Assignment 1
Learning Outcomes of the Assessment
LO1: Identify and critically assess the effects of construction on the natural environment.
LO2: Examine current research and knowledge to develop a critical understanding of sustainable construction and innovation.
Assessment Guidelines
Produce a 2000-word +/- 10% (excluding references and appendices) literature review that explores the current environmental impact of the global construction industry on the natural environment and how innovation can contribute to sustainability.
Specifically, the literature review should:
(1) Define Sustainable Construction
- Define sustainable construction and the elements that constitute it.
- Determine which UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) you think the Global Construction Industry should be focusing on.
(2) Critically Evaluate Environmental Impact
- Discuss and critically evaluate the current environmental impact of the construction industry on the natural environment.
(3) Explore Innovative Operational Solutions
- Discuss and critically evaluate how innovative operational solutions in the construction industry can contribute to mitigating this environmental impact.
- Explain how such innovations can help meet the relevant SDGs.
Assignment 2
Learning Outcomes of the Assessment
LO1: Identify and critically assess the effects of construction on the natural environment.
LO2: Examine current research and knowledge to develop a critical understanding of sustainable construction and innovation.
LO3: Evaluate the various sustainable and innovative construction technologies in the context of modern industrial practices.
LO4: Critically evaluate the application of innovative and pragmatic sustainable solutions within the construction industry context.
LO5: Communicate in an academically and professionally appropriate manner using various media.
Assessment Guidelines
Produce a 3000-word +/- 10% (excluding references and appendices) report presenting a case study regarding a civil engineering project that has been designed and/or constructed using sustainability principles and innovative technologies.
This project can be a building (residential or non-residential) or infrastructure, such as a road, highway, or bridge. The aim is to demonstrate how innovative design and/or construction-related considerations have contributed to the sustainability of the building or infrastructure.
The Report Related to the Selected Building Case Study Should Include:
(1) Project Description
- A description of the intended purpose and functionality of the building.
- The sustainability considerations made for its design, construction, and use.
(2) Discussion and Critical Evaluation
- A discussion and critical evaluation of what innovative aspects were implemented as part of the project, and how these contributed to the sustainability of the building or infrastructure.
- The innovative aspects should include at least two of the following:(a) Innovative construction materials.
(b) Innovative technologies or systems used in the design and/or construction phases (e.g., lean building, material banks, circular economy, reverse logistics).
(c) Innovative aspects in the project’s supply chain management.
(d) Digital tools or technologies used in the design and/or construction phases (e.g., Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Building Information Modelling (BIM), or other technologies covered in the module).
(3) Recommendations
- Recommendations of additional innovative aspects that could have been considered to further contribute to the sustainability of the building or infrastructure, based on the discussion and critical evaluation.
Summary of Assessment Requirements
Assignment 1: Literature Review on Sustainable Construction and Innovation
Word Count: 2000 words ±10% (excluding references and appendices)
Learning Outcomes Covered:
- LO1: Identify and critically assess the effects of construction on the natural environment.
- LO2: Examine current research and knowledge to develop a critical understanding of sustainable construction and innovation.
Key Assessment Requirements:
Students are required to produce a literature review that critically explores the environmental impact of the global construction industry and examines how innovation can promote sustainability. The key components to be addressed include:
- Definition of Sustainable Construction:
- Explain what sustainable construction means and describe its core elements.
- Identify relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that the global construction industry should prioritize.
- Critical Evaluation of Environmental Impact:
- Analyse the current environmental effects of construction activities on natural ecosystems, including issues such as resource depletion, waste generation, and carbon emissions.
- Exploration of Innovative Solutions:
- Evaluate innovative operational and technological approaches that can mitigate the environmental impact of construction.
- Discuss how such innovations contribute toward achieving selected SDGs.
Assignment 2: Case Study Report on Sustainable and Innovative Construction
Word Count: 3000 words ±10% (excluding references and appendices)
Learning Outcomes Covered:
- LO1: Identify and critically assess the effects of construction on the natural environment.
- LO2: Examine current research and knowledge to develop a critical understanding of sustainable construction and innovation.
- LO3: Evaluate sustainable and innovative construction technologies in modern industrial practices.
- LO4: Critically evaluate pragmatic sustainable solutions within the construction industry.
- LO5: Communicate in an academically and professionally appropriate manner using various media.
Key Assessment Requirements:
Students must prepare a comprehensive case study report on a civil engineering project (building or infrastructure) that incorporates sustainability principles and innovative technologies. The report should include:
- Project Description:
- Describe the building or infrastructure project, its purpose, and key sustainability considerations in design, construction, and usage.
- Discussion and Critical Evaluation:
- Analyse how innovative methods or materials have contributed to sustainability.
- Cover at least two innovative aspects such as:
- Innovative construction materials
- Advanced technologies (e.g., AI, IoT, BIM)
- Innovative supply chain management
- Circular economy or lean construction principles
- Recommendations:
- Suggest additional innovative approaches that could further enhance the project’s sustainability and environmental performance.