ESP 301: ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICE This module focuses on building the capacity of students to be able to identify relevant legislation for environmental control and advice on strategies for compliance. The modules identify the potential sources of air, water and soil pollution associated with major industries, in particular construction, and devise strategies for their control. Further, the module teaches students the fundamental concepts in environmental engineering dealing with water, air, and land pollution, and other areas such as ecology, toxicology, global warming, ozone depletion, environmental regulations, mineral resources, renewable and non renewable energy resources, sustainable energy strategies, and pollution control technologies. Special focus will be placed on sustainability throughout the semester. Assessment Assignment1 10% Assignment 2 10% Mid semester examinations 20% Final examination 60% Total 100% Attendance: Class attendance will be monitored and attendance record has direct bearing on continuous assessment marks. Regular attendance and participation is encouraged as it is very helpful to the student. Numerous studies show a strong correlation between class attendance and student success. If student’s attendance falls below 75%, he/she may be required to retake the module. Module outline 1. Environmental Problems, Their Causes and Sustainability Sustainability Population Growth, Economic Growth, Economic Development Environmental Problems: Causes and Connections 2. Science, Matter and Energy Science, Technology, and Environmental Science Models and Behavior Systems Matter and Energy Change Laws and Sustainability Matter cycling in Ecosystems (Biogeochemical Cycles) - The Water Cycle - The Carbon Cycle - The Nitrogen Cycle - The Phosphorus Cycle - The Sulfur Cycle 3. Climate and Biodiversity Climate and Factors Affecting It Climate and Life on Land Aquatic Environments Freshwater Life Zones (Lakes, Streams, Freshwater Wetlands) 4. Air Pollution Structure and Science of the Atmosphere Outdoor Air Pollution Photochemical and Industrial Smog Indoor Air Pollution Harmful Effects of Air Pollution Preventing and Reducing Air Pollution Air Pollution Control Technologies 5. Climate Change and Ozone Loss Past Climate Change and the Natural Greenhouse Effect Climate Change and Human Activities Factors Affecting the Earth’s Temperature Dealing with the Threat of Global Warming Ozone Depletion in the Stratosphere Protecting the Ozone Layer 5. Hydraulics of Water and Wastewater Transport Systems Pressure-Velocity-Head Relationships Flow in Pipes under Pressure Gravity Flow in Circular Pipes Storm Water Runoff Calculations 6. Water Resources and Water Pollution Importance and Unique Properties of Water Supply, Renewal, and Use of Water Resources Problems Relating to Water Resources and Possible Solutions Pollution of Streams, Lakes, and Groundwater Marine Pollution Solutions to Water Pollution Problems 7.Solid and Hazardous Waste Solid Waste in Botswana Reuse Recycling Incinerating and Land Filling Solid Wastes Hazardous Waste Management Toxic Metals Achieving Low-Waste Society 6. The Environmental Impact Assessment Process Registration Screening Scoping Compiling the terms of reference Organizing the EIA study Undertaking the full EIA study Environmental impact statement EIA review Environmental management and monitoring Environmental auditing Decision-making Reference material David Cahen and David S. Ginley (2011) Fundamentals of Materials for Energy and Environmental Sustainability- Cambridge University press Bert J. M. de Vries (2012) Sustainability Science-Cambridge university press L. Hens; D. Pimentel -Environment, Development and Sustainability-A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development-Oxford University press Gordon Wilson, Pamela Furniss, and Richard Kimbowa – Environment, Development and Sustainability -Perspectives and cases from around the world-Oxford University Press
