Sustainable specification of timber for retrofit and renovation
This scenario is to be delivered as structure workshop with pre-learning material distributed in advance. During the workshop activities “toolbox” talks can be used to address limitations to understanding. The proposed teaching method therefore employs a structured, enquiry-based learning sequence that progresses from component-level observation to strategic retrofit evaluation using a series of case study concepts which build up in terms of complexity
This learning activity is designed to deepen learner’s knowledge of different dimensions of sustainability through a mix of role play and reflective activities. This resource is presented in four parts, if desired it can be delivered in isolation. First two parts cover sustainability and LCA in built environment, part three presents a case study of a “living lab” retrofit and the last part focuses on issues around circular economy. As per need the educator could deliver a shorter or longer version of this activity.
An effective way to deliver this activity would be to do it once at the beginning of the term and then again at the end of the term, asking the learners to reflect on how their sustainability and circular economy perceptions have changed after learning more about circular and sustainable approaches towards building practices.
This educational toolkit is designed to be applicable to specific engineering disciplines. Educators might find it useful to perceive this toolkit’s alignment to competencies outlined in Timber Development UK (TDUK) – Timber in Construction Skills Action Plan, Association for Project Management (APM) – Competence Framework for Project Managers in the Built Environment in England, and The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) – Built Environment - Framework for the competence of Site Supervisors in England.
Topic: Sustainable specification of timber for retrofit and renovation; LCA & Circularity
Title: Developing a sustainable retrofit roadmap
Resource type: Teaching – Case Study
Relevant Disciplines: Environmental sustainability, Civil engineering, Timber engineering, Construction materials, Building systems
Educational level: Intermediate; Advanced
Length of course: 8 hours.
Schedule of activities:
Pre-learning: review learning and teaching resources: 3hrs
Activity 1 – Setting the scene of sustainable timber specification: 30mins
Activity 2 – Introducing the concepts of LCA and what impacts it: 1hr
Activity 3 - The broader project impacts of sustainable specification: 30mins
Activity 4 – Living Lab case study analysis: 1hr
Activity 5 – Assessment: 2hrs
Learning resources