Course content

Environmental input-output analysis is becoming increasingly important. The objective of this course is to cover the main methodological challenges as well as give insight into two fields of applications.
The first part of the course shows how data from the national accounts provides a basis for economic as well as environmental assessment. Based on this, the input-output framework of Nobel laureate Wassily Leontief is developed. The second part of the course focuses on the application of input-output analysis to understand the material flows (MFA) within our society. Understanding this is becoming increasingly important to develop a sustainable society. The last part of the course addresses methods for analyzing environmental aspects of international trade and consumption. A method for analyzing the environmental impact of an arbitrary bag of goods as well as the full domestic consumption of a country is thought. This includes assessing environmental impacts associated with imported goods and services. The course also gives an introduction to how multiregional input-output can be used to derive environmental trade balances. Further, the course includes a session on the application of linear programming methods to input-output analysis. Finally an introduction to trade models based on comparative advantage is given.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
– The course provides the student with knowledge about:
– Environmentally extended Input-output analysis (EIO).
– National Accounts and environmental extensions.
– Construction of input-output matrices based on the national accounts.
– The methodological basis of input-output analysis
– Application of EIO for environmental assessment of production and consumption activities on a sector, national regional and global level.
The course gives the student insight about:
How to assess environmental repercussions in large production networks.

Skills:
The course should enable the student to:
Assess the environmental impacts associated with production and consumption activities.

General competence:
The course should give the student insight on:
The environmental impacts of production and consumption.

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of lectures and problem sets. The course reading is mandatory. The lectures are in English. Since the teaching is given in English the Examination papers will be given in English only. Students are free to choose Norwegian or English for written assessments. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Linear algebra and matlab. A basic understanding of economics. An introductory course in environmental science or environmental economics.
One of the following courses or equivalent: TEP4223 Life-Cycle Assessment, TIØ4120 Operations Reasearch.
Contact main lecturer for inquiries regarding prerequisites.

Course materials

All course material is distributed via it's learning.