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Andy van den Dobbelsteen, Siebe Broersma, and Eric van den Ham

Reduction of energy consumption of buildings is an important step in the move towards a sustainable economy. How can buildings be made net zero energy, in different climates?

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Reduction of energy consumption of buildings is an important step in the move towards a sustainable economy. How can buildings be made net zero energy, in different climates?

This course introduces you to zero energy design. It will teach you a stepped approach to design a zero energy climate concept for existing buildings: homes, schools, offices, shops etc. It will demonstrate how an integrated approach, which takes into account both passive measures (such as thermal insulation and sun shading) and active measures (such as heat pumps and photovoltaic panels), can deliver the best results.

It will do so by providing you with an overview of possible measures, and through reviewing several case studies of zero energy buildings in the Netherlands, with lessons for other climates as well. Thus, you will learn which measures are most suitable for individual buildings under local climate conditions.

This course is for anyone interested in making buildings more energy efficient, who already possess basic technical knowledge.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Apply a stepped approach to find energy reducing measures
  • Analyse the energy use of a building
  • Analyse the local climate and select appropriate measures
  • Develop an integrated net-zero-energy concept for the building

Syllabus

Week 7 Wrap up
Week 1 Energy in the built environmentIntroduction to Zero Energy DesignAnalyse the energy consumption of a selected building
Week 2 REDUCE: Passive measuresAnalyse the local climate and choose passive measures to reduce the energy demand, like thermal insulation and sun shading.
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Week 3 REDUCE: Active measuresOverview of active measures to reduce the energy demand, like demand-controlled heating and ventilation.
Week 4 REUSEOverview of the opportunities to reuse energy flows in buildings, like heat recovery from ventilation air and warm waste water
Week 5 PRODUCEOverview of the opportunities to produce heat and electricity in the building, like PV-systems, ground source heat pumps.
Week 6 INTEGRATEApply all the measures from the previous weeks in an integrated net zero energy concept for the selected building

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on making buildings more energy efficient to advance sustainability
Provides a thorough overview of possible energy efficiency measures
Emphasizes the integration of passive and active measures for optimal energy reduction
Provides real-life examples from the Netherlands, including lessons for other climates
Requires basic technical knowledge, which may limit accessibility for some learners

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Reviews summary

Zero-energy design: a practical approach

According to students, this practical course on Zero-Energy Design presents good classes halfway through and thinks about important knowledge.
Course classes are engaging and informative.
"Hello thanks for present this course."
"Good classes."
Course conveys valuable insights into Zero-Energy Design.
"this is the important the exam Franttewiew so is very good thinking about it is very important to hi of a knowledge"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Zero-Energy Design: an approach to make your building sustainable with these activities:
Refresh Algebra
Review fundamental algebraic concepts like basic operations, equations, and inequalities to enhance your understanding of complex zero energy design concepts.
Browse courses on Algebra
Show steps
  • Solve 10-15 practice problems covering various algebraic operations
  • Simplify algebraic expressions with variables and constants
  • Solve linear equations involving one or two variables
  • Apply algebraic principles to simplify energy calculations
Analyze Energy Consumption Data
Develop your analytical skills by examining energy consumption data of buildings to identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement.
Browse courses on Energy Auditing
Show steps
  • Collect utility bills or other energy consumption data
  • Plot data in graphs or spreadsheets to visualize consumption patterns
  • Analyze data to identify periods of high or low consumption
  • Identify potential causes for inefficiencies or excessive consumption
Follow tutorials on energy-efficient building design.
Seek out tutorials and resources to broaden your understanding of zero energy building design.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on energy-efficient building design.
  • Choose a tutorial that covers the topics you are interested in.
  • Follow the tutorial and take notes on the key concepts.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Explore Building Energy Simulation Software
Familiarize yourself with energy simulation software to analyze building performance and optimize energy efficiency in different climate conditions.
Browse courses on Software
Show steps
  • Choose a free or paid energy simulation software
  • Follow online tutorials or documentation to learn the basics
  • Create a simple building model and run simulations
  • Analyze simulation results and identify areas for improvement
Attend a Net Zero Energy Workshop
Immerse yourself in a hands-on learning experience at a workshop designed to provide practical insights and updates on the latest trends in net zero energy design and implementation.
Browse courses on Professional Development
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops or conferences
  • Register and attend the workshop
  • Engage actively in discussions, demonstrations, and networking sessions
  • Follow up with speakers or attendees to expand your knowledge and professional network
Participate in a Zero Energy Design Forum
Engage with peers and professionals in a forum dedicated to zero energy design to share knowledge, discuss best practices, and learn from others' experiences.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Join online forums or groups focused on zero energy design
  • Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your own insights
  • Connect with other learners, practitioners, and experts in the field
Discuss energy-efficient building design with peers.
Engage with classmates to exchange ideas and perspectives on zero energy building design.
Show steps
  • Find a peer to discuss energy-efficient building design with.
  • Discuss the different approaches to zero energy building design.
  • Share your own ideas and experiences.
Contribute to Energy Efficiency Open Source Projects
Enhance your understanding of energy optimization techniques by contributing to open-source projects that focus on energy efficiency in buildings or related domains.
Browse courses on Programming
Show steps
  • Find open-source projects on platforms like GitHub related to energy efficiency
  • Identify issues or areas where you can contribute your skills
  • Submit pull requests, fix bugs, or add new features to the project
  • Attend online discussions or meetings with project maintainers
Create a mind map of energy-saving measures.
Create a visual representation of the different ways to reduce energy consumption in buildings.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a list of energy-saving measures.
  • Organize the measures into a hierarchical structure.
  • Create a visual representation of the mind map.
Design a Zero Energy House Plan
Apply your knowledge of passive and active measures to create a detailed design plan for a residential building that meets zero energy consumption goals.
Browse courses on Architectural Design
Show steps
  • Sketch the floor plan and incorporate passive design elements such as natural lighting and ventilation
  • Select and specify energy-efficient windows, insulation, and building materials
  • Design and integrate renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or geothermal heat pumps
  • Estimate energy consumption and ensure the design meets net zero requirements
  • Create a detailed plan with drawings, specifications, and energy calculations
Calculate the energy consumption of a building.
Develop your skills in analyzing energy consumption of buildings to identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Gather data on the building's energy use.
  • Use energy calculation software or manual methods to calculate the energy consumption.
  • Analyze the results and identify areas where energy can be saved.
Volunteer with an organization focused on energy-efficient building design.
Gain practical experience in the field of energy-efficient building design by working with an organization.
Show steps
  • Find a volunteer opportunity with an organization focused on energy-efficient building design.
  • Participate in activities such as energy audits, design charrettes, or educational outreach.
  • Network with professionals in the field.
Develop an energy-efficient building design concept.
Apply the knowledge and skills gained in the course to create a comprehensive design concept for an energy-efficient building.
Show steps
  • Choose a building type and climate.
  • Research energy-efficient building design strategies.
  • Develop a design concept that incorporates these strategies.
  • Present your design concept to others for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Zero-Energy Design: an approach to make your building sustainable will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Zero Energy Design Consultant
A Zero Energy Design Consultant advises clients on how to design and build zero energy buildings. This course may be useful for Zero Energy Design Consultants who want to learn about the latest zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Zero Energy Design Consultants provide more informed advice to their clients.
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager plans and manages the sustainability initiatives of an organization. This course may be useful for Sustainability Managers who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Sustainability Managers create sustainability initiatives that are more effective and environmentally friendly.
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant advises clients on how to make their operations more sustainable. This course may be useful for Sustainability Consultants who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Sustainability Consultants provide more informed advice to their clients.
Energy Consultant
An Energy Consultant advises clients on how to reduce their energy consumption. This course may be useful for Energy Consultants who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Energy Consultants provide more informed advice to their clients.
Energy Auditor
An Energy Auditor assesses the energy efficiency of buildings and makes recommendations for improvements. This course may be useful for Energy Auditors who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Energy Auditors make more informed recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
Renewable Energy Engineer
A Renewable Energy Engineer designs and manages systems to generate renewable energy, such as solar and wind energy systems. This course may be useful for Renewable Energy Engineers who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Renewable Energy Engineers create systems that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer designs and manages systems to protect the environment. This course may be useful for Environmental Engineers who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Environmental Engineers create systems that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineer designs and manages the construction and maintenance of mechanical systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This course may be useful for Mechanical Engineers who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Mechanical Engineers create HVAC systems that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Architect
An Architect plans and designs buildings, ensuring that they are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. This course may be useful for Architects who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Architects create buildings that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Building Engineer
A Building Engineer designs and manages the construction and maintenance of buildings. This course may be useful for Building Engineers who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Building Engineers create buildings that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Civil Engineer
A Civil Engineer designs and manages the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and water systems. This course may be useful for Civil Engineers who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Civil Engineers create infrastructure projects that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner designs and manages the development of cities and towns. This course may be useful for Urban Planners who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Urban Planners create cities and towns that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans and manages the construction of buildings and other structures. This course may be useful for Project Managers who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Project Managers create buildings that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Construction Manager
A Construction Manager oversees the construction of buildings and other structures. This course may be useful for Construction Managers who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Construction Managers create buildings that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Utility Engineer
A Utility Engineer plans and manages the operation and maintenance of utility systems, such as electric power systems and water systems. This course may be useful for Utility Engineers who want to learn about zero energy design principles and how to incorporate them into their work. The course covers a range of topics, including energy efficiency, passive and active measures, and renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Utility Engineers create utility systems that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Zero-Energy Design: an approach to make your building sustainable.
Covers the principles and methods used to design and construct zero energy buildings. Provides a comprehensive overview of the topic.
Explores the principles and practices of passive house design, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings.
Covers the design and application of renewable energy systems for buildings, including solar, wind, and geothermal technologies.
Provides a broad overview of sustainable building design principles and practices, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable construction practices, including materials selection, design strategies, and project management.
Provides a broad overview of energy use in the built environment and explores strategies for achieving a zero energy future.
Provides a broad overview of sustainable building practices and their environmental benefits.

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