School of the Environment-University of Toronto training

This course investigates the principle types of renewable energy, as well as historical and technological challenges, and their place in the current global market. The place of renewable energy in society as a whole is examined through individual, political, corporate, and industry perspectives.

This course investigates a specific renewable energy indepth; examining newly emerging markets and their effect at various scales, including regional, national, and global perspectives. Students examine biofuels through the avenues of production of its various forms, placement in markets, and policy approaches with an eye towards reduction in GHGs (greenhouse gases).

This course provides a historical overview of wind energy. It covers basic aerodynamics and technical components of wind turbines, as well wind turbine installations from the planning stage to their activation. Additionally, this course describes current programs and policies which promote the integration of renewable energy sources into existing energy portfolios.

This course examines the role of a variety of technologies and strategies in achieving a sustainable urban environment. It covers opportunities for energy conservation, the shift toward decentralized power generation, several renewable energy technologies adapted for the urban environment, energy efficient buildings, alternative modes of transportation, urban planning, and government policies.

This course examines the options open to countries, like Canada, which are signatories to the Kyoto Protocol but which have not yet established a carbon trading system. Among other topics, we compare the relative merits of cap-and-trade, intensity targets and carbon taxes – all of which have been proposed (and some implemented) in Canada. Students examine the interplay between compliance markets (such as the EU ETS), where GHG targets are in place, and project markets for the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation.