SDEM71-125: Energy, Waste and the Environment

Waste management, energy provision and the transition to new forms of energy present significant, high-profile global societal challenges. Addressing these challenges requires initiatives at various levels - national, state, regional and local. The field of energy and waste management offers substantial and diverse opportunities for environmental consultants. This subject highlights the pivotal role environmental consultants play in the transition to developing and implementing a cleaner energy future.  It examines case studies of cleaner energy projects which cover biomass energy, solar and offshore wind generation. Waste management operations span a wide spectrum of government and private sectors involved in municipal, solid, commercial, industrial, and construction waste management. Individuals also contribute through personal actions.  Professionals specialising in waste management apply solutions to a range of predictable and unpredictable problems, offering leadership and guidance. The preparation of waste management plans, highly sought after by both government and private sectors, directly aligns with the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, this subject emphasises the impact and mitigation of marine debris. Throughout the subject, the concept of cleaner production (eco-efficiency) is an underlying theme, and a site visit will enrich students' practical learning experiences.