11452 - Case Study based Project: VSS as a Tool for Sustainable Development Modulübersicht

• Prof. Dr. Dr.h.c. (NMU, UA) Schmidt, Michael

This module introduces students to the concept of Voluntary Standard Systems (VSS) as a new approach for promoting sustainable development in various economic sectors, including agriculture, construction and the textile industry. The module provides basic understanding of VSS and their potential impacts.

Furthermore, the module also aims to strengthen the international communication skills of participating students and is closely linked to equivalent modules offered at Universities inLebanon: Lebanese American University (LAU) and Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK). During a group work phase, students will evaluate a selected VSS by applying a SWOT analysis. The role of VSS in environmental planning, sustainability strategies and impact analysis will be discussed in the module.

The module “VSS as a tool for Sustainable Development” will be offered simultaneously to students from BTU and theLebaneseUniversities(LAU and USEK), and consist of a preparation work phase followed by a block seminar.

BTU students will learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of a VSS using the example of the BTU EMAS certification. In parallel, students at Lebanese Universities (LAU, USEK) will carry out similar analyses of VSS in the agricultural and architecture sectors respectively. The results and knowledge obtained will be presented by the students during a stay at the partner universities. 2 selected students will visit the partner universities inLebanonto present and discuss the results. In return, two selected students from each Lebanese partner university will visit the BTU to present their findings.

The time schedule for the module is divided into four phases:

1. Preparation and research on a selected VSS in an organized group at student’s home university (BTU)
2. Presentation and discussion of initial results at Lebanese partner universities by 2 BTU students
3. Advanced work phase at student’s home university on the basis of problems discussed during the presentations at the partner university to further progress towards achieving the module objectives
4. Final presentation of results at student’s home university with Lebanese guest students and the production of a written report

• Lecture / 3 Hours per Week per Semester
• Seminar / 3 Hours per Week per Semester
• Self organised studies / 90 Hours

• Atkinson G., Dietz S., Neumayer E. (2007) (Eds.) Handbook of Sustainable Development. Edward Elgar,Cheltenham
• Dalal-Clayton B., Bass, S. (2002) Sustainable Development Strategies: A Resource Book. Earthscan,London
• Gibson R.B. et al. (2005) Sustainability Assessment: Criteria and Processes. Earthscan,London.
• Schmidt M., Glasson J., Emmelin L. and Helbron H. (2008) (Eds.) Standards and Thresholds for Impact Assessment. Springer, Heidelberg.
• Steering Committee of the State-of-Knowledge Assessment of Standards and Certification (2012) Toward sustainability: The roles and limitations of certification.Washington,DC: RESOLVE, Inc.
• Wätzold F. (2000) The implementation of EMAS inEurope: a case of competition between standards for environmental management systems. Leipzig: UFZ - Umweltforschungszentrum Leipzig-Halle, Sektion Ökonomie, Soziologie und Recht.
• Wenk M. (2005) The European Union's eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS).Dordrecht: Springer

A final grade is only given, if all mandatory components of the module are fulfilled.

• Oral presentation during the block seminars
• Written report (1800 words per student)
• Attendance during the block seminars

The final grade is calculated as follows:

• 50% Presentation
• 50% Written report

If one component is not passed, the final grade is also ‘failed’. Retake is possible only within one year after the module is completed at the home university.

• no assignment

The module will start in SS 2013. A preparation phase will start in April. This will be followed by a face to face teaching period in form of a block seminar from 23^rd June to 29^th June in Lebanon, followed by the same activities in Germany with German and Lebanese students from 7^th July to 13^th July.

• no assignment