Learning Objectives
7 objectives- Understand the fundamental principles and importance of sustainable design.
- Analyze and apply environmental impact assessment tools in design projects.
- Evaluate and select sustainable materials based on environmental and functional criteria.
- Develop strategies to improve energy and water efficiency in design.
- Explore green building standards and certifications and their application.
- Incorporate biophilic design and community engagement for enhanced sustainability.
- Critically assess real-world sustainable design case studies to identify best practices.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 2906: Sustainable Design Principles and Practices
1. Introduction to Sustainable Design
- Definition and scope of sustainable design
- Principles of sustainable design
- Importance of integrating sustainability into design practices
- Benefits of sustainable design: environmental, social, economic
2. Environmental Impact Assessment in Design
- Purpose and significance of environmental impact assessments (EIA)
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): stages and methodology
- Carbon footprint analysis: calculation and interpretation
- Eco-efficiency metrics: measuring resource efficiency and environmental performance
- Tools and software commonly used for environmental impact assessment
3. Sustainable Materials Selection
- Criteria for sustainable material selection
- Recyclability
- Use of renewable resources
- Non-toxicity and health considerations
- Durability and lifecycle
- Comparison of conventional vs. sustainable materials
- Emerging sustainable materials and innovations
4. Energy Efficiency in Design
- Concepts of energy efficiency in the built environment
- Passive design techniques
- Orientation and shading
- Natural ventilation
- Insulation and thermal mass
- Energy-efficient systems and technologies
- Integration of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal)
5. Water Conservation in Design
- Importance of water conservation in sustainable design
- Strategies to reduce water usage
- Rainwater harvesting systems: design and application
- Water-efficient technologies and fixtures
- Greywater recycling and reuse
6. Waste Reduction and Recycling in Design
- Principles of waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle
- Waste management strategies in design projects
- Upcycling techniques and creative reuse
- Circular economy approach and its relevance to design
7. Green Building Standards and Certifications
- Overview of major green building standards:
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
- BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
- Green Star
- Certification processes and criteria
- Role of standards in promoting sustainable design practices
8. Biophilic Design
- Definition and concepts of biophilic design
- Psychological and physiological benefits of nature integration
- Design strategies to incorporate natural elements
- Case examples demonstrating biophilic design
9. Community Engagement in Sustainable Design
- Importance of community involvement in sustainable projects
- Stakeholder identification and analysis
- Participatory design processes and tools
- Benefits of strong community relationships for sustainability outcomes
10. Case Studies in Sustainable Design
- Analysis of real-world sustainable design projects across different scales and disciplines
- Innovative strategies employed in case studies
- Challenges encountered and solutions implemented
- Lessons learned and best practice recommendations
Unlock the full outline
Get the complete content outline, learning outcomes and assessment methods for Sustainable Design.
KSh 20 one-off, or included with a plan
Learning Outcomes
Unlock the outline above to see learning outcomes.
Assessment Methods
Unlock the outline above to see assessment methods.