| Course title | Environmental Innovations and Sustainable Development |
| Course code | VidEB020 |
| Credit points (ECTS) | 3 |
| Total Hours in Course | 81 |
| Number of hours for lectures | 20 |
| Number of hours for seminars and practical classes | 12 |
| Number of hours for laboratory classes | 0 |
| Independent study hours | 49 |
| Date of course confirmation | 17/10/2024 |
| Responsible Unit | Instutute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering |
| Course developers | |
| Ph.D., asoc.prof.(tenūra) Rūta Ozola-Davidāne |
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| There is no prerequisite knowledge required for this course | |
| Course abstract | |
| This course offers an insight into environmental innovation and sustainable development. Students will learn basic knowledge about solving environmental problems, innovative approaches in the use of resources, as well as sustainable development strategies adapted to different sectors. | |
| Learning outcomes and their assessment | |
| After completing the course, students:
1.Will understand the basic principles of sustainable development and the importance of innovation in it. 2.Will be able to analyze and develop environmental innovation solutions that will help achieve sustainability goals. 3.Will develop the skills needed to implement innovations in various sectors, such as agriculture, energy and transport. |
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| Course Content(Calendar) | |
| In full-time studies:
1. Introduction to environmental innovations (L4) 2. History and theory of sustainable development (L6) 3. Environmental innovations in various sectors (L6) 4. Innovative solutions in resource use and management (L4) 5. Analysis and discussions of real cases (S12) L- lectures; P- practical works; S-seminars. In part-time studies: all topics indicated in full-time studies are implemented, but the number of contact hours is ½ of the indicated hours. |
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| Requirements for awarding credit points | |
| •Active participation in lectures and seminars (30%).
•Independent work and its presentation (40%). •Final exam (30%) |
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| Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work | |
| Students will have to do individual and group work, which includes analytical tasks and the development of a seminar paper. Independent work will include:
•Analysis of theoretical materials – students will have to study and analyze the proposed literature on environmental innovation theories and practices. •Independent work development – students will have to create solutions to real environmental problems using innovative approaches and technologies. •Discussions and presentations – students will be invited to participate in group discussions and publicly present the independently developed independent work. |
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| Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes | |
| •Active participation in lectures and practical works – 30%
•Development and presentation of independent work – 40% •Final test (exam) – 30% |
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| Compulsory reading | |
| •Bossink, B. (2012). Eco-Innovation and Sustainability Management. Routledge.
•Ciza Thomas. (2016). Complex Systems, Sustainability and Innovation. IntechOpen. •Kļaviņa, M., Zaļoksnis, J. (red.) (2011). Vide un ilgtspējīga attīstība. Latvijas Universitāte. •Kļaviņa, M., Zaļoksnis, J. (red.) (2016). Klimats un ilgtspējīga attīstība. LU Akadēmiskais apgāds. •Marcus, A. A. (2015). Innovations in Sustainability. Cambridge University Press. •Martini, M., Hölsgens, R., & Popper, R. (Eds.). (2020). Governance and Management of Sustainable Innovation: Learning from Experience to Shape the Future. Springer Nature. •Ratten, V., Ramirez-Pasillas, M., & Lundberg, H. (2019). Managing Sustainable Innovation. Routledge. |
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| Further reading | |
| •Freeman, R. E. et al. (2010). Stakeholder Theory: The State of the Art. Cambridge University Press.
•Horbach, J., & Reif, C. (Eds.). (2018). New Developments in Eco-Innovation Research. Springer International Publishing. •Karnani, A. (2011). Fighting Poverty Together: Rethinking Strategies for Business, Governments, and Civil Society to Reduce Poverty. Palgrave Macmillan. •Lessmann, O., & Rauschmayer, F. (2013). The Capability Approach and Sustainability. Routledge. •Nussbaum, M. (2011). Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach. Harvard University Press. •Owen, R., Bessant, J., & Heintz, M. (2013). Responsible Innovation. Wiley-Blackwell. •Sarasvathy, D. (2009). Effectuation: Elements of Entrepreneurial Expertise. Edward Elgar Publishing. |
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| Periodicals and other sources | |
| •Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions Journal.
•International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development. ISSN: 1740-8830. International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development. •Learning materials (Crea-RE project). Learning Materials - Crea-RE Project. •Sustainability. ISSN: 2071-1050. Sustainability Journal. |
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| Notes | |
| Bachelor's study programme, optional study course | |