- describe the historical background to, and provide a definition of Sustainable Development and explain how such a concept relates to construction activity;
- describe construction activity in terms of economic value, material and energy consumption, and waste generation;
- explain the nature and consequences of key impacts arising from construction activity, particularly in terms of resource depletion, climate change, flooding and urban heat island effect;
- explain how recognition of the impacts associated with construction activity has helped to shape policy and legislation at a global, European and national level;
- describe how the interdependencies of different stages of the construction life cycle are likely to lead to conflicts and the need for compromise when delivering sustainable constructions solutions.
- understand the various renewable energy technologies currently available;
- understand the basic principals of each technology;
- understand the Pros and Cons of the various technologies including geographical, practical and legal limitations;
- match specific technologies to particular building types, landscapes and projects;
- match specific technologies to building specific energy demand profiles;
- conduct a renewable energy feasibility study as part of the wider design team.
- understand the legislative and administrative background of the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates in the UK;
- understand the processes and procedures for producing Energy Performance Certificates;
- understand the differences between domestic, commercial and public building Energy Performance Certificates;
- understand the procedures for carrying out air-conditioning and boiler inspections;
- understand the training routes available to become an energy assessor.
- discuss the principal aims and strategies key to sustainable construction;
- be able to identify the principal actors to be engaged with at design, procurement and construction stages;
- discuss approaches to optimising sustainability during construction;
- be aware of appropriate sources of information on the selection of approaches to sustainable construction.
- identify the various tools and indicators that are available for assessing the performance of sustainable developments;
- choose the correct assessment tool or indicator to measure a particular aspect of a development’s sustainability;
- explain the result of the various tools and indicators and their relevance;
- explain the main factors that will affect the results of the tools and indicators;
- discuss the pros and cons of the various tools and indicators available;
- discuss the required inputs, expected outputs, skills and knowledge required to use a particular tool or indicator.