Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/net-zero-building-fundamentals
In an era where climate change demands urgent action, the built environment plays a pivotal role in our collective journey towards decarbonization. Coursera’s ‘Net-Zero Building Fundamentals’ course, a collaboration between the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) and the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to this critical field.
This course is designed for anyone interested in creating high-performance, climate-resilient buildings that significantly reduce their environmental footprint. The overview promises a deep dive into the future of low-carbon, energy-efficient, and self-sufficient structures, driven by trends in decarbonization, digitization, and deglobalization.
The syllabus is impressively thorough, covering every aspect from the fundamental energy performance of buildings to the intricate details of heat transfer and building envelopes. It demystifies concepts like U-value and SHGC, explaining their impact on heat gain and loss. The course champions passive design strategies, emphasizing their importance for both net-zero goals and occupant comfort. It delves into the crucial elements of thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), and ventilation, including natural ventilation techniques and their impact on occupant well-being.
Furthermore, ‘Net-Zero Building Fundamentals’ tackles the practicalities of designing efficient HVAC systems, including load calculations and strategies for reducing energy consumption. Water sufficiency is explored, introducing the concept of net-zero water buildings and methods for conserving and recycling water. The course also touches upon mechanical HVAC systems, low-energy cooling (LEC) options, and essential energy conservation measures.
Beyond the technical aspects, the course addresses the financial viability of sustainable building through modules on cost estimation, affordability, and lifecycle cost analysis. It also highlights the importance of resilient design in the face of environmental challenges and concludes with a crucial examination of embodied carbon, offering strategies for its reduction throughout a building’s lifecycle.
Overall, ‘Net-Zero Building Fundamentals’ is an outstanding resource for students, professionals, and anyone passionate about sustainable architecture and construction. The instructors, including lead instructor Prasad Vaidya, bring a wealth of knowledge, making complex topics understandable through clear explanations and engaging animated videos. This course is highly recommended for those looking to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/net-zero-building-fundamentals