Sustainable Communities and Policy

Graduate

The course advances students’ understanding of the concept of sustainable development (SD) by introducing the history of the concept and different ways of measuring sustainability. The course touches upon the main factors that influence policy decisions and outcomes regarding SD (i.e., the role of power, economic interests, expertise, public opinion, resources, and technological innovation). Focusing on ‘community energy systems’ [CES] as a practical strategy for advancing sustainability. CES necessitates deep public involvement in development processes, as well as a fair and localized distribution of project outcomes. The CES development paradigm will be explored as a strategy for mitigating externalities associated with all energy sources, as well as a means to achieve distributive, procedural, recognition, and other forms of energy justice. PRE OR CO-REQUISITE: Acceptance into the Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation Program or permission of instructor HOURS OF CREDIT: 3