| University | Open Polytechnic (OP) |
| Subject | CONS5003 Environment |
CONS5003 Environment Assessment 1
Weighting
25%
Learning outcomes
- Identify implications of site limitations, including evaluation of existing buildings.
- Analyse the environmental impact of design and construction techniques.
- Evaluate examples of sustainable design and construction practice.
Instructions
Complete and submit your assessment according to the Open Polytechnic’s Assessments webpage. This includes information on academic integrity, formatting, word limits and referencing.
- Include your name, student number and the assessment number.
- Number your pages.
- Ensure that your ideas are appropriately referenced using APA7 citation.
Submission
- Submit your assessment in one file.
- Submit your work through your iQualify course.
- Emailed assessments will not be accepted.
- You will receive an automated notice advising you of your successful submission.
By submitting your assessment, you confirm that it is your own, original work.
General Instructions
When considering sustainable development, the evaluation of a site for construction can consider the need for minimising environmental impacts, optimising resource utilisation, combatting climate change, bolstering resilience and fostering societal well-being.
In the CONS5003 pre-assessment task, you selected an existing property that met the specific criteria listed below. You will now investigate the site you selected to complete this first assessment.
Remember to use relevant photographs, maps, plans, diagrams and drawings for the assessment, accompanied by descriptive captions referencing image sources. If, at any time, you are unsure how to proceed, contact your tutor for advice.
Important
All photographs of the site – including both exterior and interior views of the building – must be your own original work.
You are not permitted to use third-party images, such as those sourced from real estate websites or associated platforms.
Please ensure your submission complies with this requirement.
Health and safety
In the completion of any aspect of this course or its assessments, you are not to access the roof, the ceiling space/attic or under the house. Also, you must not use ladders for any inspection.
The site
In the pre-assessment task, you chose a property to complete this assessment, along with Assessments 2 and 3. As a reminder, your site must meet the following conditions:
- The site is within a town or city (not rural) and approximately 1000 m2.
- The house platform is flat, and the site does not have a fall of over 3 m.
- The house must be on a standalone site/section.
- The existing house is more than 10 years old.
- The house is not too complex or extensive.
- The site and house have not been previously assessed for extensive refurbishment.
You must have repeated physical access to the property and have permission to take photos.
Submission
Submit your answers as one file. There are online tools that can convert Word to PDF and combine multiple PDFs to create one file for submission. For example:
- https://www.pdfen.com/merge/merge-files-to-pdf
- https://smallpdf.com/pdf-converter
Assessment 1 Task
Part A: Site details
Property address
Provide the street address of the property.
Legal description
Use the LINZ land record search to provide:
- the legal description
- the area of the section.
https://www.linz.govt.nz/products-services/land-records/land-record-search
Age of property
- When was the house constructed?
- Has the house had major renovations after it was originally constructed?
- When were any renovations completed?
Topographic map
Provide a screenshot of the area on a New Zealand topographic 1:50,000 series map. Clearly indicate the location of the property on the map.
https://www.topomap.co.nz/ https://www.linz.govt.nz/products-services/maps/new-zealand-topographic-maps
Aerial view
Provide an aerial view of the property. Ensure that the property is clearly identified on the image.
There are three ways you could provide an aerial view:
- a photograph taken from an elevated area (hill) or a photograph from a drone
- local council GIS maps
- a screenshot of the satellite view from Google Street View.
Photographs
Insert at least two photographs of the property. The photographs must clearly show the front and rear of the building(s) on the property. You must also show the extent of the section and the local topography (slope).
Statement
I have permission to take photos and have repeated physical access to the property detailed above.
Yes/No
(Word count guideline: 100–200 words)
(Part A total: 5 marks)
Answer format for following parts
Write your answers for the tasks that follow in a report format.
A report format will cover the following:
| Section | Details |
| Title page | Report title, project name, date, author |
| Executive summary | Brief description of the key findings of the report |
| Table of contents | List of sections with page numbers |
| Introduction | Brief description of the report’s objectives and scope |
| Main body of the Report | A – Site details
B – Site evaluation C – The impact of the building on the natural environment D – The response to the building design to the climate and the natural environment E – Design improvements to enhance sustainable practices Note that the bullet points in the tasks may be used as subheadings in the report. |
| Summary | A brief summary of the overall report / findings |
| Appendix (if required) | Additional information not required directly in the report |
| References |
Support your answers with relevant photographs, technical drawings, illustrations, maps and sketches. Ensure that any images are accurately titled or captioned.
Part B: Site evaluation
Analyse the site you have chosen and evaluate the potential for sustainable development and any environmental or site limitations that are present. Analyse and discuss the attributes of the site for sustainable development, including:
- the path of the sun on the site in relation to the latitude and seasons
- the site aspect and potential for solar energy exploitation
- the effect of topography, surrounding buildings and vegetation
- the climate of the region and the specific microclimate of the site
- the physical limitations of the site for environmental management during construction operations.
Use photographs, plans, maps and/or diagrams to support your answer.
(Word count guideline: 250–300 words)
(20 marks)
Part C: The impact of the building on the natural environment
Discuss the design of your chosen house and its impact on the natural environment. Use photographs, plans, maps and/or diagrams to support your answer.
You could discuss some of the following aspects:
- resource consumption: energy and water use
- use of non-renewables in the construction materials
- habitat disruption: habitat loss, biodiversity, invasive species, etc.
- stormwater runoff: impervious surfaces, potential for contamination, etc.
(Word count guideline: 200–250 words)
(20 marks)
Part D: The response of the building design to the climate and the natural environment
Consider the current building and how well the design suits the natural environment of the site. Use photographs, plans, maps and/or diagrams to support your answer.
Your discussion should consider:
- how the current house design captures, harnesses and controls solar energy
- current comfort levels of the building in terms of heating and cooling
- how the current house design responds to the microclimate of the site, including exposure and shelter from prevailing weather
- how the house design controls internal humidity and contributes to human comfort levels.
(Word count guideline: 250–300 words)
(25 marks)
Part E: Design improvements to enhance sustainable practices
Now that you have evaluated the limitations of the site and the current house, report on how aspects of the design could be improved to enhance the sustainable aspects of the house, reduce environmental impact and increase occupier comfort. Use photographs, plans, maps and/or diagrams to support your answer.
Your report on the design improvements could discuss some of the following aspects:
- how the house could use the potential for solar gain better
- the response of the design to the topography and microclimate of the site
- retrofit solutions to enhance the thermal performance of the structure and improve the energy efficiency of the home
- solutions to control internal humidity and air quality
- how water (rainwater, stormwater and/or greywater) could be controlled and utilised on site.
(Word count guideline: 200–250 words)
(20 marks)
Formatting, references and diagrams
- All sources of information must be accurately cited using APA7 citation. A list of references must be provided at the end of your report.
- Ensure that you support your answers with relevant technical drawings, plans, maps, illustrations, photographs, etc. Any images must have accurate titles and/or captions.
(Formatting, references and diagrams total: 10 marks)
CONS5003 Assessment 1 Marking Schedule
| Part A (LO1): Site description | 5 marks | 4 marks | 3 marks | 2 marks | 1 mark |
| Information for your chosen site
|
All required information is provided accurately.
The age of the property and any major renovations are clearly stated with accurate completion dates. The topographic map screenshot clearly shows the property’s location with precise markings. The aerial view accurately displays the property and is clear and wellidentified. The photographs provided are clear and fully show all the requested elements. |
Most of the required information is provided accurately.
The age of the property and any major renovations are stated with completion dates. The topographic map screenshot shows the property’s location and is mostly clear. The aerial view displays the property and is mostly clear and well-identified. The photographs adequately show the necessary elements. |
The majority of the required information is provided but with several inaccuracies or omissions.
The age of the property and any major renovations are stated with inaccuracies or incomplete information. The topographic map screenshot shows the property’s location but with minor issues in markings or clarity. The aerial view displays the property but with clarity or identification issues. The photographs may lack clarity or fail to fully show all the necessary elements. |
Minimal effort is made to provide the required information.
The age of the property and any major renovations are not clearly provided or are entirely omitted. The topographic map screenshot does not effectively show the property’s location or lacks appropriate markings. The aerial view fails to display the property adequately or provide clear identification. The photographs fail to adequately show the necessary elements. |
Little to no attempt is made to provide the required information.
The age of the property and any major renovations are entirely omitted or inaccurately stated. No topographic map screenshot or aerial view is provided. The photographs either do not meet the requirements or are completely absent. |
| Part B (LO1): Site evaluation | 16–20 marks | 13–15 marks | 10–12 marks | 8–9 marks | 1–7 marks |
| Analyse the site and evaluate the potential for sustainable development and any environmental/site limitations that are present. | The site analysis is exceptional, with a high level of clarity and insight.
There is an extensive evaluation of the potential for sustainable development and an effective and precise discussion of the |
There is a detailed evaluation of the potential for sustainable development and a clear discussion of the environmental or site limitations.
There is a clear awareness of the potential and |
The site analysis is satisfactory.
There is adequate evaluation of the potential for sustainable development and adequate discussion of the environmental or site limitations. |
The site analysis is basic but lacks depth.
There is a partial evaluation of the potential for sustainable development and a partial discussion of the environmental or site limitations. |
The site analysis lacks depth and is minimal.
There is limited evaluation of the potential for sustainable development and limited discussion of the environmental or site limitations. |
| environmental or site limitations.
There is exceptional awareness of the potential and limitations of the site for sustainable development. Images/diagrams are clear and accurate and effectively support discussions. |
limitations of the site for sustainable development.
Images/diagrams are clear and support discussions. |
There is a satisfactory awareness of the potential and limitations of the site for sustainable development.
Images/diagrams used to support discussions. |
There is a basic awareness of the potential and limitations of the site for sustainable development.
Significant improvements are needed to meet the required standards. |
Awareness of the potential and limitations of the site for sustainable development.
Does not meet the minimum requirements for this task and requires significant revision and improvement. |
|
| Part C (LO 2): The impact of the building on the natural environment | 16–20 marks | 13–15 marks | 10–12 marks | 8–9 marks | 1–7 marks |
| Assess the impact of your chosen house and its impact on the natural environment.
|
Demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the home’s design and features.
Detailed assessment of the chosen house and its impact on the surrounding natural environment with clear supporting evidence. Clear, accurate and detailed discussion of key impacts. Images/diagrams are clear and accurate and effectively support discussions. |
Demonstrates a clear understanding of the home’s design and features.
Detailed assessment of the chosen house and its impact on the surrounding natural environment with supporting evidence. Detailed discussion of key impacts. Images/diagrams are clear and support discussions.
|
Demonstrates an understanding of the home’s design and features.
Adequate assessment of the chosen house and its impact on the surrounding natural environment. Adequate discussion of key impacts. Images/diagrams used to support discussions. |
Demonstrates a limited awareness of the home’s design and features.
Basic assessment of the chosen house and its impact on the surrounding natural environment. Partial discussion of key impacts. Significant improvements are needed to meet the required standards. |
Demonstrates little awareness of the home’s design and features.
Limited assessment of the chosen house and its impact on the surrounding natural environment. Minimal discussion of key impacts Does not meet the minimum requirements for this task and requires significant revision and improvement. |
| Part D (LO 2): The response of the building to the climate and the natural environment | 20–25 marks
|
17–19 marks
|
13–16 marks
|
10–12 marks
|
1–9 marks
|
| Consider the current dwelling and how well the design suits the natural environment of the site. | Demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the home’s design and features.
Detailed and accurate evaluation of the current design’s suitability for the natural environment with clear supporting evidence. Advanced understanding of the importance of design considerations in relation to the natural environment. Images/diagrams are clear and accurate and effectively support discussions. |
Demonstrates a clear understanding of the home’s design and features.
Clear and accurate evaluation of the current design’s suitability for the natural environment with supporting evidence. Appreciation of the importance of design considerations in relation to the natural environment. Images/diagrams are clear and support discussions.
|
Demonstrates an understanding of the home’s design and features.
Adequate evaluation of the current design’s suitability for the natural environment. Understanding of the importance of design considerations in relation to the natural environment. Images/diagrams used to support discussions. |
Demonstrates a limited awareness of the home’s design and features.
Basic evaluation of the current design’s suitability for the natural environment. Limited understanding of the importance of design considerations in relation to the natural environment. Significant improvements are needed to meet the required standards. |
Demonstrates little awareness of the home’s design and features.
Limited evaluation of the current design’s suitability for the natural environment. Limited understanding of the importance of design considerations in relation to the natural environment. Does not meet the minimum requirements for this task and requires significant revision and improvement. |
| Part E (LO3): Sustainable design | 16–20 marks | 13–15 marks | 10–12 marks | 8–9 marks | 1–7 marks |
| After evaluating the limitations of the site and the current dwelling, suggest how aspects of the design could be improved to reduce environmental impact and increase occupier comfort. | Detailed and very clear suggestions for improving the design.
Very clear and detailed discussion of how these improvements can enhance the sustainable aspects of the house, reduce environmental impact and increase occupier comfort, with clear supporting evidence. Images/diagrams are clear and accurate and |
Clear suggestions for improving the design.
Clear discussion of how these improvements can enhance the sustainable aspects of the house, reduce environmental impact and increase occupier comfort, with supporting evidence. Images/diagrams are clear and support discussions.
|
Adequate suggestions for improving the design.
Adequate discussion of how these improvements can enhance the sustainable aspects of the house, reduce environmental impact and increase occupier comfort. Images/diagrams used to support discussions.
|
Basic suggestions for improving the design.
Partial discussion of how these improvements can enhance the sustainable aspects of the house, reduce environmental impact and increase occupier comfort. Significant improvements are needed to meet the required standards. |
Limited suggestions for improving the design.
Minimal discussion of how these improvements can enhance the sustainable aspects of the house, reduce environmental impact and increase occupier comfort. Does not meet the minimum requirements for this task and requires significant revision and improvement. |
| effectively support discussions. | |||||
| Formatting and references | 5 marks | 4 marks | 3 marks | 2 marks | 1 mark |
| Report presentation and formatting.
Reference appropriately.
|
Information is presented and written in a clear, highly professional manner.
No spelling or grammatical mistakes affect the comprehension or accuracy of this document. Cites all information obtained from sources accurately. APA7 citation style is consistent both in text and reference list. |
Information is presented and written in a clear, professional manner.
Minimal spelling and grammar mistakes affecting the accuracy or comprehension of the document. Cites all information from sources. APA7 citation style is used both in text and references list. |
Information is presented in a clear, professional manner.
A few spelling and grammar mistakes. Cites data from sources with minor omissions. APA7 style has inconsistencies (such as APA6 standards).
|
Information is mostly presented in a professional manner.
There are a few spelling and grammatical mistakes that affect the comprehension of this document. Not all data are cited, and style is either inconsistent or incorrect. |
Information is not clearly presented.
There are multiple spelling and grammatical mistakes that affect the comprehension of this document. Does not cite sources. |
| Diagrams | 5 marks | 4 marks | 3 marks | 2 marks | 1 mark |
| Use of relevant images and diagrams. | Answers are thoroughly supported with a wide range of relevant technical drawings, plans, maps, photographs or other visual aids.
The supporting visuals are clearly presented, highly accurate and labelled. The visuals effectively enhance the understanding of answers and provide strong supporting evidence. |
Answers are well supported with relevant technical drawings, plans, maps, photographs or other visual aids.
The supporting visuals are mostly clearly presented, accurate and labelled. The visuals help to enhance the understanding of answers and provide effective supporting evidence. |
Answers are adequately supported with a few relevant technical drawings, plans, maps, photographs or other visual aids.
The supporting visuals are mostly clear and labelled. The visuals contribute to the understanding of answers and provide adequate supporting evidence. |
Answers have limited support from relevant technical drawings, plans, maps, photographs or other visual aids.
The supporting visuals are unclear and/or poorly labelled. The visuals are not effectively used to enhance the understanding of answers and provide minimal supporting evidence. |
Answers lack support from
relevant technical drawings, plans, maps, photographs or other visual aids. The supporting visuals, if any, are absent, confusing and/or irrelevant. The visuals do not contribute to the understanding of answers and provide little or no supporting evidence. |
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