Environmental Sustainability in Construction
Unit code: HES6176D
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Contact hours | Equivalent to 36 hrs contact time or 150 hrs total study time |
| Campus | Off-Campus |
| Prerequisites | PG: Nil. UG: 250 credit points. |
| Corequisites | Nil |
Related course(s)
A unit of study in the
Aims and objectives
The aim of this unit is to impart environmental sustainability related learning outcomes essential for construction industry so that the participants will be able to:
- understand the basic concepts of sustainability, sustainable development and sustainable construction
- have an appreciation of the international and local regulation developments in the area of sustainability
- have an appreciation of the causes and effects of climate change
- understand the effects of energy usage on greenhouse gas production and relevance of energy efficiency in buildings
- recognize the attributes of different materials and resources used in buildings from sustainability point of view
- assess and design for good indoor environment
- assess the functionality, durability and adaptability of buildings
- understand the impacts of a building on its surrounding environment and vice versa
- have an appreciation of the practical measures that can be implemented in design
- gain knowledge on sustainability tools and indicators available, their scopes and limitations
Generic skills outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will have:
- ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
- ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large
- in-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
- ability to understand problem identification, formulation and solution
- ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance
- ability to function effectively as an individual in a project team, have the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member
- understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development
- understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development
- understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and have a commitment to uphold these responsibilities
- expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, and capacity to do so
Content
Topics include:
- Basic Concepts: Terminology, International Developments, National Developments.
- Sustainability issues: Climate change, Energy, Resources and materials, Indoor Environment, Quality of building services, Outdoor Environment.
- Implementation: Strategies, Design Issues, Tools and Indicators.
