Outline

Overview

This unit covers three related areas of investigation: basic building construction practices, advanced sustainable construction practices and environmental rating of building construction. It begins by introducing a number of recurrent themes in construction in Australia at the present time including the idea of building culture, the various modes of delivery and variety of classifications of buildings and building elements and rational construction. There follows a review of sustainable construction techniques of domestic scaled buildings using, where appropriate, examples of well documented and/or accessible exemplars. The second part of the unit reviews current approaches to sustainable building technologies employed in more complex public and commercial scaled buildings, particularly with regard to processes of structural system selection, facade systems design and construction and material performance. Aspects of the National Construction Code and integration of services into the building fabric relevant to building services engineers will also be reviewed. Finally the unit will review current issues related to environmental rating of building materials.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Emma Heffernan, emma.heffernan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Matthew McNeil, matthew.mcneil@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Emma Heffernan, emma.heffernan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Case study LCA Graphical/technical report presenting a life cycle analysis (LCA) of a case study residential building and a comparison with a proposed eco-alternative to reduce upfront carbon	40%	Mid-semester break Due date: 24 Apr 2025 at 23:59	A2 x 10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance	Attendance Students are required to meet the minimum 90% attendance to pass this unit.	0%	Multiple weeks	Duration of class
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Smart Technical Report - material or component Individual graphical/technical report in which students analyse an environmentally friendly building material/component. Literature review research and LCA will be some of the methods students use to critically analyse and evaluate their chosen material.	60%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59	A2 x 10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Case study LCA: In groups, locate a recently constructed residential building to analyse as a case study. You will need to source plans, elevations and sections and other construction documents to undertake your analysis on its environmental impact. You will conduct a life-cycle analysis of the case study, and then propose and test improvements in a comparative study. You will need to synthesise your research material with a series of self-generated sketches and diagrams to show adopted technologies, materials and construction methods. Your case study analysis must be completed with a series of self-generated graphics and charts to explain the impact and level of applied technologies and sustainability.
Smart Technical Report - material or component: Students (individually) are required to prepare a Smart Technical Report (STR) explaining developments and opportunities of a selected sustainable construction material or building component. You will compare this material or component to an equivalent standard system of component. You will design and elaborate your STR with links to technologies, construction methodologies and sustainability to communicate current trends to specialist and non-specialist audiences. The STR will need to be designed to present your research in a simple and clear manner by using self-generated infographics and your own sketches, diagrams, and charts. Your infographic design will be based on your research and analysis of a broad range of academic and industry data.
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 approved special consideration may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction an excellent standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

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 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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 of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022, for every calendar day up to and including 10 calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to the late work. For work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, 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 03	Introduction to the unit, Introduction to sustainable construction & LCA, LCA in the construction sector	Lecture (3 hr)
	Introduction to OneClick LCA, Introduction to Assignment 1	Lecture (2 hr)
	Tutorial tasks: Group formation, OneClick LCA registration/set up, Definition of the case study, Building case study analysis	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Construction sustainability in Australia, Circular Economy, GreenStar and LCA	Lecture (3 hr)
	Reuse of building materials, Q&A session for Assignment 1	Lecture (2 hr)
	Tutorial tasks: Assignment 1 progress, Building case study (generating graphs and charts, check of self-selected case study)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Building classification, Low environmental impact materials, CLT in sustainable buildings	Lecture (3 hr)
	Decarbonisation in architectural practice Introduction to Assignment 2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Student presentations of Assignment 1 case studies	Presentation (2 hr)
Week 09	Lightweight materials, Steel, timber & glass	Lecture (3 hr)
	Insulation materials, Assignment 2 Q&A	Lecture (2 hr)
	Tutorial tasks: Smart technical report progress, Assessing performance and proprieties	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Heavyweight materials, Concrete, stone and brick applications	Lecture (3 hr)
	Procurement and delivery methods, Unit wrap-up	Lecture (2 hr)
	Tutorial tasks: Advancing Smart Technical Report (comparison studies)	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022

Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption.

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.

Required readings

The following is a list of primary readings. Further readings are provided on the Canvas site:

Ching, Francis D K. Building Construction Illustrated. 5th ed. Hoboken : Wiley, 2014.
Hegger, Manfred (et al.). Construction Materials Manual. English ed. Munich : Edition Detail, 2006.
Schittich, Christian (Ed.). Building Skins. Basel : Birkhauser, 2012.
Hyde, Richard. Climate Responsive Design : A Study of Buildings in Moderate and Hot Humid Climates. New York : E & F N Spon, 2000.
Lawson B. Building materials, energy and environment: towards ecologically sustainable development, Royal Australian Institue of Architects, Red Hill ACT
El Khouli, Viola, Martin Construction techniques : from structural design to material selection : assessing and improving the environmental impact of buildings, GmbH & Co., KG, 2015
Watts, Andrew. Modern Construction Handbook, Berlin: Abra, 2013.
Crawford, Robert. Life cycle assessment in the built environment. Routledge, 2011.
Curran, Mary Ann, ed. Life cycle assessment handbook: a guide for environmentally sustainable products. John Wiley & Sons, 2012.
Horne, Ralph, Tim Grant, and Karli Verghese. Life cycle assessment: principles, practice and prospects. Csiro Publishing, 2009.

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. appreciate the broader context of the construction industry in Australia
LO2. understand broadly the basic principles and current best-practice building technologies
LO3. identify technological components to produce analyses with sketches and diagrams
LO4. collect and analyse information in relation to building technologies with sustainable design and clearly communicate results and conclusions in report and infographic form
LO5. investigate case studies to independently develop your knowledge of building technologies and sustainable construction techniques
LO6. evaluate opinions, make decisions and reflect critically on technical decisions and their impact on the environment.
LO7. understand the key aspects of sustainable construction and basic principles of life cycle assessments
LO8. use efficiently a life-cycle assessment software

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.

The daily schedule for block mode was redesigned to respond to feedback.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DESC9014: Sustainable Construction Technology

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links