ECO 405 - SL: Sustainable Energy Economics & Policy

This course examines tradeoffs associated with the technical, economic, environmental, and social implications of energy supply, distribution, and use in the context of transitioning toward a sustainable energy future. Students examine a variety of renewable and non-renewable energy options for electricity, heating and transportation. Students assess quantitative and qualitative indicators of sustainability related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change, air and water quality, human health and safety, energy security, wildlife and the environment, technological efficiency and availability. They examine the effect of policies (e.g., carbon prices, emissions targets, efficiency requirements, renewable portfolio standards, feed-in tariffs) on these indicators and tradeoffs. The course provides brief introductions to environmental life cycle assessment (LCA), social benefit cost analysis (SBCA) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), as they apply to energy issues. Students apply course concepts to a service-learning project in which they work with people from surrounding communities on local sustainable energy solutions. Field trips may be required. Students may not receive credit for both ECO 405 and ECO 505.

General Education Requirements: Population and Environment and Quantitative Literacy

Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in ECO 120 and a grade of C- or better in MAT 116 or MAT 126

Course Typically Offered: Variable

Credits: 3