Throughout the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program at TRU, there are many courses that indulge in the importance of environmental sustainability within the building industry. Below, I have included my top 5 courses I have taken at TRU that have had an impact on my outlook of environmental sustainability, and how the field can develop into an excellent environmentally sustainable industry.
ARET 1200 — Materials and Applications
This course was a great introduction into specific materials used in the construction of a building. Similarly, it outlined sustainable materials that can be used to promote a smaller carbon footprint during the construction process. It also explained green materials, and how the use of refurbished or recycled materials can be both environmentally and economically feasible. This course left an impact on me, as it expressed the importance of creating a viable building with a positive affect.
ARET 1300 — Building Technology
This course was a great introduction into sustainable building practices. I learned the difference between net-zero, net-positive, and passive buildings, and the benefits of each form of design. Similarly, it taught me the importance of building placement to absorb the advantages of the natural surrounding environment. In addition, I gained a strong understanding of building orientation to maximize solar heat gain through windows in the winter, and how overhangs can prevent overheating in the summer.
ARET 2400 — Site Planning and Development
As a course on the development of a site, it was all about the surrounding environment of a site, and how that should be maintained, as well as incorporated into a design. It offered me a deep understanding of sustainable site planning principles such as natural landscaping and sustainable materials. Similarly, I learned the significance of public transportation on the environment, and how it can be incorporated into urban designs to promote its use and, ultimately, reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
ARET 3300 — Building Design
This course was a more advanced outlook on the history of building design, and how it is used today. With this, it taught me sustainable building practices, specifically for energy consumption, such as solar panels. In addition, the course was a valuable opportunity to learn about LEED, as well as energy advising, consumption and production of a building. Similarly, it increased my interest and knowledge in the BC step code with ways it can be implemented and exceeded to promote the environment through building design.
ARET 3500 — Building Services Theory
ARET 3500 explains the fundamentals of building assemblies. In summary, it provided me with an understanding of the elements used to create walls, floors, roofs and other components of a building. In addition, the course was valuable in learning about the benefits of proper insulation to reduce energy consumption in a building. It gave me the opportunity to understand and calculate the heat loss through poor insulation or thermal breaks, as well as the ability to gain heat and energy through the natural environment and proper design. This course was essential to consider the financial and environmental benefits of a self-sufficient building to ensure sustainability.
5 Points