Construction Sustainability

Knowledge to attend a higher education course in Civil Construction and Public Works.

In Theoretical-Practical classes, the expository and inquisitive method is used during the explanation of theoretical subjects and exercises are solved in groups and individually.

Students will also carry out practical work, individually and in groups, whose main objectives are to deepen, consolidate and assess the knowledge acquired.

Tutorial classes follow a competency-based learning methodology, both individually and in groups (writing and presentation assignments). Students will also be monitored by answering questions, solving exercises, and supervising practical work. Whenever possible, experts will be invited to give seminars and conduct field trips.

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the issues of sustainability and sustainable development and its connection to the construction sector, in particular to the urban regeneration sector. The concepts of sustainability will be introduced and some of the main methodologies used to assess the sustainability of construction will be presented. The evolution of concepts and methodologies of urban regeneration will be addressed and their connection and contribution to sustainable development will be presented and discussed.

P1. Introduction to Sustainability in Construction
00. Course Introduction: Program, Methodology, and Assessment.
01. Sustainability and Sustainable Development
       Sustainable Development: Concept, Ecological Footprint, Impacts
       Global Historical Evolution and a Portrait of the Situation in Portugal

P2. Urban Regeneration and Sustainability: Concept, Evolution, and Methodologies
02. Cities, Urban Regeneration, and Sustainability
03. Evolution of the Concept and Regeneration Policies
04. Renewal, Rehabilitation, and Urban Regeneration
05. Urban Regeneration vs. Sustainability.
       Impacts on Energy Efficiency, Environment, and Biodiversity
       Impacts on Economic and Social Development
06. Urban Regeneration: The Portuguese Reality
       Characterization of the Portuguese Housing Stock
       Urban Regeneration in Portugal and Future Prospects
       Perspectives on the Economic Potential of Regeneration

P3. Sustainability in Construction
07. Principles for Sustainable Construction (according to the CIB).
08. Sustainable Construction: Barriers to Implementation
09. Legislation
       Review of the European Construction Products Directive and CE Certification
       Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
10. Sustainability Assessment Systems and Methods in Construction
       Tools: LiderA, BREEAM, LEED, SBTool, etc.
11. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA/LCA)
12. Eco-Products and Environmental Product Declaration
13. Sustainable and Eco-Efficient Solutions in Construction
14. Presentation of Solutions (Works) and Overall Assessment and Analysis

The Construction Sustainability (SC) course will have a frequent (often continuous) and diversified assessment methodology, allowing all students to make choices. Students will be assessed individually and through group work. Each student will be evaluated based on their acquired knowledge and demonstrated attitude (performance, participation, motivation, potential for interpreting topics related to the content, organizational skills, knowledge presentation, as well as collaboration and cooperation with and for their peers).
Therefore, the assessment is defined by different components evaluated according to the classification expression, which correspond to the following definitions:
SC 100% = [100% PEF];
SC 100% = [40% PEF + 60% TIG x PPA]
                          where TIG = (40% TEIG (written) + 10% TAIG (presentation) and
                                       PPA = % by participation and attendance in the lessons of classes.
SC 100% = [60% TEIG (submitted articles) + 40% TAIG (oral presentation)] x PPA (participation and attendance))
where:
- PEF: Final Written Test, mandatory and individual demonstration of knowledge
- TIG: Individual and/or group work, carried out during the school term as an incentive, innovation, cooperation and knowledge sharing, subdivided into two components:

• TEIG: Study and Research Description Work, individual and/or group (capacity for collaboration, research, learning, and commitment).
• TAIG: Presentations work, individual and/or group (demonstration of knowledge, motivation, production and sharing skills) 

- PPA: Attendance and participation through class attendance and completion of assigned assignments.

Clarification on the procedures for conducting and carrying out work will be provided by the teacher during classes, at the time defined for this purpose. 

Students who submit themselves to the knowledge assessment outside of the scheduled time periods may be evaluated by a written exam, an oral exam, and/or the presentation and defense of written assignments. If successful, the grades for the component(s) included in the frequent assessment will be counted. Approval requires a 9.5 point final grade.

NAO