Resource Efficiency (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

The students master the basic knowledge of the circular economy and resource efficiency as the efficient use of natural resources and the efficient re-use of waste and by-products. In addition, the students are familiar with the ways of enhancing material recovery processes, increasing the energy use of organic waste and preventing the waste ending up to disposal. The students are familiar with life cycle analysis method principles, environmental assessment and certification of buildings and LEAN thinking.

Content

Introduction to resource efficiency and circular economy.
Efficient use of natural resources.
Re-use of waste and by-products.
Prevention of waste generation.
Enhancing of the recovery processes.
Management tools of material and energy efficiency.

Materials

Luentomateriaali
Etenemissuunnitelma kohti resurssitehokasta Eurooppaa. 2011. Euroopan komissio.
Kiertotalous energia-alalla. 2018. Loppuraportti, Deloitte. Energiateollisuus ry.
Kiertotalous ja sen esteet energia-alalla. 2019. Raportti Energiateollisuus ry:lle. Pöyry.
Energian hyödyntäminen kiertotaloudessa. 2017. Euroopan komissio.
Arvoa ainekierroista – teollisten symbioosien globaali markkinakatsaus. 2013. Sitra.

Teaching methods

Lectures, assignments, independent working. In addition to lectures, contact teaching includes 1-2 company visits. Studies include two group assignments, independent information search and voluntary homework assignments. The course utilizes web learning environment.

Employer connections

The course includes visitor lecturers and presentations and results from current resource efficiency related research and development projects.

International connections

The studies include covering the background and the drivers of resource efficiency from the global perspective, steering in European perspective and development examples from the aspect of companies operating in international markets.

Student workload

Contact lessons 35 h; independent working (information search, material reading, assignments, homework) 100 h.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Adequate (1): The student knows the basics of the resource efficiency. He (she) is familiar with the basic terminology of the area.

Satisfactory (2): The student knows the basics of the resource efficiency. He (she) knows the basic terminology of the area. The student can solve basic problems concerning the development of the resource efficiency.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3): The student knows the basics of the resource efficiency. He (she) understands the connection between theory and practice. The student can apply his (her) knowledge to different types issues concerning resource efficiency.

Very good (4): The student masters the basic knowledge of resource efficiency. He (she) understands the connection between theory and practice. The student can independently apply his (her) knowledge to different types to different types of issues concerning resource efficiency.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): The student masters the essential knowledge of resource efficiency. He (she) has a good overall picture of the issue and understands the connection between theory and practice. The student can creatively and independently apply his (her) knowledge to different types of issues concerning resource efficiency.

Qualifications

Course Chemistry and Environmental Technology passed.

Further information

The course is evaluated by assignments and exam.