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Course syllabus - Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

BTA224

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

First cycle

Progressive Specialisation

G2F (First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Building Engineering

Organisation

Department of Engineering Sciences

Ratified

2025-12-18

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

Objectives

The course will provide good knowledge of building and installation technology that contributes to a low need for purchased energy for buildings. The course will also provide complementary knowledge of building physics, ventilation technology and indoor climate, etc., which provides a better understanding of building-related problems of various kinds, in order to then be able to apply technology that contributes to buildings being both energy-efficient and healthy.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to

  1. demonstrate good ability to calculate the energy balance of buildings using both ready-made energy calculation programs and hand calculations.
  2. evaluate different opportunities to save energy with construction and installation measures in both new and existing buildings
  3. assess whether there is a possible conflict between energy saving and indoor climate for different energy saving measures
  4. 4. interpret and analyze results both critically and independently regarding energy and indoor climate in buildings based on values ​​from both calculations and measurements
  5. demonstrate good ability to work independently to investigate energy and indoor climate issues for buildings and present the results both orally and in writing in well-developed technical reports

Course content

Calculations of the energy balance of buildings without ready-made computer programs, primarily monthly calculations for residential buildings. Hand calculations for the energy balance of buildings. Building and installation technology that contributes to lower energy use, with different conditions for new construction and existing buildings. Electrical efficiency for fans, pumps, lighting, etc. Heat pumps. Heat exchangers. Passive solar heating, active solar heating and solar electricity. Experience from existing energy-efficient buildings. Energy conservation and conservation requirements for existing buildings - contradictions and opportunities. Energy conservation and healthy houses - contradictions and opportunities. Building-related problems and health issues. Indoor climate issues regarding air quality, thermal indoor climate and acoustics. The importance of ventilation for energy efficiency and air quality. Building technology and calculations with regard to moisture problems.

Specific requirements

75 credits from an engineering program including 6.5 credits in building physics and 5 credits in installation technology (HVAC systems) and or equivalent.

Examination

PRO1, Project report, 5 credits, grade 3,4,5. Learning objectives 1-5.

TEN1, Written examination, 2,5 credits, grade 3,4,5. Learning objectives 1-5

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Grading scale: 5, 4, 3

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

Overlap with BTA209, 7,5 credits