Design and Maintenance of Green Buildings Training Course

Design and Maintenance of Green Buildings Training Course

Introduction:

As global awareness of environmental sustainability rises, green buildings have become central to efforts aimed at reducing energy consumption, improving resource efficiency, and creating healthier living environments. This 5-day training course provides participants with an understanding of the key principles, design strategies, and maintenance techniques required for creating and maintaining green buildings. The course will cover topics ranging from sustainable design and materials selection to energy-efficient systems and ongoing building maintenance practices that contribute to long-term sustainability.


Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

  1. Understand the principles and concepts behind green building design and construction.
  2. Learn the strategies for selecting sustainable materials and implementing energy-efficient systems.
  3. Gain knowledge of green building certifications such as LEED and BREEAM.
  4. Understand the role of building performance monitoring, energy management, and waste reduction in green buildings.
  5. Learn how to ensure the long-term sustainability of a green building through effective maintenance and management.
  6. Be introduced to future trends in green building technologies and materials.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for professionals involved in the design, construction, and operation of buildings, including:

  • Architects and Interior Designers
  • Civil and Mechanical Engineers
  • Sustainability Consultants and Environmental Engineers
  • Project Managers and Estimators
  • Facilities Managers and Building Operators
  • Contractors and Subcontractors
  • Building Owners and Developers

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Green Building Design

  • Session 1: Principles of Green Building Design
    • What is Green Building? Definition and Core Principles
    • Benefits of Green Buildings: Environmental, Economic, and Social Impacts
    • Sustainable Building Design: Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), and Materials Selection
  • Session 2: Green Building Certifications and Standards
    • Introduction to Green Building Rating Systems: LEED, BREEAM, and Green Globes
    • Key Rating Categories: Site Selection, Water Efficiency, Energy Use, and Materials
    • The Certification Process: Criteria, Documentation, and Verification
  • Session 3: Sustainable Building Materials
    • Characteristics of Sustainable Materials: Recyclability, Low Environmental Impact, and Durability
    • Using Local and Recycled Materials in Green Building Design
    • Innovative Building Materials: Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs), Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), and Low-VOC Materials
  • Activity: Case Study – Analyzing a LEED-Certified Building’s Design and Material Choices

Day 2: Energy Efficiency and Building Systems

  • Session 1: Energy-Efficient Building Design
    • Passive Design Strategies: Natural Ventilation, Daylighting, Thermal Mass, and Solar Gain
    • Active Building Systems: High-Efficiency HVAC, Smart Thermostats, and Energy Recovery Ventilation
    • Building Envelope: Insulation, Glazing, and Air Sealing Techniques
  • Session 2: Renewable Energy Systems for Green Buildings
    • Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Panels, Solar Thermal Systems, and Integration with Building Design
    • Wind Energy and Geothermal Systems: Feasibility, Design, and Integration
    • The Role of Energy Storage Systems in Green Buildings
  • Session 3: Energy Performance Monitoring and Management
    • The Importance of Energy Audits and Building Performance Assessments
    • Use of Smart Meters, Building Automation Systems (BAS), and Energy Management Systems (EMS)
    • Ongoing Monitoring and Optimization for Improved Energy Efficiency
  • Activity: Workshop – Designing an Energy-Efficient Building Concept with Renewable Energy Integration

Day 3: Water Conservation and Waste Management

  • Session 1: Water-Efficient Building Design
    • Strategies for Reducing Water Consumption: Low-Flow Fixtures, Greywater Recycling, and Rainwater Harvesting
    • Water-Efficient Landscaping: Xeriscaping and Native Plant Selection
    • The Role of Water Use in Green Building Certifications
  • Session 2: Sustainable Waste Management in Green Buildings
    • Waste Minimization Techniques: On-Site Waste Sorting, Recycling, and Composting
    • Managing Construction and Demolition Waste: Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling
    • Green Waste Systems: Biogas Production, Composting Toilets, and Organic Waste Treatment
  • Session 3: Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
    • Ventilation Strategies for Healthy Indoor Air Quality
    • Use of Low-Emitting Materials to Reduce Indoor Pollution
    • Daylighting, Acoustics, and Thermal Comfort in Green Building Design
  • Activity: Hands-on Exercise – Designing a Water-Efficient and Waste-Conscious Green Building System

Day 4: Maintenance of Green Buildings

  • Session 1: The Importance of Maintenance in Green Buildings
    • Role of Maintenance in Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability and Performance
    • Regular Inspections, Preventive Maintenance, and Equipment Calibration
    • The Cost of Deferred Maintenance and Its Impact on Building Performance
  • Session 2: Green Building Operations and Building Management Systems (BMS)
    • Using Building Management Systems (BMS) for Monitoring Energy and Water Use
    • Data-Driven Decision Making for Building Performance Optimization
    • Strategies for Maximizing the Lifespan of Building Systems: HVAC, Lighting, Water Systems, and Roofing
  • Session 3: Maintaining Indoor Environmental Quality
    • Regular Cleaning and Maintenance of Ventilation Systems
    • Managing Indoor Air Quality Through Filtration and Airflow Management
    • Strategies for Maintaining a Comfortable and Healthy Indoor Environment
  • Activity: Group Exercise – Developing a Maintenance Plan for a Green Building Based on Energy, Water, and IEQ Goals

Day 5: Future Trends in Green Building Design and Technology

  • Session 1: Innovations in Green Building Materials and Technologies
    • Advancements in Building Materials: Transparent Solar Panels, Smart Glass, Self-Healing Concrete
    • Emerging Technologies in Building Systems: Smart Grids, Energy-Positive Buildings, and Biophilic Design
    • The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in Building Efficiency
  • Session 2: Green Building Policy and Market Trends
    • Government Incentives and Regulations for Green Buildings: Tax Credits, Rebates, and Zoning Laws
    • The Growing Demand for Green Buildings in the Real Estate Market
    • Market Drivers for Green Building Adoption: Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
  • Session 3: The Future of Sustainable Urban Planning and Green Communities
    • Sustainable Cities: Low-Carbon Development, Urban Farming, and Green Infrastructure
    • Designing Green Neighborhoods and Communities with Shared Energy Systems and Green Spaces
    • The Role of Transportation, Waste Management, and Water Systems in Sustainable Urban Development
  • Activity: Final Discussion – Exploring the Future of Green Building Design and the Role of Engineers, Designers, and Developers

Course Delivery:

  • Interactive Lectures: In-depth theoretical sessions on the principles of green building design and maintenance.
  • Case Studies: Real-world examples and case studies of successful green building projects from around the globe.
  • Workshops and Hands-on Exercises: Participants will engage in design exercises to apply sustainable solutions to building projects.
  • Group Projects: Collaborative projects focusing on developing a green building concept or maintenance plan.
  • Guest Speakers/Experts: Industry professionals sharing insights on green building trends, certifications, and practical implementation.