module specification

With the increasing urgency of the climate emergency, there is a critical need to reduce carbon emissions from the built environment to meet net-zero targets. Building Surveyors play a vital role in this effort, as experts in the refurbishment, adaptation, and retrofitting of existing buildings to reduce operational carbon emissions and mitigate the significant embodied carbon released from demolishing older structures and constructing new ones.

Refurbishment, rather than demolition, helps preserve the heritage of an area and is often essential for historically-significant buildings. The adaptation and refurbishment of buildings also requires careful consideration of design, building regulations, planning requirements, and the need to ensure the integrity of existing structures while retaining long-term value.

This module will introduce you to the concepts of refurbishment, adaptation, and retrofitting, equipping you with the skills necessary to effectively carry out such projects. Through case studies and the latest guidance, you will explore the practicalities of refurbishment and the environmental benefits of these approaches.

By completion of this module, you will have developed a comprehensive understanding of refurbishment, adaptation, and retrofitting processes, and be able to apply this knowledge to real-world construction projects. You will be equipped to assess the carbon footprint of existing buildings, understand regulatory frameworks, and contribute to the transition to net-zero standards.

The module syllabus is informed by contemporary research and practice in building surveying, adaptation, refurbishment, and sustainability. Topics will include:

• Refurbishment, adaption, and retrofitting of domestic property (LO1, LO2)
• Refurbishment, adaption, and retrofitting of commercial property (LO1, LO2)
• The UK transition to Net Zero (LO2)
• Performance targets, such as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (LO1, LO2)
• Meaning of building obsolescence (LO1)
• Materials and circular economy (LO1)
• The importance of maintenance (LO1, LO2)
• Dealing with heritage buildings (LO2, LO3)
• Low carbon building services and energy efficient fabric upgrades (LO3, LO4)
• Key issues in specification of refurbishment and retrofitting (LO3, LO4)

The Building Adaptation and Refurbishment module will be supported through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and guided asynchronous activities. Where appropriate, activities will be recorded and made available for asynchronous access, allowing you to continue exploring topics beyond the classroom. This blended learning approach encourages interaction with your cohort, expanding on discussions and debates. The use of the VLE will facilitate communication between academics and students, as well as peer interaction via discussion boards and other tools.
Lectures will build on your existing knowledge from previous modules while workshops and other activities will enable you to apply your learning to real-world scenarios, supported by both peer and tutor guidance.
You will receive formative feedback at regular intervals. While this feedback will not contribute to your final mark, it will help you improve your understanding of key concepts, develop your academic writing, and refine your critical thinking. You will also have opportunities to self-assess your progress through small group sessions and discussions.
Independent and guided reading and research will support your learning, helping you expand your knowledge of Building Adaptation and Refurbishment, and understand how these concepts relate to the Built Environment and your future role as a Building Surveyor.

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:
1. appraise the drivers for refurbishment, adaption, and retrofitting over demolition and rebuilding, in terms of lifecycle carbon, circular economy and wider sustainability goals.
2. critically evaluate the feasibility of refurbishment for different building types (including heritage structures), localities, and building uses.
3. advise on the barriers, regulations, risks, benefits, and whatever else is appropriate for a particular scenario.
4. effectively communicate the requirements for refurbishment in the form of drawings, reports, specifications, or other such formats as appropriate for the situation.

There is currently no single text in publication that provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of building adaptation, refurbishment, and sustainability, as well as the role of a Building Surveyor in this process. Several books cover various parts of the subject in detail, and these are listed in the core text list.

SU7002 Building Adaptation and Refurbishment | London Metropolitan University