With growing concerns over energy consumption and environmental impact, energy-efficient building design is crucial for creating sustainable, cost-effective structures. These buildings not only reduce energy use but also minimize carbon emissions, benefiting both the environment and the economy.

The Energy Efficiency in Building Design course, offered by the British Academy for Training and Development, provides architects, engineers, and design professionals with the knowledge and skills to design energy-efficient buildings. Participants will explore key concepts, from passive and active design strategies to advanced building systems and renewable energy integration, with a focus on creating sustainable and comfortable environments.

Upon completion, participants will be prepared to design buildings that meet modern energy standards and support sustainability goals.

Who Should Attend?

• Architects and Building Designers looking to incorporate energy-efficient principles into their projects.
• Civil and Mechanical Engineers involved in the design, construction, or renovation of energy-efficient buildings.
• Sustainability Consultants seeking to understand the practical applications of energy-efficient building design.
• Building Inspectors and Project Managers looking to deepen their understanding of energy efficiency in building codes and standards.
• Students in relevant fields who want to gain practical knowledge of energy-efficient building design.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Understand the fundamental concepts and principles of energy efficiency in building design.
• Analyze the role of building envelope, insulation, and materials in improving energy performance.
• Evaluate energy-efficient technologies, building systems, and renewable energy sources for integration into building designs.
• Apply energy-efficient design strategies to reduce energy consumption while maintaining building comfort and functionality.
• Incorporate sustainability principles into building design, considering both environmental and economic impacts.
• Be familiar with international energy efficiency standards and certification systems for buildings.

• The Importance of Energy Efficiency

  • Understanding the environmental and economic benefits of energy-efficient buildings.
  • The impact of energy efficiency on climate change and sustainability.
  • Global energy consumption trends and their implications for building design.

• Principles of Energy-Efficient Building Design

  • Passive design strategies: maximizing natural heating, cooling, and lighting.
  • Active design strategies: integrating energy-efficient systems and technologies.
  • The balance between energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and occupant comfort.

• Energy Efficiency and Building Codes

  • Overview of international energy efficiency standards (e.g., LEED, BREEAM, Energy Star).
  • The role of local and national building regulations in promoting energy-efficient designs.
  • Understanding the requirements for energy-efficient building certifications.

• The Role of the Building Envelope

  • How the building envelope influences energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
  • Components of a high-performance building envelope: walls, roofs, floors, and windows.
  • Strategies for optimizing the building envelope for energy conservation.

• Thermal Insulation Techniques

  • The importance of insulation in reducing heat loss and gain.
  • Types of insulation materials: fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam, and reflective insulation.
  • Factors to consider when selecting insulation for different climates and building types.

• Air Tightness and Moisture Control

  • The significance of air sealing in energy-efficient buildings.
  • Techniques to prevent air leaks and improve energy efficiency.
  • The role of vapor barriers and moisture control in maintaining building performance.

• High-Efficiency Heating Systems

  • Overview of energy-efficient heating technologies: heat pumps, radiant heating, and condensing boilers.
  • Choosing the appropriate heating system based on building size, climate, and energy requirements.
  • The benefits of zone heating and programmable thermostats.

• Energy-Efficient Cooling Systems

  • The role of passive cooling in reducing energy consumption.
  • Active cooling systems: energy-efficient air conditioning and evaporative cooling.
  • Best practices for reducing cooling loads through design strategies.

• Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

  • The importance of ventilation in maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
  • Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) and heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems.
  • The link between ventilation, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.

• Sustainable Building Materials

  • Choosing eco-friendly and energy-efficient materials for construction.
  • The lifecycle analysis of building materials and their impact on energy performance.
  • Local materials and their role in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings.

• Reflective and Insulating Materials

  • The role of reflective roofing and exterior materials in energy conservation.
  • Insulating materials for energy-efficient windows and doors.
  • Use of thermal mass in building materials to stabilize internal temperatures.

• Green and Recycled Building Materials

  • Benefits of using recycled and upcycled materials in building design.
  • Incorporating green materials: bamboo, cork, recycled steel, and low-VOC products.
  • The environmental and economic advantages of sustainable material choices.

• Solar Power Integration

  • Understanding the different types of solar technologies: photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems.
  • Design considerations for integrating solar panels into building roofs.
  • Benefits and challenges of solar energy for residential and commercial buildings.

• Wind Energy in Urban Settings

  • The potential of wind energy for buildings in urban environments.
  • Small-scale wind turbines: design and installation considerations.
  • Combining wind and solar systems for enhanced energy performance.

• Geothermal Heating and Cooling

  • Overview of geothermal systems for energy-efficient heating and cooling.
  • The principles of ground-source heat pumps (GSHP) and their applications.
  • Advantages and limitations of geothermal systems in different regions.

• Building Automation Systems (BAS)

  • The role of BAS in controlling energy use within buildings.
  • How smart thermostats, lighting systems, and occupancy sensors improve energy efficiency.
  • Benefits of real-time monitoring and control in reducing energy consumption.

• Energy Storage Systems

  • The importance of energy storage for optimizing renewable energy use in buildings.
  • Different types of energy storage: batteries, thermal storage, and mechanical storage.
  • Strategies for integrating storage systems with renewable energy sources.

• Smart Grids and Energy Efficiency

  • How smart grids enable better energy management and demand response.
  • The role of buildings in the smart grid ecosystem.
  • Future trends in energy efficiency and the role of IoT (Internet of Things) in building design.