Module Details

Module Code: ENVI6005
Title: Environmental Materials & Serv
Long Title: Environmental Materials & Services
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5810 - Architecture & Urban Environment
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the student to the environmental and health effects of typical materials used in the construction industry and provides guidance on alternative materials/treatments, the selection of low-impact building techniques and approaches to achieving sustainability through material specification.
Basic hot and cold water, active heating, drainage systems and the Passivhaus approach to domestic design are introduced.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Formulate an approach to selecting materials for a building project that have a low-impact on the environment and human health.
LO2 Select a range of appropriate materials (renewable materials and materials with recycled content) for specific purposes in a building project.
LO3 Apply theoretical information on basic servicing systems as they relate to heating & hot water to comply with current Building Regulations.
LO4 Apply theoretical information on basic drainage systems and sanitation to comply with current Building Regulations.
LO5 Apply the principles of the Passivhaus approach to delivering low-energy dwellings.
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
Resources
Existing reserves of resources, environmental effects of the construction industry on the planet and human health, life cycle of materials, open & closed loop systems and embodied energy/carbon.
Construction Materials
Selection of low-impact materials, alternative treatment of materials, eco-labelling and construction methods associated with renewable and recycled materials as they pertain to structure, insulation and finishes (internal & external).
Breathable Construction
Breathable materials and movement of moisture vapour through building fabric.
Active servicing systems
Hot & cold water supply, basic active heating systems (renewable & non-renewable), drainage and sanitation to comply with Building Regulations Part L, G & H..
Passivhaus Principles
The concept and standard of Passivhaus with an introduction to air tightness, ventilation, moisture movement and material/product specification.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Documented research and annotated scaled drawings highlighting the justification, specification and use of low-impact materials.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
Annotated scaled drawings of a residential building indicating heating & hot water systems to demonstrate compliance with current Building Regulations.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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 Lecture based instruction Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Completion of assigned project. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Completion of assigned project. Every Week 4.00 4
Lecture Contact Lecture based instruction Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Sandy Halliday. (2008), Sustainable Construction, Elsevier Science and Technology, Oxford, England, [ISBN: 9780750663946].
  • Keith Hall (Editor). (2008), Green Building Bible: v. 1, Green Building Press, [ISBN: 9781898130055].
  • Cathy Strongman. (2008), The Sustainable Home, Merrell, [ISBN: 9781858944302].
  • Rob Thompson. (2013), The Manufacturing Guides - Sustainable Materials, Processes & Production, Thames & Hudson, [ISBN: 0500290717].
  • Cotterell, Janet & Dadeby, Adam. (2012), The Passivhaus Handbook. A practical guide to constructing and retrofitting buildings for ultra low-energy performance, 1st. Green Boks, [ISBN: 9780857840196].
  • The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers. (2016), CIBSE GUIDE B1 : Heating, [ISBN: 9781906846749].
  • Bruce Young, Alan Shiert, John Hayton and Will Griffiths. (2013), Design of low-temperature domestic heating systems, IHS BRE Press, [ISBN: 9781848063433].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • DVD, Anna Fitch. (2006), Scraphouse: San Francisco..
  • DVD, Ted Owens. (2005), Building with Awareness. The construction of a hybrid home..
  • Building Regulations, Dept. of Housing, Planning & Local Government. TGD Part L, Part G & Part H, Dublin, The Stationary Office.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CARCT_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architectural Technology 2 Mandatory
CR_DINAR_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Interior Architecture 4 Mandatory
CR_TARCH_7 Bachelor of Science in Architectural Technology 2 Mandatory
CR_DIARC_7 Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture 4 Mandatory