Topic outline

  • Design Guidelines for Low Energy Building

    Credits: 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Low-energy sustainable building design is not just the result of applying one or more isolated technologies. Rather, it is an integrated whole-building process that requires advocacy and action on the part of the design team throughout the entire project development process. This course discusses what low-energy design means, specific strategies to be considered, when and where to apply these strategies, and how to evaluate their cost effectiveness.

    Topics:

    • Selecting energy-saving strategies appropriate for the building type
    • Integrating low-energy concepts into the design process
    • Reducing cooling loads by eliminating undesirable solar heat gain.
    • Reducing heating loads by using desirable solar heat gain.
    • Using natural light as a substitute for (or complement to) electrical lighting
    • Using natural ventilation
    • Using more efficient heating and cooling equipment to satisfy reduced loads
    • Using computerized building control systems
    • Rank-ordering design technologies
    • Benefitting from multiple use
    • Learning from case studies

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 

    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: civil, construction, mechanical, and electrical engineers concerned with designing and constructing energy-efficient buildings.
    Publication Source: US Dept. of Energy

    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)

    • Topic 1