Aim
The general aim of the course is that students should acquire knowledge about environmental management in companies and in society as a whole. The course should provide a basis for critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of environmental tools and policy instruments. Students should also be trained in critical thinking, in identifying and defining a problem and in written and oral communication.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to describe environmental management in companies and in society, including environmental tools, their possibilities and limitations

• be able to describe basic environmental economic concepts and policy instruments

• be able to discuss basic environmental legislation concepts put into practice

• be able to discuss the connections between global environmental problems and Sweden´s environmental objectives as well as environmental work in practice.

• be able to discuss different aspects of sustainable development

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to analyse critically environmental tools, their strengths and weaknesses

• be able to identify and define a problem, following up with analysis at a relatively advances level

• be able to write a well-structured paper with proper references in the text and to defend it during a seminar

• be able to search independently for relevant literature and be able to critically assess sources

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to critically assess sustainability reports.

Contents
Basic concepts and principles of environmental issues are highlighted. The course should also give knowledge about economic and administrative policy instruments, as well as the advantages and drawbacks of different environmental tools, e.g. environmental legislation, life cycle assessment, environmental impact assessment, environmental management systems, environmental labelling and emission trading. The concept of sustainability and sustainability reporting.

Among the course requirements are an assignment in environmental legislation showing an understanding of the legal process of an environmental case, a discussion seminar on literature dealing with various aspects of sustainable development. A project involves a critical examination and analysis of an “environmental tool”, both politically decided policy instruments and methods and tools used in the economy.

Literature
Ammenberg, J.: Miljömanagement. Studentlitteratur, Lund 2004.
Pihl, H.: Miljöekonomi för en hållbar utveckling, latest edition, SNS förlag, Stockholm.
De Facto, current issue. Naturvårdsverket.
Tillståndsprövning och anmälan avseende miljöfarlig verksamhet. Naturvårdsverket handbok 2003:5.
The reading list is established each year.