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Training

The SouthZEB project will develop ten training modules and assessment schemes for professionals involved in nZEB building process. Eight modules specifically directed towards architects, engineers and municipal employees, while the remaining two are devoted to  managerial nZEB project skills. The course level of the modules are compatible with European Qualification Framework at EQF level 4. Training will occur in each one of the four pilot project countries first directed towards training trainers and, after, training the trainees.

Training the trainers

Training will be typically composed of three components: preparation hours, classroom hours and self-learning period. Each training module will include a final examination requiring physical presence. Front runner project partners countries will be actively involved in the train the trainer sessions.

A “nZEB Trainer” certificate will be awarded to a trainer that participates in “train the trainer workshops” and that has successfully completed a set of 4 nZEB specific training modules.

Trainers will be able to demonstrate competence in the area of energy performance of buildings and other aspects of energy use prior to attending the training sessions.  This may be through prior learning and also work based experience.  Candidates should have at least five years post-graduation experience in a suitable environment.

As a way to demonstrate their training capacity and the skills acquired throughout the training modules, the “trainers” will only achieve the “nZEB trainer” certificate if positively evaluated by “trainees” during the “Training the trainers” sessions in which they will actively participate as trainers.

Training the trainees

Training will be typically composed of three components: preparation hours, classroom hours and self-learning period. Each training module will include a final examination requiring physical presence.

A “nZEB Designer” certificate will be awarded to a trainee that participates in the training modules and that has successfully completed a set of 4 nZEB specific training modules (modules 1 and 2 are compulsory, plus another two modules that will be selected based on training needs). All ten modules can be completed by trainees, with recognition being given to such achievements in the certification.

Training modules

  • Module 1: nZEB Basic module

    The basic module will present the South nZEB concept and the principles of a near zero energy construction: applied physics basics, thermal insulation, materials and construction. Furthermore, the basic module will present the requirement for the minimum percentage of renewable energy sources of nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB), according to existing EU definitions, standards and roadmaps (such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive-EPBD). Active renewable energy supply systems will be presented such as solar systems, PV systems, heat pumps solutions, biomass solutions, pellet boilers etc. It will be divided in sub-modules, according to the abovementioned categories. The duration of this module is estimated as 20 hours. The module will be addressed mainly to engineers and architects.

  • Module 2: nZEB Advanced module

    The advanced module will elaborate further on various arguments of nZEB design and building, including technical physics with respect to humidity, building materials, construction techniques, measurement techniques, installation and maintenance, ventilation and use of renewable energy sources. The passive use of renewable energy, e.g. passive solar gains, will be presented. The module will include a practical workshop for the trainees. This practical workshop will provide hands on experience to the trainees on how to use renewable energy sources in the nZEB design and building. The estimated duration of the training is 40 hours. The module will be addressed mainly to engineers and architects.

  • Module 3: Thermal bridging

    This module will focus on the evaluation and calculation of thermal bridges, through practical exercises. It will include sub-modules on the definition of thermal bridges, thermal losses through bridging, isothermal curves, surface temperatures, humidity, active directives and regulations. Calculation of surface temperature and the linear thermal bridging of various points will be included. The module will include a practical workshop for the trainees. The estimated duration of the training is 20 hours. The module will be addressed mainly to engineers and architects.

  • Module 4: Thermal comfort

    This module is focused on the thermal environment of buildings. It will define thermal comfort for a human body and how to model it. It explains factors and values that form the perception of thermal comfort. A significant part of the module is devoted to different ways of thermal comfort assessment according to valid standards. It gives optimal value ranges for thermal comfort depending on the level (category) of the requirements of the space. It considers also the users’ expectations, adaptation and adaptive models of thermal comfort on resultant acceptable range of temperatures, its role in applicable standards and its effect on energy performance. The estimated duration of the training is 20 hours. The module will be addressed mainly to engineers and architects.

  • Module 5: SouthZEB framework module and local architectural regulations

    This module will aim at presenting to architects, engineers and municipality employees the SouthZEB approach for the verification and certification of nZEB in the target countries. Emphasis will be given on the special provision that SouthZEB has for building traditions and local architectural regulations as well as the user acceptance of technical solutions to nZEB. This module will be based on different training material for each target country, following though the common framework and directions. The estimated training duration is 30 hours. It is addressing the needs of engineers, architects and municipality employees.

  • Module 6: nZEB simulation and design softwares

    This module will present to the participants a simulation tool for the design of nZEB and energy efficient buildings. Building energy simulation tools provide the ability to consider energy efficiency measures in buildings by predicting their behaviour under given climatic conditions and usage patterns. These tools help to predict building energy consumption and give the opportunity to compare different design options. Decisions on the use of envelope insulation, advanced glazing, natural ventilation, passive solutions, and high performance HVAC systems among many others can be taken with high confidence level. The estimated duration of the training is 30 hours. The module will be addressed mainly to engineers, architects and other building technicians.

  • Module 7: Low carbon technology and automation for nZEB

    This module will train architects and engineers in learning the technologies of the various sub-systems and installations as well as their cost and effectiveness. As in all modules, emphasis is paid to the technologies most suitable for the target countries. The module will include building automation and its contribution to the integration and support of low carbon technology and nZEBs. Design and dimensioning issues will also be addressed. Additionally, the financial performance of the energy efficiency measures on nearly zero-energy buildings will be presented. These costs will include installation, maintenance and operating costs as well as earnings from energy produced and disposal costs (if applicable). The global cost calculation method, which is described in EN 15459: Energy performance of buildings – economic evaluation procedure for energy systems in buildings, will also be presented to the trainees. The estimated duration of the training is 20 hours. The module will be addressed mainly to engineers, architects and other building technicians.

  • Module 8: Retrofitting towards nZEB

    The aim of this training module will be to educate all interested parties in the way to address the existing building stock and its possibilities for transformation into nZEB. Assessment and energy audit techniques in existing buildings are also part of the training goals as well as the cost optimality of nZEB retrofit technical solutions. This training module is addressed to the needs of engineers, architects and municipality employees. The estimated duration of the training is 40 hours.

  • Module 9: Construction management and field supervision of nZEB

    The aim of the training module will be to train the participants in construction management and field supervision according to the latest construction standards for nZEB. A Greek company with significant expertise in the area of sustainable building construction management and energy will also be subcontracted by UPATRAS to assist in the development of this module. Techniques will also be transferred from the participating front runners and especially BME. The estimated duration of the training is 40 hours.

  • Module 10: Preparation of funding schemes and other incentives for nZEB

    This training module is aimed at local and national authorities’ representatives that will participate in the corresponding sessions. It will include policy and legislation issues, financing energy efficiency retrofitting issues, citizens’ engagement issues and nZEB successful practices issues. The associated partners will be engaged in the development of this module. The aim is to make sure that the decision makers that will follow the course will be able to design new funding/promotion schemes for nZEB for the South European participating countries (EL, CY, PT, IT). The estimated duration of the training is 20 hours.

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Coordinator address

University of Patras

26500 Rion-Patras, Greece
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The sole responsibility for the content of this webpage lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union. Neither the EASME nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. ©2014 SouthZEB

Co-funded by the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme of the European Union IEE/13/393/SI2.675576