Building Performance (Energy Efficiency in Design) draft

Program Overview

This postgraduate diploma in Building Performance (Energy Efficiency in Design) equips graduates to design and assess energy performance in buildings, including residential and non-domestic structures. They master insulation techniques, moisture and air movement dynamics, and thermal bridge calculation. The accredited program utilizes blended online and traditional teaching methods, providing flexibility and a wide range of skills for graduates to excel in the growing field of energy renovation.

Program Outline

Outline:

Course Content:

• Semester 1:
• NZEB Policy & Technologies
• NZEB Calculation & Cost Optimality
• Energy Modelling Tools #1 (DEAP)
• Semester 2:
• Energy Modelling Tools #2 (PHPP)
• Hygrothermal Risk Assessment for Building Performance
• Thermal Bridge Calculation for Building Performance
• Semester 3:
• Building Environmental Assessment Methods
• Building Performance NZEB Design Project: Multi-Unit Residential
• Semester 4:
• Energy Modelling Tools #3 (Dynamic Simulation / NEAP)
• Building Performance NZEB Design Project: Office

Course Schedule:

• The program is delivered through a series of modules, some in blended online mode supported by workshops every four weeks, some in traditional part-time college-based mode.
• Modules are taught one at a time.
• In the larger (15-ECTS) project module seminars are held on Fridays.
• Flexibility is provided via (a) the online resources; (b) videoed lectures that can be repeatedly watched (slowed down or sped up); (c) the recording of webinars to allow later watching; (d) the provision of repeat online exams within the same semester; and the Autumn supplemental exams and project submissions.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced lecturers in the field of building performance.
• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, and project work.
• The program also makes use of online resources, such as videos, simulations, and discussion forums.

Careers:

• Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Building Performance (Energy Efficiency in Design) will be uniquely qualified to design and assess the energy performance in new and existing building typologies including multi-unit residential and non-domestic typologies measured against national performance metrics.
• They will be able to research and advise on insulation options assessed as safe in accordance with the best international standards and detail, specify and oversee the installation to ensure performance targets are met.
• Graduates will understand the dynamics of thermal, moisture and air movement through building fabric and design the optimal balance of all three to ensure the integrity of any retrofit solution proposed and protect the structural longevity of the building fabric.
• In short, they will be leaders in the field of retrofit assessment and design.
Their skills will be equally applicable to new build work where the principles of building fabric design are significantly more easily accommodated.
• With energy analysis skills building on and enhancing their construction industry experience, graduates will be ideally placed to secure employment in the area of energy renovation of the existing building stock – an emerging and expansive field of construction activity across the European Union, in response to the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
• MRIAI and RIAI (Arch Tech) graduates will be eligible to apply for RIAI Environmental Accreditation.

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).
• The program is also a member of the European Network for Energy Efficient Building (ENEB).

Fees Year 1: €2,500 Year 2: €3,000