LABORATORY - SUS mod A

The course contributes to the achievement of the main objectives of the minor in "Sustainability". This course introduces students to the main tools and methodologies addressing sustainability and circular economy problems. Particular attention will be given to their application to the context of sustainable urban regeneration.

At the end of the course the student will have gained:

• deep awareness of the current state of urban areas worldwide and future challenges;
• the opportunities that hide behind the regeneration of abandoned/underused urban areas;
• a solid understanding of the concept of circular economy and of its application in the urban environment;
• ability to navigate through tools and methodologies developed to approach urban regeneration in a collaborative and sustainability perspective;
• knowledge about existing tools and methodologies to create collaborations and involve stakeholder in sustainability projects;
• ability to select sustainability and circular economy indicators applicable in the context of urban regeneration.

A basic understanding of the principles of sustainable development is required.

Cities have a central role as motors of the global economy. With their high concentration of resources, capital, data and talent, cities are at the heart of creativity, innovation and growth. For these reasons, cities can act as main driver of the much-needed global transition towards a circular economy. This course aims at developing a theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable urban regeneration, with a focus on circular economy. Classes will emphasize the demonstration of sustainability strategies and practices for sustainable urban regeneration, methodologies and tools to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of circular economy and sustainability practices in urban areas and local communities. Students will learn the application of such tools and methodologies through a series of practical exercises during the class hours.

The following readings will be required during the course:

• The circular economy - Developments, Concepts and research in search for corresponding business models, Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen
• Circular economy in cities, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
• Circular Economy in Cities - Evolving the model for a sustainable urban future, World Economic Forum
• The EcoDistrict Protocol, EcoDistrict Organization
• ISO 37101:2016 - Management system for sustainable development in communities, ISO
• AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard (AA1000SES), AccountAbility
• ISO 44001:2017 - Collaborative business relationship management systems
• Huang, Wu, Yan (2015). Defining and measuring urban sustainability: a review of indicators, Landscape Ecology, Vol. 30(7), pp. 1175-1193

Literature will be made available at start of the course.

• Active participation during lessons (10%)
• Execution of the weekly activities on the moodle platform (20%)
• Case study report (30%)
• Final exam - written test with three open questions (40%)

Classroom lectures with active participation of the students, use of audio-visual material, practical exercises and assignments.

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Cities, infrastructure and social capital" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development