module specification

The module aims to develop a critical awareness of the background and drivers for sustainable development. It will explore the development of the sustainability agenda, different approaches to sustainable development and the key trends in society that affect, and are affected by, the built environment. It will consider how climate change, urbanisation and other factors are placing pressure on the built environment across the globe to deliver agile and appropriate responses to challenges such as accelerated climate change, extreme weather and societal change.

The knowledge gained will enable the student to understand the impact of the built environment sector on the sustainability agenda.

By the end of the module students should be able to critically evaluate the following:

• the background behind the sustainability in the built environment agenda
• drivers for change and appropriate responses
• the role of development in 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
• strategies to ensure energy security positioned within a low carbon energy mix

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The syllabus is informed by contemporary research and practice in the management of risk and change. Topics will include:

• The sustainability agenda, past and present (LO1)
• The United Nations sustainable development goals (LO1,3)
• Macro, miso and micro approaches to creating a sustainable built environment (LO2)
• Responding to the need for sustainable global infrastructures (LO2, 3)
• Environmental accreditation schemes (LO3)
• Case studies - local, national and global (LO2, 5)
• Fabric first construction (LO1,2,3)
• Retrofitting (LO1,2,3,4)
• Measuring operational energy demand (LO2, 3)
• The contributions of the professions (LO4)
• Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (LO3, 5)

Student’s teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of lectures, seminars, discursive sessions, and workshops totalling 36 hours of contact time. Students will be given the opportunity to engage in seminar activities in which the use of case studies from around the world stimulates discussion and helps them to develop a deep understanding of sustainability in the built environment.

Workshops will facilitate group study of authentic case studies, presenting project scenarios and challenging the students to propose considered and appropriate responses. The 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 the 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.

A blended/ technology enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Formal lectures will introduce and develop themes that relate to the core subject. The delivery of the module will be broken down into key elements that have discrete tasks. Tasks will be performed through group and independent study, to develop critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. Throughout the module student output’s will be reviewed, and formative feedback will be given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

Study will be supported via online lectures, tutorials and seminars that will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

The 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 for students to receive forward feedback.

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

1. Articulate the key drivers behind the need to move towards a sustainable built environment
2. Propose responses that can be made, at different scales, to move towards a sustainable built environment.
3. Evaluate the instruments through which sustainable built environments are promoted and measured around the globe including accreditation schemes, and legislation.
4. Appraise the contributions the built environment professionals and professional bodies make towards sustainable built environments.
5. Formulate 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 which cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the core text list.

Link to library reading list