Course syllabus

Miljöledning och hållbarhetsredovisning
Environmental Management Systems

FMIN15, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2021/22
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering, LTH
Decided by: PLED W
Date of Decision: 2021-02-15

General Information

Elective for: I5, W4-ms
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The general aim is that the students should acquire deeper knowledge about environmental management systems (EMS) and get practice in introducing environmental management systems. They should be stimulated to reflect and discuss on the possibilities and limitations of environmental management systems, and other methods for promotion of sustainability in companies. They should also train their critical thinking and writing abilities.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Demonstrate deeper knowledge about environmental management systems standards such as ISO 14001, and how they are interpreted.
• Be able to describe and discuss prerequisites of and forms for the implementation of ISO 14001 in companies and organisations.
• Be able to describe and discuss how sustainability aspects can be handled in companies and organisations.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Show ability to independently structure and document an environmental management system for an organizatiion or a company.
• Show ability to participate in the introduction, operation and internal audit of ISO 14001.
• Be able to critically evaluate methods and possibilities within environmental management systems from a systems perspective.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to critically evaluate the possibilities and limitations of environmental management systems and sustainability reports as tools for sustainable development.

Contents

The lectures deal with the history of environmental management systems, environmental management systems as foundation for environmental policy, and the contents of the Standard EN ISO 14001. The introduction of environmental management systems is discussed during class. Implementation of sustainability reports and environmental management systems is addressed with examples from companies and organisations.

Seminars and workshops are aimed at a critical analysis of environmental management systems and sustainability reports.

Instruction consists of lectures, seminars, exercises and study visits. The project is carried out throughout the course and presented orally.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U,3,4,5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: Continuous assessment is made during presentations and discussions, written assignments and active participation in seminars. The written project is also presented and discussed at a seminar. The final grade is based on the project and the written exam, which account for 50% each. Participation in seminars, exercises, role play and study visits is mandatory.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• Minimum 6 ECTS environment/sustainable development (single course or several courses combined)

Assumed prior knowledge: Minimum 130 credits within the program.
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: FMI110

Reading list

• The reading list is established each year. Due to the rapid development within the field the list, valid this year, can be subject to changes.
• Brorson T. & Almgren R.: ISO 14001 för små och medelstora företag. SIS Förlag, 2019. Latest edition. Available as e-book.
• Standarden 14001:2015. The standard ISO 14001:2015.
• Articles and reports.
• Almgren R, Brorson T: Miljörevision, handbok för miljörevisorer och andra som är intresserade av miljöledning och miljörevision. Green business, 2019. Reference.

Contact and other information

Course administrator: Astrid Byrman, astrid.byrman@miljo.lth.se
Course coordinator: Per Svenningsson, per.svenningsson@miljo.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.miljo.lth.se