Sustainable Facility Management

The course studies the concept of sustainability in relation to the field of real estate development and facilities management. The course covers use of various analytical methods such as life cycle assessment (LCA), reuse, circular economy, life cycle costs (LCC) and the certification approach BREEAM, Miljøfyrtårn and LEED, in addition relevant sustainable standards. Important elements will be what is meant by the term sustainability, the factors affecting sustainable facility management and strategies for how this can be handled for an organization. Special emphasis is placed on a holistic perspective where business, building design, technology use, support and services are seen in context. The course will focus on current issues for Real Estate and Facility Management which may be different from year to year.

KNOWLEDGE: The candidate shall have in-depth knowledge of the concept of sustainability, and specialized knowledge of what factors affect sustainable management and strategies for how this can be developed and managed in commercial business and public institutions. The candidate has basic knowledge of the relationship between organization and management, economics, building design, technology use and support functions and how this are understood in an overall perspective. A thorough knowledge of analytical methods such as life cycle analyses, circular economy and annual costs are expected. A technical understanding of LCAs and standards. SKILLS: The candidate can conduct independent assessments and analyses of real estate and facility management organizations and building management, and identify factors that are important for sustainable facility management. The candidate can use relevant theory and empirical data to discuss important relationships linked to sustainable facility management and make recommendations for improvements in relation to a sustainability perspective, and can conduct independent, limited projects and case study under supervision and in accordance with good practice. GENERAL COMPETENCE: The candidate can convey the importance of a sustainability perspective and the value of this both in a social perspective and in relation to the individual real estate development and facility management. The candidate should also be able to communicate results from independent project work both in writing and orally in a structured and clear manner. The candidate can apply relevant academic terms and concepts related to sustainable facility management in a professional and scientific manner, and have a well-developed understanding of academic and ethical integrity and critical reflection.

Lectures and seminars are based on relevant sustainable theory as well as being practice based and research based. There are also an on-site visit to different organisations in Real Estate and Facility Management. There will be case studies where real life projects and problems are analyzed in cooperation with practice. In addition, in-class activities where students work in groups to address a particular question, which are followed up through discussion.