1. A 2,500-word assignment in the form of an analytical report focused on Building Performance & Sustainability Analysis in response to an existing building case study which you will analyse based on technical and literature research weighted at 50% meeting Learning Outcomes 1 and 2. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes C1, C2, C3, C4, C11, C13

2. A 2,500-word assignment in the form of an advisory report aimed at a professional audience focused on a design or retrofit proposal with appropriate justification for stakeholders weighted at 50% meeting Learning Outcomes 3 and 4. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes C5, C6, C7.

Formative assessment and feedback will be undertaken during the module to assess and develop student learning.

Professional body requirements stipulate that a minimum overall mark of 40% is required to pass the module, with a minimum mark of 30% required in each element of assessment unless otherwise stated.

The module will cover the following topics and areas:

- Building physics: thermal, acoustic, and visual performance
- Energy-efficient building design and regulations
- Sustainable materials and low-carbon construction
- Building performance simulation and evaluation
- Passive design strategies and renewable integration
- Lifecycle thinking and whole-life carbon
- Post-occupancy evaluation (POE)
- Climate resilience and adaptation
- Sustainability assessment methods (BREEAM, LEED)
- Future trends in sustainable construction

1. Critically analyse building performance in terms of energy, comfort, and environmental impact utilising an inclusive end-user approach. (AHEP 4: C1, C2, C3, C11)

Programme Learning Outcome: Critical Reasoning & Collaboration, Digital Literacy

2. Evaluate sustainable construction strategies, materials, and low-carbon technologies. (AHEP 4: C4, C13)

Programme Learning Outcome: Research Skills

3. Apply lifecycle and whole-life performance concepts to assess design solutions. (AHEP 4: C6)

Programme Learning Outcome: Application & Problem Solving

4. Propose and justify building design or retrofit strategies that enhance sustainability and performance. (AHEP 4: C5, C7)

Programme Learning Outcome: Communication, Reflection

This module will enable you to develop understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems, and create solutions through a variety of learning activities, including:

Taught Lectures: To provide a structured introduction to key concepts and underpinning theory.

Tutorials: Interactive sessions designed to reinforce learning, explore concepts in greater depth, and provide opportunities for guided problem-solving and discussion.

Practical Activities: Hands-on sessions using appropriate tools, techniques, or methodologies to support the application of theoretical knowledge to practical problems.

Formative opportunities for informal assessment and feedback will take place throughout the module to support learning, monitor progress, and guide development.

The following resources are needed:

- Lecture and Seminar Space with A/V
- Engineering Laboratory Spaces and Materials Testing Equipment
- PC and standard engineering software.

Clark, J., Cockroft, J., Hand, J., McGhee, R. (2024); Applied Building Performance Simulation (Built Environment). Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Cotgrave, A., Riley, M. (2012); Total Sustainability in the Built Environment. Palgrave.

Fleming, R., Roberts, S. H. (2024); Sustainable Design for the Built Environment. Routledge.

Rocchl, A. (2024); Green Cities: Designing Sustainable Urban Spaces for the Future: A Comprehensive Guide to Eco-Friendly Architecture and Urban Planning. Independently Published

The books listed above for sustainable construction are recognised standard works in the field, providing rigorous coverage of core and foundational concepts. Although they are not the most recently published texts, they remain widely used and continue to provide essential theoretical grounding, supported by more recent industry publication included in the reading list.

In this module you will analyse building performance and sustainability through the entire building lifecycle. You’ll learn to optimise design solutions, assess environmental impacts, and make informed, ethical engineering decisions that will influence the design, development, construction and repurposing of new and existing buildings for a range of purposes.