Units
Energy Optimised Buildings and Communities
Unit code: ENN553
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Whilst buildings account for 30 – 50% of global energy resources, it is people, rather than buildings per se, that require energy services. This unit incorporates strategies and methods required to optimise the provision of low- and zero-carbon energy services in residential, commercial and industrial buildings and their neighbourhoods.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Offered in these courses
- EN50
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The global built environment consumes a very large percentage of the earth's resources and contributes significantly to air, land and water pollution. A low-carbon environmentally sustainable future is dependent on the optimisation of energy efficiency and embedded renewable energy systems at a building and precinct level, requiring an integrated systems approach by all professions involved in the design, construction, operation and performance evaluation of our built environment.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to guide you in an exploration of the fundamental concepts of energy use in buildings, the processes to determine energy service needs of domestic, industrial and commercial buildings and energy efficient and low carbon options for providing these services in both new and existing buildings. You will also learn tools and techniques for the evaluation, measurement, operation and optimisation of the subsystems, the building as an integrated system, and collections of buildings that form precincts and communities.
Objectives
On successful completion of this unit you will demonstrate:
1. an ability to identify and critically analyse end-user energy services needs in a range of building contexts.
2. an ability to formulate and evaluate a range of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and strategies to optimise the energy performance of a range of new and existing building types.
3. group and collaborative skills in the development and communication of action proposals for energy optimisation of a specific building / urban context.
4. knowledge of and familiarity with energy systems modelling tools and building performance simulation tools.
5. a high level of oral and written English in relation to energy optimised buildings/communities through a range of communication media.
Content
The content of this unit covers an integrated systems approach to energy optimisation of buildings, their subsystems and the communities that buildings form.
1. Introduction to buildings and energy
2. Building Ecology
3. Energy analysis tools, methods and processes
4. Building envelope for energy efficiency and comfort
5. Ventilation, heating and cooling systems
6. Lighting systems
7. Water systems
8. Building transportation systems
9. Building level energy supply systems
10. Internal fit outs - energy considerations
11. Tools for building management, performance evaluation and verification
12. Buildings and urban context
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit will be delivered in a flexible blended learning format, encompassing lectures (face-to-face and online, delivered by national and international experts), case studies, and student/public seminars and forums.
Assessment
Assessment of the unit learning outcomes consists of four assessments that require both independent and group work. They encompass problem solving and communication, as well as the application of acquired knowledge and skills in simulated real world contexts.You will receive verbal feedback on their progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. Written feedback will be provided for each formal assessment item.
Assessment name:
Annotated Bibliography
Description:
Annotated bibliography of zero carbon buildings and communities.
You will prepare an annotated bibliography of available literature on zero energy buildings and communities, and share your findings in a discussion forum.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 5
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 3
Assessment name:
Critique (written and oral)
Description:
Critique of building thermal performance simulation tools suitable for residential, commercial and industrial building applications.
You will identify and analyse a number of building simulation tools (freeware and licenced) and/or energy assessment tools, explain their key characteristics and critique their usefulness.
Relates to objectives:
4, 5
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 6
Assessment name:
Problem Solving Task
Description:
Concept plan for a zero energy urban precinct.
Based on a given context, you will develop a concept plan for a specific zero energy urban precinct.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3, 5
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
End of Semester
Assessment name:
Examination (written)
Description:
Final Exam
Multiple choice exam based on a theoretical case study.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 4
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of Semester
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.
Resource materials
Given the fast pace of change, resource materials will be predominantly online resources, including:
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 13-Mar-2012
