module specification

The module builds upon learning from earlier modules (for example, CO5001 Environmental Science and Sustainability) and examines the background and drivers for Sustainable Built Environments. It will explore the move to Sustainable Built Environments, responses at different scales, and how a Sustainable Built Environment is being encouraged, assessed, and enforced across the globe.

Through studying this module, you will be required to consider how factors such as climate change, urbanisation, and decarbonisation are impacting the Built Environment.

The knowledge gained will enable you to understand the contributions a Sustainable Built Environment can make towards a low carbon future.

By the end of the module, you should be able to evaluate the following:

• the contribution of technology towards a Sustainable Built Environment
• the drivers for change, including climate change and the population shift towards urbanisation
• appropriate responses at various scales towards maintaining and sustaining the wider environment
• techniques that can be adopted to reduce our built environment operational energy demand
• the different types of infrastructure and their role in achieving Sustainable Built Environments
• the impact and effectiveness of legislation, regulations, assessment schemes, and other mechanisms
• how to adapt the existing built environment to mitigate against the effects of climate change and the barriers to doing this
• contributions Built Environment professionals and their professional bodies make towards Sustainable Built Environments.

The module syllabus is informed by the course syllabus and reading material alongside contemporary issues, research, and practice within the Built Environment. Topics will include:

• The sustainability agenda, past and present (LO1)
• Proportionate responses to creating a Sustainable Built Environment (LO2)
• Design for Manufacture and Assembly and the construction project cycle (LO1, 2)
• Advances in material science and construction technology (LO1,2,4)
• Designing resilience in the existing built environment and barriers (LO3)
• Management and mitigation of waste (LO1,2,4)
• United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals (UNSDG) (LO2, 3)
• Sustainable infrastructure (LO2, 3)
• Environmental accreditation and certification schemes (LO3)
• Case studies - local, national, and global (LO2, 5)
• The contributions of the professions (LO4,6)Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (LO3, 4, 5)

A blended and technology-enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Students will engage in discussions on topical areas concerning Sustainability in the Built Environment. Contact sessions will encourage students to discuss ideas and consider a variety of case studies from around the globe. Online content will provide students with a formal, structured framework within which to approach their research. Tasks will be performed through group and independent study to develop critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. Where appropriate, activities will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

Case studies will be diverse in project type and seminars and workshops will include taking the projects on a journey around the globe to use material that explores and develops student’s critical awareness of how different factors, such as availability of natural resources, social capital, globalisation, and micro/macroeconomics influence approaches to embracing, postponing, or ignoring the need for a Sustainable Built Environment.

Throughout the module, student outputs will be reviewed and formative feedback given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

Learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities to receive forward feedback.

Students will reflect on their learning, which will contribute towards their online Professional Development Journals (PDJ).

On completion of the module, the student, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. critically evaluate the key drivers behind the need for a Sustainable Built Environment.
2. appraise measures through which Sustainable Built Environments are encouraged around the globe including accreditation schemes, and legislation.
3. judge measures to mitigate the irreversible effects of climate change and barriers to sustainability relating to existing built environment.
4. investigate the contributions Built Environment professionals and professional bodies make towards ethical, Sustainable Built Environments.
5. generate responses based on evidence from research and practice.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module.

Sustainability is a fast-developing area of study and there are regular new entrants into the arena, including textbooks, industry reports, and web publications.  Students will benefit from taking themselves on a journey of discovery to see what resources are available and what conflicting opinions exist.

There are several books that cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the online reading list below:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/9BF0BFA5-7E8B-AA12-1185-9DFCA2FD4DA8.html?lang=en-GB&login=1