Module 6A - Airtightness: retrofit of homes

This course is designed to emphasise the importance of hands-on, experiential learning, ensuring that participants not only understand the theory behind net zero and low-energy homes but also gain practical experience in applying these principles. The course content covers the principles and overview of building physics including overheating, embodied and operational carbon, life cycle of building materials, water (including suds), biodiversity/ecology and waste.

The course covers the basic principles of PAS2030 and PAS2035 in the Welsh context and the application of BS7913.

The module covers the need to monitor and report carbon emissions from construction activities. It focuses on the implementation: operation and end-of-life of project: and identifies ways that carbon emissions can be reduced through these phases. Reducing the environmental impact by focusing on sustainable practices. circular economy principles in both new build and retrofit projects. Circular Economy represents a shift from the traditional linear economy to a model which encourages sustainability and waste reduction.

This module addresses the practicalities of installing heat pumps: solar PV, and batteries in social housing, covering tenant engagement, system design, permissions, installation, commissioning, and handover.

This module introduces new build concepts, covering energy efficiency, heat demand, heat loss, U-values, psi-values, the energy performance gap, thermal bridging, airtightness methods, and quality assurance methods.

This module provides an overview of common modern construction methods, their pros and cons, documented problems, and expected advances in the near to mid-term future.

This module covers the purpose and role of ventilation in homes, including indoor air quality, importance of ventilation in airtight buildings, overview of ventilation strategies, system-specific ventilation, key stages for successful performance outcomes (including maintenance), compliance with Building Regulations and PAS 2030/2035, and providing information to residents.

This module emphasises the importance of achieving good building performance outcomes in retrofitting and constructing new homes, helping learners understand its significance.