Module Details

Module Code: CIVL7037
Title: Energy Efficient Housing
Long Title: Energy Efficient Housing
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2020/21 ( January 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5822 - Civil Engineering
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module examines energy usage within a domestic dwelling and the requirements for a sustainable home. It examines the use of electrical and thermal energy and the environmental impact and financial costs of this energy usage. The module also examines the systems and services required to provide a sustainable home, including the provision of lighting, ventilation, insulation and water.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss, analyse and evaluate appropriate legislation to determine compliance requirements for domestic buildings including nearly zero energy buildings.
LO2 Compare and contrast the principles involved in various housing systems.
LO3 Evaluate the energy usage within a domestic setting, including the use of fossil fuels and the impact of emissions.
LO4 Appraise potential sustainable energy and sustainable systems which may be incorporated into a domestic setting.
LO5 Calculate the financial, energy and environmental impact of various housing systems for a typical household.
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
Sustainable Development Goals
This module meets the following UN-SGD: SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. SGD 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. SGD 12 Responsible Consumption and Production - Ensure sustainable consumption and production.
Legislation
National & European legislative environment, EPBD Recast, NZEB definitions, SI 666 and accompanying Technical Guidance Document (Part L).
Energy-efficient homes
Energy supplies to the home - identification and sources; sustainability of the energy sources; emissions produced as a result of burning fuels in the home; effects of emissions on the environment; identification of potential energy-inefficiencies in the home; strategies to improve energy-efficiency and reduce emissions. Renewable and sustainable energy including wind, biomass and solar.
Electricity
Household electricity supply; structure of the ring circuit; voltage, wattage, amperage, kilowatt-hour, tariffs and costings; electrical safety; fuses, circuit-breakers, earth wire.
Water
Cold water supply; storage of cold water in the home.
Heating
Levels and control of thermal comfort; thermostats - underlying principle and uses; heating options available for the home; factors to consider when choosing a heating system; one system of domestic central heating - underlying scientific principles and their application.
Insulation
Underlying principles and methods. Heat transfer in building i.e. conduction, convection and radiation; specific and latent heat; thermal expansion; R-values and U-values; examples from building materials.
Ventilation
Underlying principles of ventilation; application of the principles of ventilation; natural methods of ventilation; artificial methods of ventilation.
Lighting
Properties of light; application of the properties of light; principles for planning a lighting system; outline of contemporary lighting developments; energy-efficient lighting - underlying principles and uses; artificial lighting and daylighting in houses; inverse square law.
Waste
Domestic waste management; home composting; recycling in a domestic setting; hazardous waste sources in a domestic setting and alternative options.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Discuss and appraise the legislation and requirements for nearly zero energy domestic building (e.g. 800-1000 words)
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Undertake an energy audit for a domestic household, and evaluate mitigation measures which could be introduced to reduce the financial and environmental impact of this energy usage (e.g. 1200 - 1500 words)
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Covering all topics in the module.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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 Delivery of module content Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Undertaking tutorial questions Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Revision of lecture material, preparation of reports and coursework Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of module content Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact Undertaking tutorial questions Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed revision of lecture material, preparation of reports and coursework Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Randall McMullan. (2017), Environmental Science in Building, 8th. Red Globe Press, [ISBN: 9781137605450].
  • Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. (2019), Technical Guidance Document Part L: Conservation of Fuel and Energy - Dwellings, Government of Ireland.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Walter T. Grondzik. (2010), Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 11th. [ISBN: 9780470621].
  • Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. (2018), Energy in the Residential Sector.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_FHEBU_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Home Economics and Business 4 Mandatory
CR_CCIVL_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering 4 Elective
CR_CENVI_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering 4 Elective