SubjectsSubjects(version: 982)
Course, academic year 2026/2027
  
   
Sustainability Principles in Food and Biotechnology - M324015
Title: Principy udržitelnosti v potravinářství a biotechnologiích
Guaranteed by: Department of Food Preservation (324)
Faculty: Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology
Actual: from 2026
Semester: both
Points: 5
E-Credits: 5
Examination process:
Hours per week, examination: 2/2, C+Ex [HT]
Capacity: winter:unknown / unknown (unknown)Schedule is not published yet, this information might be misleading.
summer:unknown / unknown (unknown)Schedule is not published yet, this information might be misleading.
Min. number of students: unlimited
State of the course: taught
Language: Czech
Teaching methods: full-time
Level:  
Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan
enabled for web enrollment
you can enroll for the course in winter and in summer semester
Guarantor: Pivoňka Jan Ing. Ph.D.
Examination dates   Schedule   
Annotation -
The course provides students with a basic overview of the principles of sustainability applied in the food industry and biotechnology. It is based on current European and national strategies, including the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy. Students will learn about the structure and functioning of the food system in the context of its environmental, economic and social impacts, including methods for assessing sustainability, the circular economy and value chain management. The course includes lectures and practical exercises aimed at developing skills for modelling and assessing material and energy flows and understanding the environmental benefits and risks of selected innovations in food production.
Last update: Pivoňka Jan (13.08.2025)
Course completion requirements -

As part of the course, students complete a case study, the submission of which is a requirement for receiving the course credit. The examination consists of a written part followed by an oral examination.

Last update: Pivoňka Jan (30.01.2026)
Literature -

Obligatory:

  • K. C. Bansal, W. S. Lakra, Himanshu Pathak. . Transformation of Agri-Food Systems. : Springer Singapore, , s. ISBN 978-981-99-8014-7.

Last update: Pivoňka Jan (31.01.2026)
Teaching methods -

The course combines lectures focused on sustainability principles, the functioning of the food system, and European strategies with practical training in analytical and assessment tools. The exercises develop students’ skills in modelling material and energy flows and in evaluating sustainable technologies or practices. Emphasis is placed on applying theory in practice through case studies, team tasks, and work with real data.

Last update: Pivoňka Jan (30.01.2026)
Requirements to the exam -

As part of the course, students complete a case study, the submission of which is a requirement for receiving the course credit. The examination consists of a written part followed by an oral examination.

Last update: Pivoňka Jan (30.01.2026)
Syllabus -

1. Introduction to sustainability - definition, SDG, Green Deal, project brief

2. Food system and its impacts (environmental, economic, social)

3. Farm to Fork strategy and European legislation in the field of food

4. Circular economy and food industry

5. Sustainable food consumption and demand management, environmental aspects of nutrition

6. Material and energy flows in the agri-food sector

7. Carbon footprint calculation (GHG protocol)

8. Life cycle assessment (LCA, PEF) in the food industry

9. Prevention and use of food waste, packaging, packaging waste

10. Biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, deforestation

11. Sustainable processing technologies

12. Responsible value chain management

13. Social and ethical aspects of food production (animal welfare, food accessibility, etc.)

14. Presentation of team outputs, course summary

Last update: Pivoňka Jan (09.03.2026)
Learning resources -

Sustainable Development Goals (FAO)

https://www.fao.org/sustainability/en/

Sustainable Food Systems – Concept and Framework (FAO, SDG orientace)

https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/b620989c-407b-4caf-a152-f790f55fec71/content

Online Resources on Sustainable Food Systems – EC (SDG, LCA, CE)

https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/global-food-nutrition-security/topic/sustainable-food-systems/online-resources-sustainable-food-systems_en

Food Systems – Research & Innovation (Farm to Fork, LCA, circular economy)

https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/bioeconomy/food-systems_en

EU Pathway Towards Sustainable Food Systems Transformation (Farm to Fork)

https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/publication/eu-pathway-towards-sustainable-food-systems-transformation_en

Last update: Pivoňka Jan (31.01.2026)
Learning outcomes -

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

1. Explain the basic principles of sustainable development in the context of food and biotechnology.

2. Identify and describe the main environmental and climate impacts of individual links in the food chain.

3. Analyze the impact of selected production, processing and consumption practices on sustainability.

4. Apply basic sustainability assessment tools, such as the balance approach and life cycle assessment (LCA).

5. Design and critically evaluate measures to increase sustainability in specific cases from food and biotechnology practice.

6. Cooperate in solving case studies and present the results of teamwork.

Last update: Pivoňka Jan (13.08.2025)
Entry requirements -
Last update: Pivoňka Jan (31.01.2026)
Registration requirements -
Last update: Pivoňka Jan (31.01.2026)
Coursework assessment
Form Significance
Regular attendance 20
Defense of an individual project 20
Examination test 30
Oral examination 30

 
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