Construction Industry and Environment

Subject ABPL90310 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week (36 hours)
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites:

Admission into one of the following courses:

MC-ARCH Master of Architecture
MC-ARCH2Y Master of Architecture (200 points)
MC-ARCH3Y Master of Architecture (300 points)
MC-LARCH Master of Landscape Architecture
MC-LARCH2Y Master of Landscape Architecture (200 points)
MC-LARCH3Y Master of Landscape Architecture (300 points)
MC-CM Master of Construction Management
MC-CONMG2Y Master of Construction Management (200 points)
MC-CONMG3Y Master of Construction Management (300 points)
MC-PROP Master of Property
MC-PROP2Y Master of Property (200 points)
MC-PROP3Y Master of Property (300 points)

Or approval from the subject coordinator.

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Robert Crawford

Contact

Email: rhcr@unimelb.edu.au

The Eastern Precinct (building 138)
(between Doug McDonell building and Eastern Resource Centre)

Enquiries:
Current Student: http://ask.unimelb.edu.au/
Web: http://msd.unimelb.edu.au/

Subject Overview:

This subject aims to develop an understanding and awareness of the life cycle environmental effects of building design and construction, including the approaches that can be used to assess and minimise them, with a particular emphasise on life cycle assessment.

Through an introduction to environmental assessment, including ‘input-output analysis’, this subject articulates the many linkages connecting construction to the rest of the national economy, the production underlying it, and the resources consumed in the process.

Organised as an advanced seminar, the subject will expose students to the latest developments in environmental assessment techniques and their application within the built environment.

Learning Outcomes:
  • To develop an awareness of the current techniques for quantifying and assessing environmental effects.
  • To teach students how to use environmental assessment techniques to improve the environmental performance of the construction industry.
  • To provide a theoretical framework for macro-scale examinations of the construction industry.
  • To build an appreciation for the position of construction within natural and economic environments.
  • To supply analytical and critical tools for the evaluation of construction strategies at industry and project level.
Assessment:
  • Class participation including involvement in class discussion and activities, demonstrating an understanding of environmental issues and the use of life cycle assessment in construction 10%
  • Environmental Assessment Report analysing the environmental performance of a construction project, 1000 word equivalent. Due week 7, 20%
  • Peer review critically analysing the work of others, providing constructive feedback and demonstrating an understanding of life cycle assessment 500 words equivalent. Due week 9, 10%
  • Environmental Improvement Report (combining the Environmental Assessment Report) identifying solutions and making recommendations for the improvement to the environmental performance of a construction project 3000 word or equivalent.Due Week 11, 40%, 3000 word or equivalent.
  • 15 minute class presentation communicating the major findings of the professional report and highlighting improvements to the environmental performance of a construction project, 1500 words equivalent. Due week 12, 20%
Prescribed Texts:

R. Crawford, Life Cycle Assessment in the Built Environment, London, 2011.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

At the completion of the subject students should have developed the following skills and capabilities:

  • Ability to capture and analyse data to make informed decisions;
  • Ability to map or imagine construction-related connections within the economy;
  • Ability to present environmental performance information in a range of formats;
  • Ability to appreciate the indirect consequences of construction activity;
  • Ability to critically evaluate the work of others and provide constructive feedback.
Related Course(s): Master of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 200 point Master of Architecture
300 point Master of Architecture
Building
Corporate Management
Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation
Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation
Policy
Project Management
Research and Development
Tailored Specialisation
Tailored Specialisation

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