Energy and water for a sustainable world

The module explores the water-energy nexus: water and carbon cycles, climate impacts, the energy cost of water and wastewater treatment, water use in fossil and renewable energy, hydrogen as a clean alternative, and the links with food production and sustainability.
Registrations open 19 days left!
Registration period 01/11/2026 - 30/11/2026
Studies period 01/12/2026 - 31/07/2027
  • Credits: 1
  • Badge reward: Energy and water for a sustainable world
  • Code: UNIMIB-MC-1
  • Quality assured
Energy and water for a sustainable world UNIMIB-MC-1

What you'll learn

This 1-ECTS online micro-credential from the University of Milano-Bicocca will teach you how water and energy depend on each other: from the water and carbon cycles and their role in climate change, to the energy needed to treat drinking water and wastewater, to the water used in producing energy from fossil fuels, renewables and hydrogen.
You’ll also learn how the water-energy nexus affects food production and sustainability.

Course Content

The course is divided in 6 classes of 2 hours each.
Session 1 (2 hours). Water and its importance. Cycle of water. Carbon and its importance. Cycle of carbon. Water and Carbon as greenhouse gas and their effects on global warming.
Session 2 (2 hours). Wastewater treatment. Large scale and small-scale treatment plant. Energy used.
Session 3 (2 hours). Drinking water treatment. Large scale and small scale. Energy used.
Session 4 (2 hours). Energy production and utilization. Fossil vs Renewable energies: advantages and disadvantages, outlook and perspectives.
Session 5 (2 hours). Energy for water and water for energy. Mass and Energy balance with roadmap.
Session 6 (2 hours). Water-Energy-Food Nexus.

Prerequisites

Bachelor/Master degree

Description

The module explores the deep interconnection between water and energy systems. It covers the water and carbon cycles, emphasizing resource availability, human impact, and climate change. The course examines technologies for drinking water and wastewater treatment, focusing on their energy demands. It also addresses fossil fuels and renewables, highlighting water usage in energy production. Hydrogen is presented as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. Finally, the course investigates the mutual dependence of energy and water, and their influence on food production and environmental sustainability.

 

Learning Outcomes

The holder of this Badge has acquired the following SKILLS: 
promoting sustainability;
•    promoting environmental awareness;
•    critically reflecting on the topic of water sustainability;
•    critically reflecting on the topic of anthropogenic emissions;
•    understanding the management and use of water resources for their conscious and sustainable use;
•    understanding the management and use of natural and fossil resources for the production of electricity;
•    understanding the inextricable nexus between water and energy;
•    understanding how the water-energy nexus can also impact food, the environment, and other related aspects;

and the following SOFT SKILLS:
•    demonstrating willingness to learn;
•    thinking critically;
•    thinking analytically;
•    thinking holistically;
•    thinking proactively;
•    identifying problems;
•    attending to detail;
•    memorising information;
•    making decisions;
•    evaluating environmental impact of personal behaviour;
•    active listening.

The holder of this Badge has also gained KNOWLEDGE regarding:
•    water cycles and water footprint;
•    carbon cycle and carbon footprint;
•    anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions;
•    climate change and latest IPCC report (2022);
•    wastewater treatment plants; 
•    drinking water treatment plants, including desalination;
•    energy consumption and electricity production from fossil and renewable sources;
•    hydrogen as energy carrier;
•    the Water-Energy nexus and their inextricable connection.

Learning process

  • Understand the core concepts of environmental sustainability, industrial ecology, and pollution prevention.
  • Analyze the environmental impact of industrial products and processes using a systems-based approach.
  • Apply methods and tools for designing and evaluating sustainable processes.
  • Develop strategies to minimize the environmental footprint of products and operations.
  • Use quantitative techniques to assess environmental performance.
  • Strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of industrial sustainability.
     

Sustainable Development Goals

  • Goal 2 (Zero hunger);
  • Goal 6 (Ensure access to water and sanitation for all);
  • Goal 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy).
     
Registrations open
19 days left!
Registration period: 01/11/2026 - 30/11/2026
  • ECTS 1
  • Student level Bachelor/Master degree
  • University University of Milano-Bicocca
  • Department & Faculty Department of Materials Science Faculty: Carlo Santoro
  • Type Stackable
  • Mode of delivery Online delivery
  • Type of assessment Written Assignments, Essays, and Quizzes
  • Grading The assessment is based on a passed/failed grading scheme
  • EFQ Level 6 – Bachelor’s degree level, Level 7 – Master’s degree level
  • Language English
  • Location Online
  • Academic period Year 2026/27
  • Studies Period 01/12/2026 - 31/07/2027
  • Registration Period 01/11/2026 - 30/11/2026
  • Workload 12 hours
Associated ESCO skills

Energy and water for a sustainable world