Architectural Atlas: Energy Efficiency in Construction – Series 2

AIA Pre-Approved • 5 Learning Units (LU/HSW)

(5-Hour Online Continuing Education Course)

Who This Course Is Designed For (All hours are fully recognized for AIA LU/HSW credit and support competency development for the following professional groups):

① AIA Members

AIA Architect Members • AIA Associate Members

② Licensed & Regulated Professionals

Licensed Architects • Interior Designers (IDCEC / ASID / IIDA)

③ Architectural Technology & Design Teams

Architectural Technologists • Senior Technologists • Architectural Designers • Graduate/Intern Architects • BIM Technologists / BIM Coordinators • Drafting Technicians

④ Construction & Project Delivery Teams

Design-Build Contractors • Construction Managers • Project Managers • Site Supervisors • Residential Builders • Developers • Technical Staff

⑤ Specialized Consultants

Planning Consultants • Building Code Consultants • Building Envelope Specialists • Energy Modelling / Sustainability Consultants • Passive House / Net-Zero Consultants • Engineering-related design staff

Course Description

Architectural Atlas: Energy Efficiency in Construction – Series 2 is a 5-hour AIA Pre-Approved LU/HSW course designed to deepen professional competency in high-performance home design. This course provides an applied, systems-based exploration of residential energy efficiency, focusing on whole-house design strategies, advanced construction techniques, and the integration of passive and alternative building concepts.

Participants will examine proven methods that reduce energy loss, improve thermal performance, and enhance long-term building durability. Through a structured review of ultra-efficient homes, advanced framing methods, cool roof technologies, and passive solar design principles, learners will gain the practical knowledge needed to design and evaluate energy-efficient residential buildings.

This course also introduces earth-sheltered, straw bale, log, and manufactured home construction—providing comparative insights into their environmental performance, design considerations, and implementation challenges.

The goal of this program is not to burden learners with excessive technical complexity, but to provide clear, actionable guidance that supports better decision-making and more efficient design practice.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this 5-hour course, participants will be able to:

1. Apply Whole-House Systems Thinking to Residential Energy Efficiency

Understand the whole-systems approach to home design.

Recognize interdependence between envelope performance, mechanical systems, and occupant comfort.

Integrate whole-house optimization strategies into architectural planning.

2. Evaluate and Design Ultra-Efficient Homes

Identify defining features of ultra-efficient residential buildings.

Compare strategies for reducing heating/cooling loads and improving building airtightness.

Understand design pathways toward near-zero or net-zero energy performance.

3. Implement Advanced House Framing for Energy-Efficient Construction

Learn framing techniques that reduce thermal bridging and material waste.

Apply advanced framing to improve insulation continuity and structural efficiency.

Understand how framing decisions affect HVAC sizing and building performance.

4. Integrate Cool Roof Technologies for Residential Energy Reduction

Understand the role of cool roof assemblies in reducing solar heat gain.

Compare material options and performance characteristics for residential roof systems.

Learn design considerations for climate-appropriate cool roofing solutions.

5. Apply Passive Solar Home Design Principles

Understand solar orientation, thermal mass strategies, and seasonal shading.

Evaluate climatic factors influencing passive design strategies.

Integrate passive systems with modern mechanical and envelope designs.

6. Assess Alternative Low-Energy Home Types

Understand the principles and performance characteristics of:

• Earth-sheltered homes

• Straw bale construction

• Log homes

• Manufactured homes

Compare benefits, limitations, energy behavior, and design implications of each system.

Apply criteria for selecting appropriate systems in various geographic or climatic contexts.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this AIA-approved program, learners will:

Develop a robust understanding of whole-house energy efficiency strategies.

Strengthen technical judgment for selecting high-performance residential systems.

Gain competency in advanced framing, passive solar design, and envelope optimization.

Be able to evaluate alternative building systems for sustainability and performance suitability.

Apply learned principles to real-world residential design, improving project outcomes and client value.

Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to provide practical, accessible, and directly applicable knowledge that empowers professionals to design energy-efficient, comfortable, durable, and cost-effective residential buildings. The intent is not to overwhelm learners with technical minutiae, but to support improved professional practice and better project delivery.