This module introduces and discusses the complex concept of sustainability. It considers the historic development of the 'green' movement and the recognition of climate change as  important contexts for sustainable development.

It identifies different sustainability positions adopted today, both at a theoretical and practical level and encourages students to question these as well as their own views. The module demands students to develop their own sustainability position in relation to a specific development scale (from individual buildings through communities to urban scale); while including social and environmental considerations that underpin sustainability in the built environment (i.e. health and wellbeing, social justice, professional responsibility and ethics).

The module provides a structure for students to develop, discuss and formulate their personal sustainability standpoint and reflect on the role of their chosen future profession in delivering holistic sustainability.

• Summarise the concept and the context of sustainability;
• Identify the complexities and interdependencies of sustainable development and the constraints involved in applying sustainability principles into practice at a variety of development scales;
• Formulate a justified position  to illustrate what their chosen professional role can do to enhance holistic sustainability with relation to the built environment.

Access to the material for this module will be offered to all students through the Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE); Learning Central. Material will be released week on week, through the course of the module; it is the student’s responsibility to work through this material in a timely manner.  The material will relate to:

Readings: Students will be expected to work through set texts, either supplied through our VLE, or through the book(s) listed as Reading, below and / or provided on the first day of the module.

Lectures. A number of lectures will cover the key subject areas.  Subject matter will be explained verbally, assisted by visual aids.

Seminars.  Particular issues will be explored in group seminars. Students will have the opportunity to articulate and discuss their views on specific subjects. Short tasks will be set to give students opportunities for individual study and create a forum for the exchange of views between students. 

Case studies. Concepts and principles will be illustrated by case studies from industry and academia.

Practical skills developed in the module include the ability to :

• clearly articulate position on the meaning of sustainability;

• critically assess ideas, concepts and approaches relating to sustainability.

The module is assessed through a coursework assignment submitted at the end of the module.

Formative assessment – provided in collaborative activities and in activities involving independent study time.

Summative assessment – December

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Students would usually be reassessed on the failed component during the July/August resit period. The usual resit and repeat rules would apply.

Sustainability: an introduction to concepts and principles of sustainability in the built environment.

The context for sustainable development

Professional responsibility and ethics

Sustainable principles applied at different scales: building, community and urban scales