The module aims to develop of understanding for sustainability and sustainable environmental design and the role that BIM can play through modelling, simulation, data exchange and analysis on achieving a better outcome.

(LO1) To establish basic knowledge of sustainability, sustainable environmental design and the key related concepts.

(LO2) To demonstrate the ability to present research results in a concise and understandable manner to a professional audience.

(LO3) To develop the ability to investigate the potential of BIM and its related technologies in supporting sustainable design and enhancing environmental performance in theory as well as in practice.

(LO4) To demonstrate familiarity with various environmental design software and their use in the context of sustainable environmental design.

(S1) Research skills.

(S2) Critical thinking and analysis.

(S3) Independent learning skills.

(S4) Written communication skills.

(S5) Oral communication skills.

(S6) Graphical communication skills.

Introduction to sustainability
Sustainability in depth: drivers, policy, barriers, need for assessment
Social/Economic aspects of sustainability
Sustainable environmental design I,II,III: principles, process, issues, use of BIM tools
Non-energy benefits of a sustainable built environment
Sustainability certification systems
Case Studies on BIM-enabled sustainability.
Using BIM simulation tools to improve the performance of buildings

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Lectures and presentations will be delivered by academic staff and guest speakers from the industry, which will be aligned to real-world problems and experiences, from both national and international contexts. Guest lectures will provide viewpoints and insights of different project partners (designers, engineers, planners, etc.)

Teaching Method 2 – Seminar/Webinar
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Seminars will encourage student engagement with the lecture topic and will provide an interactive medium for discussion and debate. Seminars will engage students in a variety of activities (e.g. case studies, fieldwork) and discussion of integrated design, lean and BIM issues.

Teaching Method 3 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials will aim to provide formative feedback to the students on their case studies and presentations to guide their research as a team.Attendance Recorded: Yes

In case hybrid modes of teaching were considered, if the situation of social distancing continued to be in place as a consequence of Covid-19, the lectures will be delivered both asynchronously and synchronously, i.e. pre-recorded and made available on Canvas in advance of the Q&A sessions, and online live communication to ensure the students have an opportunity to interact with peers and teaching staff within a virtual class environment. The students will be reminded of previous sessions at the beginning, encouraged to participate and raise questions, as well as providing them with tasks for the next lecture/ session. Similarly, workshops will be held online, e.g. on MS Teams or Zoom, recorded and made available on Canvas for future reference.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.