Lecture

Sustainability Initiatives in EPFL Projects

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In course

HUM-476: Ecological transition: theory and practice I

Ce cours permet aux étudiant·e·s d'acquérir des connaissances théoriques et pratiques sur les enjeux liés à la transition écologique et sociale. Il comprend des enseignements interdisciplinaires, ainsi qu'un travail de groupe sur des études de cas situées ...

Description

This lecture, held on October 25, 2023, focuses on practical projects related to sustainability at EPFL and UNIL. Topics covered include promoting cycling among students, mutualizing laboratory equipment and purchases, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and exploring sustainable food options on campus. The presentation also delves into the feasibility of a laptop/desktop refurbishment service, energy consumption in Ecublens buildings, and a platform for sustainable logistics with cargo bikes. The lecture concludes with discussions on sustainable agriculture practices, such as community-supported agriculture and proximity contracts. Various sustainability strategies and initiatives are explored throughout the lecture.

Instructors (2)

Romano Tobias Wyss

Ph.D. in Geography Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt (Germany) M.Sc. in Economics and Geography Utrecht University (The Netherlands) B.Sc. in Geography University of Fribourg (Switzerland)

Augustin Fragnière

Teaching & PhD Courses Climate change A: causes, impacts, challenges HUM-121(a) The course deepens global climate-related issues: the climate system; the impacts of climate change; justice issues and governance ; climate objectives and policies. The interdisciplinary approach introduces group work and scientific methodology. Comment enseigner la durabilité I HUM-489 Get involved in sustainability education by exploring learning theories, facilitation, and reflection on the ed

Official source

Related concepts (30)

Greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions (abbreviated as GHG emissions) from human activities strengthen the greenhouse effect, contributing to climate change. Carbon dioxide (), from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, is one of the most important factors in causing climate change. The largest emitters are China followed by the US, although the United States has higher emissions per capita. The main producers fueling the emissions globally are large oil and gas companies.

Cycling

Cycling, also known as bicycling or biking, is the activity of riding a bicycle or other type of cycle. It encompasses the use of human-powered vehicles such as balance bikes, unicycles, tricycles, and quadricycles. Cycling is practised around the world for purposes including transport, recreation, exercise, and competitive sport. History of cycling Cycling became popularlised in Europe and North America in the latter part and especially the last decade of the 19th century.

Greenhouse gas inventory

Greenhouse gas inventories are emission inventories of greenhouse gas emissions that are developed for a variety of reasons. Scientists use inventories of natural and anthropogenic (human-caused) emissions as tools when developing atmospheric models. Policy makers use inventories to develop strategies and policies for emissions reductions and to track the progress of those policies. Regulatory agencies and corporations also rely on inventories to establish compliance records with allowable emission rates.

Sustainable agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is farming in sustainable ways meeting society's present food and textile needs, without compromising the ability for current or future generations to meet their needs. It can be based on an understanding of ecosystem services. There are many methods to increase the sustainability of agriculture. When developing agriculture within sustainable food systems, it is important to develop flexible business process and farming practices.

Agriculture

Agriculture encompasses crop and livestock production, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry for food and non-food products. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. While humans started gathering grains at least 105,000 years ago, nascent farmers only began planting them around 11,500 years ago. Sheep, goats, pigs and cattle were domesticated around 10,000 years ago.

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