CEM303-Sustainable Design, Construction and Operation

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: k.hyde@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

• To deliver an integrated, systemic and holistic understanding of sustainability and sustainable development

• To inspire and excite participants in their role by using the opportunities that sustainable practices can present

• To engender an understanding of the difference between cost and value in the area of climate change

• To understand the environmental, social and economic dimensions of building design, operation and construction

• To consider relevant policy, legislation and governance nationally and internationally

• To be familiar with the latest evidence and thinking on climate change, energy, water, pollution, waste, biodiversity, and efficient use of materials

• To broaden the understanding of the social benefits of a more sustainable built environment from the level of the individual to the level of community

• To learn about both modern and traditional approaches

• To understand the influence of human behaviour on patterns of consumption and production

• To understand the significance of implementing a solutions-oriented approach with the judicious use of innovation

Aims:
􀀕 To deliver an integrated, systemic and holistic understanding of sustainability and sustainable development
􀀕 To inspire and excite participants in their role with the opportunities that sustainable practices can present
􀀕 To engender an understanding of the difference between cost and value in the area of climate change
􀀕 To understand their environmental, social and economic dimensions
􀀕 To consider relevant policy, legislation and governance nationally and internationally
􀀕 To be familiar with the latest evidence and thinking on climate change, energy, water, pollution, waste, biodiversity, and efficient use of materials
􀀕 To broaden the understanding of the social benefits of a more sustainable built environment from the level of the individual to the level of community
􀀕 To learn about whole life value which takes into account whole life costing and quality
􀀕 To learn about modern and traditional approaches
􀀕 To understand the influence of human behaviour on patterns of consumption and production
􀀕 To understand the significance of implementing a solutions-oriented approach with the judicious use of innovation

Assessable learning outcomes:
The outcomes should enable students to:
􀀕 Achieve a broad understanding of the key sustainability issues, challenges/opportunities and drivers for change
􀀕 Understand and communicate the importance, value and opportunity that a more sustainable built environment represents
􀀕 Discuss objectively the issues in organisations and communities
􀀕 Evaluate and formulate strategic plans
􀀕 Critically appraise and use assessment tools
􀀕 Help the planning, design and facilities management processes
􀀕 Generate practical and positive responses to sustainability and climate change issues
􀀕 Individuals will be able to develop policies and decision-making concerning green issues at building design, construction and operation phases; also, at building end-of-life.

Additional outcomes:

Individuals will be able to develop sustainable operational practice and related projects within their companies.

Outline content:
􀀕 Sustainable development and sustainable building design
􀀕 Human development, health and quality of life
􀀕 Social and economic issues
􀀕 Sustainable urban environments
􀀕 Environmental change
􀀕 Critical review of assessment methods
􀀕 Energy resources, monitoring and renewable energy for buildings
􀀕 Considerate construction
􀀕 Air quality
􀀕 Design for water efficiency and greywater reuse; future of water in cities
􀀕 Waste management and reuse of construction materials
􀀕 Built form and layout of individual buildings
􀀕 Due diligence in environmental compliance

Global context:

The global environmental and sustainability context is included during some of the work with reference for example, to the Millennium Assessment goals and to the global water partnership etc.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, seminars, group workshops, case studies and private study. A site visit may be offered dependent upon whether site access is available

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
One assignment

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
To be reassessed by resubmission of the assignment. Students are required to contact the School to confirm reassessment arrangements.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019