Sustainability for the building and civil works sector

Aim of the course:

This module aims to provide students with the criteria and tools needed to make informed and responsible technical decisions in the building and civil works sector, understanding sustainability as a strategic factor that directly influences project viability, costs, risks, and long-term performance.

Learners will explore how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria affect design choices, material selection, construction processes, and business competitiveness, within a sector characterised by high regulatory pressure and significant resource use.

The course promotes a practical and decision-oriented understanding of sustainability, encouraging students to apply it to real construction contexts where early planning and design decisions largely determine environmental impact, economic efficiency, and future adaptability of buildings and infrastructures.

By the end of the module, students will be able to integrate sustainability criteria into everyday professional decisions, anticipate technical and regulatory risks, identify opportunities for innovation, and contribute to more efficient, resilient, and competitive construction projects and organisations.

Main ideas:

1. In the building and civil works sector, sustainability is a practical criterion for managing resources, costs, and long-term project performance.
2. Early design and planning decisions largely determine the environmental impact, economic efficiency, and durability of buildings and infrastructures.
3. Eco-design and circular economy strategies help reduce material use and waste while improving efficiency throughout the life cycle.
4. Sustainable management supports regulatory compliance, reduces risks, and strengthens the competitiveness of construction companies.