CHE5807 · Carbon footprint and energy management

Overview

This unit gives you a comprehensive understanding of carbon management systems and resource-efficient practices that shape sustainability strategies and support the transition to a low-carbon future. You’ll learn how to accurately measure carbon footprints across the full life cycle—from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling—to make informed decisions about reducing emissions. The unit introduces key methodologies for identifying, quantifying, accounting for, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. You’ll also explore how carbon footprint assessment connects with energy management and emissions analysis, giving you a holistic approach to cutting emissions and optimising energy use. The unit highlights the links between energy systems, resource consumption, and environmental impact, and looks at the policy and regulatory frameworks that support low-carbon technology adoption. You’ll get hands-on with energy management systems and software, with a focus on improving efficiency, integrating renewables, and using carbon offsets. Real-world case studies give you the chance to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical carbon management challenges.

Areas of study: E6013 Master of Applied Engineering - Specialisation: Decarbonisation and net zero

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Continuous assessment: 100% The assessments in this unit are designed to demonstrate the achievement of the advanced learning outcomes and standards expected of Master’s level coursework.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Critically evaluate organisational and operational carbon footprints by applying advanced carbon management frameworks, metrics, and tools.
2. Evaluate processes from multiple sustainability-related perspectives, including health, safety, life-cycle cost, net zero targets, societal impacts, and the trade-offs between these aspects.
3. Formulate and present comprehensive sustainability strategies and reports that integrate energy-efficient practices, process optimisation, and emission control principles to support evidence-based decision-making.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.