BPSD6020: Building Lifecycles

2026 unit information

This unit explores sustainable building practices and environmental ratings from a comprehensive, whole-lifecycle perspective. Its overarching objective is to foster a critical understanding of building design principles that minimize the environmental impact of the built environment, particularly in terms of resource use (energy, materials, water). The unit focuses on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), emphasizing its role both as a design tool and as a certification system. Students will engage critically with the benefits and challenges associated with the LCA approach, understanding how it can be used to evaluate the environmental impact of building projects across their entire lifecycle—from materials sourcing to end-of-life. Additionally, the unit introduces the principles of the circular economy, highlighting its relevance to sustainable building practices. Topics will include advanced retrofitting techniques and strategies for extending the life of

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning

Details

Study level	Postgraduate
Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6

Enrolment rules

Prerequisites: ?	BPSD5000 and minimum 24 credit points of core units of study
Corequisites: ?	None
Prohibitions: ?	None
Assumed knowledge: ?	BPSD5020

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes for this unit will be available two weeks before the first day of teaching.

Unit availability

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There are no availabilities for this year.

Session	MoA ?	Location	Outline ?
Semester 1 2026	Block mode	Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney	Outline unavailable

There are no availabilities for previous years.

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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