Module · M1
Building Systems & Technical Principles I
Part of curriculum: Part 3 Energy Modeller
Building Codes and Regulations
Building System Principles (HVAC, Lighting, DHW)
Materials and Equipment
Stop guessing and start simulating. This intensive 2-day course transforms energy modelling from a compliance hurdle into a high-performance design tool. By mastering the 'Modeller's Lens,' participants will move beyond simple data entry to become a System Translator—calculating the real-world physics of the envelope, syncing complex MEP systems, and using parametric 'Simple Box' models to predict the ripple effects of every design choice. Grounded in NECB 2020 rigour and the 'Big Three' metrics (EUI, TEDI, GHGI), this course provides the technical mastery needed to move projects from 'Code Legal' to 'Future Proof.'
Skills
Assembly Calculations (Thermal Performance)
Depth: Beginner
Simple Box Modelling
Depth: Beginner
Developing Technical Process & Checklists
Depth: Beginner
Calculating Performance Metrics (EUI, TEDI)
Depth: Beginner
HVAC Performance Calculations
Depth: Beginner
Peak Load & Energy Calculations (Elec. vs Hybrid)
Depth: Beginner
Explain System Thinking
Depth: Beginner
Learning Outcomes
- Identify primary and secondary design considerations for commercial building systems (envelope, MEP, occupants, activities, site, climate).
- Explain the use of energy performance metrics to measure and improve the efficiency of buildings and systems.
- Describe the major building envelope control layers, and explain how they impact energy consumption.
- Utilize simple box modelling to establish a code-compliant energy baseline and perform parametric simulations to identify the most effective design levers for meeting performance targets.
- Evaluate the difference between common HVAC system approaches for heating, cooling, and ventilation (plant equipment, distribution equipment, terminal systems, ventilation equipment).
- Analyze how occupancy schedules and thermostat setpoints drive energy demand across different building archetypes and apply NECB 2020 operational profiles to establish realistic energy performance baselines.
- Apply NECB 2020 prescriptive MEP and lighting requirements to a schematic box model to evaluate the energy and carbon performance impacts of various HVAC system configurations and distribution strategies.
- Differentiate between various electrification strategies (VRF, Air-to-Water, WSHP, GSHP) and describe cold-climate performance limitations.