Environmental impacts and sustainability
Explore environmental impacts and sustainability through a combination of theoretical analyses and real-world case studies. The learning objectives of the Curricular Unit are achieved through expositive and active / participative teaching methodologies. The use of the expository method aims to introduce the concepts and the necessary tools so that the students acquire in a consistent and structured way the theoretical foundations. The use of active and participative methodologies adopts the format of conducting case studies under the two major areas of the UC, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability, individual and group, followed by discussion of issues that allow students to explore and assimilate the relevant content of the subject matter. Students are encouraged and supported in the search of information from relevant companies, project offices, public institutions, and other considered good examples in order to enable them to consolidate the subject and the learning process. Outside the contact hours, and under tutorial guidance, the practical works in group to be carried out with a focus on the case studies addressed provide the full demonstration of the coherence of the contents taught with the learning objectives of the Curricular Unit, allowing the assessment of the acquired knowledge, and promoting skills of autonomy and critical thinking. At the end of the course students will: know the scope of the preparation of Environmental Impact Studies (EIS) as tools for sustainability in pursuing projects. understand the methodology of elaboration of EIS and analyze the descriptors of the environmental impacts addressed. be able to nterpret the phases of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), its procedures and instruments in the Portuguese System. know the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) methodologies and to assess the importance of its relationship with the EIA as a fundamental contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) know the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs. know the challenges of the transition from the linear economy model to the circular economy model. know the tools of corporate sustainability and its relation to EIA. be able to apply business sustainability tools while enhancing companies’ competitive capacity including the adoption of ethical and socially responsible standards aligned with the SDGs. Environmental impacts and sustainability Environmental characterisation: climate; geology, geomorphology and mineral resources; surface and groundwater resources; air quality; noise; fauna, flora, vegetation, habitats and biodiversity; soil and land use; spatial planning; socioeconomics; cultural heritage; landscape. Identification and evaluation of environmental impacts related to the different environmental factors. Minimisation and mitigation measures. Environmental assessment as a preventive instrument of environmental policy and sustainable development. Legal and institutional framework of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Project typologies and case studies. Sustainability: 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Circular and sustainable economy. Business sustainability: concepts and tools. Ethics, sustainability and social responsibility. Assessment Students are progressively monitored throughout the semester, with the option of a final exam. The components are: two individual written tests two group assignments. Each group assignment consists of a written report (75%) and an oral presentation (25%).