Dimensions of Building Sustainability

CONTENT

This course provides an overview of ways that building sustainability is defined, assessed, and ameliorated. From local and global perspectives, various technical approaches to building sustainability are considered in relation to their economic and cultural implications. Topics include: assessment labels (SNBS, Minergie, etc.), life-cycle assessment (LCA), regulation, building systems and envelopes, construction materials, recycling and reuse. Beyond presentation of fundamental concepts, guest experts from industry and academia will introduce new innovations in sustainable building. The wide scope enables students to develop personal, analytical positions regarding the applicability and effectiveness of various approaches to measuring, regulating, and improving building sustainability, providing a foundation for positioning their future professional work within this multifaceted and rapidly evolving field.

TEACHING AIMS

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Recognize the different ways that building sustainability is defined and assessed, and appreciate how varying sustainability priorities underpin definitions and assessments.
• Understand the different environmental impacts of production and operations associated with various building types and construction techniques.
• Understand and apply the principles and methods of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and building sustainability assessment labels (e.g., SNBS, Minergie).
• Understand the context-specific technical, cultural, and economic implications of different strategies for reducing environmental impacts of building production and use.
• Develop analytical positions regarding the applicability of various approaches to assessing, regulating, and improving building sustainability in relation to particular contexts and priorities.

TEACHING FORM

Each week, topics will be addressed through lectures, guest presentations and group discussions. Lectures will introduce core building sustainability concepts. Guest presentations will explore in detail a particular aspect of each topic, including building case studies and new innovations. Group discussions will address specific questions; prompting students to develop critical positions in relation to each building sustainability topic. Course work includes short individual exercises and a group assignment involving practical use of LCA and assessment labels. Course assessment will consider individual exercises, group assignments and participation in group discussion.