The built environment contributes significantly to climate change. International agreements, European policy and National legislation have attempted to curtail CO2 emissions in the built environment. In addition to the legislative frameworks, there are practices and procedures that can be implemented in the management and construction of building works, to curb CO2 emissions, promote sustainable development and greener building practices. The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the concept of green building design and sustainable construction and provide the student with an understanding of the legislative & policy framework governing ‘greener’ construction. The module builds on the latter by providing the student with the skills to consider the impacts associated with choices made at different stages of the construction life cycle This module will also focus on measuring sustainability through advanced techniques such as LCC and LCA which emphasises the costs in use and the embodied energy of the building.
Indicative syllabus covered in the module and / or in its discrete elements include:Climate change and the impact on the built environment on CO2 emissions: Climate Action and Climate Policy:Sustainable Construction: Life Cycle Costing: Life Cycle Analysis: Green Procurement: Circularity and Lifecycle thinking in the Built Environment: Green Public Procurement: Renewable Energy/Technologies and Energy Efficiency: Indoor Environmental Quality: Resource Use and Waste Management: Green Buildings Ratings.
Instruction is by means of lectures and tutorials. Audio visual aids are used by the tutor mainly to elaborate on lecture content and to stimulate discussion. The lecture programme will seek to introduce the basic theories and concepts of the subject matter and prepare the students for weekly tutorials. The methods will vary according to the nature of the subject but will include combinations selected from lectures, seminars, panel discussions, workshops, case studies, assignments and private study.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |