Course Details

Course Information Package

Course Unit TitleENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:LEGISLATION AND STANDARDS
Course Unit CodeMES533
Course Unit DetailsMSc Energy Systems and the Built Environment (Electives Courses) -
Number of ECTS credits allocated7
Learning Outcomes of the course unitBy the end of the course, the students should be able to:
  1. Understand the basic concepts, methodological approaches, and technological components of an Environmental Impact Assessment.
  2. Identify all applicable European Norms, National Codes and Standards concerning the environment and energy systems.
  3. Exhibit knowledge and understanding of the way that an EIA is conducted within the framework of the energy sector in Cyprus and in the EU.
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-face
PrerequisitesNONECo-requisitesNONE
Recommended optional program componentsNONE
Course Contents

Module A - Basic Concepts

    Basic concept of EIA : Initial environmental Examination

    Elements of EIA

    Factors affecting EIA Impact evaluation and analysis

     Preparation of Environmental Base map

    Classification of environmental parameters.

Module B - EIA Methodological Approaches

    EIA Methodologies: introduction

    Criteria for the selection of EIA Methodology

    EIA Methods

o   predictive methods

o   environmental risk assessment

o   economic methods

Module C - Technical Components of Environmental Impact Assessment

   Basic concepts pertaining to an EIA for

o   Surface & Ground Water and the Marine environment

o   Air

o   Soils

o   Fauna and Flora

   Impact prediction

   Assessment of Impact significance

   Identification and Incorporation of mitigation measures

Module D - Procedures and Law

    Environmental Impact Assessment Process in the European / Cyprus Context

    Roles and Responsibilities of Groups Involved in the EIA System

    Laws and Regulatory Frameworks for Environmental Impact Assessment

o   European Union Directives

o   National Laws and Standards

Module E - Synthesis and Case Applications

o Case studies

o Preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment for activities in the energy sector

Recommended and/or required reading:
Textbooks
  • J. Glasson, R. Therivel, and A. Chadwick. Introduction To Environmental Impact Assessment. Routledge; 3rd edition, 2005
  • M. Lee. EU Environmental Law: Challenges, Change and Decision-Making. Hart Publishing, 2005
  • Renewable Energy Policy and Politics: A Handbook for Decision-Making Karl Mallon (Ed), Earthscan Publications 2006
References
  • Leonard Ortolano. Environmental Regulation and Impact Assessment. New York: John Wiley, 1997
  • Environmental Impact Assessment, Larry W. Canter, McGraw-Hill Pub., 1995
  • European Commission Environment: Environmental Impact Assessment. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/home.htm
  • European Commission Environment: Energy and environment. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/energy/index_en.htm
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Assessment methods and criteria
Homework Assignments15%
Readings25%
Final Exam60%
Language of instructionEnglish
Work placement(s)NO

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