ENV441E - Sustainability Measurement

Leader: Wendy Stubbs

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (Evening)

Synopsis

As the sustainability agenda deepens, the public and private sectors face growing demands for accountability. This unit extends upon ENV437E/537E and provides students with an overview of sustainability from an applied perspective, with a particular focus on effective measurement. Students examine i) how environmental and social performance interact with financial processes and measurement ii) steps, principles, tools and methodologies and their practical application when accounting for sustainability and its three capital stocks. This includes the how, what, when, where and why of measuring, monitoring, evaluating and reporting relevant sustainability related information.

Objectives

Upon completing this Unit students will be able to demonstrate:

1. an understanding why effective measurement is critical in driving the sustainability agenda and support business cases,
2. develop measurement strategies and indicators,
3. select the most appropriate measurement tools for a given situation, and
4. critical insight into how leading organisations are measuring sustainability.

Assessment

Essay or (mock) report to senior management (3000 words): 45%
A case study (2000 words): 45%
A class presentation: 10%

Contact hours

One x 2 hour lecture per week