Both domestic and commercial buildings are built systems comprised of numerous sub-systems. One of the major components of such built systems is building services. Sustainability is an important element in all facets of construction including building services. This unit (NBC2003) will introduce building services systems associated with residential, commercial and industrial building projects. Using industry regulations, standards and codes of practice, students will examine the principles of building services requirements, installation, operation and maintenance relating to: HVAC; electrical supply; gas supply; natural and artificial lighting; security and communications, hydraulic service supply and disposal systems; fire protection; vertical transportation; and acoustics. Comfort conditions, indoor air quality and total building performance will also be included in the unit.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Online Real Time
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
NBC2003

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Interpret regulatory and technical requirements relevant to reticulated and designed building services installations;  
  2. Develop energy efficient and sustainable design with respect to building services, including lighting, power, heating, cooling, mechanical services, hot water, and water usage;  
  3. Analyse design documentation and carry out on-site inspections of services installations and assess their compliance with relevant statutes, codes and standards.  
  4. Identify and interpret factors affecting human thermal comfort, indoor air quality and building acoustics; and  
  5. Effectively collaborate with others to conduct total building performance evaluations in all building types.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Assignment Individual assignment (2) 30%
Case Study Team design project and oral presentation 30%
Test Tests (2) combination of multiple choice, true or false, fill in the blank, short answer and long answer questions (90mins each) 40%

Required reading

Plumbing Code of Australia Volume 3
National Construction Code Series (2019)
ABCB Publications, Canberra

Energy Efficiency Provisions Volume 1
National Construction Code (2019)
ABCB Publications, Canberra

Energy Efficiency Provisions Volume 2
National Construction Code (2019)
ABCB Publications, Canberra

Using on-site renewable and reclaimed energy sources
Handbook (2016)
ABCB Publications, Canberra

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