Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation

Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation is offered as a major field of study in the Master of Environment degree.

Energy modelling and implementation for buildings has become an important area in the light of growing concerns about climate change, energy security and the general need to adopt more sustainable practices. Despite the obvious need for people with such knowledge, there is a severe shortage of people that are trained in energy modelling who have the capacity to interpret the modelling results to effective practice. The realms of energy knowledge required include heating and cooling requirements, as well as use of day lighting and natural lighting. These skills are crucial to being able to reduce the risk in the integration of innovative sustainability initiatives, this risk reduction centres on assurances of performance and delivery of desired sustainability outcomes.

Energy modelling is a key tool for the development and adoption of energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. This course develops the skills of complex modelling informed by an understanding of the results ensuring the graduate has the ability to both interpret and communicate outcomes effectively. Units of study include a mix of building management, architecture, engineering, management, and education and communication subjects.

Students who complete the Master of Environment will have:

• Knowledge to undertake professional practice in environment or sustainability, including:
  • Specialised knowledge in an environmental discipline or field of practice, including knowledge of recent developments in this field
  • Knowledge of the cross-disciplinary nature of environmental issues and professional practice to promote sustainable futures
  • Knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to specialist field of environmental inquiry
• Skills for collaborative and creative problem solving in environmental practice, including:
  • Ability to critically analyse and synthesise environmental knowledge
  • Ability to envision environmental change and propose pathways to realise this change
  • Ability to communicate complex environmental knowledge and research effectively to a range of audiences
  • Ability to work effectively in cross-disciplinary teams
  • Technical skills for professional practice and research in field of specialisation
• Demonstrated capacity to:
  • Exercise well developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner in an environmental discipline or professional field
  • Plan and execute a substantial project in an area of environmental research or practice

Upon successful completion of the Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation major, students will be able to:

• Work in multi-disciplinary groups;
• Understand the outcome of modelling and be able to both communicate and integrate them into project development and management;
• Use results as part of business case development; and
• Carry out the modelling or interpret the modelling of complex building with innovative environmental initiatives from passive design, complex facades, natural lighting and heating and cooling systems.

Students will be required to complete two subjects core to the degree (Sustainability, Governance and Leadership, and Interdisciplinarity and Environment), and four subjects compulsory to the specialisation. Students in the 200 point pathway willapply this knowledge to a project including research of alternative retrofit options, testing, analysis and scholarly writing of the results. This research or internship project subject will be selected from a list of available research project subjects and must have a minimum weight of 12.5 points. Students in the 100 point pathway will not normally be required to complete this component. Students choose subjects from a recommended list of electives to make up the balance of the award. The selection of electives is made in consultation with the Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation major coordinators. A full list of subjects available within this specialisation can be found here:

http://environment.unimelb.edu.au/courses/streams/energy_efficiency_modelling_and_implementation

Core Subjects

Students must take the following core subjects:

Compulsory Specialisation Subjects

Students must complete the following compulsory specialisation subjects

Compulsory Capstone Experience

Students must complete at least 12.5 points from the following compulsory capstone subjects - please note that if you select either a 25 or 50 point subject that spreads across two semesters you must enrol into the subject in both semesters (your student centre will be able to assist with this). Students completing the 100 point pathway will normally be exempt from this requirement.

Elective Subjects

Students should make up the balance of the award with electives. Subjects in the list below are recommended. Other subjects may be taken with the approval of stream coordinator.

Other subjects may be approved at the discretion of the coordinators.