Sustainable Building Design

Course Description

Welcome to "Sustainable Building Design," a course that delves into the crucial intersection of architecture, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. This intermediate-level course is designed to equip students and professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: creating buildings that are both comfortable and resource-efficient while minimizing their carbon footprint.

What Students Will Learn

• Scientific principles underlying the thermal and luminous behavior of buildings
• Evaluation techniques for various technologies used in creating comfortable indoor environments
• Computer-aided design software applications for building analysis
• Climate data interpretation and its role in shaping architectural designs
• Strategies for integrating energy efficiency in both retrofit projects and new construction
• The broader context of global energy demand and its relationship to the building sector

Pre-requisites

• Strong English language skills
• Ability to perform basic mathematical operations
• Undergraduate study of architecture, physics, environmental science, sustainability, and/or engineering is helpful
• Some experience with computer-aided design is beneficial

Course Content

• Energy use in buildings and benchmarking
• Understanding and designing with climate
• Thermal comfort and daylighting principles
• Solar radiation and active solar technologies
• Daylight simulations and availability metrics
• Electric lighting and visual comfort
• Heat flow, thermal mass, and insulation materials
• Window technologies and integrated façade design
• Ventilation and natural ventilation strategies
• Thermal loads and internal gains
• HVAC systems for small and large buildings
• Sustainable building design principles and practices

Who This Course Is For

• Architecture students looking to specialize in sustainable design
• Engineering students interested in building systems and energy efficiency
• Environmental science students focusing on urban sustainability
• Professionals in the construction and building management industries
• Government officials and policymakers involved in urban planning and energy regulations
• Anyone passionate about combating climate change through innovative building design

Real-World Applications

• Designing energy-efficient buildings that reduce operational costs and environmental impact
• Retrofitting existing structures to improve their sustainability profile
• Consulting on green building projects and certifications
• Developing policies and regulations for sustainable urban development
• Creating innovative solutions for comfortable living spaces in various climates
• Contributing to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions in the building sector
• Enhancing career prospects in the growing field of sustainable architecture and design