Unit 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