This module will provide an understanding of the ways in which environmental impacts can be monitored and measured, together with a study of environmental audit procedures and processes. It will include an introduction to the methodologies that are used for evaluating and assessing environmental and societal impact, and an overview of life cycle analysis, environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment (including their use in determining environmental impact). In addition, it will provide an introduction to corporate environmental / ethical / sustainability reporting and auditing

1. Explain and discuss the role of an environmental review as a means of systematically identifying the significant environmental issues and the relevant environmental legislation that relates to a company [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Communication]
2. Devise and argue for the inclusion of appropriate environmental objectives and targets based on environmental aspects and impacts [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Problem Solving, Communication, Application]
3. Outline the means to develop a timetable for action required to achieve the required environmental objectives and targets [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Problem Solving, Reflection]
4. Describe the function of an environmental audit and explain how to participate in the design and implementation of an EMS audit [S/U Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Communication]
5. Explain and critically discuss the role of life cycle analysis (LCA) in evaluating environmental burden, and outline the principles and practices of LCA [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Problem Solving, Communication, Application, Reflection]
6. Explain and critically discuss the roles of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and describe the circumstances in which an EIA/SEA is applicable
7. Explain the arguments justifying how ethical and societal [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Communication, Reflection] considerations can influence a businesses' environmental profile
8. Describe the structure of a typical corporate environmental report, including one that is in line with the EMAS specification [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Communication, Application, Reflection]
9. Explain and clearly articulate how reporting for sustainability differs from environmental reporting [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Analysis, Communication, Reflection]
10. Discuss the current thinking and developments relating to the emerging technique of corporate sustainability reporting [S/U Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Communication, Reflection]
11. Develop high-level skills covering the retrieval, accumulation, interpretation, collation and reporting of web-based and paper-based environmental information and data - together with extensive development of team-working, reflective learning and task/project management skills [S/U Enquiry, Analysis, Problem Solving, Communication, Application, Reflection]

Distributed learning using the Blackboard virtual learning environment
A 2/3-day workshop (based at the University) prior to undertaking the module
You will attend a workshop at which you will be introduced to the module content and themes, and learning resources. Over subsequent weeks, you will work through course material that provides a structure for reading key texts and papers, and specifying tasks that must be completed. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your designated learning group.

Course textbooks and learning materials - as supplied
Suitable computer that is able to access the WWW, the University server and Blackboard
Library facilities as necessary

Corporate Environmental Management 1. Systems and Strategies. 2nd Edition
Ed. Richard Welford Earthscan. 1998

Business and the Environment
Ed. Richard Welford and Richard Starkey. Earthscan. 1996

Clean and Competitive
Rupert Howes, Jim Skea and Bob Whelan. Earthscan. 1997

Hijacking Environmentalism - Corporate Responses to Sustainable Development
Richard Welford. Earthscan. 1997

Croner's Environmental Management - Policy and Procedures
Croner Publications Ltd.

A ASSIGNMENT weighted at 30%.
A ASSIGNMENT - SECOND ASSIGNMENT weighted at 30%.
A ASSIGNMENT - THIRD ASSIGNMENT weighted at 40%.
@

2x written assignments @ 30% each (~1500 words each)
[Outcomes 1-4,11]
[Outcomes 7-11]

1 written assignment @ 40% (~2500 words)
[Outcomes 1 - 11]

Pass criteria
Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of the subject matter, evidence of reading beyond the VLE study guide together with good use of relevant examples. Tasks competently completed.
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7

Merit criteria
A very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality, evidencing well-focussed observations and the addressing of all of the obvious key questions. Evidence of sound reading and a thorough critical analysis of the available literature
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7

Distinction criteria
Originality and creativity in response. Accurate and thorough understanding of the subject matter, evidence of wide reading beyond the VLE study guide, excellent use of relevant examples. Tasks thoroughly and comprehensively completed.
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7