The following learning outcomes are expected from the course:
- Capability to develop a sustainable approach of technology development through the use of adapted methods and tools
- Capability to adopt a systemic and holistic view on the environmental impacts of technology
- Understanding of the possible support technology can offer to sustainable development
- Critical thinking concerning technology development
The course looks at three main objectives
- Apprehending the systemic nature of sustainable development
- Understanding how technologies can be developed integrating sustainable development goals;
- Studying the way technology can help to face sustainable development challenges;
- Critically questioning technological development in the light of sustainable development goals.
The course will analyse the two sides of the issue: how can technologies be more sustainable ? how can they contribute to a more sustainable society? To answer those two questions, we shall examine methods and tools supporting those objectives. We shall also consider the type of reflection that should be used, considering the highly connected and complex dimensions of the sustainabilty challenge.
Introduction: Meet and discuss the goals and ambitions of the course and presentation of the main concepts [1h]
Part 1. System thinking and sustainability [5h]
Part 2. Sustainability and technology [5h]
Part 3. Technology and sustainability [5h]
Part 4. Industrial ecology and transition theory [2h]
External interventions [2h]
The evaluation is based on continuous work during the semester (20%) and a final work - a case study - that will include a written paper and a presentation (80%). The case study will be performed as a group work, for the written part. The written paper will be evaluated on the basis of standard scientific criteria: quality of the writing, bibliography, quality of the argumentation (in relationhsip with the course) and critical distance. The presentation will be individual, through an oral exam that includes a 3-minutes pitch of the main features of the group work and a 10-minutes discussion with the professor, making the links between the work and the course.
John R. Ehrenfeld (2008). "Sustainability by Design." Yale University Press
Donella H. Meadow (2008). "Thinking in Systems." Chelsea Green Publishing
Dennis Meadows, Donella Meadows & Jorgen Randers (2004). "Les limtes à la croissance." L'écopoche (English-speaking version available also)
Rich Jolly (2015). "Systems Thinking for Business." Systems Solutions Press