INTRODUCTION
The Award NZEB Fundamental Awareness programme provides learners with a practical introduction to the principles and requirements of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). It is designed to help construction workers, craftworkers, apprentices, supervisors and others involved in the built environment understand what makes a building energy efficient and how their individual work contributes to the overall performance of the finished building.
The programme explores NZEB principles, building regulations, energy performance, building physics, the building envelope and energy services. It also highlights the importance of communication and coordination between trades, suppliers and customers when delivering energy-efficient buildings.
No specific previous qualification is required, making the programme accessible to learners who want to develop their understanding of modern energy-efficient construction. The qualification has been developed by ICTC, accredited by NCFE as a Customised Qualification and benchmarked at Level 1. Learners must successfully complete all seven mandatory units to receive an NCFE certificate of achievement.
MODULE OVERVIEW
INDUCTION
Introduces the purpose of the NZEB Fundamental Awareness programme and the role of energy-efficient construction. Learners explore the benefits of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings and consider the practical challenges involved in achieving the required standards.
THE NZEB CONCEPT AND PRINCIPLES
Explains the concept of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings and how NZEB requirements relate to Irish Building Regulations. Learners are introduced to Energy Performance Coefficients, Carbon Performance Coefficients and the regulated energy loads considered when assessing a building.
DEMONSTRATING NZEB COMPLIANCE
Examines how compliance is demonstrated through a building’s calculated energy performance. Learners are introduced to the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) and develop an understanding of how regulated energy loads contribute to the overall energy performance of a dwelling.
BUILDING PHYSICS AND ENERGY PERFORMANCE
Introduces the laws of physics that influence the performance of the built environment. The module explores heat, moisture, condensation, mould formation and air movement, helping learners understand how building design and construction decisions affect comfort, durability and energy efficiency.
CONTINUITY OF THE BUILDING ENVELOPE
Explores the importance of maintaining a continuous and effective building envelope. Learners examine continuous insulation, thermal bridging, air permeability, windows and doors, including how poor detailing or breaks in the building fabric can lead to heat loss, condensation and reduced building performance.
BUILDING ENERGY SERVICES
Provides an introduction to the systems that support heating, hot water and controlled ventilation in energy-efficient dwellings. Topics include pipework insulation, wastewater heat recovery and the differences between Continuous Mechanical Extract Ventilation (CMEV) and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR).
COMMUNICATION AND INTERFACING
Highlights the importance of effective communication between tradespeople, suppliers, contractors and customers. Learners explore communication methods, the interaction between different building systems and how decisions made by one trade can affect the work of others and the overall energy performance of a building.
PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES
Upon successful completion, learners may:
01: Progress to further training in NZEB, domestic retrofit or energy-efficient construction.
02: Undertake trade-specific courses in areas such as insulation, airtightness, ventilation, heat pumps or building energy services.
03: Use the qualification to support entry into construction, retrofit or property-maintenance training.
04: Apply their knowledge when working alongside different trades on new-build and retrofit projects.
05: Continue developing the technical and communication skills required within the sustainable construction sector.
06: Use the NCFE certificate of achievement as evidence of the knowledge gained through the programme.
COURSE INFORMATION
Qualification: Award NZEB Fundamental Awareness
Qualification Reference: CQ11726
Level: Benchmarked at Level 1
Duration: 8 guided learning hours
Total Qualification Time: 30 hours
Units: 7 mandatory units
Assessment: Internally assessed end-of-unit tests with external quality assurance
Entry Requirements: No specific prior learning requirements; learners should be aged 16 or over
Award: NCFE Customised Qualification Certificate of Achievement
Lessons:
