Aim

To produce a critical analysis of the current policy framework in relation to the delivery of sustainable built environments for a country or region you are familiar with.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the assignment the student will:

- Have developed a critical appreciation of the current legislative and policy frameworks associated with the delivery of sustainable solutions in a location or region familiar to them;
- Have developed a high level policy framework with the intention of delivering a ‘sustainable built environment'.

Overview
In recent years there has been an increasing drive at national, regional and even a global levels to ensure that policies, incentives and regulations are put in place to minimise anthropogenic climate change and resource depletion. As the built environment is responsible (in some regions) for up to 40% of C02 emissions and also consumes significant amounts of resources, the construction industry is coming under increasing pressure to reduce these impacts.

Governments and/or local authorities may take a number of approaches when considering policy mechanisms to ensure the aforementioned impacts are minimised. Incentives may be used to encourage certain behaviour or regulations may be introduced to punish those who do not comply. Much of the current policy framework is based around the key goal of mitigation of climate change, however there is increasing recognition that a certain amount of climate change is now inevitable and as a result regulation and policy must take account of this expected change.

There are pro's and con's associated with each approach and in most cases a balance is required to ensure a successful outcome.

Task

Produce a critical review of the current policy framework, for a country or region you are familiar with, in relation to the delivery of a sustainable built environment, and in that context produce a high level vision for a new (or improved) policy framework.

Your work should:
- Provide details of the current policy framework and any changes expected in the near future;
- Critically review this framework in relation to the approach taken in other regions and;
- Produce a high level vision of a policy framework in your given location supported by reasoned argument and justification.

You may chose to focus on a particular aspect of the policy framework (such as those related to the refurbishment of existing buildings, the operation of existing buildings, the design and development of new buildings or how planning mechanisms could encourage sustainable development)