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
Finland, one of the most prosperous countries in the world, is well positioned to invest in a green economy. With a highly effective environmental administration and legislation, Finland provides good examples of how to protect the natural environment. The country has succeeded in curbing emissions from large industrial facilities, as well as in controlling emissions from agriculture, transport and homes.
During our week-long Study Tour to Finland, we will visit scholars, engineers, and experts to investigate their success stories, and to learn about sustainable resource management and environmental engineering approaches utilized to address global environmental challenges.
Our Study Tour is supplemented with relevant cultural visits to help you learn more about Finland and further contextualize your studies.
Learning outcomes
Explore the development of environmental protection tools and technologies in Finland, and evaluate their global applicability
Learn about strategies to curb emissions in Finland
Learn more about one of the European pioneers in sustainable urban development, Helsinki
Possible activities
Meet scholars and researchers at the University of Helsinki to learn about current research and developments in environmental engineering
Visit engineers and experts in sustainable building and sustainable natural resource management
Visit one of the biomass/biogas plants in Helsinki
Short Study Tour
About this tour
Our three-day study tour takes us north, to consider environmental engineering developments through a focus on smaller “smart” cities in Sweden and their interplay with the vast rural areas of the north. Northern Sweden is host to major data centers, an expansive network of hydroelectic plants, extensive forestry operations, and some of the largest mines in the world. Through visits, discussions, and hands-on experiences, we investigate both widespread practices in environmental engineering in a Swedish context, while exploring on-site, cutting-edge developments.
Learning outcomes
Broaden your perspective of environmental engineering in the Swedish context through lab and field visits, while assessing the technological needs of rural areas and small “smart” 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
Speak with researchers at Luleå University of Technology to discuss new approaches to environmental challenges, including climate sensitive urban planning and building, flexible traffic solutions, and built environment designs for seasonal climate extremes
Visit a paper mill to understand the processes of separating the “waste” product lignin and using it to replace coal, oil, and even vanilla – all technologies developed by researchers in Sweden
Assess the siting of Facebook’s partially wind-powered data center in the forest outside Luleå and consider its currently untapped heat recovery infrastructure potential
