Gestão Ambiental e Valorização de Resíduos

The frequency of this course does not require specific prior knowledge. However, as it is transversal to various topics covered in the programme, it is recommended that students have successfully completed the course on Environment, Climate, and Urban Risks in the first year, first semester of the programme.

In classes, the expository and inquisitive method is used to introduce the programmed theoretical subjects. Student participation is encouraged by presenting case studies through which it is intended to develop critical thinking and argumentative skills. With the group work proposal, up to 6 elements, it is intended that students acquire teamwork skills and what roles that, in a work group, each element can assume.

At the end of the semester, students should be able to:

• compare and classify the main types of waste generated in urban areas;
• implement environmental management systems;
• reflect on the problem of environmental assessment, whether in terms of impacts or regional strategy;
• differentiate between atmospheric pollution and climate change;
• explain the scientific evidence and the main measures for adapting to and mitigating climate change;
• discuss existing waste treatment and recovery solutions;
• present existing industrial waste recovery solutions.

In terms of transversal skills, students are expected to be able to:

• communicate orally and in writing;
• research and summarize information from reliable sources:
• work as part of a team;
• devise SMART solutions for continuous improvement.

1. Environmental management.
Action programs on the environment. Strategic plans and national programs. Law – Waste framework. European waste list.

2. Environmental management systems.
Standard NP EN ISO 14001: 2012. Planning and documentation of the EMS. Assessment of environmental impacts. Environmental Management Program. Implementation of planned environmental actions. Emergency preparedness and response. Monitoring and measurement.

3. Life Cycle Thinking.
The life cycle concept. Types of approaches for analysing the life cycle of products and services. Phases of a life cycle analysis. Footprint accounting.

4. Environmental assessment.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Purposes, objectives and limitations of an EIA. Definition and methodologies for assessing environmental impacts. Basic values ​​and principles of an EIA. EIA procedure: Screening and Scoping. Public participation. Environmental Impact Statement (DIA). Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Decision levels. EIA Vs SEA. Areas of application of SEA. SEA barriers and characteristics. SEA requirements

5. Characterisation of solid waste.
Linear economy Vs circular economy. Principles of waste production. Precursors in waste management. EU strategies for waste management. Waste hierarchy. Principles of waste management. Waste management goals. Urban solid waste (MSW) and its management operations. Collection technologies and systems. Integrated waste management. Composition and properties of MSW. Treatment processes and technologies: i) mechanical, ii) biological, iii) thermochemical, iv) final deposition. Impacts on human health and the MSW environment.

6. Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW).
CDW management. Definition, classification and characterisation. Quantification methods. Hierarchy and typologies. Deconstruction and selective demolition. Separation, packaging, sorting and transport. Hazardous waste. CDW in transport infrastructure and its recovery. CDW solution in transport infrastructures. Energy emissions and consumption.

7. Waste recovery in cities
Industrial waste. Hospital and pharmaceutical waste. Biowaste. Urban waste. Waste recovery: current situation and goals.

The recommended assessment methodology is exclusively continuous. However, students may complete the theoretical-practical component through a final exam or several assessments throughout the semester, ensuring that those who cannot attend all classes due to work, institutional representation, sports, or other commitments are not disadvantaged.

A) Practical component: this component represents 60% of the weight of the student's final classification, consisting of:

• elaboration and implementation of an environmental management system (SGA), with the final report being evaluated, which represents 7.0 points out of 20.0 of the final classification.
• preparation of an audit report (RA), in which each group evaluates and identifies non-conformities in the reports on the implementation of the environmental management system of another group. The final report is evaluated, representing 2.0 values ​​out of 20.0 of the final evaluation.
• This component is carried out in groups and the grade given to the report by the teacher represents 65% of the student's classification. After knowing the classification of the report, the elements must discuss the individual classification of each one, with the amplitude of grades not exceeding 5 values ​​and the group average remaining the same as the grade of the written report. The individual classification of each element represents 35% of the shelf grade for the practical component. Self-assessment methodologies in large groups (6 students) encourage self-regulation and teamwork skills, reinforcing student motivation and commitment.
• preparation of a project (PB) related to waste management and incorporation of waste into bituminous materials and road infrastructure. This project is quoted for 3.0 values, in 20.0 of the final evaluation.
• The practical component is mandatory.

B) Theoretical-practical component: the student can choose between two methodologies. Whatever the methodology, this component (TP) represents 40% of the weight of the course unit's classification, that is, 8.0 points out of 20 in the student's final classification.

• B1) continuous assessment: through n rapid resolution tests (up to 30 minutes) throughout the semester. The tests take place during classes or at another time to be arranged. Test dates are not disclosed. All tests are counted to 100%, with the final classification of this component being the arithmetic average of all tests. When choosing this methodology, the student forgoes the exam of the 1st call exam.
• B2) evaluation by final exam: the student is evaluated in an exam to be carried out in the 1st call, being rated for 100% and in which all the taught contents are evaluated.
• In any of the previous methodologies, scores below 8 points (out of 20) require an oral exam.

The final evaluation of the course is the sum of the various components: SGA + RA + PB + TP.

Academic fraud:

The current IPC regulations will be applied to all situations of attempted or committed academic fraud. Whenever there is doubt about the occurrence or non-occurrence of academic fraud, the lecturer reserves the right to invite the student to provide clarification in the form of an oral examination.  If the clarifications provided are not sufficient, a final grade of 9 points out of 20 will be assigned.

NAO