This module introduces the concepts of sustainable design and construction and provides an understanding of the environmental and resource implications of construction activity. It considers the theoretical and methodological basis of approaches designed to quantify the impacts associated with choices made at different stages of the construction life cycle, as well as tools designed to evaluate relative environmental and sustainability performance. The module is centred on a group based case study with an individual report which will develop knowledge of policy and legislative drivers, carbon critical design, life cycle assessment and costs, socio-economic impacts and the impacts of construction activity (energy, water, materials, waste, biodiversity, etc.) associated with civil engineering infrastructure and buildings.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Critically analyse the basis of sustainable construction and the role of construction activity in the context of the wider environment
Understand the theoretical and methodological basis of techniques used to measure relative environmental/ sustainability performance
Describe the implications of the construction life cycle in terms of sustainability and the interdependency of individual life cycle stages
Describe and review critically the key issues and tools available for analysing sustainability in the following types of construction activity: a) Individual buildings; b) Civil engineering & infrastructure; and c) Multi-building developments.
Assessment
20470-07 : Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Main Assessment
Group project presentations and Q&A (30%)
3000-word Individual Report (70%)
Supplementary Assessment
3000-word Individual Report (70%)
The group work is important and will be assessed by 2 physical presentations and 2 aide memoires followed in each case by Q&A.
Other
Birmingham version of Dubai based module 32674
Reading List
DETR, Towards an urban renaissance: final report of the Urban Task Force / chaired by Lord Rogers of Riverside, London: Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, 328p (1999).