CEM610: Principles of Sustainable Construction

Module code: CEM610

Module provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Florence Phua , email: f.phua@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Dylan Tutt, email: d.e.tutt@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students:

Talis reading list:

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module is designed to equip students with a broad understanding of sustainability in construction, focusing on the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The construction industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability to address key challenges in the sector. This 20-credit module provides a holistic foundation, preparing students to assess, apply, and advance sustainable construction practices at both the project and firm levels.Ìý

The module draws on diverse interdisciplinary knowledge areas, including project management, financial appraisals, human resource management, and infrastructure systems. This approach enables students to critically evaluate how sustainability informs both environmental and social outcomes.Ìý

By the end of the module, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the role that sustainability plays in shaping the future of construction, empowering them to address real-world challenges with innovative and responsible solutions.Ìý

Part 1: Social Sustainability (10 Sessions)Ìý

This section explores social sustainability, including how human resources, labour management, and community engagement impact sustainable construction. It also covers Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the role of the community as co-designers and end-users of the built environment. The aim is to understand the social dimensions of sustainability, with attention to workforce management, diversity, inclusion, labour relations, and the integration of ethical practices into construction projects.Ìý

Aims:Ìý

• Understand the importance of social sustainability in construction.Ìý
• Explore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community engagement in construction projects.Ìý
• Analyse the role of human resource management in promoting social sustainability.Ìý
• Investigate the labour market challenges, including the role of migrant workers and employment relations.Ìý

Part 2: Economic Sustainability (6 Sessions)Ìý

This section focuses on economic sustainability within the construction sector, emphasizing financial viability, cost management, and the economic impact of construction projects. Students will learn financial appraisal techniques, project investment methods, and the core economic principles that influence construction markets.Ìý

Aims:Ìý

• Provide foundational knowledge of economic sustainability in construction.Ìý
• Equip students with the skills to evaluate the financial viability of construction projects.Ìý
• Introduce investment and financial modelling techniques for sustainable project appraisal.Ìý

Part 3: Environmental Sustainability (8 Sessions)Ìý

This section examines environmental sustainability, focusing on sustainable design, material selection, energy efficiency, and the integration of renewable technologies into construction projects. Students will gain insights into how to reduce the environmental footprint of buildings and infrastructure throughout their lifecycle.Ìý

Aims:Ìý

• Introduce the fundamental principles of environmental sustainability in construction.Ìý
• Equip students with the knowledge of sustainable materials, technologies, and energy-efficient practices.Ìý
• Provide students with the skills to evaluate the environmental impact of construction projects.Ìý

Module learning outcomes

Part 1: Social Sustainability (10 Sessions)Ìý

1. Critically assess how social sustainability principles influence construction projects and organizations.Ìý
2. Evaluate strategies for effective labour management and CSR in construction.Ìý
3. Understand the role of the community in co-designing sustainable built environments.

Part 2: Economic Sustainability (6 Sessions)

1. Understand and apply economic principles and financial techniques in construction sustainability.Ìý
2. Evaluate the financial performance and sustainability of construction projects.Ìý
3. Use appraisal techniques to assess the viability of sustainable construction projects.

Part 3: Environmental Sustainability (8 Sessions)Ìý

1. Assess the environmental impact of construction practices and materials.Ìý
2. Understand the principles of sustainable design and energy-efficient technologies in construction.Ìý
3. Apply Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to construction projects.Ìý

Module content

Part 1: Social Sustainability (10 Sessions)Ìý

• Human Resource Management and Sustainability: Overview of HRM strategies to promote social sustainability.Ìý
• Corporate Social Responsibility in Construction: Exploration of CSR principles and community engagement.Ìý
• Community as Co-designers: The role of stakeholders and local communities in shaping sustainable construction.Ìý
• Employment Relations and Migrant Labor: Overview of labour challenges and strategies for addressing workforce diversity.Ìý
• Health, Safety, and Labor Rights: Key labor rights and occupational health and safety issues in construction.Ìý

Part 2: Economic Sustainability (6 Sessions)Ìý

• Basic Economic Principles: Supply, demand, and economic structures in construction.Ìý
• Economic Indicators: Understanding inflation, interest rates, and their effect on construction costs.Ìý
• Financial Appraisal Techniques: Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and discounted cash flow models.Ìý
• Project Financing: Loans, joint ventures, and sustainable financial models.Ìý

Part 3: Environmental Sustainability (8 Sessions)Ìý

• Sustainable Design Principles: Overview of sustainable design and materials.Ìý
• Energy Efficiency in Construction: Integration of energy-efficient practices and renewable energy systems.Ìý
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Understanding environmental and social sustainability assessments.Ìý
• Lifecycle of Buildings and Infrastructure: Sustainable management from design to operation and maintenance.Ìý

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, providing a balanced approach to both theoretical and practical learning. Lectures will introduce key concepts and principles of sustainable construction, supported by real-world case studies to demonstrate current industry challenges and solutions. Seminars will offer students the opportunity to engage in discussions, group work, and problem-solving activities, allowing them to critically apply their knowledge to practical scenarios and deepen their understanding through collaborative learning.Ìý

Study hours

At least 36 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.Ìý

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The below information applies total full time and flexible modular students on taught PGT programmes in SBEÌý

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

There will be a range of formative assessment methods embedded within the module delivery. Principally, the formative assessment feedback will take place during lecture and tutorial interaction.Ìý

Reassessment

Additional costs