Energy Policy and Social ResponsibilityModule Details

Rationale

This course will provide students with the tools to understand the complexities of local and international energy markets, and the impact of government policy on energy and development, as well as, the management of environmental and corporate social responsibility issues. The course will examine international policy and legislation that affects the energy industry and the consumers, by providing an analysis of the changing regulatory environment and its impact on people, industries and stakeholders. The students will also explore strategies for making socioeconomic and business connections for energy systems based on the sustainable enterprise principle. The course will focus on the energy policy challenges of developing countries, in order for students to make their own assumptions, critical evaluations and provide policy alternatives. 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)    Define the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility and discuss its importance in relation to current energy and environmental issues.
(ii)   Discuss the complexities of local and international energy markets and the impact of government policy on energy development.
(iii)  Identify the drivers of energy policy from political, environmental, and economic perspectives and explain how these can exist either in conflict or complement of each other.
(iv)  Describe the sustainable enterprise model and the relevant principles.
(v)   List examples of international policy and legislation that affects the energy industry and provide policy alternatives.
(vi)  Implement strategies for the establishment of business connections between energy systems and application.
(vii) Identify weaknesses in existing local and international energy policies and offer suggestions for improvement.
(viii) Explain the tensions caused between energy policies and sustainable development. 
(ix)  Critically engage with contemporary academic debates on energy policy and development.
(x)   Describe the roles of technology and innovation in energy development.
(xi)  Identify the goals of energy policy so as to disseminate legislation to stakeholders and diverse audiences.