Net Zero Energy Building: Planning, Design and Performance

Course Outline

Course Overview

This course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of net-zero energy building concepts, covering planning, design, and performance aspects. Participants will explore the principles, technologies, and strategies required to achieve net-zero energy goals in building projects, emphasizing sustainability, energy efficiency, and renewable energy integration.

This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, case studies, continuous assessment through quizzes and assignments, and guest lectures to ensure participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the planning, design, and performance of net-zero energy buildings.

 

Module 1: Introduction to Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB)

• Definition and principles of Net Zero Energy Buildings
• Importance of NZEB in sustainable development
• Case studies of successful NZEB projects

Module 2: Energy Efficiency in Building Design

• Building envelope design for energy efficiency
• High-performance insulation and windows
• Passive design strategies and daylighting

Module 3: Renewable Energy Integration

• Solar photovoltaic systems for on-site energy generation
• Wind and other renewable energy sources
• Integration of renewable energy into building systems

Module 4: Building Energy Modeling and Simulation

• Introduction to energy modeling software
• Simulation for optimizing building design
• Performance-based design decisions

Module 5: HVAC Systems and Energy Recovery

• High-efficiency HVAC systems
• Heat recovery and ventilation strategies
• Thermal storage and load-shifting techniques

Module 6: Smart Building Technologies

• Building automation systems (BAS)
• IoT (Internet of Things) applications in building management
• Data analytics for optimizing building performance

Module 7: Life Cycle Assessment and Embodied Energy

• Life cycle assessment (LCA) for building materials
• Embodied energy and carbon footprint analysis
• Sustainable material selection and construction practices

Module 8: Net Zero Energy Building Codes and Standards

• Overview of international and local NZEB codes
• Compliance and certification programs
• Achieving regulatory and voluntary standards

Module 9: Monitoring and Commissioning

• Continuous building performance monitoring
• Commissioning for optimal system operation
• Identifying and addressing performance gaps