On completing this unit students are able to ...

• name measures for energy efficiency in buildings
• list examples of various approaches to making buildings energy-efficient
• describe one approach to making buildings energy-efficient
• explain the most important differences between the approaches described
• name aspects of the passive-house approach
• describe structural measures to maximize solar gains
• explain the importance of planning criteria such as shading, window size and window orientation
• explain the significance of the surface-area-to-volume ratio for a building
• name types of thermal bridge
• explain the significance of thermal bridges in planning and construction practice
• argue for the necessity of an airtight building envelope, and explain the relevant problem areas and quality assurance measures
• explain the importance of a controlled ventilation system