Module Details

Module Code: ENVI8005
Title: Environment Services Retrofit
Long Title: Environmental Design & Services Retrofit
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5810 - Architecture & Urban Environment
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the student to the knowledge and skills required to develop an integrated approach (based on best practice) to delivering sustainable solutions on energy, water and material selection for a multi-storey retrofit building ensuring occupant comfort.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify the building performance issues associated with an existing building.
LO2 Propose passive and active servicing (heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting & water use) strategies for optimal performance to ensure comfort and satisfy and/or exceed the buildings regulations.
LO3 Develop a strategy and select materials for reduced environmental impact cross-referencing industry recognised certification/assessment methods.
LO4 Draw conclusions, based on analysis of data, for energy generation, energy use, water use and occupant comfort in a commercial building.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Contextual Analysis
Site:Study of climatic context and site conditions. Building Analysis: Orientation, Compactness, Solar Overheating, Airflow, Energy, Water and Daylight analysis.
Building Performance & Appraisal
Future proofing & best practice for sustainable buildings: EPBD, CIBSE Guides A & F, Introduction to Passivhaus, BREEAM and LEED approaches.
System Design
Energy generation on building envelope and passive and active servicing systems for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and water use that meet Building Regulations and assist in delivery of sustainable buildings.
Materials
Material selection based on industry recognised criteria for low environmental impact.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Assess building performance and comfort related issues and present proposals for passive and active servicing systems based on the building envelope as the primary climatic modifier and the services as the secondary climatic modifier.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Final illustrated and annotated presentation with all proposed energy, servicing systems and material proposals to meet best practice guidelines/standards.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Course content Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Learning Non Contact Self Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Course content Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Learning Non Contact Self study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • McLean W, Silver P. (2021), Environmental Design Sourcebook: Innovative Ideas for a Sustainable Environment, 1st. RIBA Publishing, [ISBN: 978185949604].
  • Pelsmakers, Sophie. (2015), The Environmental Design Pocketbook, 2nd. RIBA Publishing, London, [ISBN: 9781859463741].
  • Hausladen G, Liedl P, Saldanha M. (2012), Building to Suit the Climate, A Handbook, Birkhauser, [ISBN: 9783034607285].
  • Sauer, Christiane. (2010), Made of... New Materials Sourcebook for Architecture & Design, Gestalten, [ISBN: 9783899552898].
  • Lechner, Norbert. (2009), Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects, 3rd. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, N.J., [ISBN: 9780470048092].
  • CIBSE. (2012), Energy efficiency in buildings. Guide F, 3rd. The Lavenham Press Ltd., London, [ISBN: 0900953861].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. (2017), Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment, [ISSN: 17832088].
Other Resources
  • Manual, SEAI. Passive house manuals.
  • Magazine, Jeff Colley Editor. passive house+, Dublin, Temple Media Ltd..
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CARCT_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architectural Technology 7 Mandatory