Architectural Atlas: Energy Efficiency in Construction – Series 3

5 Hours • AIA-Approved (LU/HSW)

Who This Course Is Designed For

All hours are fully recognized for AIA LU/HSW credit and support competency development for:

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 Architectural Technologists • Architectural Designers • Graduate Architects / Interns • BIM Technologists • Drafting Technicians

④ Construction & Project Delivery Teams

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

⑤ Specialized Consultants

Building Code Consultants • Building Envelope Consultants • Life Safety / Fire Engineers • Structural Engineers • Sustainability / Energy Modelling Consultants • Passive House / Net-Zero Consultants

Course Description

This AIA-approved program provides an advanced and integrated exploration of high-performance building design, focusing on holistic energy efficiency and life-cycle–based construction principles.

Learners will examine how thermal-efficient construction, building envelope performance, and whole-systems design influence long-term sustainability, operational efficiency, and human health.

The course further introduces the fundamentals of Energy Use Intensity (EUI), passive and active efficiency strategies, and the technical requirements behind achieving ultra-efficient and zero-energy homes. Emphasis is placed on practical application—bridging design intent with constructability, long-term performance, and regulatory compliance.

By understanding the science, technology, and best practices behind high-performance residential buildings, architects and design professionals are equipped to create environmentally responsible, durable, and cost-effective homes that meet evolving energy standards.

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this 5-hour program, participants will be able to:

1. Energy-Efficient Building Design

• Understand key principles of designing energy-efficient residential structures.

• Identify major contributors to whole-building energy performance, including envelope efficiency and building systems.

2. Thermal-Efficient Construction

• Evaluate thermal bridges, insulation methods, and material choices that influence heating and cooling loads.

• Apply strategies that improve thermal continuity and moisture management.

3. Energy Use Intensity (EUI)

• Understand EUI as a performance metric for residential and small-building design.

• Analyze how design decisions impact long-term energy consumption.

4. Life-Cycle–Based Energy-Efficient Building Design

• Integrate life-cycle assessment into construction and design decision-making.

• Explore trade-offs between material choices, embodied energy, operational efficiency, and durability.

5. Affordable Zero-Energy Homes

• Examine design and construction strategies for achieving near-zero or zero-energy homes.

• Identify passive and active technologies used to reduce operational energy demand.

6. High-Performance Residential Design Best Practices

• Apply best-practice recommendations for building airtightness, ventilation, and mechanical system coordination.

• Incorporate energy-efficiency principles into architectural detailing and construction documentation.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of advanced strategies in thermal-efficient and energy-efficient building design.

• Strengthen their ability to evaluate building performance using EUI and life-cycle metrics.

• Develop the competence to design or review ultra-efficient and zero-energy residential buildings.

• Be able to integrate practical, code-aligned, and sustainable design principles into architectural projects.

Course Purpose

The goal of this program is not to overwhelm participants with technical minutiae, but to equip industry professionals with practical, immediately applicable knowledge that improves residential building performance, occupant comfort, and long-term sustainability—consistent with the AIA LU/HSW mandate.