nZEB Design (Postgraduate)

Delivery

The indicative delivery model for the Certificate in nZEB Design (Postgraduate) programme for 2022/23 is that the course will be delivered in block format (8 x 2 days per month) teaching session.  Classes will take place on-campus once per month on a Thursday and Friday from 9am -6.00pm for two 12-week semesters Sept to Dec'2022 and Jan to April 2023.

Students will be required to come on-site for some examinations.

Course Aims

The Certificate in NZEB Design aims to provide expertise in the design and construction of dwellings and buildings other than dwellings to comply with the NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standards. It aims to provide the professional with the knowledge and skills to quantify energy flow paths in buildings, and to make engineered decisions as to energy reduction, thermal and electrical and energy supply measures. National and EU legislation requires a reduction energy use and energy related CO2 emissions, such as the change in Irish Building Regulations to Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB).

This programme aims to provide a professional with the knowledge and skills to quantify energy flow paths in buildings, and to make engineered decisions as to energy reduction, thermal and electrical and energy supply measures, particularly in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors.
National and EU legislation requires a reduction in energy use and energy related CO2 emissions, such as the change in Irish Building Regulations to Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). This change in regulation for dwellings and buildings other than dwellings has increased requirements in energy efficiency, carbon reduction and renewable energy contribution hence the need for a professional with the skills to assess these requirements. Engineering professionals in the built environment are faced with new challenges and hence new opportunities in energy related areas the role of the Sustainability Consultant or a professional with advanced skills in the area of sustainability has grown substantially in recent years, this programme aims to fill this knowledge gap. 

According to the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) regarding the skills needed for the NZEB standard, There may be a steep learning curve to achieve the improved standards if professionals have not already upskilled. Demonstrating compliance will become more technical. Design teams need to develop understanding of the software to demonstrate compliance, though more guidance from Government is still required. Achieving higher level improvements will require greater integrated design team working at an earlier design stage. The emphasis on the fabric of the building, will need more in-depth understanding of designing for solar shading, thermal bridge free construction, air tightness and glazing ratios etc. Greater knowledge is required around more efficient lighting, services and renewables.