Course Overview
This course continues the sustainable development theme by introducing some to the key principles associated with the delivery of green buildings. Given that buildings are a major contributor to environmental issues such as energy consumption, resource consumption, and climate change, they also have the unique opportunity to become part of the solution. This course is intended to raise awareness of the role that the architectural/building technologist may play with respect to environmental stewardship within the design, development and construction industry. With an emphasis on the principles of "building for environmental, social, and economic sustainability", it presents an overview of the areas that can directly impact the delivery of an environmentally-responsible building. Students learn about the roles of the many participants who collaborate in the "integrated design process", as well as best practices and strategies that facilitate the green building process. Topics include green building rating systems, life cycle assessment tools, strategies for resource conservation, construction waste management, improved indoor environmental quality, and commissioning. In addition, the economics of green buildings is introduced, with a focus towards making a business case. Successful integration of green building strategies will be demonstrated through the presentation of locally based case studies.
Prerequisite(s)
Credits
2.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course the student will be able to:
- Describe the various roles of the design professionals and constructors in the green building delivery process.
- Describe the integrated design process and why it is fundamental to the success of green building delivery.
- Define the Triple Bottom Line approach to sustainable development.
- Describe the various green building rating systems, including LEED Canada for New Construction.
- Apply life-cycle assessment tools to materials to determine their environmental impacts.
- Describe strategies to protect indoor air quality through source control, construction operations, and commissioning.
- Describe the components of good indoor environmental quality that promote the health and well-being of occupants.
- Identify and describe practices that minimise site disturbances during construction.
- Identify and describe practices of construction waste management as a strategy to divert solid waste from the landfill.
- Describe the true costs of ownership and environmental, social and economic benefits of green buildings in order to make a business case.
- Prepare a simplified cost-benefit analysis for a typical green building strategy using life cycle costing techniques.
- Prepare design diagrams and sketches to describe green building concepts.
- Identify and describe various green building strategies implemented in local buildings through case study investigations.
Effective as of Winter 2012
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.