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Unit of study_
BPSD5000: Sustainable Design: Principles and Frameworks
2025 unit information
This unit introduces the theoretical foundations of sustainable building design principles and frameworks to examine contemporary global and local environmental challenges. In this unit, students will explore the concepts and applications of passive solar, bioclimatic and low carbon design. It develops a critical understanding of ESG frameworks and sustainable rating tools. The environmental impact of buildings on nature and resource flows will be examined. Students will gain an overview of design principles, strategies and solutions that reduce the environmental impact of built environments and develop an awareness of the frameworks, benchmarks and metrics used to evaluate the implementation of sustainable design principles. Students will engage with case studies and real-world examples to understand how sustainable design can be applied practically and innovatively. The unit encourages critical thinking and problem-solving through collaborative projects, enabling students to become forward-thinking citizens who can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Architecture |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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DESC9147 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Fundamental knowledge of building design |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Identify, describe and critique current practices and future trends related to sustainable design.
- LO2. Classify and critically evaluate sustainable design strategies and solutions against a set of design principles and frameworks.
- LO3. Compare and utilise analytical tools to evaluate key sustainability principles in built environments at multiple scales.
- LO4. Develop and critique an informed proposal based on the integration of sustainable principles and frameworks in a design process.
Unit availability
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
