Environmental Systems

This subject provides a coverage of the different systems significant in the design of buildings, which are described in terms of 3 interlocking systems: human, mechanical and natural systems. Human Systems • Concepts of environmental comfort: heat, light and sound • Occupational Health, Safety and Environment • Post-Occupancy Evaluation Mechanical Systems • energy efficiency, alternative energy sources and energy management • active solar heating and cooling systems; • electrical, telecommunications, transportation and building management systems; • air-conditioning system designs; refrigeration, heating and air handling plants; • façade design, natural ventilation and mixed mode systems; • displacement ventilation, evaporative cooling and radiant cooling systems; • special servicing conditions • acoustical design and noise control Natural Systems • passive design techniques for buildings • waste and water treatment techniques, WSUD (water sensitive urban design) • green infrastructure and ecological services • integrated greenery – green roofs and vertical greenery Sustainable building standards like Green Star and NABERS will also be introduced and used in the discourse of the lectures.