Course Syllabus

Course Description

This engineering course explores the development of tools and technologies to protect and restore environmental systems sustainably, using contemporary Scandinavian/Nordic case studies. We assess local environmental impacts of human activities relating to water consumption, waste production, transportation, energy, air quality, heat, and urban ecosystems, applying methods, techniques and modelling to describe, quantify, and solve environmental problems through collaborative engineering solutions. The course is analytical and experiential, with course-integrated travel throughout the Nordic region, and hands-on projects with real-world applications.

This course covers the following modules:

Module 1: Sustainable development and sustainable engineering

•  Introduction to sustainability and SDGs
•  Sustainable Engineering: Concepts, Principles, and Frameworks

Module 2: Sustainable water management

• Water resources, demands, distribution and use
• Wastewater: Collection, Treatment, Resource Recovery

Module 3: Sustainable solid waste management 

• Solid-waste sources, characterization, collection and storage
• Design a future without waste 

Module 4: Corporate sustainability

• Corporate sustainability

Module 5: Climate change and global warming

• Greenhouse Gases and climate change
• Climate change impacts, adaptation and mitigation measures 

Module 6:  Renewable energy

• Renewable energy

 Module 7: Air pollution

• Characteristics, sources and concentrations of air pollutants
• Emissions assessment and control

 Module 8: Sustainability Assessment 

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Module 9: Designing sustainable solutions for real-world problems

• Project-based work: application of engineering principles to help address a grand challenge in environmental engineering.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

• Understand the role of engineers in sustainability science and in sustainable development
• Evaluate engineering decisions against the guiding principles for sustainability and measure their sustainability level
• Identify and assess challenges and opportunities of sustainable water management and understand issues associated with wastewater treatment solutions.
• Understand and assess specific health, economic, and environmental impacts of air pollutants on the ambient and indoor environments
• Understand issues associated with the design and operation of sustainable solid-waste systems with a focus on recycling, composting, and circular economy
• Understand and explain the causes and impacts of climate change and explore mitigation and adaptation measures
• Understand the role of renewable energy in developing efficient, healthy, and resilient cities
• Explain the aim, phases and central concepts of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method and explore its applications
• Understand how corporate sustainability works and how it can be incorporated into business strategies.

Faculty

Asterios Papageorgiou

PhD in Industrial Ecology, KTH, Sweden, 2025

M.Sc. in Sustainable Technology, KTH, 2018

M.Sc. in Sustainable Waste Management, Leeds University, UK, 2006

Has conducted research and published articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and book chapters on topics such as waste management, circular economy, urban metabolism, life cycle assessment and renewable energy systems (e.g., solar microgrids and biochar systems). Has also taught various post-graduate courses at KTH and supervised student theses. Previously, served as a senior environmental scientist at Klimato, Stockhom (July 2023-May 2026). 

With DIS since 2021

 

Amari Enzi
 
M.Sc. (Environmental System Science with focus in Business Administration, University of Graz, Austria, 2013)
 
M.Sc. (Energy and Environmental Engineering, FH Burgenland, Austria, 2012)
 
Senior sustainability expert and environmental & energy engineer with over 10 years of experience in consulting and shaping the sustainability agenda of multinational companies including in manufacturing, tech, consumer goods, food, and financial sector with extensive knowledge of both environmental and social sustainability within corporate sustainability, communication and corporate affairs.
 
With DIS since 2023 

Readings

Due to its diversity in topics, reading material incorporated several sources of information, scientific publications, and books.  The following are the main textbooks:

Textbook 1:

Ramjeawon, T. (2020) Introduction to Sustainability for Engineers.  CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Florida. 

•      Chapters 1-5

Textbook 2:

Environmental Engineering for the 21st Century: Addressing Grand Challenges, by National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine, National Academy of Engineering, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Water Science and Technology Board, Ocean Studies Board, NAE Office of Programs, Board on Life Sciences, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, Board on Earth Sciences and Resources

• Chapters  1-5

Textbook 3:

Mihelcic, James R. and Julie B. Zimmerman (2021), 3rd edition Environmental Engineering: Fundamentals, Sustainability, Design, Wiley

• Chapter 7
• Chapter 9 
• Chapter 10
• Chapter 11 

Field Studies

You will participate in two course-integrated field studies in Stockholm, to learn about Swedish approaches within environmental engineering. Field studies may include (these are examples):

• A visit to Stockholm Royal Seaport, one of the city's prime examples of sustainable urban development guided by environmental considerations.
• A visit to a wastewater treatment plant
• A visit to a district heating plant
• A visit to Slussenroom, an exhibition about the new Slussen project.

Approach to Teaching

Classes contain a mixture of lecture-based teaching, discussions, critical analysis of readings, group exercises, and group projects. You are expected to engage actively in classroom discussions, oral presentations, and group work. In addition, you will participate in local field studies and extended course-integrated study tours. These visits give the opportunity to learn first-hand from academic and industry leaders, to visit labs, to speak with researchers about their cutting-edge work, and to better understand specific approaches of environmental engineering research necessary to create sustainable environments.

Study Tour

The study tour is an integral part of the course. The classroom is “on the road” and the theory presented in the classroom is applied in the field. Students will travel with classmates and DIS faculty/staff on a study tour to relevant destinations in Oslo, Norway. Students are expected to:

• participate in all activities
• engage in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to achieving the learning objectives
• be respectful to the destination/location, the speakers, DIS staff, and fellow classmates
• represent self, home university and DIS in a positive light

While on a program study tour, DIS will provide hostel/hotel accommodation, transportation to/from the destination(s), approx. 2 meals per day and entrances, guides, and visits relevant to your area of study or the destination. You will receive a more detailed itinerary prior to departure.

Travel policies: You are required to travel with your group to the destination. If you have to deviate from the group travel plans, you need approval from the program director and the study tours office.  

Expectations of the Students

• Laptops may be used for note‐taking, fact‐checking, or assignments in the classroom, but only when indicated by the instructor. At all other times, laptops and electronic devices should be put away during class meetings.
• Readings must be done prior to the class session. A considerable part of the course depends on class discussion and you are expected to have completed careful reading in advance.
• You need to be present and participating to receive full credit. Your final grade will be affected by unexcused absences and a lack of active participation. The participation grade will be reduced by 10 points (over 100) for each unexcused absence. Remember to be in class on time!
• You are expected to participate actively in class and during group work, and ask relevant questions in regards to the material covered.
• Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of other opinions, listening to others and entering a dialogue in a constructive manner.

Evaluation

Participation: 

• Class attendance.
• Level of preparation (reading/viewing material in advance) and ability to answer questions asked in class.
• Involvement in class and group discussions.
• Graded assignments related to lectures.

Exams:

• A home exam is used to evaluate students' knowledge and understanding of the course material.

Study Tour Assignments:

• Brief pre-visit reports with key information relevant to academic visits.
• Guiding questions to be asked during academic visits.
• Group work based on insights and observations from academic visits.

Final Project (group work):

• A written report of a proposal where you utilize engineering principles to propose innovative solutions, technologies or strategies to help address a grand challenge in environmental engineering (refer to reading material) and support sustainable development.
• Presentation of the project at the class.

Grading

Participation	20%
Home exam	35%
Study tours' assignments	10%
Final project	35%
Total	100%