Sustainable Environmental Systems

Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment

Master of Science in Sustainable Environmental Systems is a 40-credit credit, STEM-designated program, that is unique in its emphasis on the urban environment. It is a combination of science, design, and policy. By uniting a foundation of theoretical and technical core courses with innovative mini-courses, the program offers a uniquely comprehensive curriculum that fosters exposure to cutting-edge practicing professionals

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PROJECTS

  • Geographic information Systems (GIS)

    Geographic Information Systems (GIS) manage, analyze, and present geographically referenced data. This project identifies gentrification factors in Little Haiti, Brooklyn, using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Map tools.

  • Science of Sustainability

    Science of Sustainability addresses biodiversity, population, resources, climate change, energy, and public health. This report assesses efficiency, scope, and limitations of four mechanical wind energy storage systems.

  • Environmental Economics

    Focuses on current environmental issues, applying equity principles and analytical tools such as marginal analysis, cost-benefit analysis, externalities, full-cost pricing, incentives, public goods, risk, and alternatives assessment.

  • Green Infrastructure Design Build

    Acquired practical expertise in green infrastructure design by collaborating with the East New York Community Land Trust to develop solutions for flooding, contamination, and environmental concerns for the residents of the Hole, Brooklyn.

  • Environmental Law

    Surveys key cases, policy decisions, and legal history in environmental law, addressing regional, national, and international issues, focusing on inter-jurisdictional problem-solving and the relationship between legal, constitutional, and political systems.

  • Solid Waste Management

    Analyzed environmental planning for sustainable solid waste management practices and technologies. Assessed Pratt Institute Higgins Hall and devised a sustainable waste management system following circular economy principles.

  • Water Quality Management

    Examines water management practices, preparing planners to identify sustainable methods for drinking water and wastewater. Focuses on stormwater runoff volume, sanitary flow in Brookhaven, and innovations like bioremediation and natural systems.

  • Urban Energy Management

    Examines local energy planning, including energy use, sources, alternatives, delivery systems, and the institutional and regulatory environment. Focuses on the EV bus transition, its environmental impacts, and solutions for reducing mineral mining for lithium-ion batteries.

  • Special Topics in Planning II- PLAN 801B

    An international sustainability exchange program in Rio de Janeiro explored sustainable community development and participatory planning, engaging with local organizations to learn about development strategies, techniques, and climate justice.

  • Sustainability Indicators

    Sustainability indicators assess progress toward a sustainable economy, society, and environment. This course introduces the principles of these indicators, including Ecological Footprint Analysis, and provides students with practical experience using these tools.

  • Green Infrastructure Capstone

    Rapid urbanization has led to more grey infrastructure and less green space globally. In Ahmedabad, tree cover dropped by 0.71% from 2001 to 2022. This study explores causes, proposes nature-based solutions via a Behrampura pilot, and provides recommendations for developing green infrastructure guidelines.

  • Climate Change and Cities

    Examining the science and history of climate crisis with a focus on policy initiatives and actions to mitigate and prepare for the impacts of climate change. Looking at case studies from different cities around the world and pay particular attention to New York's PlaNYC, which sets the goal of 30% reduction from current greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

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