Principles of sustainable building structures

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable

Teaching Methods

Teaching model both theoretical and practical, combining in a balanced way theoretical presentations, presentation and discussion of case studies, critical participation by students (including the development of mini-projects), and also the contact with entities and relevant external projects through guest speakers and field visits     

Learning Outcomes

- Provide a clear understanding of the concepts of Sustainable Development (SD) and Sustainable Construction (SC);

- Understand the challenge of applying SD principles to the construction sector;

- Familiarization with the LCA (life cycle assessment) methodology and applicable regulations;

- Acquisition of knowledge on the application of LCA to constructive and structural solutions; particular case of concrete structures

- Obtaining knowledge regarding the interpretation and analysis of results from LCA studies.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

- Sustainability of structures: General aspects. Sustainable construction.

- Thermal behavior and energy efficiency in buildings: Energy consumption of buildings. Energy consumption: Climate; envelope; construction services; Human factors;

- Environmental sustainability vs production of building materials and components (model principles and innovation)

- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): LCA Basic Principles; LCA assessment methods applied to building structures.

- Specificities of concrete structures (materials, technology, regulations) from the perspective of environmental sustainability.

Assessment Methods

Assessment method
Project: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Agenda 21, On sustainable construction – CIB Report Publication 237. CIB, Rotterdam, 1999.

ISO 14040: Environmental Management - Life Cycle Assessment - Principles and Framework. International Standard Organization. 1997

ISO 14044: Environmental Management - Life Cycle Assessment - Requirements and Guidelines. International Standard Organization. 2006

EN 15804: Sustainability of construction works - Environmental product declarations - Core rules for the product category of construction products. European Committee for Standardization. 2012

EEBGUIDE (on-line platform)- Operational guidance for life cycle assessment studies of the energy efficient buildings initiative (www.eebguide.eu)

GlobalABC/IEA/UNEP (2020): GlobalABC Roadmap for Buildings and Construction 2020-2050: Towards a zero-emission, efefficient, and resilient buildings and construction sector. UN, 2020

Miles Keeping e David Shiers, Sustainable Building Design Principles and Practice, Wiley Blackwell, 2017