To work at any spatial scale, planners need to have some basic knowledge on the principles and approaches of ecology. The debates such as environmental conservation, ecological planning, renewable energy, protected area management, sustainable waste and water management, climate change relate to a wide interdisciplinary area of city and regional planners, architects, biologists, engineers, economists, administrative scientists, sociologists. Ecology as a science of nature is a crucial element of planning for sustainable development, healthy environments and conservation. Urban sustainability approach became a widespread approach in planning and design of urban areas all around the world. Planners are increasingly discussing how to integrate the ecological thinking in planning and policy making processes; reserve a room for the wildlife in urban areas protecting rare and endemic species; apply renewable energy use in urban areas; and raise public awareness and involvement in environmental conservation.

The course is designed to provide students with the knowledge on basic ecological principles and approaches that should be paid attention in planning practices; dimensions of sustainable urban development, climate change, energy efficiency in urban areas.