Sustainability in Building Projects - Managing Land Resources and Environmental Impact

Module’s Learning Outcomes

Module’s Learning Outcomes

LO1 Comprehensively manage land resources in urban development P

LO2 Be able to critically identify and evaluate the environmental impact of development project

LO3 Demonstrate the capability and skills to assess the environmental impact of urban development by following proper procedures

LO4 Be able to identify the possibility and feasibility of various energy efficiency and renewable technology in a building project

LO5 Demonstrate the capability to assess the sustainability performance of a building project with proper methods and tools

2. Assessment (A2) criteria for Report (100%):

Site planning, design and environmental considerations of the two buildings that contribute to the overall sustainability

Technical aspects (Heating/cooling, natural /mechanical ventilation, and natural / artificial lighting) of chosen sustainable technologies and their contribution to zero-carbon demands

Constraints or impact that the current building regulations and planning policies may have when adopting these technologies

The theoretical underpinnings of mandatory regulatory measures and compare with voluntary assessments that adopt and implement sustainable building technologies

There is a growing global concern regarding Climate change and ways of minimising CO2 emissions. Design and construction of buildings are currently responsible for 36% of CO2 emissions and significantly contribute to the climate crisis. It is thus increasingly important that we produce sustainable buildings that minimise energy use and CO2 emissions. In the Climate Change Act 2008, the UK Government set legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 34% of 1990 levels by 2020 and at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. In 2019, the UK changed these targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The National Planning Policy Framework (2019) – Section 14-148 mentions that “The planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. It should help to: shape places in ways that contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings; and support renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure.’ These goals are also reflected in other guidance and documentation regarding the built environment, such as Regional and Local plans.

Mandatory regulations such as Approved Documents part L (Conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (Ventilation) are being revised to focus towards zero carbon emission buildings by 2050. Voluntary assessments, such as BREEAM, LEED and NABERS are used to promote sustainability in buildings and constantly push to improve efficiency in terms of Construction and operational energy.

4. Tasks

Prepare a report with supporting appendices (optional) that makes the following considerations by using clear evidence from case studies. Choose two case studies (UK or abroad) using buildings of similar types i.e. Housing, Commercial, Industrial, Education) and identify, compare and highlight aiming to evaluate green/sustainable approaches used in your case study buildings to show how these could achieve zero carbon emissions.

In your analysis please consider the following:

• Identify - Site planning, design and environmental considerations of the two buildings that contribute to the overall sustainability
• Compare - Technical aspects (Heating/cooling, natural /mechanical ventilation, and natural / artificial lighting) of chosen sustainable technologies and their contribution to zero-carbon demands
• Highlight - Constraints or impact that the current building regulations and planning policies may have when adopting these technologies
• Evaluate - the theoretical underpinnings of mandatory regulatory measures and compare with voluntary assessments that adopt and implement sustainable building technologies