Breakthrough Energy Efficiency and Net Zero Buildings (433-0-20)
Instructors
Arathi Padma Gowda
Meeting Info
Technological Institute L160: Mon 5:00PM - 7:50PM
Overview of class
This course dives into the opportunity to accelerate development in the built environment and to set a pathway to net zero buildings. The class will build on foundational energy efficiency courses and establish a perspective on more advanced and accelerated growth of zero carbon solutions in the buildings sector.
Registration Requirements
Only to graduate student registration only, with permission from the department and subject to roster availability. Please contact mses@northwestern.edu if interested.
Learning Objectives
1/ Understand the concept of sustainable buildings and how they relate to the UN SDGs
- Ability to explain passive design and net zero buildings as energy-efficient solutions
- Describe the passive buildings design strategies, to use renewable energy sources such as the sun, wind and geothermal, to provide natural heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting for indoor environments.
- Identify net zero energy building systems and applications, to convert (on-site/off-site) renewable energies into electrical and thermal energy.
2/ Build exposure to emerging standards such as Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) and Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) certification programs
3/ Review the future of energy efficiency considering:
- Conventional vs. integrative design
- Passive thermal comfort in cold, hot, and humid climates
- Lighting
- Water heating
- Appliances and other loads
4/ Discussion of practical considerations:
- Design, construction, commissioning, improvement, and adaptation
- Real-estate implications