as a Foundation Year module.

Description for 2024/25

Organisations operate in a world where climate change, biodiversity loss and plastics are just three examples of global challenges driving resource efficiency and innovative solutions for sustainable futures. This module explores organisations¿ environmental and social responsibilities, the legislative context, and management models such as carbon foot printing. Students will gain a broad understanding of the policies and practices developing in response, with Keele University as a case study for group work exploring how organisational sustainability challenges can be addressed.

This module aims to develop students¿ critical understanding of sustainability policies and practices for organisations. This includes the national and international policy and legislation context, key approaches including environmental auditing, and employment relevance of sustainability. Students will develop teamwork, analytical, and communication skills relevant to workplace practice through group work on a chosen aspect of sustainability in operations at Keele University.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain and assess the environmental and social sustainability responsibilities of organisations and the environmental and social impacts of different sectors and activities within organisations (e.g. energy, transport, waste): 1,2
Research the environmental and social impacts of an organisation's operations, place them in a sustainability context, and make recommendations for future improvements: 1,2
Professionally communicate the results from research into the environmental and social impacts of an organisation's operations and make recommendations for future improvements: 1,2
Critically reflect on their learning and the links between course material and their own lives: 1,2
Explain how organisations can measure and monitor the environmental and social impacts of their activities and how they can use this to drive improvements in these areas: 1,2
Explain the key national and international environmental legislation organisations must adhere to and how they achieve this: 1,2

Study hours

Active learning hours = 25 hours
9hrs lectures (9x 1hr)
11hrs workshops (9x 1hr; 1x 2hrs)
2hrs group presentations (1x 2hrs)
3hrs self-guided activities (3x 1hr)
Independent study = 125 hours
10hrs per week on average (12x 10hrs)
5hrs group work outside of sessions (5x 1hr

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment