Training courses for building designers

Based on the resources and vast experience of the project partners, new short term training programmes for designers, consultants and building managers dedicated to NZEB concept and specifics are developed. The programmes are constructed according to the same thematic areas described for building specialists and workers but, of course, take into account the different needs and qualification level. They follow requirements for qualification of trainers, entry level of trainees, goals (acquiring of specific qualification), and duration of the training (24-40 hours, with possibility for extended training course of 56-80 hours); learning outcomes (acquired knowledge, skills, and competences), distribution of training units on each topic, related training aids (presentations, textbooks, videos, etc.), required equipment, exit tests. An often underestimated issue, the typical classroom pattern of the regular training initiatives for designers and building managers is enhanced by practical demonstrations made possible through the newly developed facilities. Additionally, capacities for organization and conduction of training courses and examinations under internationally recognized schemes for qualification and certification as the Certified Passive House Designer/Consultant are developed.
Main topics covered by the training programmes:
Climate change and sustainable development:
Characteristics of the existing building stock / specific issues in various categories / energy auditing of buildings – regulations and practices / most frequent (typical) energy saving measures / room for introduction of “step-by-step” approach in retrofitting / role of players – investors (building owners), financiers, designers (architects, engineers), tradespersons, occupants
Integration of RES in buildings and minimization of GHG emissions
See more about the specific training offers and the contact points at the national BKHs pages
Main topics covered by the training programmes:
Climate change and sustainable development:
- Basic concepts: energy saving and efficiency in buildings (main definitions) / energy efficiency & RES / energy efficiency in city planning / energy efficiency vs energy poverty / energy efficiency for sustainable development / climate and energy policies – national specifics and EU directives / energy consumption and climate change
- Planning principles: the “bioclimatic” approach / the “Passive House” concept / basic design rules (orientation of buildings, building shape / natural vs artificial lighting / indoor air quality: natural vs artificial hearing, cooling and ventilation, etc.) / building materials
- Technical parameters: heating & cooling load / specific (annual) space heating & cooling demand / airtightness / / thermal bridges / ventilation with heat recovery / specific (annual) primary energy demand / frequency of overheating / overall energy balance of the building / comfort parameters / reference energy values of building components, etc.
- National definition of nZEB standard: basic parameters of the nZEB standard / comparison with other national definitions on nZEB standard / nZEB standard vs “Passive House” standard / National Roadmap for the introduction of the nZEB standard
- Introduction to nZEB / Passive House basic knowledge: Optimal solar gains / Superinsulation / Highly efficient windows / Airtightness /Minimum thermal bridges / Ventilation with heat recovery / Cost effectiveness / Planning and design software
- Specialization “building envelope” (advanced knowledge): Thermal insulation / Thermal bridges / Joinery (windows, doors and other transparent components)
- Specialization “building services” (advanced knowledge): Ventilation / Ventilation - Special features of existing buildings / Heat Supply
Characteristics of the existing building stock / specific issues in various categories / energy auditing of buildings – regulations and practices / most frequent (typical) energy saving measures / room for introduction of “step-by-step” approach in retrofitting / role of players – investors (building owners), financiers, designers (architects, engineers), tradespersons, occupants
Integration of RES in buildings and minimization of GHG emissions
- Use of solar energy (Photovoltaics (roof- and façade-mounted) / solar collectors for DHW (domestic hot water) / solar cooling systems);
- Use of geothermal energy (Geothermal systems / heat pumps / air-water heat pumps;
- Use of biomass (Cogeneration and/or three-generation using biomass / pellets-fired boilers, etc.)
- New builds: Current cost of energy and energy price development theories / sustainable economic development with reference to buildings, long-term yields / comparison of capital costs vs saved energy costs / life cycle costs analyses of a Passive Houses in comparison with standard buildings.
- Retrofits: Costs incurred in any case and costs of energy conservation measures: the principle "if it has to be done, then properly"; Calculation of cost-effectiveness of energy saving measures: (a) individual measures: thermal insulation, windows, airtightness, ventilation system in refurbishment with Passive House components (EnerPHit) (b) sets of measures, documentation based on the costs charged in refurbishment with Passive House components; (c) step-by-step renovations.
See more about the specific training offers and the contact points at the national BKHs pages