Learn about HPBs, at your own pace
Our short learning modules (SLMs) are exclusively available for those who sign up for the Designing HPBs for Net Zero course. These learning resources give you the opportunity to both prepare for upcoming sessions, as well as return to them when you need to.
The modules cover several technical topics, are designed to build a foundational understanding of sustainable building science, explain the concepts and principles for each topic area through multiple formats, and offer a list of additional resources for further learning. Each module can be completed in less than 1 hour.
Energy Performance of your Building
Description
This module helps you understand the concept of net-zero-energy buildings, how buildings use energy, and the typical range of energy performance of residential and commercial buildings. You will learn how energy performance of buildings is measured, and be made energy efficient. An introduction to renewable energy technologies, the importance of energy simulations and why we use them during design is also covered.
Course Objectives
- To understand the concept of Net-Zero-Energy Buildings
- To learn how buildings use energy
- To see the typical range of energy performance of residential and commercial buildings
- To understand how we measure energy performance of buildings and how we make them super energy efficient
- To get an introduction to renewable energy technologies
- To understand the importance of energy simulations and why we use them during design
Heat Transfer and your Building Envelope
Description
This module explains why heat transfer through the envelope is important to consider in building design. Modes of heat transfer help you understand how to identify heat gain sources in the building envelope, and learn to quantify heat gains. You will see how design decisions impact the envelope heat gain, such as orientation, sizes of surfaces, and choice of materials; you learn what U-value and SHGC are, and the values of some typical materials.
Course Objectives
- Understand why heat transfer through the envelope is important to consider in building design
- Understand the modes of heat transfer, and learn to identify heat gain sources in the building envelope
- Learn to quantify the heat gains through the building envelope
- Understand design decisions that impact the envelope heat gain such as orientation, sizes of surfaces, and choice of materials
- Understand what U-value and SHGC are, and learn about the values of some typical materials.
Passive Design and Shading
Description
This module helps you understand the definition of passive design and its importance for net-zero energy and resilience. You will explore the 3-tier pyramid approach and the importance of the first 2 tiers, and learn about natural sources and sinks for passive heating and cooling. The module discusses passive solar heating strategies, passive cooling strategies, and solar movement and shading.
Course Objectives
- Understand the definition of passive design, and its importance for NZE and Resilience.
- Understand the 3-tier pyramid approach and the importance of the first 2 tiers
- Learn about the natural sources and sinks for passive heating and cooling.
- Understand passive solar heating strategies.
- Understand passive cooling strategies
- Get introduced to solar movement and shading
Thermal Comfort, IAQ, Ventilation for Occupants
Description
This module discusses the definition of Thermal Comfort, its benefits, and biological and behavioural adaptations. You will be introduced to the parameters of Thermal Comfort, variation in preferences across seasons, locations, and cultures. The module also introduces you to the Adaptive Thermal Comfort model; helps you learn to identify sources of pollutants, and understand the need for good indoor air quality and the ventilation needs according to the National Building Code of India.
Course Objectives
- Understand the definition of Thermal Comfort, its benefits, and biological and behavioural adaptations.
- Learn about the parameters of Thermal Comfort.
- Understand variation in preferences across seasons, locations and cultures.
- Learn about the Adaptive Thermal Comfort model.
- Learn to identify sources of pollutants and understand the need for good indoor air quality.
- Learn about ventilation needs according to the National Building Code of India.
Natural Ventilation of your Building
Description
This module helps you understand how natural ventilation provides Thermal Comfort and improves Indoor Air Quality. The module explains how Operative Temperature is affected by air movement, and the magnitude of the indoor air speeds and outdoor wind speeds; and discusses the driving forces for Natural Ventilation and some simple calculations for sizing openings. You are also introduced to tools for evaluating ventilation effectiveness, and some design strategies for Natural Ventilation.
Course Objectives
- Understand how natural ventilation provides thermal comfort and improves IAQ.
- Learn how Operative Temperature is affected by air movement.
- See the magnitude of the indoor air speeds and outdoor wind speeds.
- Understand the driving forces for Natural Ventilation and simple calculations for sizing openings.
- Learn about tools for evaluating ventilation effectiveness.
- Learn some design strategies for Natural Ventilation.
- See an example of using the LECaVIR Design Guide for Natural Ventilation.
- Learn about the mixed-mode operation of buildings.
Designing Right-sized HVAC with Load Calculations
Description
This module discusses envelope and internal loads, and strategies to reduce loads. It deep-dives into the different approaches to HVAC load estimation, and how systems can be sized correctly using precise information of your building design. You are introduced to load calculation using an excel tool, and also how the size and cost of the HVAC system can be reduced.
Course Objectives
- Understand envelope and internal loads and strategies to reduce loads.
- Understand different approaches to HVAC load estimation and equipment sizing.
- Learn how systems can be sized correctly using precise information of your building design.
- Learn about load calculation using an excel tool.
- See how the size and cost of the HVAC system can be reduced compared to rule of thumb approaches.
Water Sufficiency for your Building and Occupants
Description
This module discusses the need for creating an abundance of local water resources, end-uses of water, standards for water provision, and water quality requirements for different end-uses. You are introduced to the concept of net-zero-water for a building, learn about reducing consumption, creating a closed water cycle on-site, and water cycle calculations.
Course Objectives
- To understand the concept of Net-Zero-Energy Buildings
- To learn how buildings use energy
- To see the typical range of energy performance of residential and commercial buildings
- To understand how we measure energy performance of buildings and how we make them super energy efficient
- To get an introduction to renewable energy technologies
- To understand the importance of energy simulations and why we use them during design
Mechanical HVAC and LEC
Description
This module explains the use of HVAC systems and the projected growth of cooling energy. It explains the basic refrigeration cycle and its modification in different types of mechanical cooling systems. You are introduced to the basics of radiant cooling and air distribution cooling systems, and explore Low Energy Cooling (LEC) systems such as radiant cooling, evaporative cooling, and heat pumps for heating as well as cooling. You also learn about some common Energy Conservation Measures for cooling systems.
Course Objectives
- Understand why heat transfer through the envelope is important to consider in building design
- Understand the modes of heat transfer, and learn to identify heat gain sources in the building envelope
- Learn to quantify the heat gains through the building envelope
- Understand design decisions that impact the envelope heat gain such as orientation, sizes of surfaces, and choice of materials
- Understand what U-value and SHGC are, and learn about the values of some typical materials.
Cost Estimation and Affordability
Description
This module helps you understand the expectations of returns by owners or developers from their buildings, the different cost components of CAPEX and OPEX, and the levels of cost estimates and their purpose at specific stages of a project. You also learn about three approaches to Affordability and Financial Feasibility, and Lifecycle Cost Estimation of a building.
Course Objectives
- Understand the definition of passive design, and its importance for NZE and Resilience.
- Understand the 3-tier pyramid approach and the importance of the first 2 tiers
- Learn about the natural sources and sinks for passive heating and cooling.
- Understand passive solar heating strategies.
- Understand passive cooling strategies
- Get introduced to solar movement and shading
Resilient Design for your Building
Description
This module discusses the concept of resilience and its importance for the built environment, different types of hazards and their impacts. You learn and discuss what makes buildings and communities resilient, the principles of resilient design, and resilience metrics for a building.
Course Objectives
- Understand the definition of Thermal Comfort, its benefits, and biological and behavioural adaptations.
- Learn about the parameters of Thermal Comfort.
- Understand variation in preferences across seasons, locations and cultures.
- Learn about the Adaptive Thermal Comfort model.
- Learn to identify sources of pollutants and understand the need for good indoor air quality.
- Learn about ventilation needs according to the National Building Code of India.
Embodied Carbon in Buildings
Description
This module helps you understand the impact of building materials and construction on carbon emissions, identify the stages in the lifecycle of a building, and the scope of emissions from these stages. You learn the basic concepts of emissions factors and data sources available for calculating embodied emissions. The module also teaches you to identify strategies for the reduction of embodied carbon in buildings.
Course Objectives
- Understand how natural ventilation provides thermal comfort and improves IAQ.
- Learn how Operative Temperature is affected by air movement.
- See the magnitude of the indoor air speeds and outdoor wind speeds.
- Understand the driving forces for Natural Ventilation and simple calculations for sizing openings.
- Learn about tools for evaluating ventilation effectiveness.
- Learn some design strategies for Natural Ventilation.
- See an example of using the LECaVIR Design Guide for Natural Ventilation.
- Learn about the mixed-mode operation of buildings.
Design Thinking for Innovation
Description
This module explores the essence of Design Thinking, emphasising its user-centred approach to solving problems creatively and empathetically. We break down the five key phases – Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test – while learning to avoid rushing into solutions. Through hands-on activities, group discussions, and team exercises, you develop critical thinking skills, learn to embrace iteration, and create innovative solutions, ultimately building a minimal viable product.
Course Objectives
- Understand envelope and internal loads and strategies to reduce loads.
- Understand different approaches to HVAC load estimation and equipment sizing.
- Learn how systems can be sized correctly using precise information of your building design.
- Learn about load calculation using an excel tool.
- See how the size and cost of the HVAC system can be reduced compared to rule of thumb approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our programmes, webinars, and workshops.
What certification or benefits do I receive if I sign up?
You will receive an IIHS–Infosys certificate on completion of the programme. You will also gain access to simulation tools (DesignBuilder or IESVE), live project exposure and membership in the alumni network for High Performance Building (HPB) practitioners.
How does this course help my career?
This course helps you build advanced design and technical skills, enabling you to deliver cost-effective, sustainable solutions that move your organisation towards net zero. You will also join an alumni network that connects you with other HPB practitioners.
How do I register or find more information?
You can register through the website via the ‘Register Now’ button, or write to assure-learning@iihs.ac.in for more information.
This course can be run exclusively for individual teams.
Write to: rakhi.sahay@iihs.ac.in