Evaluate what sustainability means from an environmental, economic and socio-cultural perspective and critically analyse the role

Evaluate what sustainability means from an environmental, economic and socio-cultural perspective and critically analyse the role of sustainability in policy for housing development.

This paper requires you to evaluate what sustainability means from an environmental, economic and socio-cultural perspective and critically analyse the role of sustainability in policy for housing development and explain the policy context for housing development. Also, you are asked to discuss the key steps of the housing development process and identify the key risks involved. Furthermore, explain the process of sustainable housing design and its contribution to the processes of neighbourhood and urban change. Finally, you are required to compare and contrast sustainable housing policies and practices and evaluate the success of housing development polices and projects.  

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to evaluate what is meant by sustainable housing development and explore the process by which it is most likely to be delivered. The course therefore seeks to integrate consideration of a range of housing design, development and management issues, with an equal emphasis given to private and social housing.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

On completing the course, participants will be able to:

■ Evaluate what sustainability means from an environmental, economic and socio-cultural perspective and critically analyse the role of sustainability in policy for housing development.

■ Explain the policy context for housing development, including: housing policy, urban policy and planning and urban design policy, and analyse the impact of land availability, urban containment and compact cities, greenfield/brownfield development and affordability.

■ Discuss the key stages of the housing development process and assess the role of key actors and institutions in the housing development process.

■ Identify the key risks involved in housing development in the public and private spheres and the methods available for managing risk.

■ Explain the process of sustainable housing design and evaluate current issues in housing design, including: accessibility, energy use and environmental sustainability.

■ Evaluate the contribution of sustainable housing development to the processes of neighbourhood and urban change and understand the importance of sustainable neighbourhood design in meeting human and societal needs.

■ Understand and compare international sustainable housing policies and practices.

■ Critically evaluate the success of housing development policies and projects in meeting their own objectives and the needs of society.