The module focuses on the concept of sustainability and the need of designing for sustainability in order to face the current global changes, e. g. climate change and biodiversity loss.
Students will learn key sustainability concepts such as the importance of balancing economic, environmental and social sustainability and relevant frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals.
The module highlights key challenges to the sustainable delivery of designs in the water, construction, transport and energy sectors.
It introduces and applies the concept of life cycle assessment and presents some state-of-the-art adaptation & mitigation strategies.
Students will also be introduced to relevant industry standards, guidance and certification systems
Climate change - Causes and impacts; Adaptation (adapting design to cope with climate change) and Mitigation (reducing climate change). Interaction of climate change and biodiversity
DGs - Differentiating between economic, environmental and social sustainability.
Energy policy (Engineering infrastructure; Transport/water/Construction)
High level overview of mitigation and adaption strategies – decarbonisation of energy resources / Design solutions: Nature based solutions (green roofs; SUDs)
High level overview of renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar; wind (offshore- design of foundations; wave; biomass) in terms of resource available in Ireland
Review of relevant key sustainable design assessment and certification standards/guidance such as LEED, BREEM, Greenroads, IStructE Embodied Carbon calculator,
Life Cycle Assessments including calculating the carbon footprint on elements of construction and construction activity as a tool of life cycle analysis
Assessment and comparison of the carbon footprint and lifecycle of different structural systems/materials
Lectures, discussions, case studies, videos, group project work, self-directed learning
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 50 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |