This module will provide an understanding of basic environmental and business practices. It will consider the drivers of environmental improvement and examine the benefits of operating an environmental management system within an organisation. Students will examine the processes of conducting an environmental review, formulating an environmental policy, setting objectives and targets and auditing and reporting on performance. It will also examine environmental quality standards such as ISO 14001 and EMAS.

An EXAM length 1.5 HOUR weighted at 50% A REPORT length 1500-2000 words weighted at 50%.

1 x 1.5 hour exam of short questions and (seen) essays .(LOs 1,2,5)

A report, in the form of an environmental management plan, related to the workplace/placement of 1500-2000 words.(LOs 3,4,5)

Students will be provided with formative assessment within tutorials and throughout the module in terms of reviewing assignment plans, questioning, discussion, group work.

The module will be delivered through a combination of :
1A) Pattern A (2 year accelerated part-time route): 2 days intensive workshops (14 hours) plus 10 week period of follow-up study of distance learning VLE activities (10 hours) plus guided work-based learning and academic enquiry.
OR
1B) Pattern B (3 year part-time mode): An introductory face-to-face workshop of 2 hours followed-up with 10 weekly 2 hour VLE based learning activities that will combine on a flexible basis, online group discussions, and formative exercises. Plus two 1 hour formative tutoring guidance sessions.

2) Directed independent learning (56 hours) through observation in the workplace and guided reading from core texts and internet materials delivered via Blackboard about organisational activities, their impacts and the role of environmental management.35 hours for preparing for and carrying out the exam,35 hours for planning and producing the report..

For BSc (Hons) Environment and Sustainability students, this module will be delivered through a combination of:-

1) 2 days intensive workshops (14 hours) plus 10 week period of follow-up study of distance learning VLE activities (10 hours) plus guided work-based learning and academic enquiry.
2) Directed independent learning:
Through observation, research and guided reading from core texts and internet materials delivered by Blackboard about organisation activities, their impacts and the role of environmental management (56 hours); preparing for and sitting the exam (35 hours); planning and producing the report (35 hours).

Epstein, M.J. et al (2008) Making Sustainability Work: Best Practices in Managing and Measuring Corporate Social, Environmental and Economic Impacts. Greenleaf Publishing
Blackburn, W.R.(2007) The Sustainability Handbook: The Complete Management Guide to achieving Social, Economic and Environmental Responsibility. Earthscan, London.
Barrow, C.J. (2006) Environmental Management for Sustainable Development. Routledge, London
Tinsley, S. Pillai, I.(2008) Environmental Management Systems ¿Understanding organizational drivers and barriers. Earthscan, London.
Crabbe A. Leroy, P.(2008) The Handbook of Environmental Policy Evaluation. Earthscan, London.
Croner's Environmental Management ¿ Policy and Procedures: CD-ROM. Croner Publications Limited.

Teaching room with PC, LCP, Internet access. Access to Learning Resource Centre. Access to suitable workplace for investigation, although the College may be used for this.