Sustainable Building Design from edX

Meeting growing global energy demand, while mitigating climate change and environmental impacts, requires a large-scale transition to clean, sustainable energy systems. Students and professionals around the world must prepare for careers in this future energy landscape, gaining relevant skills and knowledge to expedite the transformation in industry, government and nongovernmental organizations, academia, and nonprofits.

The building sector represents a large percentage of overall energy consumption, and contributes 40% of the carbon emissions driving climate change. Yet buildings also offer opportunities for substantial, economical energy efficiency gains. From retrofit projects to new construction, buildings require a context-specific design process that integrates efficiency strategies and technologies.

In this course, you'll be introduced to a range of technologies and analysis techniques for designing comfortable, resource-efficient buildings.

The primary focus of this course is the study of the thermal and luminous behavior of buildings. You'll examine the basic scientific principles underlying these phenomena, and use computer-aided design software and climate data to explore the role light and energy can play in shaping architecture.

These efficiency design elements are critical to the larger challenge of producing energy for a growing population while reducing carbon emissions.

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Sustainable Building Design on edX offers the opportunity for learners who are American Institute of Architecture (AIA) members to earn 22 learning units (LUs/Elective) if they purchase and earn the edX verified certificate for this course.

The MIT Energy Initiative is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10009794. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the scientific principles underlying the thermal and luminous behavior of buildings

Learn to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a range of technologies for creating comfortable indoor environments

Understand the scientific principles underlying the thermal and luminous behavior of buildings
Learn to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a range of technologies for creating comfortable indoor environments

Syllabus

Week 1 - Energy Use in Buildings

Course Introduction

Assignment: Energy Benchmarking

Week 2 - Understanding Climate

Solar Radiation

Wind, Temperature, and Relative Humidity

Assignment: Direct Shading

Week 3 - Designing with Climate

Thermal Comfort

Assignment: Thermal Comfort

Week 4 - Daylighting

Active Solar

Light and Human Vision

Assignment: PV Study

Week 5 - Daylight Simulations

Daylight Simulations and Availability Metrics

Material Surfaces

Assignment: Daylight Availability

Week 6 - Electric Lighting

Visual Comfort

Electric Lighting and Occupant Behavior

Assignment: Glare and Electric Lighting

Week 7 - Heat Flow

Thermal Mass and Heat Flow

Insulation Materials and Window Technologies

Assignment: Thermal Mass

Week 8 - Thermal Loads

Shading and Integrated Façade Design

Ventilation

Assignment: Natural Ventilation

Week 9 - Thermal Simulations

Internal Gains and Load Calculations

Assignment: Internal Gains

Week 10 - Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation (HVAC)

HVAC for Small Buildings

HVAC for Large Buildings

Weeks 11 - 12 Designing a Sustainable Building

Assignment: Final project: Designing a Sustainable Building

Week 13 - Grading Final Project

Peer review final design projects

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for understanding the relationship between light and energy in building science

Teaches students how to use design software and climate data, encouraging hands-on skill development

Provides learners with the opportunity to earn AIA continuing education credits, making it valuable for professionals seeking professional development

Covers thermal and luminous behavior of buildings, providing a comprehensive understanding of energy efficiency principles

Students will need access to computer-aided design software, which may not be readily available to all

Reviews summary

Informative building design course

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Several learners have mentioned that they need a diploma at the end of this course.

"Hello. This course is interesting for me."

"I need a diploma at the end of this course."

"Can you give some information about this subject?"

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 Sustainable Building Design with these activities:

Review Physics

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Review basic physics principles to ensure a strong foundation for understanding building design concepts.

Browse courses on Physics

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Review fundamental concepts of heat transfer
Practice solving problems related to thermal conductivity and insulation
Review principles of fluid dynamics and airflow

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things

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Explore the principles of sustainable design and circular economy, gaining insights into the impact of building materials on the environment.

View Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts
Consider how the principles discussed in the book apply to building design
Identify examples of sustainable design practices in the built environment

Explore Building Energy Simulation Software

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Familiarize with building energy simulation software to enhance understanding of building performance and energy efficiency.

Browse courses on Energy Modeling

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Select and install building energy simulation software
Follow tutorials and documentation to learn software features and capabilities
Practice creating and simulating building models

Five other activities

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Create a Study Guide

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Organize and consolidate course materials to create a comprehensive study guide for effective exam preparation.

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Review all lecture notes, readings, and assignments
Identify key concepts and summarize them concisely
Combine all summaries and create a structured study guide

Lighting Design Calculations

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Practice lighting design calculations to enhance understanding of lighting requirements and energy efficiency.

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Review concepts of illuminance and lighting levels
Practice calculating lighting requirements for different spaces
Analyze the impact of daylighting and natural lighting on building design

Energy Audit of a Building

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Conduct an energy audit to assess a building's energy consumption and identify potential areas for improvement.

Browse courses on Energy Efficiency

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Gather data on building energy use and occupancy
Conduct site inspection to identify energy-saving opportunities
Analyze data and develop recommendations for energy efficiency measures

Attend a Sustainable Building Design Workshop

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Engage with experts and practitioners in a workshop to expand knowledge and skills in sustainable building design.

Browse courses on Sustainable Design

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Identify and register for a relevant sustainable building design workshop
Participate actively in the workshop, asking questions and engaging in discussions
Network with other participants and industry professionals

Presentation on Sustainable Building Design Strategies

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Develop a presentation to demonstrate understanding of sustainable building design strategies and their impact on building performance.

Browse courses on Sustainable Design

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Research sustainable building design principles and techniques
Identify case studies of successful sustainable building projects
Develop presentation materials and deliver a clear and engaging presentation

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Building Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants provide guidance and support to organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact and operate more sustainably. This course would be beneficial for Sustainability Consultants as it provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable building design principles and technologies. The course would help Sustainability Consultants to develop the skills and knowledge needed to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings and to make recommendations for improvements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, and climate change. This course would be useful for Environmental Engineers as it would provide them with a solid foundation in the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Environmental Engineers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and implement sustainable building solutions.

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Building Scientist

Building Scientists study the science behind the design and construction of buildings. This course would be beneficial for Building Scientists as it would provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Building Scientists to develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and construct sustainable buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Scientist

Architect

Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings. This course would be useful for Architects as it would provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Architects to develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and construct sustainable buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Energy Manager

Energy Managers are responsible for managing the energy consumption of buildings and organizations. This course would be beneficial for Energy Managers as it would provide them with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Energy Managers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to reduce the energy consumption of buildings.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build mechanical systems for buildings, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This course would be useful for Mechanical Engineers as it would provide them with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Mechanical Engineers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and build sustainable HVAC systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Urban Planner

Urban Planners plan and design cities and towns. This course would be useful for Urban Planners as it would provide them with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Urban Planners to develop the skills and knowledge needed to plan and design sustainable cities and towns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build the infrastructure for buildings, such as roads, bridges, and water systems. This course would be useful for Civil Engineers as it would provide them with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Civil Engineers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and build sustainable infrastructure.

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Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings. This course would be useful for Construction Managers as it would provide them with a solid foundation in the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Construction Managers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to construct sustainable buildings.

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Interior designer

Interior Designers design the interiors of buildings. This course would be useful for Interior Designers as it would provide them with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Interior Designers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and build sustainable interiors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and build electrical systems for buildings, such as lighting and power systems. This course would be useful for Electrical Engineers as it would provide them with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Electrical Engineers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and build sustainable electrical systems.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design and build the outdoor spaces around buildings. This course would be useful for Landscape Architects as it would provide them with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Landscape Architects to develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and build sustainable outdoor spaces.

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Policy Advisor

Policy Advisors advise governments on policy issues. This course would be useful for Policy Advisors as it would provide them with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Policy Advisors to develop the skills and knowledge needed to advise governments on sustainable building policies.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability programs for organizations. This course would be beneficial for Sustainability Managers as it would provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Sustainability Managers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement sustainable building programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Real Estate Developer

Real Estate Developers develop and manage real estate projects. This course would be useful for Real Estate Developers as it would provide them with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable building design. The course would help Real Estate Developers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to develop and manage sustainable real estate projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer