Sustainable Infrastructure Construction and Management

Unit code: NCM6007 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

Given the adverse environmental impacts of conventional construction, the industry must transition to green building practices to meet national and global sustainability targets. This unit of study equips students with a critical understanding of the barriers to sustainable construction in the infrastructure sector and the management and communication skills needed to overcome them. Students will analyse resource consumption and the environmental impacts of construction processes and materials while gaining industry-standard knowledge of modern and innovative technologies. The unit also covers methods for maximising social outcomes and implementing sustainable procurement models. It prepares students to lead the shift towards sustainable infrastructure construction and management in their professional careers.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Analyse the impact of infrastructure construction and operation on climate change, planetary health, and assess its alignment with relevant sustainability standards;
  2. Evaluate the environmental impacts and resource consumption of various materials in infrastructure projects using life cycle assessments;
  3. Assess sustainable procurement strategies to minimise risks and optimise environmental and social outcomes during contractor selection and management; and
  4. Exemplify communication skills and leadership to drive stakeholder adoption of sustainable practices, circular economy principles, and the use of green materials.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 40%
Development of a sustainability framework report for a large-scale infrastructure project (Group)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 10%
Sustainability framework presentation to key project stakeholders (Group)
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 30%
Critical analysis using life cycle assessments (Individual)
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
In-class test on green materials and technology, resource consumption and environmental risks (Individual)

The Project includes Progress Report (10%) and Final sustainability framework report (30%) (Group). The project and presentation include an evaluation of the contributions made by each member of the team to facilitate the assessment of students' achievement of learning objectives.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Construction Management
NTSC | Graduate certificate | Duration: 1 year
Graduate Diploma in Construction Management
NGCM | Graduate diploma | Duration: 1 year
Master of Construction Management
NMCM | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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