Introduction:

The construction of high-performance buildings requires a holistic approach, incorporating advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative design to create structures that meet or exceed energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and occupant health and productivity goals. This 5-day course will introduce participants to the principles, strategies, and techniques required for designing and constructing high-performance buildings. Participants will learn how to integrate energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and cutting-edge technologies while ensuring that buildings are functional, cost-effective, and resilient. The course will also explore the certification systems like LEED and WELL, which define high-performance standards for buildings.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the key principles of high-performance building design and construction.
2. Learn how to integrate energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials into building projects.
3. Gain an understanding of green building certifications such as LEED and WELL.
4. Explore advanced building technologies that enhance performance and sustainability.
5. Develop the ability to assess the performance of a building across various parameters including energy use, indoor air quality, and occupant comfort.
6. Be equipped with the tools to implement high-performance building techniques in both new and renovation projects.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for professionals involved in the design, construction, and management of high-performance buildings, including:

• Architects and Designers
• Civil and Mechanical Engineers
• Project Managers and Construction Managers
• Sustainability Consultants
• Contractors and Builders
• Facilities Managers
• Green Building Professionals and LEED Accredited Professionals

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to High-Performance Buildings

• Session 1: What Defines a High-Performance Building?
  • Key Characteristics: Energy Efficiency, Sustainability, and Comfort
  • Differentiating High-Performance from Conventional Buildings
  • The Role of High-Performance Buildings in Climate Action and Sustainability
• Session 2: High-Performance Building Systems
  • Building Envelope: Insulation, Glazing, and Thermal Mass
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems: Efficient Designs
  • Smart Building Technologies: Sensors, Automation, and IoT Integration
• Session 3: Sustainable Design and Green Building Concepts
  • Principles of Sustainable Design: Energy Use, Water Conservation, and Material Selection
  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the Circular Economy in Building Design
  • The Role of Resilience and Adaptability in High-Performance Buildings
• Activity: Group Discussion – Identifying High-Performance Design Features in Real-World Buildings

Day 2: Energy Efficiency and Building Systems Integration

• Session 1: Energy-Efficient Design Strategies
  • Passive Design Techniques: Solar Orientation, Natural Ventilation, and Daylighting
  • Active Systems: Energy-Efficient HVAC, Lighting, and Electrical Systems
  • Energy Modeling and Simulation for Optimizing Building Performance
• Session 2: Advanced Building Envelope Design
  • High-Performance Insulation Materials and Techniques
  • Windows and Glazing: Maximizing Daylight and Minimizing Heat Loss
  • Air Tightness and Vapor Control in Building Envelopes
• Session 3: Renewable Energy and Building Integration
  • Solar Panels, Wind, and Geothermal Energy Systems
  • Energy Storage Solutions: Batteries and Thermal Storage
  • Integrating Renewable Energy into Building Operations
• Activity: Workshop – Designing an Energy-Efficient Building Envelope Using Best Practices

Day 3: Sustainable Materials and Water Efficiency

• Session 1: Selecting Sustainable Building Materials
  • Sustainable Material Selection: Low-Impact, Renewable, and Recycled Materials
  • Green Materials for Structural, Interior, and Finishing Applications
  • Life Cycle Impact of Materials: Embodied Energy, Durability, and Carbon Footprint
• Session 2: Water Conservation and Management in High-Performance Buildings
  • Efficient Water Use: Low-Flow Fixtures and Greywater Systems
  • Stormwater Management: Green Roofs, Rainwater Harvesting, and Permeable Pavements
  • On-site Water Treatment and Recycling Systems
• Session 3: Waste Reduction Strategies
  • Construction Waste Management: Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling
  • Managing Waste during Building Operation: E-Waste, Hazardous Materials, and Composting
• Activity: Group Exercise – Evaluating Material Choices and Water Conservation Strategies for a Project

Day 4: Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and Occupant Comfort

• Session 1: The Importance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
  • Understanding IAQ: Sources of Pollution and Impact on Health
  • Strategies for Improving IAQ: Ventilation Systems, Filtration, and Green Cleaning
  • Low-VOC and Non-Toxic Materials for Healthier Indoor Environments
• Session 2: Thermal Comfort and Lighting Quality
  • Achieving Thermal Comfort: Air Temperature, Humidity, and Airflow Management
  • Daylighting: Benefits of Natural Light and Smart Lighting Systems
  • Acoustic Comfort: Noise Control and Sound Insulation Techniques
• Session 3: Biophilic Design and Its Impact on Occupants
  • Integrating Nature into Built Environments: Planting, Natural Light, and Views
  • Promoting Well-being through Architecture: Connection to Nature, Spaces for Movement, and Mental Health
• Activity: Workshop – Designing a High-Performance Interior with Focus on IEQ and Comfort

Day 5: Green Building Certifications, Project Implementation, and Future Trends

• Session 1: Green Building Certifications and Standards
  • LEED Certification: Levels, Categories, and Requirements
  • WELL Building Standard: Focus on Health and Well-being
  • Other Certifications: BREEAM, Living Building Challenge, and Green Star
• Session 2: Project Management for High-Performance Buildings
  • Managing a High-Performance Building Project: Integrating Sustainability Goals with Construction Processes
  • Cost Management, Scheduling, and Collaboration with Stakeholders
  • Performance Monitoring and Ongoing Optimization Post-Construction
• Session 3: The Future of High-Performance Buildings
  • Smart Cities and Urban Design: Integrating High-Performance Buildings into Larger Ecosystems
  • Innovations in Building Materials and Systems: 3D Printing, Biodegradable Materials, and Net-Zero Buildings
  • Challenges and Opportunities for the Future of High-Performance Buildings
• Activity: Group Presentation – Proposing a High-Performance Building Project from Design to Implementation

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: In-depth sessions that introduce the principles, technologies, and strategies behind high-performance buildings.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples that showcase successful high-performance building projects.
• Workshops: Practical exercises and hands-on activities designed to reinforce learning and foster problem-solving.
• Group Discussions: Collaborative brainstorming sessions to encourage peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange.
• Site Visits (Optional): If feasible, site visits to high-performance buildings to see best practices in action.