Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	DESC9147
Assumed knowledge ?	Fundamental knowledge of building design
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Aysu Kuru, aysu.kuru@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Thomas Parkinson, thomas.parkinson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Attendance	Attendance 90% attendance is required in this UoS.	0%	Multiple weeks	90% attendance is required in this UoS.
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Early Feedback Task In class online quiz	5%	Week 03 Due date: 12 Mar 2025 at 16:59	15-question quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Sustainable Design Principles Submitted report of a sustainable design principles analysis	35%	Week 06 Due date: 06 Apr 2025 at 23:59	8-page report
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Sustainable Design Frameworks In class presentation & submitted report of a sustainable design framework	40%	Week 11 Due date: 14 May 2025 at 23:59	10 mins presentation &10-page submission
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Peer Observation Interactive Oral In class interactive oral assessment of a critical reflection	20%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2025 at 16:59	10 minutes interactive oral assessment
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (individual): In-class online quiz

Assignment 1: Sustainable Design Principles (individual): Submitted report of a sustainable design principles case study, aiming to comparatively analyse the sustainable design principles of certified buildings in various sites.

Assignment 2: Sustainable Design Frameworks & Presentation (group): In-class group presentation and submitted report of a sustainable design framework proposal, aiming to unpack the similarities and differences between rating schemes and how pathways for certification can be proposed for consistency.

Assignment 3: Observation Interactive Oral (individual): In-class interactive oral assessment of a critical reflection, aiming to interpret and critically evaluate an observed presentation.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% penalty per calendar day up to and including the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to unit, sustainable design and Assignment 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Assignment 1 topic selection, sustainable design principles case studies	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Sustainable design principles-1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Early Feedback Task and Assignment 1 development, sustainable design principles application	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Sustainable design principles-2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Assignment 1 review, sustainable design principles analysis	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Sustainable design frameworks-1 and introduction to Assignment 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Assignment 2 topic selection, sustainable design frameworks case studies	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Sustainable design frameworks -2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Assignment 2 review, sustainable design frameworks application and analysis	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Assignment 3 introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Assignment 2 presentations, sustainable design frameworks proposals	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 13	Assignment 3 preparation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Assignment 3 interactive oral, sustainable design frameworks observation outcomes	Tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The > School of Architecture, Design and Planning's resolutions, clause 8.3, states that "A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study". If you fail to comply with the School resolutions, you will FAIL this unit.

Attendance and participation will be recorded during tutorials by your tutor.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a new unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BPSD5000: Sustainable Design: Principles and Frameworks

Semester 1, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links