The main subject of this module is based on the concern about energy and environmental issues. The building sector plays a crucial role in the consumption of non-renewable resources as well as in the release of emissions. This module introduces the energy efficiency of buildings, and will enable students to clearly understand the composition of building energy consumption and the basic ways to improve energy efficiency, basic knowledge in building energy efficiency design, terminology, commonly used thermal calculation methods and energy analysis software. To inspire students' thinking, it will analyse some successful cases of residential and public building energy efficiency design in different regions, through the established connection with design practice. Topics covered include:

• Introduction of building energy efficiency;

• Basic knowledge of building heat transfer;

• Building energy efficiency standards;

• Building energy efficiency technologies;

• Utilisation of renewable energy in buildings;

• Energy efficiency building design.

The multidisciplinary approach to the module makes it valuable for students and industry based Civil, Construction, and Architectural Engineers. Researchers in related fields as built environment, energy and sustainability at an urban scale will also benefit from the systems integrated perspective.

 

Learning outcomes:

• To describe and explain the phenomena, concepts, and principles that involved in building heat transfer and apply basic heat transfer modes to analyse typical engineering problems;

• To identify key influencing factors from complex energy efficiency problems and make sound judgements towards a better result in the absence of complete data;

• To analyse energy flow in buildings and adopt energy efficiency technologies according to specific circumstance;

• To apply a range of tools and skills to analyse, design and evaluate building energy efficiency in real world circumstances.

 

Related reading:

Francesco Asdrubali, Umberto Desideri. Handbook of Energy Efficiency in Buildings. Elsevier, 2019

Justin Bere. An introduction to passive house. London: RIBA Publishing, 2013

Morris G. Davies. Building heat transfer. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 2004