Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BPSD5000 and minimum 24 credit points of core units of study
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	BPSD5020
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Arianna Brambilla, arianna.brambilla@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-class quiz	Early Feedback Task In-class online quiz	5%	Week 01 Due date: 26 Feb 2026 at 17:00 Closing date: 26 Feb 2026	10-question quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	LCA report Technical report	50%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Apr 2026	10 pages A4	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Debate on building lifecycles and sustainability Debate	45%	Week 11 Due date: 14 May 2026 at 11:00 Closing date: 14 May 2026	30 min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early-feedback task. This in-class quiz is an early-feedback task designed to help you assess whether this unit is a good fit for you at this stage of your studies. The quiz focuses on foundational concepts and skills that are assumed prerequisite knowledge for the unit.

LCA report. Students will form groups of 2-3 peers from within the same tutorial. Groups will be formed in the Day 1 tutorial session. Students may use AI tools for preliminary research, structuring the report, or improving clarity and language. However, the submitted work must be the student’s own original work, reflecting their understanding and decision-making. AI tools must not be used to generate complete sections of the assessment or replace critical thinking. Any use of AI must be acknowledged in the submission, including a brief description of how the tool was used. Students remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and academic integrity of their work, in accordance with University of Sydney academic integrity policies.

Authorized AI Tool Usage: Only University-endorsed AI tools are permitted for use in assessments to maintain standardization and trust.

Interactive oral. Debate on building lifecycles and sustainability

Attendance: Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have reasonable evidence to support their absence, may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

Result code	Result name	Mark range	Description
HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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% of the maximum mark for each calend

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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	What do we mean with building lifecycle?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the assessments	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	LCA tools and approaches	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	LCA assessment for Assignment 2	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Circular Economy in Building Lifecycles	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Review of the report	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Lifecycle of buildings at different levels	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Review of report	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Renovation, Refurbishment, and Adaptation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Review of report	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Circularity at scales	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Interactive oral	Assessment (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students must attend 90% of this unit's timetabled activities to satisfy attendance requirements, or risk failing the unit. Late arrival or early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who are unable to attend class due to illness or misadventure must provide reasonable evidence to support their absence to be considered for an exemption from the attendance threshold. In this case, students may be offered the opportunity to complete an alternative assessment to meet the pass requirement for the unit. Students are expected to be actively engaged in their learning during class. This includes coming to class prepared (e.g. completed readings etc) and making respectful and appropriate contributions to class discussions. Students should refer to the School of Architecture, Design and Planning resolutions (https://policyregister.sydney.edu.au/doctract/documentportal/08DE2219FEF9F9588045F2E46B9ACB35) for specific information relating to attendance and participation.

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. Understand the principles of sustainable building practices and environmental ratings from a comprehensive, whole-lifecycle perspective
LO2. Evaluate opinions, make decisions and reflect critically on technical decisions and their impact on the environment
LO3. Assess the environmental impacts of a building at different scales
LO4. Justify and appropriately communicate whole-life design strategies and their performance implications

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.

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Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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)

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

BPSD6020: Building Lifecycles

Semester 1, 2026 [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)

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