Skip to main content
Bear sighting on Burnaby Campus

Course Outlines

EENG 7400

Climate, Energy and the Environment

School School of Construction and the Environment
Program Environmental Engineering Program
Course Credits 3
Minimum Passing Grade 50%
Start Date September 08, 2020
End Date December 18, 2020
Total Hours 45
Total Weeks 15
Hours/Weeks 3
Delivery Type Lecture/Lab
CRN 45748

Acknowledgement of Territories

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam).

Instructor Details

Name Zahra Tooyserkani
E-mail ztooyserkani@bcit.ca
Location SW02-214
Office Hours

Tuesdays 12:30- 2 PM

Course Description

​This course starts off with introducing the climate system components, energy and matter flow and conversion of different forms of energy through the Earth's system. The drivers of change in the way we use energy are discussed. The basic knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics are presented as tools to explain mass and energy balances through the system and also energy efficiencies. The most recent scientific evidence on the changing climate as well as the adaptation and mitigation strategies are discussed. Linking energy sector as the single largest anthropogenic source of climate‐changing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to energy services, energy efficiency as well as the energy supply and demand side management form the bulk of the course. Conventional and renewable energy sources are discussed. Strategies for energy conservation, fuel switching and changing to passive systems are examined. Alternative energy systems that minimize the use of natural resources will be explained together with underlying social, economic and environmental considerations. Students are further engaged in exploring GHG inventories, protocols, strategies and action plans for GHG reductions, offset credits/trading systems and GHG validation/verification principals.

Course Learning Outcomes/Competencies

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Explain the climate system and its recent changes, the carbon cycle, energy and matter flows through its components.
  • Apply the basic concepts of thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid dynamics as the tools to explain mass and energy balances through the thermal systems.
  • Describe the nature of energy, its forms, modes of transfer, and applications.
  • Quantify the relationship between methods of measurement, units of energy, and cost.
  • Identify the driving factors and need for energy management, including GHG and air contaminants, costs, and occupant comfort.
  • Explain the process and importance of evaluating GHG over the entire product/process cycle.
  • Discuss primary and secondary energy, energy efficiency and scenarios for world transition towards sustainable energy systems in 21st century.
  • Discuss the needs for innovative energy generation technologies well as alternative fuels.
  • Carry out calculations for energy consumed vs delivered using an excel spreadsheet- based proprietary model and energy consumed vs emissions produced for transportation fuels using GHGenius modeling tool.
  • Interpret GHG emission inventories and discuss benefits and drawbacks of different protocols, standards, strategies, and tools used in GHG estimates and management.

Learning Resources

  • IPCC and ECCC publications
  • Detailed notes from the lectures
  • Posted material on the Learning Hub

Evaluation Criteria

Criteria % Comments
Assignment 10
Quizzes (3 x 5%) 15
Midterm 30
Presentations 10
Final Exam 35

Students must achieve a minimum 50% of overall grade to pass the whole course

Course Schedule and Assignments

Week

Material Covered

Reading/ Assignment

1

Sep. 8
  • Introduction, course goals
  • Climate system, Some definitions
  • IPCC role and publications

WG1-AR5-Ch 2

2

Sep. 15
  • GHG gases and their sources
  • Climatic observations

WG1-AR5-Ch 2

3

Sep. 22
  • Carbon and other biochemical cycles
  • Radiative forcing

WG1-AR5-Ch 6 and 8

Quiz-1

4

Sep. 29
  • Drivers of the change
  • Energy Supply & Demand (World & Canada)

Lecture- Readings

5

Oct. 6
  • Energy and impacts on emissions
  • Estimating emissions and impacts

Lectures

6

Oct. 13
  • Applied Thermodynamics
  • energy efficiency

Lectures- Readings

Quiz-2

7

Oct. 20
  • LCA Models as a tool for GHG estimates

Lectures- Readings

8

Oct. 27
  • Energy Management
  • Carbon capture/storage

Lectures- Readings

9

Nov. 3

Midterm

10

Nov. 10
  • GHG Inventories- Guest Lecturer

Lectures- Readings

11

Nov. 17
  • GHG Validation and Verification
  • GHG Standards and Protocols

Lectures

Quiz-3

12

Nov. 24
  • Carbon talks – carbon taxes, cap & trade Update on federal and provincial climate change initiatives – presentation – Guest Lecturer

Lectures

Assignment

(Presentations-slides)

13

Dec. 1
  • Climate change Adaptation
  • Presentations

Lectures- Readings

14

Dec. 8

Presentations

15

Dec. 15

Final Exam

BCIT Policy

Any student who needs special assistance in the event of a medical emergency or building evacuation (either because of a disability or for any other reason) should promptly inform their course instructor(s) and Accessibility Services of their personal circumstances.

Human Rights, Harassment and Discrimination:
The BCIT community is made up of individuals from every ability, background, experience and identity, each contributing uniquely to the richness and diversity of the BCIT community as a whole. In recognition of this, and the intrinsic value of our diversity, BCIT seeks to foster a climate of collaboration, understanding and mutual respect between all members of the community and ensure an inclusive accessible working and learning environment where everyone can succeed.

Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion is a supportive resource for both students and employees of BCIT, to foster a respectful learning and working environment. Any student who feels that they are experiencing discrimination or harassment (personal or human rights-related) can confidentially access this resource for advice and support. Please see Policy 7507 – Harassment and Discrimination and accompanying procedure.

Students should make themselves aware of additional Education, Administration, Safety and other BCIT policies listed at https://www.bcit.ca/about/administration/policies.shtml

Guidelines for School of Construction and the Environment

Attempts:
Students must successfully complete a course within a maximum of three (3) attempts at the course. Students with two attempts in a single course will be allowed to repeat the course only upon special written permission from the Associate Dean. Students who have not successfully completed a course within three attempts will not be eligible to graduate from their respective program.

Approved

I verify that the content of this course outline is current.
Zahra Tooyserkani, Instructor
August 23, 2020

I verify that this course outline has been reviewed.
Olga Petrov, Program Head
August 24, 2020

I verify that this course outline has been reviewed and complies with BCIT policy.
Michael Currie, Associate Dean
August 24, 2020

Note: Should changes be required to the content of this course outline, students will be given reasonable notice.