CEM220-Urban Sustainability

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Rory Jones
Email: r.v.jones@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module develops an awareness and knowledge of how the principles of sustainable development can be applied in an integrated and holistic way at city level.

Aims:

The urban sustainability module places sustainable development (SD) within a city-level context but also highlights the importance of integrating SD across building, neighbourhood and city levels to ensure sustainable outcomes. The module explores the different ways in which new cities (e.g. eco- cities and smart cities) and existing cities may be viewed through a range of conceptual frameworks which include ‘metabolic systems’ and ‘complex adaptive’ systems. The overall role of urban planning is also explored in shaping and producing sustainable outcomes in a variety of cities with a key emphasis on sustainable transport. Consideration is also given to the challenges of retrofitting and re-engineering cities to 2050, and the ways in which futures studies can not only help shape city visions, but also help cities plan and monitor energy, water and waste targets. The module also explores the concept of ‘sustainable cities’ and the ways in which the sustainability of cities may be measured, and how key technologies at city level are deployed (for example urban water drainage and urban waste management). The module compares and contrasts approaches to urban sustainability through a comparison of approaches in the developed and developing world (and with a particular emphasis on emerging economies).

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will also have expected to have developed:

• An understanding of how sustainability may be integrated across scales (building, neighbourhood and city level).


• An ability to recognise key examples of sustainable cities (e.g. eco city; smart city; compact city).


• An awareness of the key actors and networks which operate within the urban sustainability arena. An understanding of how approaches to urban sustainability can differ across economic development contexts

Additional outcomes:

Students will also have expected to have developed:

• An understanding of how sustainability may be integrated across scales (building, neighbourhood and city level).


• An ability to recognise key examples of sustainable cities (e.g. eco city; smart city; compact city).


• An awareness of the key actors and networks which operate within the urban sustainability arena. An understanding of how approaches to urban sustainability can differ across economic development contexts

Outline content:

This module is designed to develop understanding and knowledge through a structured series of topics:

• Introduction and Overview of urban sustainability


• Urban Planning, Systemic Thinking and Sustainable Cities


• Concepts of Sustainable Development and Sustainability


• Sustainability Measurement Systems


• Sustainable Urban Transportation Emerging economies


• Urban Retrofitting


• Urban Energy Systems


• Urban Water Systems


• Urban Waste Systems

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching and learning will comprise a range of presentations from both internal and external lecturers. A high degree of interaction and group exercise work is a feature of the module.
The module will be examined through an applied project.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One project - approximately 3,000 words; submission date: Spring Term Wk 27.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to?all full time and flexible modular?students on taught PGT programmes in SBE. 

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late: 

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days; 


• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded. 

 The University policy statement on penalties for late submission?which applies to all full time and flexible modular PGT students in SBE?can be found at:?https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf 

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work. 

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Students are required to contact the School to confirm reassessment arrangements.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 27 July 2023