From Real Estate.
For students interested in sustainable aspects of the built environment seats are still available for the following classes: R E 418/518 Best Sustainable Practices in Real Estate and R E 498 Healthy Buildings.
R E 418/518 - Best Sustainable Practices in Real Estate (TTH 5:00-6:20p, 3 Credits, NSc):
The course explores sustainability at a micro and macro level highlighting best practices embraced by buildings as well as cities worldwide. Discussing the application of the triple bottom line allows students to assess their surroundings and understand the importance of improving a building’s and areas’ livability standards and the connection to real estate. At a macro level, the course analyzes the importance of sustainability in urban areas while introducing best practices for a variety of environmentally friendly and financially feasible interventions in the US and abroad. Beyond the adoption of specific sustainable urban practices, the course offers insights on global assessments of urban environments in their entirety in the form of worldwide city sustainability indices (e.g. Green City Index – Siemens) and international city sustainability competitions (e.g. European Commission’s European Green Capital etc.). At a micro level the course focuses on the adoption of environmentally friendly improvements at a building level with long-lasting economic benefits which may or may not be part of a building’s sustainability certification/designation (e.g. Energy Star, LEED, BREEAM, Living Building Challenge, etc.). (No prerequisites required).
R E 498 - Healthy Buildings (MW 1:00-2:20p, 3 Credits):
Indoor spaces—where we spend 90% of our time—have a profound impact on health and cognitive performance. This course provides tools and strategies to meet the steadily increasing demand for healthy buildings by exploring the history of - and increasing market demand for - sustainable, inclusive spaces. Explore how indoor spaces impact health and cognitive performance. Study the history of healthy building design and the influence of COVID-19. Learn the financial and regulatory drivers through case studies and real world examples. Develop evidence-based strategies and communication tools to advocate for healthier policies and practices.(No prerequisites required).