Sustainable Construction Management

Can building structures be sustainable?

This course aims to answer that question. It covers sustainable construction management project elements from conception to completion. We discuss the important contributions facility managers and property managers make to sustainable construction projects by acting as the owner’s representatives. And we show how the construction contract and project delivery method greatly influences how the project will be performed sustainably.

Sustainable construction methods and processes are highlighted, along with newer construction document production systems such as building information modeling (BIM), laser scanning, and drones. This course also gives an example of a scheduling method known as the critical path method (CPM).

We discuss methods, materials, and the equipment used to mitigate damage to buildings due to environmental conditions, and the different types of building systems. Current technologies and green innovations also reviewed include exterior wall systems, green roofs, elevators, HVAC systems, and new methods of sustainable building choices for green construction best practices.

Other topics include sustainable maintenance operations, energy management, green building certifications, renewable energy, sustainability construction trends and the use of best practices in sustainable planning, design, and construction, including the steps needed to develop a high-performance project.

Core concepts include:

1. Frameworks for implementing a sustainable green project or a high-performance project.

2. Role of the facility manager.

3. Sustainable building design, construction, remodeling, and building improvements.

4. Disaster management procedures.

5. Sustainable Infrastructure.

6. Decision making techniques in sustainable project development

7. How to reduce emissions during construction

8. How to control energy consumption and maximize sustainable efficiency

9. Climate control.

10. Greenhouse gas emissions.

11. Stormwater management controls.

12. Sediment and erosion controls.

13. Renewable energy use

14. Involvement of stakeholders in the planning, design, and construction process.

15. Green building certifications, such as LEED and Green Globes.

16. Latest trends and future in sustainable construction management.

17. The best sustainable practices in design and construction.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Sustainability in the Built Environment

Week 2: Sustainability Requirements, Processing, and Methods

Week 3: Sustainability Risks, Controls, Systems, Energy, and the Environment

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Covers core elements from conception to completion of sustainable construction management projects

Emphasizes the role of facility managers and property managers in acting as owner representatives in sustainable construction projects

Discusses sustainable construction methods, processes, and newer construction document production systems

Highlights methods and materials used to mitigate damage to buildings due to environmental conditions

Examines current technologies and green innovations

Focuses on the use of sustainable maintenance operations, energy management, and green building certifications

Reviews summary

Comprehensive sustainable construction management

According to learners, this course offers a highly comprehensive and relevant exploration of sustainable construction management, particularly beneficial for working professionals. Students praise its practical application, with many finding the content directly applicable to their roles. The course provides a strong foundation across various topics, including BIM, LEED, Green Globes certifications, energy management, and renewable energy. While some learners wished for more interactive elements or deeper dives into certain tools, the instructor's real-world insights and the course's logical structure are consistently highlighted as strengths.

Provides a strong foundation; early modules can be introductory.

"Some parts felt a bit theoretical, but overall, it provided a strong foundation."

"It's a solid course for foundational knowledge, but don't expect a lot of interactive problem-solving."

"Some of the early modules felt like a general intro to sustainability, which I already knew. The later parts on certifications were better."

High-quality instructors provide valuable industry insights.

"The instructor's real-world examples... were incredibly valuable."

"The instructors clearly have extensive industry experience, and their insights were invaluable."

"The overall structure was logical, building a strong framework for implementing green projects."

Covers a wide array of essential sustainability topics.

"A very comprehensive overview of sustainable construction... The discussions on climate control and GHG emissions were insightful."

"Content is strong, covering a wide range of sustainability topics. I particularly liked the segments on reducing emissions during construction."

"The course did a great job of covering a lot of ground, but sometimes I felt it moved quickly through complex topics like different building systems."

Content is directly applicable for industry professionals.

"This course was a fantastic deep dive into sustainable construction. The instructor's real-world examples and the practical applications of BIM and LEED standards were incredibly valuable."

"As a facility manager, I found the sections on the role of the facility manager and sustainable maintenance operations extremely relevant."

"I now feel much more confident in discussing high-performance project development and green building best practices."

Learners desire more interactive exercises and in-depth content.

"The critical path method (CPM) explanation was clear, though I wish there were more hands-on exercises related to it."

"I found some of the video lectures a bit dry and lacking engagement... don't expect a lot of interactive problem-solving."

"I was hoping for more practical, hands-on application given the 'management' in the title."

"It's good for understanding the scope, but perhaps less for deep-diving into specific tools."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sustainable Construction Management with these activities:

Review Basic Physics and Engineering Principles

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Ensures a strong foundation in the underlying principles that govern sustainable construction practices.

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Review textbooks or online resources on basic physics and engineering.
Solve practice problems to test your understanding.

Read 'Sustainable Construction' by Charles Kibert

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Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable construction practices and principles, setting a foundation for understanding the course materials.

View Sustainable Construction on Amazon

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Review the table of contents and identify relevant chapters.
Read the assigned chapters thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
Summarize the main points of the chapters in your own words.

Explore BIM for Sustainable Construction

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Complements the course content by introducing BIM tools and their applications in sustainable construction.

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Complete online tutorials on BIM software.
Create a virtual building model incorporating sustainable design features.

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Attend Sustainable Construction Conferences and Meetups

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Connects you with professionals in the field, allowing you to exchange knowledge and gain valuable insights.

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Identify relevant conferences and meetups in your area.
Attend sessions and engage in discussions.

Analyze Case Studies on Sustainable Building Design

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Provides real-world examples to reinforce concepts and enhance understanding of sustainable design principles.

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Select case studies that showcase different sustainable building strategies.
Analyze the design elements, materials, and technologies used.
Evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of each design approach.

Develop a Sustainable Construction Management Plan

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Allows you to apply the principles learned in the course and create a comprehensive plan for a sustainable construction project.

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Identify the project scope and objectives.
Research and incorporate sustainable construction methods and materials.
Develop a detailed construction schedule and budget.
Outline strategies for monitoring and evaluating the project's sustainability performance.

Develop a Whitepaper on Sustainable Infrastructure

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Encourages critical thinking and research skills while delving into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable infrastructure.

Browse courses on Sustainable Infrastructure

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