Carbon footprint and energy management

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.

Active learning - This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.

Problem-based learning - This unit includes problem-based learning approaches, where you will engage in research, integrate theory and practice and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions in response to a problem or set of problems.

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.