Module Details

Module Code: MECH8026
Title: Building Energy Compliance
Long Title: Non Domestic Building Energy R
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module examines different processes involved in the energy performance rating of non-domestic buildings. Students are guided through the requirements of non-domestic BERs based on the current EU and Irish legislation. Students will also examine internationally recognised energy performance rating systems and construct energy models using relevant software packages to evaluate compliance with these systems.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse and evaluate appropriate legislation to determine compliance requirements for non-domestic nearly zero energy buildings.
LO2 Utilise industry standard software to Explain the fundamental principles for the calculation procedures used to generate asset ratings.
LO3 Evaluate industry standard certification systems and apply appropriate software to check compliance
LO4 Critically review energy modelling outputs and investigate the limitations imposed by the modelling and simulation process.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Legislation
National & European legislative environment, EPBD Recast, Cost Optimal Framework, NZEB definitions, SI 666 and accompanying Technical Guidance Document (Part L)
Energy Performance Techniques
Overview of energy performance techniques applicable to building technology and energy systems, comparison of different international approaches, study of benchmarks for building industry (Passivhaus, Part L, code for sustainable homes, Active House)
SBEM
NEAP methodology, Part L structure, collation of data for analysis, utilise SBEM software to assess compliance and energy performance. evaluation of results, analyse software calculation mechanisms and structure
PHPP
Rating system structure, Passivhaus theory and technology, analysis of main pillars of energy performance using PHPP (heating & cooling load data, climate data, ventilation performance), completion of basic energy modelling using PHPP, software inputs & outputs, evaluation of results.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Critical evaluation of a chosen topic surrounding building energy performance and legislative frameworks
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 2,4
Assessment Description
assess building compliance and energy performance using SBEM
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
assess building compliance and energy performance using PHPP
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Course content Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact SBEM and PHPP software Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study & assessments Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • DCLG. (2010), SBEM Technical Manual, V3.5.a. SEAI, Ireland.
  • DCLG. (2010), SBEM User Guide ROI, 3.5.b. SEAI, Ireland.
  • (2013), Passive House Planning Package User Guide, version 8. PassivHaus, Dramstadt.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • BRE. (2007), SBEM for Non-domestic Buildings, BRE, UK, [ISBN: 1-86081-957-5].
  • Report on Development of Cost Optimal Calculations and gap analysis for buildings in ireland under directive 2010/31/EU on EPBD Recast, Section 2 - Non Residential. DECLG (AECOM), Ireland, p.216.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBENS_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Energy Systems 7 Elective
CR_ESENT_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Sustainable Energy Engineering 7 Elective