Implementation of sustainable construction basics in a construction materials and methods course

Abstract

The field of construction demands educatedpersonnel in green and sustainable construction. With therecent trends in the industry, many clients demand moregreen materials and design and an overall sustainability toachieve a cleaner and safer structures. The LEEDcertification has also attracted much attention. Here a caseof successful implementation of “green module†into aconstruction material and method course at the bachelor’slevel is presented. Discussions include curriculum flexibilityand constraints reflected by the addition of the greenmodules. The module discussed here is developed accordingto the state-of-the-art body of knowledge and is consistentwith educational program outcomes of the course and that ofthe educational program. The more comprehensive coursecan be delivered online or using hybrid modes ofinstructional delivery. The follow-up empirical assessmentof green modules shows that they are well received by thestudents and their reflective employers, indicating asuccessful implementation.

Index Terms - sustainability; construction materials;methods; green; engineering education; module