CIVENG 268S
Buildings and Sustainability
Overview of what makes buildings and their systems “green” and “sustainable," and analysis throughout their life cycle (design, materials, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, end of life) and in interaction with infrastructure systems (energy, transportation, water, waste management), the economy, natural environment, society. Innovative approaches, expectations for future developments. Cost-benefit analysis. Life-cycle management. Net-zero buildings. Case studies.
Topics
- 1. Provide overview of the importance of buildings to resource management, particularly focused on energy, transportation systems, water, waste, and land use 2. Introduce the major design considerations, practices, and outcomes associated with green buildings 3. Develop students’ ability to think critically about the role of buildings in society. 4. Critically evaluate tradeoffs in building systems design subject to time, cost, material, social, and environmental constraints, and ethical considerations. 5. Consider the future of the green building industry in the context of real-world developments and practice, equity, and justice. 6. Evaluate the interplay between buildings and policy, including use of local case studies.
Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027