Ecological Footprint Methods

Other Faculty:

William Rees

Plan 548Y

2011W Term 1

Please See Outline

10:00 - 17:30

Location:

WMAX 150

Credit Hours:

(1)

This Course is currently offered

Course Description:

This course introduces students to the theoretical underpinnings of ecological footprint analysis and ecological footprint methods. Emphasis is given to the application of ecological footprint analysis within the local government context. Students will learn the basic calculations, how to locate data sources, and how to conduct an ecological footprint assessment using Vancouver as a case study.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course students will have a basic understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of ecological footprint analysis and be able to distinguish between a carbon footprint and an ecological footprint. Students will be able to articulate the differences between the compound and component methods and their appropriate uses. Students will be able to design and implement an ecological footprint assessment for a local government in Canada.

Course Organization:

See Course Assignments

Course Requirements and Grading:

Students are expected to work productively within their small group assignments to complete the ecological footprint component exercises. Students should maintain individual notes documenting their work, including calculations and citations for data sources. These will be handed in at the end of class.

Course Assignments:

Syllabus: November 26th

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Theoretical Underpinnings of Ecological Footprint Analysis (Bill Rees)

Representative Readings: Wackernagel and Rees. 1996. Our Ecological Footprint. New Society

Rees. 2000. Ecological Footprint, The Concept of Encyclopedia of Biodiversity

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Overview of the Compound and the Component Methods.

Representative Readings: Chambers et al. 2001. Sharing Nature’s Interest. London: Earthscan.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch break

1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Introduction to the Basic Calculations – Part 1

Consumption, Biocapacity Supply, Yield Factors, Equivalence Factors

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Introduction to the Basic Calculations - Part 2

Cropland, Pasture Land, Fishing Area, Forest Land, Energy Land, Built Area

5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Learning review and questions

Syllabus: November 27th

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Designing an ecological footprint study using Vancouver as a Case Study

Assessing the scope, identifying the components, data sources and appropriate methods

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Food component – method and data sources

Small group assignment: Calculate the ecological footprint for one food product

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch break

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Buildings Component (direct energy) – method and data sources

Small group assignment: Calculate the ecological footprint for one building type

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Consumables Component – method and data sources

Small group assignment: Calculate the ecological footprint of one consumable product

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Transportation Component – method and data sources

Small group assignment: Calculate the ecological footprint for one transportation mode

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Water Component – methods and data sources

Small group assignment: Calculate the ecological footprint for water management

5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Whole group review, reflection and discussion

Course Policies:

See Course Requirements and Grading

Course Materials:

See Course Assigments

Special Needs:

Please inform the course instructor as soon as possible if you have special needs and require accommodation of any kind. Please visit http://www.students.ubc.ca/access/ for more information on campus resources.

Academic Integrity:

The University is an environment that fosters learning and the free exchange of ideas while maintaining responsibility and integrity. Violations of academic integrity include but are not limited to plagiarism, cheating, dishonesty, fabrication of information, submitting previously completed work and misusing or destroying school property. Any material or ideas obtained from digital or hard copy sources must be appropriately and fully referenced. Students are expected to uphold all the standards articulated in UBC's academic integrity site. If the instructor finds evidence of a violation of academic integrity the case will be investigated by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and, where appropriate, action will be taken. Disciplinary action may lead to a failing grade or suspension from the University.

Supplemental Materials:

UBC has numerous research, pedagogical and health resources available to students. These include The centre for Teaching and Academic Growth (TAG), the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, the Writing Centre, Student Health Services and student Counselling Services. Please make use of these resources or contact the instructor if you have any questions. Students new to UBC are especially encouraged to become familiar with the broad spectrum of resources that UBC provides.