Master 02

Buildings are often cited as a significant contributor to environmental degradation due to their unbridled energy consumption and the pollution generated throughout their life cycle. It is important to maintain a balanced perspective on the many facets of buildings and their impact on the environment. However, they also have the potential to play a major role in preserving the environment and its resources.

The course programme focuses on predicting a building's environmental behaviour and reducing its impact. The first chapter educates students on the effects of environmental degradation and the different impacts generated by the building. The second chapter includes evaluation methods, such as the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method, which is crucial for mitigating degradation.

The text describes a theoretical framework (chapter 3) that highlights the contributions, challenges, and approach of the subject. The methodical and practical framework of LCA (chapter 4 and chapter 5) forms the backbone of this method. The teaching of these two courses is based on the four phases that make up LCA, which teaches students the approach and context of their application while highlighting the close correlation between them.

To ensure faithful application of this method according to its principles, it is important to evaluate case studies from the built environment (chapter 6). These case studies should cover different aspects, such as the selection of a structural system and the optimal compatibility between the envelope, materials, and energy systems.

These courses teach students how to assess the built environment using LCA, contributing to environmental sustainability and the preservation of abiotic resources.