Net-Zero Architecture & Decarbonisation Course

Lesson 1 • Carbon Accounting Principles

Introduces Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions accounting applied to buildings. Provides the measurement foundation for all decarbonisation strategies.

Lesson 2 • Climate Science and the Built Environment

Covers greenhouse gas mechanisms and the building sector's share of global emissions. Grounds all subsequent design decisions in measurable climate impact.

Lesson 3 • Net-Zero Definitions and Targets

Distinguishes net-zero, carbon-neutral, and zero-carbon terminology. Aligns students with industry standards used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Heat Transfer and Thermal Dynamics

Explains conduction, convection, and radiation in building envelopes. Connects thermal physics to envelope design decisions covered in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Energy Modelling Basics

Introduces whole-building simulation inputs, outputs, and validation. Provides the analytical toolkit used in envelope and systems design chapters.

Lesson 3 • Energy Performance Metrics

Defines EUI, energy intensity, and carbon intensity benchmarks. Equips students to set measurable performance targets for projects.

Lesson 4 • Building Energy Loads

Breaks down heating, cooling, lighting, and plug loads by building type. Establishes load profiles as the basis for system sizing and efficiency targeting.

Lesson 1 • Envelope Performance Verification

Covers commissioning, field testing, and post-occupancy envelope assessment. Ensures specified performance is achieved in constructed buildings.

Lesson 2 • Airtightness and Vapour Control

Details air barrier systems, vapour retarder placement, and testing protocols. Prevents moisture damage and infiltration losses in high-performance assemblies.

Lesson 3 • High-Performance Glazing and Windows

Covers U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, and triple-glazing systems. Connects window selection to heating, cooling, and daylighting load outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Insulation Systems and Thermal Bridging

Compares insulation materials, R-values, and continuous insulation strategies. Addresses thermal bridging as a primary source of envelope performance loss.

Lesson 1 • Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

Covers demand-controlled ventilation, heat recovery, and filtration in tight buildings. Balances energy efficiency with occupant health requirements.

Lesson 2 • Efficient Lighting and Controls

Addresses LED technology, lighting power density targets, and occupancy-based controls. Reduces electrical loads as a prerequisite for right-sized renewable systems.

Lesson 3 • Building Electrification Strategy

Explains the rationale for replacing fossil fuel systems with electric alternatives. Frames electrification as the primary decarbonisation pathway for building operations.

Lesson 4 • Heat Pump Systems

Details air-source, ground-source, and water-source heat pump operation and sizing. Connects coefficient of performance to carbon and energy outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Building-Integrated Photovoltaics

Covers BIPV products including solar roofing, facades, and glazing systems. Integrates generation into the architectural envelope without redundant surface area.

Lesson 2 • Renewable Energy Monitoring and Verification

Covers metering, performance ratio tracking, and energy balance verification. Confirms that renewable generation meets net-zero targets over time.

Lesson 3 • Battery Storage and Grid Interaction

Explains battery chemistry, sizing, and grid export and import strategies. Enables buildings to maximise self-consumption and participate in grid services.

Lesson 4 • Solar Photovoltaic System Design

Addresses PV panel selection, array sizing, shading analysis, and inverter types. Connects generation capacity to annual energy demand offset calculations.

Lesson 1 • Whole-Life Carbon Budgeting

Combines operational and embodied carbon into a unified project carbon budget. Enables trade-off decisions between envelope, structure, and systems.

Lesson 2 • Circular Economy and Material Reuse

Applies circular economy principles to reduce material extraction and waste. Extends embodied carbon strategy to end-of-life and reuse scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Life Cycle Assessment Methodology

Explains LCA stages A1–D, functional units, and system boundaries for buildings. Provides the analytical framework for all embodied carbon calculations.

Lesson 4 • Low-Carbon Structural Materials

Compares embodied carbon in concrete, steel, mass timber, and alternatives. Guides structural material selection to achieve whole-life carbon targets.

Lesson 1 • Carbon Offsetting and RECs

Explains the role, limitations, and procurement of offsets and renewable energy certificates. Clarifies when offsets are appropriate versus direct emission reductions.

Lesson 2 • Highest-impact decarbonisation opportunity

Structures the collaborative, iterative design workflow required for net-zero outcomes. Positions early-stage decisions as the highest-leverage decarbonisation opportunity.

Lesson 3 • Net-Zero Energy and Carbon Certifications

Compares LEED Zero, ILFI Zero Carbon, and equivalent certification frameworks. Guides selection of the appropriate standard for project type and goals.

Lesson 4 • Commissioning for Net-Zero Performance

Covers enhanced commissioning scope, functional testing, and post-occupancy monitoring. Closes the gap between design intent and actual building performance.

Lesson 1 • Decarbonisation Roadmap Development

Structures a multi-year, phased carbon reduction plan aligned with capital cycles. Enables building owners to commit to credible net-zero transition timelines.

Lesson 2 • Deep Energy Retrofit Strategies

Details envelope upgrades, system replacements, and sequencing for deep retrofits. Targets 50–80% energy reduction as a pathway to net-zero in existing stock.

Lesson 3 • Retrofit Assessment and Prioritisation

Covers building condition surveys, carbon baseline assessment, and measure prioritisation. Establishes the starting point for any existing building decarbonisation plan.

Lesson 4 • Retrofit Financing and Business Case

Covers energy savings calculations, payback analysis, and green financing instruments. Translates technical measures into investment decisions for building owners.