This course explores how engineering principles can be applied to develop technologies and innovative solutions for advancing sustainable environmental systems, drawing on contemporary Scandinavian/Nordic case studies. You investigate environmental impacts of human activities including water supply, wastewater treatment, waste management, transportation, energy use, and urban systems. Using engineering methods, analytical techniques, and modeling approaches, students learn to describe, quantify, and address environmental challenges through collaborative engineering solutions. The course combines analytical and experiential learning, featuring course-integrated travel throughout the Nordic region, and hands-on projects focused on real-world applications.
Two courses in math, plus a total of five courses within engineering, basic science (biology, chemistry, physics), and/or computer science, all at university level. At least one of these courses should be an engineering course.
Travel on Study Tour
You only take one Core Course per semester, and each Core Course includes two Study Tours: one Short Study Tour to a nearby destination for three days, and one Long Study Tour to another European country for six days.
Led by your faculty, Study Tours take you into real-world settings where you will apply what you’ve learned outside the classroom.
Ph.D., Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Sciences and Engineering (SEED), KTH (Royal Institute of Technology) (2025). Licentiate in Industrial Ecology, KTH (2021). M.Sc in Sustainable Technology, KTH (2018). M.Sc. in Sustainable Waste Management, School of Civil Engineering, Leeds University (2006). B.Sc in Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2005). Senior environmental specialist (2023-present). Previous experience supporting research projects in waste management and material flow analysis as Environmental Researcher at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2008–2009). With DIS since 2021.
Amari Claudia Enzi
Senior Sustainability Specialist at Sandvik Coromant (2022–present). M.Sc. in Environmental System Science with focus in Business Administration, University of Graz (2013). M.Sc. in Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Burgenland (2012). Previous experience consulting on projects in Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia as Director, Subject Matter Expert Sustainability at Prime Weber Shandwick (2022) and strategizing sustainable development practices as Nordic Sustainabilty & Corporate Affairs Manager at Samsung Electronics (2017–2022). With DIS since 2023.
Long Study Tour
About this tour
Iceland has succeeded in doing what many countries consider impossible: transforming its energy system from fossil fuels to renewables. During our week-long Study Tour, we investigate environmental engineering solutions in Iceland’s unique setting – learning from engineers at the University of Reykjavik, exploring how geothermal, hydropower, and wind generate a fossil-free energy supply, and considering the broader applicability of these Iceland-specific engineering approaches to global climate challenges.
Our Study Tour is supplemented with relevant cultural visits and events to help you learn more about Iceland and further contextualize your studies.
Learning outcomes
Gain an understanding of the unique assets – and challenges – of environmental engineering in Iceland
Explore the development of environmental engineering tools and technologies widespread in Iceland and evaluate their global applicability
Assess the promise and pitfalls of large-scale “green” power plants and more locally-scaled renewable energy production
Possible activities
Meet with environmental engineers at the University of Reykjavik to learn about current research and development
Experience the raw power of Iceland’s glacier-fed waterways, the source of Iceland’s hydroelectric prowess, and speak with engineers and environmental activists
Visit the Hellisheiði geothermal plant, the largest power station in Iceland, where constant continental rifting generates energy harnessed for local residents and – controversially – burgeoning heavy industry
About this tour
The vast majority of electricity production in Norway relies on renewable energy sources, with hydropower as the backbone of the Norwegian energy system. In addition, Norway is leading initiatives towards a clean and green economy.
During our week-long Study Tour to Norway, we will visit scholars, engineers, and experts to investigate their success stories and to learn about hydropower, sustainable resource management, and environmental engineering approaches to address global environmental challenges.
Our Study Tour will be supplemented with relevant cultural visits to help you learn more about Norway and further contextualize your studies.
Learning outcomes
Gain an understanding of a unique eco-friendly city, Bergen, and its achievements in sustainable urban development
Explore the development of hydropower plants and other environmental engineering systems within the Norwegian context
Analyze strategies to develop sustainable cities, clean production, and renewable energy production
Possible activities
Meet scholars at the University of Bergen and other research institutions to learn about current research and developments in environmental engineering
Meet engineers and experts in renewable energy production
Visit the Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry in Tyssedal
Short Study Tour
Sweden
About this tour
Our three-day Study Tour takes us either north to Umeå (Spring) or south to Malmö (Fall) to explore environmental engineering developments within the context of medium-sized Swedish urban areas. Sweden is home to leading universities and research institutes, advanced waste management facilities, innovative wastewater treatment plants, major industrial facilities, and renewable energy systems, including hydroelectric and bioenergy plants. Through site visits, expert discussions, and hands-on learning experiences, we examine both established environmental engineering practices and emerging technologies within the Swedish context.
Learning outcomes
Broaden your perspective of environmental engineering in the Swedish context through lab and field visits, while assessing the technological needs of cities
Experience environmental design, engineered for climate extremes
Meet engineers at work in northern Sweden to study the dynamic interplay between research, development, and industry
Possible activities
Visit a paper mill to understand the processes of separating the “waste” product lignin and using it to replace fossil fuels
Meet researchers to discuss new approaches to environmental challenges, including climate sensitive urban planning and building, and flexible solutions for electrification of road transport
Visit a waste-to-energy plant that incinerates solid waste to generate electricity and supply heat in the local district heating network
