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Level 3 - Designing, Engineering and Constructing a Sustainable Built Environment

Performance points for 2019 

Will be on UCAS Tariff Table from May 2018 onwards.

For Certificate: 30 credits required. Recommend Units 1, 2 and 3.

For Diploma: All 5 units Mandatory

 

Level 3

Level 3, Unit 1 - Defining a Sustainable Construction Project (12 credits)

1. Research and convey the project remit.

2. Set standards for sustainability in a construction project.

3. Define site information required at pre-design phase.
1.1 identify a significant construction project for in-depth study. 2.1 define commitments to positively impact on the local community and the local environment. 3.1 identify the importance of site analysis and the roles of professional consultants at pre-design phase.
1.2 communicate the vision for the project. 2.2 define and explain commitments to energy and water efficiency and carbon reduction. 3.2 determine requirements for topographical information including ways to collect accurate data for the site.
1.3 set the scene for the project in the context of the existing environment. 2.3 define and explain commitments to minimise construction waste. 3.3 identify information required to produce a geotechnical report related to the specified project.
1.4 set the scene for the project in the context of end users. 2.4 define and explain commitments to ethical sourcing and responsible procurement. 3.4 identify information required to produce an ecological study related to the specified project.
1.5 write a mission statement for the project. 2.5 define and explain sustainability monitoring and reporting procedures for the lifecycle of the project. 3.5 identify information required to produce a hydrology study and relate to the specified project.

Level 3, Unit 2 - Developing a Sustainable Construction Project (10 credits)

1. Prepare a design brief and take steps to appoint an effective design team.

2. Use building information modelling techniques for concept design.

3. Prepare information and resources needed to support a planning application.
1.1 describe the role and responsibility of the client in a construction project. 2.1 create preliminary concept designs based on a design brief. 3.1 explain the planning process for a specific construction project.
1.2 prepare a design brief for a specific construction project and receive critical feedback for client sign off. 2.2 assess concept designs for space requirements, circulation and accessibility. 3.2 make use of current legislation and guidance.
1.3 formalise the appointment of an integrated Project Team in contractual terms. 2.3 assess concept design to produce preliminary cost and lifecycle cost prediction. 3.3 prepare a planning feasibility study for a specific construction project.
1.4 produce an organogram outlining professionals and their roles at each phase of the project. 2.4 perform energy analysis relative to form, orientation, weather, surfaces and glazing. 3.4 describe what is meant by the term ‘undesirable precedent’ in planning decisions and provide an example of such.
1.5 devise an effective communication strategy to promote collaboration between all parties. 2.5 present information for whole project lifecycle providing validation for chosen model. 3.5 formulate justification and present evidence for the approval of a specific project.

Level 3, Unit 3 - Support Design, Structural and Services aspects of a Sustainable Construction Project (8 credits)

1. Use building information modelling techniques to develop the design

2. Use building information modelling techniques to develop structural elements of a building project

3. Use building information modelling techniques to develop building services elements of a building project
1.1 define design elements and operational practicalities to provide the basis of a building information model 2.1 define and create data rich structural elements including foundations, structural walls, slabs, beams and columns 3.1 define and create appropriate systems from prior research, concept analysis and operational practicalities and constraints
1.2 create an architectural model using materials with properties relevant to a sustainable construction project. 2.2 apply science and mathematics to structural specifications. 3.2 apply science and mathematics to assess and calculate energy efficiency in a range of scenarios.
1.3 validate sustainable design ideas through production of data rich detailed 3D information 2.3 validate structural engineering methods through production of data rich detailed 3D information 3.3 validate building services proposals through production of data rich detailed 3D information
1.4 present the design model to critical design experts. 2.4 present the structural model to critical structural experts. 3.4 present the services model to critical services experts.
1.5 resolve design errors, clashes and omissions making modifications as a result of feedback. 2.5 resolve structural errors, clashes and omissions and making modifications as a result of feedback. 3.5 resolve service related errors, clashes and omissions making modifications as a result of feedback.

Level 3, Unit 4 - Lifecycle and Financial Planning for a Sustainable Construction Project (10 credits)

1. Use building information modelling techniques to support the operational management of a building.

2. Understand cost analysis and financial control.

3. Produce a budget for a complex building project.
1.1 explain the role of BIM in the operation, management and maintenance of a sustainable building project throughout its lifecycle. 2.1 explain the role of BIM in the financial management of a building project. 3.1 compile an accurate list of capital costs.
1.2 devise an appropriate handover process from the construction team to the end user. 2.2 produce a cost model based on the project time line. 3.2 provide an annual projection for recurrent fixed costs.
1.3 set targets for whole life energy performance, water consumption, waste reduction, operation and maintenance costs 2.3 identify points of accountability for keeping the project to budget. 3.3 provide an annual projection for recurrent variable costs.
1.4 analyse the impact of post occupancy behaviour on the life cycle of a building. 2.4 explain the consequences of weaknesses in financial control. 3.4 provide a sensitivity analysis based on possible variations in costs.
1.5 describe the benefits of early engagement of the Facilities Manager and the client/end user in the design process 2.5 devise policies for sustainable procurement to establish audit trails. 3.5 present and negotiate variations to the design within budget constraints.

Level 3, Unit 5 - Evaluating and Documenting a Sustainable Construction Project (10 credits)

1. Make objective comparisons between construction methods.

2. Communicate outcomes from professional perspectives.

3. Make a presentation of a summary report to a critical audience.
1.1 compare construction methods on the basis of aesthetics and appropriateness to design intent. 2.1 explain the strengths and weaknesses of the design from a facilities management perspective. 3.1 support a presentation with appropriate digital technologies.
1.2 compare construction methods on the basis of cost. 2.2 explain the strengths and weaknesses of the design from an architectural perspective. 3.2 compare the client brief to the finished project and communicate to a professional audience.
1.3 compare construction methods on the basis of sustainability. 2.3 explain the strengths and weaknesses of the design from a structural engineering perspective. 3.3 compare social, economic and environmental outcomes with planned intentions.
1.4 compare construction methods on the basis of endurance and reliability. 2.4 explain the strengths and weaknesses of the design from a building services engineering perspective. 3.4 assess and validate the project’s major strengths and weaknesses with supporting evidence.
1.5 compare construction methods on the basis of reduction of operating costs. 2.5 explain the strengths and weaknesses of the design from an end user perspective. 3.5 make clear judgements about the success of the project and lessons learned for the future.

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