Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:


− Adopt a systemic and holistic vision of the interactions between technology and sustainability.

− Understand technological opportunities to support sustainable development.

− Develop a sustainability-oriented approach to technological development.

− Assess the impacts, risks, and opportunities related to the interdependencies between technology and sustainability.

Goals

The course aims to understand how technologies are both part of the problem and part of the solution to sustainability challenges. It encourages students to apprehend the dual relationship between technology for sustainability and sustainability for technology, and to critically question technological development in light of the principles of sustainable development.

Content

The course analyzes the reciprocal relationship between technology and sustainability from several complementary perspectives. It introduces the basic concepts and systems thinking as a framework for understanding complex socio-technical dynamics. It then highlights the levers of transformation for sustainability, the opportunities offered by technologies (technology for sustainability), and the sustainability requirements that shape technological pathways (sustainability for technology). Low-tech approach is also considered as possible alternative. The course concludes with a synthesis and integrative reflection session.

Table of contents

The course consists of eight sessions that explore the interactions between technology and sustainability:


Session 1: Introduction (2h)

Session 2: Systems Thinking (2h)

Session 3: Practical Workshop (3h)

Session 4: Leveraging Sustainability (2h)

Session 5: Technology for Sustainability (3h)

Session 6: Sustainability for Technology (3h)

Session 7: Low-Tech Approaches (3h – MOOC)

Session 8: Conclusion and Perspectives (2h)

Exercices

Each session includes examples and practical exercises. The learning approach combines conceptual presentations, case studies, and an interactive workshop to enable students to apply and deepen the concepts studied.

Teaching methods

The course combines theoretical inputs and practical activities, delivered both in person and asynchronously online (MOOC). Frameworks and tools are illustrated through concrete examples, case studies, and interactive workshops.

Assessment method

The evaluation is based on two complementary components:


  • Written exam (85%) – The exam combines multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions.


  • Group activity report (15%) – In groups of four, students prepare a written report that synthesizes, documents, and analyzes selected parts of the course. The report should be between 5 and 10 pages. Participation in the practical workshop is an integral part of the evaluation of this report. Further details will be provided during the introductory session.


Mandatory requirement: Students must obtain at least 10/20 in the individual exam to pass the course. If the exam is failed, the group report will not be considered and the final grade will be equal to the exam grade.


Second session: The second session is based exclusively on the written exam.

Sources, references and any support material

The content of the course is based on scientific articles which references will be communicated during each course as well as on the following books:


− Ehrenfeld, J. (2008). Sustainability by design: A subversive strategy for transforming our consumer culture. Yale University Press.

− Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in systems. Chelsea Green Publishing.

− Jackson, T. (2009). Prosperity without growth: Economics for a finite planet. Routledge.

Language of instruction

English