This Unit has been designed to provide candidates with knowledge and understanding of current issues and trends in the production and use of energy. The Unit will also allow candidates to gain an understanding of the need for sustainability and the adoption of renewable energy sources in order to limit global environmental damage. In all cases, arguments are primarily developed on the basis of quantitative data, though qualitative social factors are also considered. The Unit is largely theoretical in nature and does not consider the technology of renewable energy systems, and as such, the Unit may be considered applicable to disciplines out with Engineering.

On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:

1. Describe global energy uses and trends.
2. Explain environmental effects associated with energy production and use.
3. Analyse the costs of different sources of energy.
4. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of alternative energy sources.
5. Explain the concepts of efficiency and energy saving in buildings, transportation and power generation.
6. Analyse the benefits and drawbacks of applying renewable energy and efficiency improvement techniques to a specific problem.