Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Technologies for Buildings

Dates & timetable:

Description:

1. Fundamentals of building energy performance and EU regulatory framework (EPBD 2025, Fit-for-55).
Covers the definitions of nZEB and Positive Energy Buildings, energy balance concepts such as primary and renewable energy, and the main requirements of the EPBD 2025 and Fit-for-55 package. Discusses building typologies, energy performance indicators (kWh/m²·year, CO₂), the role of digital building logbooks and smart readiness indicators, and certification procedures across EU countries.

2. Advanced thermal insulation and façade systems.
Focuses on heat transfer mechanisms, thermal inertia of materials, and advanced insulation solutions such as vacuum panels, aerogels, and PCM-enhanced layers. Addresses thermal bridge reduction through ψ-coefficient analysis, the design of double-skin and ventilated façades, glazing performance (U-value, g-factor), shading integration, and hygrothermal comfort control.

3. Renewable energy integration in buildings (solar thermal, PV, heat pumps).
Examines methods for assessing solar resources and sizing systems, the operation of solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic technologies, and the use of air-source, ground-source, and water-source heat pumps. Discusses COP optimization, energy storage (thermal tanks and batteries).

4. Indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort.
Analyzes thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort following adaptive comfort models with emphasis on air quality control through CO₂, humidity, and VOC monitoring. Includes natural and mechanical ventilation strategies, lighting and daylighting design, the influence of automation systems on comfort and efficiency, and post-occupancy evaluation techniques.

5. Life Cycle Assessment and embodied energy of materials.
Introduces life cycle thinking and boundary definitions, details the stages of LCA (goal definition, inventory, impact assessment, interpretation), and explains embodied energy and carbon calculations. Compares conventional and recycled materials, and explores circular economy approaches for material reuse.

6. Case studies of nearly-zero and positive-energy buildings.
Presents residential and public nZEB examples, retrofit solutions for pre-1990 buildings, and district-scale positive-energy projects. Reviews renewable integration with smart grids, performance monitoring results, cost–benefit and payback analysis, and lessons learned from EU initiatives such as NetZeroCities and SmartLivingEPC.

7. Digital tools for simulation and monitoring
Explains the use of energy modeling software emphasizing weather data management, parametric optimization, and digital twin applications. Describes real-time monitoring of environmental and energy parameters, dashboard visualization, and validation of simulation results with measured data.

Learning outcomes:

1. Analyse and evaluate energy performance indicators of buildings.
2. Implement energy-efficient systems integrating renewable sources.
3. Assess sustainability through LCA and embodied carbon evaluation.
4. Know what digital tools to apply for monitoring, control, and decision support in smart buildings.
5. Formulate retrofit strategies for existing buildings to reach nZEB standards

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