Cost-Benefit Analysis for Sustainability
This course provides an in-depth exploration of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) principles and methodologies with a focus on environmental sustainability. Cost-benefit analysis is an important and widely used method for assessing whether regulatory policies and other market interventions provide net benefits to society. Many of these interventions also have direct implications for profitability of products sold in traditional markets (e.g., energy markets, housing markets, and industrial products that are heavily dependent on environmental resources). In this course, students will develop a fundamental understanding of the history and purpose of cost benefit analysis, its theoretical grounding in neoclassical economics, and its important basis for rational government spending.
Topics
- Explain the principles, methodologies, and theoretical foundations of cost-benefit analysis, including the distinction between financial analysis and cost-benefit analysis.
- Acquire the skills necessary to conduct systematic evaluations of the costs and benefits associated with environmental policies, projects, and interventions by governments, firms or NGOs.
- Demonstrate proficiency in applying CBA techniques to real-world environmental challenges, including the identification, valuation, and comparison of costs and benefits.
- Assess the potential returns to investment in environmental and sustainability sectors that are subject to regulations documented in cost-benefit analyses.
Official roster learning outcomes
Prerequisites & course information
background equivalent to: AEM 2600 or ECON 3030.
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027