Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry

Bachelor’s Programme

The Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry prepares professionals to address the major environmental, social and economic challenges of today and the future. With a modern and interdisciplinary approach, the programme integrates environmental studies, urban planning, mobility, energy, management and data analysis within its curriculum, promoting a practical and holistic view of sustainability.

In a context where sustainability plays an increasingly central role in public and corporate decision-making, this degree offers a solid, up-to-date and applied education, aligned with the real needs of cities and the industrial sector. Students are encouraged to learn by doing, fostering the development of critical thinking, ethical awareness and practical skills to contribute to the design and implementation of sustainable solutions in the management of resources such as water, air, waste, energy and the urban environment.

Located in a region with strong industrial dynamism, the programme provides opportunities for collaboration with companies and institutions, preparing graduates to work within multidisciplinary teams and to actively contribute to a more sustainable future.

Programme Coordinator

(updating)

School

Technology and Management

City

Leiria

Language

Portuguese

Type

Morning & Afternoon

Length

6 semesters

Vacancies

General Contingent: 30
International Contingent: 1

DGES certification

Link to Registration

Objectives

Programme

Knowledge of resource management practices, such as water, air, waste and energy, promoting efficient use and circular economy solutions;
Ability to identify and assess urban and industrial environmental problems and suggest sustainable solutions;
Competence to collaborate in environmental impact assessment processes, life cycle analysis and monitoring of sustainability indicators;
Competence in the use of digital tools for resource optimization and environmental data analysis;
Development of an ethical and critical awareness, capable of contributing to the promotion of environmental sustainability solutions.

Careers Options

Programme

Environmental sustainability technician in local authorities;
Technical support services for sustainable urban planning, mobility and resource management;
Environment, sustainability or circular economy technician;
Technical support for environmental and energy management in industrial facilities;
Environmental and sustainability consultancy technician;
Support services for environmental impact assessments, life cycle analysis and sustainability reporting;
·Collaboration in projects related to energy efficiency, sustainable mobility and waste management.

Study Plan

ECTS: 180

1st Year
2nd Year
3rd Year

1st Year
ID	Name	Semester	ECTS	Length
	Topics in Physics and Chemistry	S1	5	60 h
Physics module Scalar and vector physical quantities. Mechanics: Kinematics; Newton’s Laws; Forces and motion equations; Rectilinear and circular motion. Work and energy. Conservation of energy. Power. Energy yield. Wave phenomena: Oscillatory motion. Wave equation. Transverse and longitudinal waves. Stationary and progressive waves. Sound waves and acoustics. Chemistry module Introduction to chemistry. Nature of substances, composition of matter, chemical structure of environmental contaminants. Chemical reactions. Acid-base, oxidation-reduction, and precipitation reactions. Chemical reaction energy. Chemical equilibrium: acidbase and solubility. Basics of Electrochemistry.
	Sustainability in cities and industry	S1	5	60 h
Fundamentals of sustainability (concepts, dimensions, principles and indicators of sustainable development; 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals; environment and natural resources; global environmental challenges). Sustainability in cities (Challenges of urbanization and population growth; smart, inclusive and sustainable cities; sustainable mobility; urban planning and green urbanism; Urban resilience; urban sustainability policies). Sustainability in industries (Sustainability challenges in industries; Industrial ecology, circular economy and life cycle assessment; environmental management, environmental certifications and social responsibility; Renewable energies and decarbonization; sustainability in the context of the digital transformation of industry). Case studies and projects (successful cases in urban and industrial sustainability).
	English	S1	2	30 h
English as a lingua franca. Attitudes towards English. Expressions to convey linguistic and learning necessities. Brief notions of the characteristics that have led English to become a global language. 2.Informal Conversation: Taking part in conversations about people, places and other topics; description of personal and professional profiles; identification of cultural differences. 3.Contacts: Starting and keeping conversations about topics related to the professional context via telephone, email or face to face… Describing people and exchanging information. 4.Meetings: Expressions to set up and organize meetings, make decisions, solve problems, present suggestions and lead meetings. Official register of information. Checking and clarifying facts and figures. 5.Negotiating relationships: Expression of formality and informality. Expression of likes and dislikes about travelling on business. Discussing attitudes about meetings and cultural behaviours in different countries.
	Law, Cities and Innovation	S1	6	60 h
Direito, cidades e território 1.1. Conceitos introdutórios de Direito: noções, fontes, ramos do Direito. (O1 e 02) 1.2. Direito do Urbanismo, Direito do Ordenamento do Território e Direito do Ambiente: entre a legislação e a prática.(O2) 1.3. A Lei de Bases Gerais de Política Pública de Solos, de Ordenamento do Território e de Urbanismo. (O2 e O4) 1.4. RAN e REN. (O1, O2 e O4) 1.5. Expropriações, servidões administrativas e restrições de utilidade pública (O3 e O4). Direito, inovação e planeamento do território. 2.1. Introdução à Propriedade Intelectual e Inovação Sustentável. (O5 e O6) 2.2. Incentivos legais para a transição tecnológica (O6) 2.3. Inteligência Artificial e sustentabilidade: aspetos jurídicos (O7, O8 e O9)
	Mathematics	S1	6	60 h
Differential Calculus in IR 1.1 Transcendental functions 1.2 Concept of the derivative, differentiation rules, derivative of composite and inverse functions 1.3 Higher-order derivatives 1.4 Applications of the derivative Integral Calculus in IR 2.1 Basic integration techniques: direct, by parts, substitution, and integration of rational fractions 2.2 Definite integral and properties 2.3 Applications of the integral Functions of Two or More Variables 3.1 Definition, domain, level curves, and graphical representation 3.2 Partial derivatives and directional derivatives 3.3 Unconstrained extrema Foundations of Linear Algebra 4.1 Vectors in IR^3 4.2 Matrices and systems of linear equations 4.3 Determinants
	Economic Principles	S2	6	60 h
Economic science and the economic problem. Demand, supply and market equilibrium. Price elasticity of demand, price elasticity of supply, income elasticity of demand and cross elasticity. State intervention in the economy a. Intervention for reasons of efficiency, stabilization and equity. b. Negative externalities and Pigouvian taxes. Sustainability and international competition: opportunities and challenges. Economic and social indicators. a. GDP from the expenditure, production and income approach. b. Inflation rates. c. Economic growth: nominal and real growth rates. d. International Trade and Balance of Payments. e. Average labor productivity. f. Employment and unemployment statistics. g. Growth versus development. Criticism of GDP and alternative development indicators. h. Indicators of regional productive specialization. i. Regional asymmetries and regional convergence.
	Programming	S2	6	60 h
Introduction to computation and programming. Basic stages to develop programs. Introduction the language Python. Data types in Python. Control structures. Data structures. Python modules. Files. Graphics.
	Statistics	S2	3	45 h
Probability distributions 1.1 Random variable definition 1.2 Discrete random variables 1.3 Continuous random variables 1.4 Discrete probability distributions (Bernoulli trials, binomial and Poisson) 1.5 Continuous probability distributions (uniform, exponential, normal) Summary data analysis 2.1 Preparation of a data set 2.2 Frequencies distribution tables 2.3 Numerical summaries (central and not central tendency, dispersion, skewness and outliers) 2.4 Graphical representation Statistical Inference 3.1 Point and interval estimation 3.2 Confidence intervals 3.3 Hypothesis testing Bivariate analysis 4.1 Contingency tables 4.2 Linear Regression
	Introduction to Organizational Management	S2	5	60 h
Concept of management Characteristics of organizations The organizational environment and sustainability Planning Decision-making Organizing Leadership Control Management of non-profit organizations Trends in Organizational Management
	Renewable Energies	S2	5	60 h
Definition of energy and energy quality; Specificities of renewable energy sources and their attributes; Solar energy, solar thermal and photovoltaic systems; Horizontal and vertical axis wind energy with onshore and offshore applications; Hydropower from reservoirs (with and without pumping) and run-of-river; Other endogenous utilisation technologies for electricity production; Energy storage systems due to intermittent production; Advanced economic evaluation of renewable systems.
	Graphical Representation and Geographic Information Systems	S2	6	60 h
Cartographic Information, Coordinates, Georeferencing Systems. Introduction to Computer Graphic Science: concepts, evolution and application domains, input / output entities 2D and 3D; GIS Relational Database Structure. 2D Geographic information systems data models: vector data model, raster data model. Spatial analysis using vector data sources and raster data sources. 3D modeling using 3D GIS tools (development and manipulation of 3D models, technical exchange of files); Integration methods and exploration of BIM models with 3D GIS in a geospatial context applied to Urban and Territorial planning Development of GIS applications to support city management activities, studies and projects
	Biosciences	S2	5	60 h
A célula. Classificação e estruturas celulares. Metabolismo energético. 2.1. Anabolismo e catabolismo. Enzimas e transportadores. 2.2. Fixação de N2, quimiossíntese, fotossíntese anoxigénica e oxigénica. 2.3. Fermentação, respiração anaeróbia e aeróbia. 2.4. Biossíntese e utilização de reservas energéticas. Bases da genética, biossíntese de ácidos nucleicos e proteínas. Bases da ecologia. 4.1. Crescimento e dinâmica populacional. Fatores ambientais abióticos e bióticos. 4.2. Produtores, consumidores e decompositores. Ciclos biogeoquímicos. 4.3. Ecossistemas aquáticos. 4.4. Solos. 4.5. Ambientes extremos.

2nd Year
ID	Name	Semester	ECTS	Length
	Transportation and Urban Mobility	S1	5	60 h
Urban Mobility: Introduction Mobility Plans: Diagnosis, scenario building, objectives, and strategies Operational Management: Intersections, traffic calming, parking Types of Transportation Modes Characterization and Diagnosis of Transportation Systems and Territory Transportation Systems and Urban Logistics: Transportation planning tools Transportation and Energy: Environmental, economic, and social impacts Characterization of Supply and Demand for Sustainable Transport Modes Integrated Assessment of Energy Consumption in Transportation; Consumption by Different Transport Modes
	Water Resources Management	S1	5	60 h
Hydrological cycle: Analysis of hydrological processes; distribution of water resources and factors affecting their availability; current challenges in the water sector; River basins: Concept and characterisation; calculation of the water balance; analysis of hydrological series; study of extreme events; Modelling: hydrological and water quality modelling tools; flood forecasting and planning; Water efficiency: efficient water management: water reuse, irrigation techniques, loss reduction, water use efficiency technologies, monitoring systems. Smart cities and water; Water quality: Indicators. Physical and chemical parameters. Bio-indicator organisms. Water quality indices. Quality criteria and standards for different water uses, national and EU legislation; Planning and management of water resources: governance; planning and management system; transboundary water resources.
	Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability	S1	4	45 h
1.Introduction to artificial intelligence History and state of the art 2. Machine learning Types of learning Learning problems Basic concepts Model evaluation Tools: Scikit learn, Keras 3. Supervised learning Linear regression Logistic regression Naïve Bayes Decision trees and random forests Support vector machines k-nearest neighbours Neural networks 4. Unsupervised learning Cluster analysis Association rules 5. Applications in sustainability and case studies Environmental monitoring and analysis Energy consumption monitoring and optimisation Waste management Sustainable transport Industrial automation Predictive maintenance Quality control Sustainable agriculture 6. Ethical and social challenges Bias Interpretability Privacy and security
	Urban and Territorial Planning	S1	5	45 h
I – Fundamental Concepts 1 A Planning System (O1, O2) 2 History of Urbanism (O1, O2) 3 Land Management Instruments (O1, O2) 4 Characterization of Reality (O1, O2) 4.1 Models (O1, O2) 4.2 Indicators (O1, O2) II – Specific Techniques 1 Demographic Analysis (O2, O3, O4, O5) 1.1Description of Population (O2, O3, O4, O5) 1.2. Demographic Projection (O2, O3,O5) 2.Urban Analysis (O2, O3, O4, O5) 2.1. Planning of Equipment (O2, O3, O4, O5) 2.2. Technical Standards of Accessibility and Urban Design (O2, O3, O4, O5)
	Air Quality and Noise	S1	5	60 h
Fundamentals of air quality Atmospheric emission inventories, industrial emissions and applicable legislation Monitoring and evaluation of outdoor and indoor air quality Air quality maps and plans Air quality control and management strategies Fundamentals of noise Measurement and evaluation of environment and occupational noise Noise maps and plans Noise control and management strategies
	Free Elective I	S1	6	–
The optional elective curricular units must be selected from among the curricular units offered across all ESTG degree programmes and made available for this purpose, under the guidance of the higher education institution.
	Circular Economy	S2	4	45 h
Circular economy concept, evolution and context The relationship between the circular economy, sustainability and the SDGs Circular models and strategies: 3.1 . C2C ‘Cradle to Cradle’ and biological and technical cycles 3.2 Technological innovations, eco-design, biomimicry 3.3 Industrial symbioses Circular business models Circular Economy methodologies, tools and indicators Policies and regulations (Legal framework for CE and priority sectors: European strategy and CEAP)
	Indicators and Sustainability Report	S2	5	60 h
Evolution and expansion of sustainability reporting, non-financial reporting, integrated reporting. Standards, diplomas and guidelines for sustainability reporting – national, European and international context. Importance and structure of sustainability reports: GRI standards, EFRAG and IFRS standards and ESG reports. Environmental, social and economic performance indicators: how to measure the efficiency and impact of sustainability projects/actions. Analysing sustainable investment strategies. Case studies of companies and cities that use sustainability reports as part of their communication and transparency strategy
	Energy Transition	S2	5	60 h
Energy outlook and decarbonization Policies. Energy supply chain and Energy markets ; Energy balances; Demand-side electrification strategies; New trends in energy technologies; Electrical energy tariffs; Demand-side energy flexibility; Energy Efficiency and Energy Services; Digitalization and smart technologies.
	Visualization and Data Analysis	S2	5	60 h
Introduction to data modeling Operational and analytical systems Relational model Dimensional model Data collection, processing and integration Data Sources Structured, unstructured and semi-structured data Data extraction, cleaning, transformation and integration Data visualization and storytelling Chart types, functions and selection factors Identify and implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Construction of interactive dashboards and scoreboards Presentation, communication and storytelling Multivariate Data Analysis Normal Distribution Variance analysis Factor Analysis Models Principal Components Method Factor rotation Model quality assessment Variable Reduction in Linear Regression Internal consistency Time Series Definition and components Stationarity, autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation Forecasting and precision measurements Decomposition into components Stationary models Non-stationary models
	Climate Adaptation Strategies	S2	5	60 h
Fundamentals of climatology: The climate system, weather and climate; Radiation balance and greenhouse effect; Clouds and fog; Atmospheric circulation, air masses, fronts and extreme weather; Meteorological elements, meteorological observation, meteorological charts and climatological normals; Planetary boundary layer and urban microclimate; Classification of climates. Fundamentals of climate change: Natural climate variability and climate change; Basic science and impacts; Climate models and projections. Adaptation to climate change: Difference between climate mitigation and adaptation; Scientific principles of climate adaptation and vulnerability assessment; Policies for mitigation and adaptation to climate change; Climate change adaptation tools; Adaptation strategies in cities and industry. Case studies and examples of successful climate adaptation of cities and industry.
	Free Elective II	S2	6	–
The optional elective curricular units must be selected from among the curricular units offered across all ESTG degree programmes and made available for this purpose, under the guidance of the higher education institution.

3rd Year
ID	Name	Semester	ECTS	Length
	Environmental Risk Assessment	S1	4	45 h
Introduction to Risk Analysis: Fundamental concepts – risk, hazard, vulnerability. Classification of risks. Environmental Risk Assessment Methodologies: Qualitative and quantitative analysis with risk management models. Use of GIS tools for risk mapping and management. Urban Risks: Geotechnical risks (landslides, settlements, liquefaction, erosion, soil cracking, inadequate permeability); earthquakes; air pollution; floods; heatwaves; fires. Industrial Risks: Pollution incidents; chemical accidents; explosions and releases of hazardous materials. Evacuation plans. Principles of Prevention and Mitigation: Approaches for sustainable management systems and risk prevention. Practical Case Studies: Analysis of risk management in cities and industries.
	Water Circularity	S1	5	60 h
Strategy for water management: Prevention, Treatment, Reuse. Integrated systems. Criteria for the design of treatment systems. Typical sequences in WTP and WWTP. Physical and chemical treatments: Basis and application. Influence of process variables. Equipment. Data analysis and interpretation. 3.1. Pre-treatments: Screening/microscreening, Solids reduction, Grit removal, Flotation, Equalization 3.2. Coagulation & flocculation, Sedimentation, Filtration 3.5. Disinfection Biological treatments: Biochemical environment and design. Basis and application. Influence of process variables. Equipment. Data analysis and interpretation. 4.1. Activated sludge and Lagoons 4.2. Trickling filter and RBC Sludge treatment: Thickening, Conditioning, Stabilization, Dehydration and Final disposal. Introduction to advanced treatment technologies: Reverse osmosis, Membranes, Oxidation, Electrolysis. Application and relevance in the circular economy.
	Smart Urban Infrastructures and Systems	S1	5	60 h
Water Supply Networks Sewage Drainage Networks Stormwater Drainage Networks Gas distribution networks Management of distribution networks Electricity and Telecommunications Networks (ITUR) Monitoring and management systems
	Sustainable Marketing	S1	5	60 h
Introduction to Sustainable Marketing: definition, importance, and opportunities and challenges in city and industry management Sustainable Marketing Strategy and Plan Consumer Behavior and Sustainability: attitudes and behaviors, motivations and barriers, and the role of certifications and eco-labels Segmentation, Target Audiences, and Positioning Based on Sustainable Practices Sustainable Marketing Strategies 5.1. Development of sustainable products and services 5.2. Sustainable pricing and value: cost, benefit, and perceived value analysis 5.3. Sustainable distribution channels and logistics 5.4. ethical communication and advertising: transparent practices and anti-greenwashing 5.5. The role of social media and Influencer Marketing in promoting sustainability 5.6. Storytelling and content marketing strategies for sustainability Sustainable Impact Metrics and Evaluation
	Management Systems and Certification	S1	5	60 h
Introduction to Management and Certification Systems: Fundamental concepts: what manag. and certification systems are, importance of management systems for urban and industrial sustainability and main certification standards, procedures and benefits. Environmental Management System (EMS): Introduction to the EMS, structure and requirements of the ISO 14001 standard and implementation of an EMS. Quality Management System: Fundamentals of the ISO 9001 standard and its application in quality management, PDCA cycle in the context of quality and integration of quality management with sustainability. Other Standards and Integrated Management Systems: Occupational health and safety management (ISO 45001), social responsibility (SA8000 and ISO 26000), certifications of sustainable products and services and integration of management systems Management Systems Audits: Types of Audits and manag. systems audit methodologies Case Studies and Practical Implementation
	Free Elective III	S1	6	–
The optional elective curricular units must be selected from among the curricular units offered across all ESTG degree programmes and made available for this purpose, under the guidance of the higher education institution.
	Environmental Impacts	S2	5	60 h
Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a management tool for environmental policy and its importance for sustainability; EIA as a regulatory instrument: National and EU requirements, along with international principles guiding EIA; EIA process: Key phases and activities, discussing Environmental Impact Studies and the role of EIA across project stages—planning, design, construction, operation, and decommissioning, with relevant case studies; Sector-specific environmental impacts: Principles and methods for identifying, predicting, evaluating, and mitigating impacts, considering scale and scope; Monitoring and Post-Evaluation: The role of monitoring in EIA and its implications; Public Participation in EIA: Concepts, goals, and techniques; Strategic Environmental Assessment of policies, plans, and programs: Concepts, potential, and limitations.
	Innovation and Entrepreneurship	S2	2	30 h
Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs Opportunities, ideas and Innovation 2.1. Trends and Opportunities 2.2. Creativity of Idea Sources 2.3. Testing ideas 2.4. Presentation of Ideas 2.5. Intellectual Property From idea to business model Sources of financing, Investment and Financial aspects of the entrepreneurial project
	Waste Prevention and Control	S2	5	60 h
Waste management (WM): National and EC legislation. Principles of WM. Functional elements of a WM system. Strategic management and circular economy. Integrated management and economy of scale. MSW management in Portugal. Solid waste characterization: Origin, Composition, Classification and Properties. Collection and Transport: Equipment, Collection and Transport Systems, Transfer Stations. Separation and processing techniques (size reduction and compaction). Material recovery facilities. Material valorization: Material streams and Special waste flows. Specific Management Entities. Management strategies. Organic valorization: Composting and Anaerobic Digestion. Fundamentals, stages of the process and operational variables. Equipment and techniques. Energy recovery: Incineration. Fundamentals, stages of the process and operational variables. Equipment. Other processes: Gasification and Pyrolysis. Landfills: Planning, conceptualization and operation.
	Life Cycle Assessment	S2	4	45 h
Sustainable materials Definition and importance of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) LCA methodology 3.1 Defining the objective and scope 3.2 Life Cycle Inventory 3.3 Life Cycle Impact Assessment 3.4 Interpretation: completeness check, consistency analysis, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty analysis Modelling and multi-functional systems Tools for LCA (software and databases) and standardization of procedures
	Internship / Project	S2	14	–
Internship Development of internships that meet the following characteristics: Set up a situation or problem within the scope of Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry; Involve the application of knowledge and skills in the field of Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry; Provide the deepening of knowledge and skills in Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry; Present a strong practical component in Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry; Promote the application of computer tools in data processing and information collection; Include a clear individual work component, without prejudice to integration into a work team; Provide a good experience of integration in the labor market and familiarization with the business environment. Project Development of projects that meet the following characteristics: Set up a situation or problem within the scope of Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry; Involve the application of knowledge and skills in the field of Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry; Provide the deepening of knowledge and skills in Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry; Present a strong practical component in Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry, integrated in R&D projects ongoing in research units of IPL or in external companies/institutions; Promote the application of computer tools in data processing and information collection; Include a clear individual work component, without prejudice to integration into a work team.

Entry Requirements

For further information about international students’ applications,
please see International Applicants or contact the International Students’ Office by email: studywithus@ipleiria.pt

Accreditation

State: Accreditated
Nº years of Accredidation: 3
Date of Publication: 30/09/2026
A3ES Accreditation

More Information

Scientific area of study: CNAEF 851 Environmental Protection Technology

Online Application

Use the button bellow to start your application.

How to apply

Application Fee

60€

Enrolment Fee

General Contingent: 30€
International Contingent: 100€

Tuition Fee

General Contingent: 697 €
International Contingent: 3000€

Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry

Sustainable Management of Cities and Industry

Programme Introduction

Programme Coordinator

School

City

Language

Type

Length

Vacancies

DGES certification

Objectives

Careers Options

Study Plan

Entry Requirements

Accreditation

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Online Application

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Enrolment Fee

Tuition Fee