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Unit outline_

DESC9014: Sustainable Construction Technology

Semester 1, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit covers three related areas of investigation: basic building construction practices, advanced sustainable construction practices and environmental rating of building construction. It begins by introducing a number of recurrent themes in construction in Australia at the present time including the idea of building culture, the various modes of delivery and variety of classifications of buildings and building elements and rational construction. There follows a review of sustainable construction techniques of domestic scaled buildings using, where appropriate, examples of well documented and/or accessible exemplars. The second part of the unit reviews current approaches to sustainable building technologies employed in more complex public and commercial scaled buildings, particularly with regard to processes of structural system selection, facade systems design and construction and material performance. Aspects of the National Construction Code and integration of services into the building fabric relevant to building services engineers will also be reviewed. Finally the unit will review current issues related to environmental rating of building materials.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Architectural and Design Science
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Emma Heffernan, emma.heffernan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Emma Heffernan, emma.heffernan@sydney.edu.au
Matthew McNeil, matthew.mcneil@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Smart Technical Report - material or component
Graphic technical report
60% Formal exam period
Due date: 04 Jun 2024 at 23:59
A2 x 10 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Assignment group assignment Case study LCA
Case study LCA comparison report
40% Week 09
Due date: 28 Apr 2024 at 23:59
A2 x 10 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Case study LCA: In groups, locate a recently constructed small-scale building to analyse as a case study. You will need to source plans, elevations and sections and other construction documents to undertake your analysis on its environmental impact. You will conduct a life-cycle analysis of the case study, and then propose and test improvements in a comparative study. You will need to synthesise your research material with a series of self-generated sketches and diagrams to show adopted technologies, materials and construction methods. Your case study analysis must be completed with a series of self-generated graphics and charts to explain the impact and level of applied technologies and sustainability.
  • Smart Technical Report - material or component: Students (individually) are required to prepare a Smart Technical Report (STR) explaining developments and opportunities of a selected sustainable construction material or building component. You will compare this material or component to an equivalent standard system of component. You will design and elaborate your STR with links to technologies, construction methodologies and sustainability to communicate current trends to specialist and non-specialist audiences. The STR will need to be designed to present your research in a simple and clear manner by using self-generated infographics and your own sketches, diagrams, and charts. Your infographic design will be based on your research and analysis of a broad range of academic and industry data.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction an excellent standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical
analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis,
synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.

Credit

65 - 74

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the
learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the
learning outcomes assessed.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes
assessed.

Fail

0 - 49

Work that does not meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022, for every calendar day up to and including 10 calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to the late work. For work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 03 Introduction to the unit/Assignment 1, Introduction to sustainable construction & LCA, Carbon footprint applications & case studies Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7
Introduction to Carbon footprint calculator & Carbon footprint workshop Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7 LO8
Tutorial tasks: Carbon footprint registration/set up, Definition of the case study, Building case study analysis Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8
Week 05 LCA in Construction Sector, Construction sustainability in Australia, Low environmental impact materials. Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO7
Building Classification, Q&A session for carbon footprint calculator & Assignment 1 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7 LO8
Tutorial tasks: Assignment 1 progress, Building case study (generating graphs and charts, check of self-selected case study) Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 LCA and the construction Circular Economy, Reuse of building materials, LCA in sustainable building research Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7
GreenStar and LCA, Introduction to Assignment 2 Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7
Student presentations of Assignment 1 case studies Presentation (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 11 Lightweight materials, Steel, timber & glass, Insulation materials Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
CLT in sustainable buildings, Resource efficient building structures Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Tutorial tasks: Smart technical report progress, Assessing performance and proprieties Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Heavyweight materials, Concrete, stone and brick applications, Procurement and delivery methods Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Assignment 2 Q&A, Unit wrap-up Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Tutorial tasks: Advancing Smart Technical Report (comparison studies) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022

Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The following is a list of primary readings. Further readings are provided on the Canvas site:

  • Ching, Francis D K. Building Construction Illustrated. 5th ed. Hoboken : Wiley, 2014.
  • Hegger, Manfred (et al.). Construction Materials Manual. English ed. Munich : Edition Detail, 2006. 
  • Schittich, Christian (Ed.). Building Skins. Basel : Birkhauser, 2012.
  • Hyde, Richard. Climate Responsive Design : A Study of Buildings in Moderate and Hot Humid Climates. New York : E & F N Spon, 2000.
  • Lawson B. Building materials, energy and environment: towards ecologically sustainable development, Royal Australian Institue of Architects, Red Hill ACT
  • El Khouli, Viola, Martin Construction techniques : from structural design to material selection : assessing and improving the environmental impact of buildings, GmbH & Co., KG, 2015
  • Watts, Andrew. Modern Construction Handbook, Berlin: Abra, 2013.
  • Crawford, Robert. Life cycle assessment in the built environment. Routledge, 2011.
  • Curran, Mary Ann, ed. Life cycle assessment handbook: a guide for environmentally sustainable products. John Wiley & Sons, 2012.
  • Horne, Ralph, Tim Grant, and Karli Verghese. Life cycle assessment: principles, practice and prospects. Csiro Publishing, 2009. 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. appreciate the broader context of the construction industry in Australia
  • LO2. understand broadly the basic principles and current best-practice building technologies
  • LO3. identify technological components to produce analyses with sketches and diagrams
  • LO4. collect and analyse information in relation to building technologies with sustainable design and clearly communicate results and conclusions in report and infographic form
  • LO5. investigate case studies to independently develop your knowledge of building technologies and sustainable construction techniques
  • LO6. evaluate opinions, make decisions and reflect critically on technical decisions and their impact on the environment.
  • LO7. understand the key aspects of sustainable construction and basic principles of life cycle assessments
  • LO8. use efficiently a life-cycle assessment software

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The lectures were redesigned according to feedback.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.