Target GroupsThe domestic/residential sector accounts for 25% of all energy used in Ireland. Increased energy prices and availability of new technology, designs and systems has stimulated significant demand for information and training in the field of sustainable energy. There is a need to reduce energy consumption and replace traditional fossil fuels with more sustainable energy sources.
This programme, will deal with renewable energy heating systems, small-scale renewable energy electricity systems and passive solar and sustainable building design with a specific focus on the domestic/residential sector. The programme is targeted at:
- Architects, builders, engineers and others involved in the building sector
- Trades people in relevant areas
- Individuals with an interest in energy and sustainability
Students will study how buildings can be designed or retrofitted to harvest the sun’s energy and the various choices of building materials and methods that can be used from a sustainability perspective. For the relevant technologies, the programme will take the participant through the entire design cycle from site evaluation, choice of technology, system component selection, load analysis and through to a completed version 1 design. It will focus on combining Rational Use of Energy with Renewable Energy Technologies and Systems.
Distinctiveness of the Programme:Small-scale renewable energy is part of a particular culture which values energy independence, energy self-sufficiency and the environment. The programme is based on such a philosophical premise, but focuses on design and critical evaluation of technologies. Lectures, video showings, discussions, software simulations and field trips are all integral to delivery.
This programme has been developed following the success of the Advanced Certificate in Renewable Energy Development programme which has been running since 2001 and deals with medium to large scale systems. The Certificate in Domestic Sustainable Energy programme now caters for those who wish to focus on small scale systems for the domestic/residential sector.