Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Sustainable Building Design
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BSV11114
Module leader: Lina Khaddour
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Built Environment
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

In this module, students will learn to understand the fundamental principles, strategies, and real-world applications of sustainable design within the built environment. The module provide you with integrated perspective on sustainability, focusing on its environmental, social, and economic dimensions as they relate to buildings, infrastructure, and urban systems. Through case studies, practical tasks, and critical analysis, students will develop the skills to evaluate and apply sustainable design approaches that address current and future challenges in the construction and development sectors.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Develop an awareness of the principles of environmentally sustainable design.

LO2: Develop insight into the underlying social and cultural issues faced by designers within the global context.

LO3: Critically reflect on the key issues to be addressed when developing a site and building.

LO4: Utilize a problem-solving approach when evaluating sustainable design solutions.

LO5: Exercise appropriate judgment and generate ideas on sustainable design techniques.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Lina Khaddour
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 By the end of the lecture series, students will be equipped to engage critically with sustainable design challenges, develop context-sensitive solutions, and contribute meaningfully to more resilient and environmentally responsible built environments.
Face To Face Tutorial 10 By working through practical tasks and dynamic case-based discussions, students will build the confidence and competence needed to evaluate sustainability holistically and contribute meaningfully to environmentally responsible building practices. Through the tutorials, students will gain hands-on, practical experience. Each session is built around real-life case studies and interactive role-playing exercises, providing an engaging environment, team work and problem solving.
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 85 This learning approach empowers students to take ownership of their educational journey, encouraging active engagement with course content beyond the classroom. Supported by structured tutorials and clearly defined assessments, students work collaboratively in groups to explore key topics, apply concepts to real-world scenarios, and develop problem-solving skills. While the study is largely self-directed, academic staff provide guidance and feedback to ensure a focused and productive experience.
Online Guided independent study 85 This method combines the independence of self-directed study with the guidance of a structured framework provided by academic staff. Students may have the opportunity to participate in annual Design Innovation Challenges, and retrofitting challenge subject to funding availability. These events often include site visits and a themed design competition in collaboration with industry partners, offering students valuable exposure to real-life challenges and professional feedback from practitioners.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 50 1~2~3~4 Week 8 , WORDS= 3000 words For a country of their choice, students will produce an individual report that critically evaluates sustainable building design and construction strategies within that national context. The report will examine relevant government policies and regulatory frameworks, analyse design and construction practices, and propose informed recommendations for enhancing building performance. Through this assessment, students will apply theoretical and technical knowledge to a real-world scenario, demonstrating their ability to integrate environmental, economic, and social dimensions into sustainable building solutions.
Report 50 3~4~5 Week 13 , WORDS= 3,000 words Coursework 2 involves group work where students team acts as a sustainability consultant tasked with assessing the carbon performance of a residential building in UK. Students are also required to propose at least two improvement strategies—one related to materials and another based on passive design—and quantify their carbon savings both in absolute terms and as percentages. All decisions must be supported by robust, academic or industry-standard sources such as peer-reviewed articles, EPDs, or trusted databases like ICE.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Sustainable Building Design
 

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