This course is aimed at architects, architectural designers, builders, engineers and other building professionals. The focus is on fundamentals of building science, learning how to create homes and other buildings that are healthier and more comfortable and have less environmental impact.
Overall course outcomes
- Understand the key components of a well-performing building and how these work as a system.
- Gain a basic understanding of the building science behind the model and the pitfalls of using individual principles in isolation.
- Understand how buildings impact human health and wellbeing and how improved design can reduce the carbon costs of building.
Course structure
A one-day course, taught live and in–person.
Essential prerequisites
The most important prerequisite is an open mind and enthusiasm for learning. An understanding of building terminology is also assumed, as well as maths to secondary school level.
Detailed outline
The course will discuss the following.
The rationale for designing buildings at a higher level of performance than Building Code minimums:
- greater human comfort and health
- the environmental consequences of building design with regard to operational and embodied carbon emissions
Why a systematic approach to improving building performance is vital:
- cherry-picking individual components without energy modelling is well-documented to lead to serious problems
- how design-stage energy modelling makes the best use of the client’s budgets and produces the best outcomes
- the value of independent verification (and what contractors should do even if the project is not seeking certification)
How to increase energy efficiency and reduce running costs through systematic design improvements with regard to:
- insulation
- airtightness
- appropriately windows
- removing or minimising thermal bridges
- optimal ventilation
Investment
$400 + GST
Attendance at this course is free of charge for students undertaking the Certified Passive House Tradesperson course on 20-24 October 2025.
Your instructor
Jessica Winter is an experienced certified Passive House designer and design LBP who has a MSc in architecture. She is well-known as an effective and engaging educator. Jessica has run her own architectural design practice and been a NZGBC assessor and Eco Design Adviser.
How to apply
Limitations, liability and copyright
In general, this course material is provided under our website terms and conditions, and we wish to highlight two points in particular:
The authors of the information in this course have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. While reasonable care has been taken to provide accurate information, the author(s) and Sustainable Engineering Ltd make no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, with regard to the information provided being suitable for any particular purpose. The information presented must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing. The author(s) and Sustainable Engineering Ltd shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with, or arising from, the use of the information contained in this course.
Any handouts or other material provided to you is for your personal or internal business purposes. You may not modify or prepare derivative works or otherwise re-distribute or publicly display the content, which is copyrighted by Sustainable Engineering Ltd.