NG4S728 - Achieving Net Zero 01 Apr 2025 - 29 Aug 2027 | Version 4

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG4S728
Module Title: Achieving Net Zero
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Built Environment and Civil Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Built Environment
Module Leader: Angela Morris
Module Team: Chris Pritchard, Jonathan Duckett, Trevor Price, Jonathan Duckett, Shane Galvin
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh:
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100151 - construction management
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 4
Valid From 01 Apr 2025
Valid To 29 Aug 2027

Module Aims

The \\\"Achieving Net Zero\\\" module aims to: 

  • Equip participants with an understanding of sustainability principles as they apply to the built environment. 

  • Foster an appreciation for the urgency and importance of achieving net zero emissions

  • Develop the ability to apply methodologies for achieving net zero in construction and building operations. 

  • Build confidence in communicating effectively about sustainability and net zero goals.

Content Summary

Sustainability and its triple bottom line, exploring sustainable practices in construction. 

Construction environmental impact, exploring sustainability measurement methodologies. 

ISO 14001, examining sustainable design principles and technologies. 

Global climate and net zero's implications. 

Strategies for achieving net zero carbon emissions. 

Greenhouse gas accounting and carbon neutrality principles. 

Developing and implementing decarbonisation plans for buildings. 

Effective communication and stakeholder engagement in achieving net zero goals. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 20
Seminars 20
Independent Study? 98
Directed Study 50
Problem/Challenge based learning 12
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles in the built environment and appreciate the urgency and importance of achieving net zero emissions.
LO2 Learn to apply different methodologies for achieving net zero in construction and building operations, and gain confidence in communicating effectively about sustainability and net zero goals.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Online Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1 MCQ 60 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Student Choice 1 YouTube video OR poster OR presentation 15 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1
Student Choice 1

Reading List

Foundations of Sustainability (Themes 1-3): 

  • Book: \\\"Our Common Future\\\" by The World Commission on Environment and Development - This classic report defines sustainable development and the concept of the triple bottom line. 

  • Website: The World Green Building Council (https://worldgbc.org/) - Explores the latest trends and resources in sustainable building practices globally. 

  • Case Study: Search online for case studies of sustainable building projects in your region. Look for projects that showcase successful implementation of the triple bottom line principles. 

Building a Sustainable Future (Theme 2): 

  • Report:?\\\"Building a Low-Carbon Future: The World Green Building Council's Global Roadmap for Reducing Embodied Emissions in Buildings & Construction\\\" by World Green Building Council (2021) (https://worldgbc.org/advancing-net-zero/) - This report outlines strategies for reducing carbon emissions in construction. 

  • Standards Resources: 

Design and Implementation for Sustainability (Theme 3): 

  • Book: \\\"Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things\\\" by Michael Braungart & William McDonough (2002) - Introduces the concept of a circular economy for sustainable design and material use. 

  • Article: \\\"ISO 14001:2015 - Environmental management systems - Requirements with guidance for use\\\" by International Organization for Standardization (2015) (https://www.iso.org/standard/60857.html) - Provides an overview of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems standard. 

  • Website: The International Living Future Institute (https://living-future.org/) - Explores innovative approaches to sustainable design and construction, including the Living Building Challenge framework. 

Understanding Net Zero (Themes 4-5): 

  • Report: \\\"IPCC Sixth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis\\\" by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2021) (https://www.ipcc.ch/) - The latest scientific assessment on climate change and the urgency of reaching net zero emissions. 

  • Article: \\\"The Net Zero Standard for New Buildings - Setting a new national standard for carbon emissions in buildings\\\" by UK Green Building Council (2021) (https://ukgbc.org/resources/net-zero-carbon-buildings-framework/) - Explores the concept of net zero in the context of building regulations (consider finding a similar report for your region if applicable). 

  • Video: \\\"A Global Apollo Program to Combat Climate Change\\\" by Bill Gates - A thought-provoking TED Talk discussing strategies for achieving net zero. 

Navigating the Net Zero Journey (Themes 6-8): 

  • Case Study: (Provided by Module Teaching Team) - Analyse a real-world decarbonization plan to gain practical insights into the implementation process. 

  • Website: The Carbon Trust (https://www.carbontrust.com/) - Offers resources and tools for carbon footprinting and emissions reduction strategies