KA4035 - Sustainable Future and Construction

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will develop a critical appreciation of the Sustainable Development Philosophy, its principles and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These general sustainability concepts and developments are then addressed within the specific context of the construction sector and the built environment covering both old/existing and new/planned/prospective buildings and infrastructures.

How will I learn on this module?

The learning will revolve around both sustainability concepts and theories of sustainability and their applications in the construction industry.

A range of hypothetical as well as real-world scenarios will be employed during the lectures. A combination of lectures and interactive seminars will be adopted. Video clips, expert interviews, TED talks, case-studies and alike from various parts of the work will also be used and followed by Q&A (question and answer) sessions. You will have opportunities to work in groups and be encouraged to present your work to the rest of the class to ignite wider debates and discussions, enhancing your critical thinking and professional skills in connection to the subject matter. Regular feedback will be also given about the taught element and your coursework. Your learning will be further enhanced through the use of technology. You will have electronic access, via the University’s virtual learning environment (blackboard) and online library resources.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Academic support for this module will be provided by academic staff in a variety of ways. For instance, formative feedback will be provided on your work during lectures, seminars, and activity-based tasks. Summative feedback is also provided specific to your individual coursework component, which contains positive comments on good practices and areas of improvements. The University’s VLE (blackboard) will also allow you to seek additional guidance and engage in academic discussion with academic staff and classmates. You can reach and see the module leader and module tutor(s) to discuss your thoughts on one-to-one basis during the ‘drop-in’ sessions. If any concerns, you can also share them during the class or after the class with your tutors and be guided, as appropriate.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

Understand sustainability and climate change in general and the mutual influences between these concepts and the construction sector.

Identify the features of sustainable/green buildings and sustainable/green infrastructures which can offer solutions to challenges/problems of the Construction industry such as the pursuit of the net zero carbon footprint.





Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Demonstrate an understanding of sustainability and environmental issues in the construction sector.

Effectively communicate and present information to both academic and industry audiences.



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Outline how construction stakeholders can take ethical/social responsibility to deliver solutions for sustainability, climate change, and environmental issues.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be used to allow you to build confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Furthermore, the formative feedback shall be delivered to you verbally by academic staff during formally scheduled teaching and individual or group activity-based sessions to help you learn and prepare you for the submission of your summative assessment.



Summative Assessment

Summative assessment will be by an individual report that will assess your ability to satisfy all the module learning outcomes. You will use the University’s VLE to receive your feedback using appropriate digital feedback tools.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The Sustainability or Sustainable Development philosophy, both in general and within the context of the construction industry, is a multi- and inter-disciplinary field of study. Construction Managers play an important role in influencing sustainability in the context of the construction and built environment. This module will help you develop and demonstrate a meaning of sustainability from different perspectives including environmental sustainability including climate change, social sustainability and quality of life, and economic sustainability. Not only you will evaluate the construction of the built environment on its own but you will also consider it in association with the natural environment, thereby seeking as much seamless integration between the two, as possible. You will also address climate change implications in connection to the net zero carbon agenda and SDGs and appreciate how sustainable and green buildings/infrastructures can contribute to these developments.

Course info

UCAS Code Z035

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

 

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

 

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

 

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints