Built Environment Sustainability Assesment

Course Overview

This course provides an in-depth exploration of foundational concepts and contemporary trends vital for conducting comprehensive assessments of the built environment. It also hones participants' abilities in utilizing tools for analyzing the policy implications of urban sustainability initiatives. During the initial week, students are introduced to the various dimensions of urban sustainability, beginning with an examination of classic theories. This is followed by a master lecture on climate change delivered by Nobel laureate Edward S. Rubin, and concludes with an interview featuring the late Nobel laureate Sir Harold Kroto discussing Nanoscience. The second week focuses on establishing connections with scientific methodologies available for fostering sustainable cities. The first video presentation explores the potential applications of Nanomaterials, succeeded by an analysis of Green Infrastructure's pivotal role in urban metabolic processes. The week concludes with an examination of how smart grids will influence energy distribution in future urban landscapes. Week three is dedicated to the core chapters concerning assessment and impact analysis within the built environment. The initial video segment outlines the theoretical framework, leading into the essential Integrated Design approach to assessment and impact evaluation, which is thoroughly presented in the final video. Throughout the fourth week, the principal techniques for modeling a city are brought together to elucidate their underlying principles and practical applications. The module commences with the highly detailed Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach, transitions to the widely adopted Life Cycle Analysis, and concludes with an economic perspective, focusing on the formulation of business models. In the final, fifth week, the course introduces the ultimate envisioned paradigm of the circular city, starting from the foundational concepts elaborated in the proposed Circular City model. The program culminates with a detailed analysis of the University of British Columbia's comprehensive Sustainability Plan.