RE4S006 - Energy and Environmental Policy and Legislation 03 Mar 2020 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: RE4S006
Module Title: Energy and Environmental Policy and Legislation
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Research and Innovation
Faculty Sub Group: Sustainable Environment Research Centre
Module Leader: Sandra Esteves
Module Team: James Reed, Jon Maddy, Stephen Carr, Tim Patterson
First Intended Intake: SEP 2012 Final Year of Intake: 2012
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100175 - energy engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 03 Mar 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

The aim of the module is to enable students to:
1. Identify energy and environmental related policy and legislation presently in force and for future implementation
2. Critically analyse the objectives of each policy and legislation
3. Appreciate the roles of the European Union (EU), World Health Organisation (WHO), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), International Standards Organisation (ISO), policy (WAG, DEFRA, DECC), planning authorities/consultees and regulatory and enforcement bodies e.g. EA, NGOs, public opinion and economic groups when defining and enforcing policy and legislation
4. Understand the environmental, economic and social impacts promoted by energy and environmental policy and legislation
5. Critically assess the needs for achieving compliance with legislation and policy

Content Summary

The module reviews the legislative frameworks covering the energy, water and waste sectors and the impacts of these policy, legislative and planning frameworks on the implementation and operation of the energy, water and waste sectors. The effect of policy and legislation as technology drivers and vice-versa will be covered.

Introduction to the UK and European Legal Frameworks on the environment and energy sectors. UK Regulatory Agencies. Policy and Legislation objectives and implementation measures aiming at security of energy supply, overcoming energy dependency and improving global sustainable development by tackling issues such as: clean energy supply, nature conservation, integrated pollution control, transboundary pollution, climate change, waste resources management and planning and land use.

Perspectives on the various EU Member Countries’ enforcement regulations and compliance achievements. Environmental costs, the Polluter Pay’s Principle e.g. Climate Change Levy and Carbon Trading Scheme.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 36
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 5
Independent Study 77
Practical classes and workshops 12
Groupwork 70
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Understand the interfaces between policy and legislation with science and technology and R&D.
LO2 Critically assess the environmental, economic, and social impacts and pressures of the various energy and environmental policy and legislative tools against their objectives and implementation.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Portfolio Portfolio 1 Students work in groups to produce a report and presentation on the policy and legislation currently in force and for near future implementation for an area of environmental concern. 10 1500 50 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Case Study (CW) 1 Students write a report that investigates and critically analyses the impact of energy policy and legislation on a renewable energy and sustainable technology of their choice. 0 3000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 1
Case Study (CW) 1

Reading List

Simon, C A, (2007) Alternative energy: political, economic, and social feasibility, Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Bell, S and McGillivray, D, (2008) Ball & Bell on Environmental Law: The law and policy relating to the protection of the environment. 7th Edition, Oxford University Press