Specialist Course

Design Buildings That Give Back More Than They Take.
Net-zero building design training.

Go beyond the basics with our advanced net-zero building design training. Master HVAC optimization, renewable energy integration, building envelope performance, energy modelling tools, and carbon regulation compliance. For architects and engineers ready to lead the decarbonisation of the built environment.

45+ Hours8 ModulesIntermediate to AdvancedNet-Zero & Passive House
LEED & BREEAM AlignedSelf-Paced LearningFor Working ProfessionalsLifetime Access
What You'll Learn

Skills that transform your practice

Gain practical knowledge you can apply to your very next project.

01

Advanced HVAC Optimization

Design high-efficiency heating, cooling, and ventilation systems including heat recovery ventilation, variable refrigerant flow, and radiant systems.

02

Renewable Energy Integration

Size and specify solar PV, solar thermal, heat pumps, and wind systems. Learn to balance generation with demand for true net-zero performance.

03

Building Envelope Mastery

Advanced envelope design including Passive House-level air tightness, triple glazing specification, and thermal bridge-free construction details.

04

Energy Modelling & Simulation

Hands-on training with industry-standard energy modelling tools. Predict building performance, optimise designs, and verify compliance.

05

Carbon Regulation Compliance

Navigate evolving carbon regulations including operational carbon, embodied carbon, and whole-life carbon assessment requirements.

06

Net-Zero Retrofit Strategies

Develop retrofit roadmaps for existing buildings using the EnerPHit standard and staged deep retrofit methodology.

Full Curriculum

Course curriculum

8 comprehensive modules designed for working professionals. Study at your own pace with lifetime access.

01

Net-Zero Fundamentals & the Energy Transition

Understanding the path to net-zero in the built environment

  • Defining net-zero: operational vs embodied vs whole-life carbon
  • Global policy landscape and 2030/2050 targets
  • The energy hierarchy: reduce, reuse, generate
  • Net-zero certification frameworks (LETI, RIBA 2030)
  • Cost implications and the business case for net-zero
  • Project planning for net-zero outcomes
02

Advanced Building Envelope Design

Ultra-high-performance envelope strategies

  • Passive House envelope principles and performance targets
  • Super-insulation strategies and material selection
  • Air tightness testing and achieving <0.6 ACH@50Pa
  • Triple and quad glazing: specification and detailing
  • Thermal bridge-free construction methods
  • Moisture management in high-performance envelopes
03

HVAC Systems for Net-Zero Buildings

High-efficiency mechanical systems design

  • Heat recovery ventilation (MVHR) design and commissioning
  • Air source and ground source heat pump sizing
  • Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system design
  • Radiant heating and cooling systems
  • Demand-controlled ventilation strategies
  • System integration and controls optimisation
04

Renewable Energy Systems

On-site generation to close the energy gap

  • Solar PV system design and yield calculation
  • Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
  • Solar thermal systems for hot water
  • Small-scale wind assessment and integration
  • Battery storage and demand-side management
  • Grid interaction and power purchase agreements
05

Energy Modelling & Performance Prediction

Tools and techniques for accurate prediction

  • Introduction to dynamic thermal simulation
  • PHPP (Passive House Planning Package) methodology
  • EnergyPlus and OpenStudio workflows
  • Parametric analysis and design optimisation
  • Overheating risk assessment and mitigation
  • Performance gap: prediction vs reality
06

Embodied Carbon & Whole-Life Assessment

Accounting for the full carbon picture

  • Lifecycle stages A1-C4 and module D
  • Embodied carbon calculation tools and databases
  • Low-carbon structural systems (mass timber, low-carbon concrete)
  • Circular economy principles in construction
  • Whole-life carbon benchmarks and targets
  • EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) explained
07

Net-Zero Retrofit & Existing Buildings

Decarbonising the existing building stock

  • Building energy audit methodology
  • EnerPHit standard for retrofit projects
  • Staged deep retrofit planning
  • Internal vs external insulation strategies
  • Electrification of heating (gas boiler replacement)
  • Heritage and conservation building challenges
08

Case Studies & Capstone Project

Apply your net-zero design skills

  • Passivhaus Bruck, Austria — residential net-zero
  • Bloomberg HQ, London — commercial net-zero
  • Cornell Tech, NYC — net-zero campus
  • Capstone: Design a net-zero building to LETI targets
  • Energy balance verification and reporting
  • Peer review and professional development pathways
Who This Is For

Designed for professionals like you

Architects

Design buildings that achieve net-zero energy performance from the ground up. Lead the industry with cutting-edge knowledge.

Mechanical Engineers

Master advanced HVAC systems, heat recovery, and renewable integration for high-performance buildings.

Electrical Engineers

Design on-site renewable energy systems, smart grids, and building-integrated photovoltaics that deliver real performance.

Energy Consultants

Add net-zero design expertise to your practice and advise clients on achieving carbon neutral building targets.

Building Physicists

Deepen your understanding of building performance through advanced modelling, simulation, and envelope analysis.

Retrofit Specialists

Learn strategies to upgrade existing buildings to net-zero performance — a massive and growing market.

Student Stories

What our students say

The net-zero building design training from Verdeu filled a critical gap in my professional development. The HVAC optimisation module was exceptional — I immediately applied the heat recovery ventilation principles to a hospital project and we exceeded our energy targets by 15%. The energy modelling section was equally practical and well-structured.
DK

David Kim

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Buro Happold

As an architect working on Scandinavian projects, I thought I knew net-zero design. This course showed me how much more there is to learn, particularly around embodied carbon and whole-life assessment. The retrofit module was a revelation — it's now a core part of how we approach existing building projects.
EL

Emma Larsson

Associate Director, White Arkitekter

I've taken several net-zero courses and this is hands down the most practical. The energy modelling section doesn't just teach theory — it walks you through real workflows with PHPP and dynamic simulation tools. I now recommend it to every junior consultant who joins our team.
RP

Raj Patel

Energy Consultant, Elementa Consulting

One-Time Payment

Start learning today

Full lifetime access to all course materials, updates, and resources. No subscriptions, no hidden fees.

£99one-time
  • 8 comprehensive modules
  • Real-world case studies & exercises
  • Lifetime access to all materials
  • Future updates included free
  • Certificate of completion
  • Net-Zero & Passive House aligned curriculum
Enroll Now — £99

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What background do I need for this course?
This is an intermediate to advanced course. We recommend a working knowledge of building design or engineering fundamentals. If you're an architect, engineer, or building professional with at least 1-2 years of experience, you'll get the most value. If you're newer to the field, consider starting with our Sustainable Building Design Fundamentals course first.
Does this course teach specific energy modelling software?
Yes. Module 5 covers PHPP (Passive House Planning Package), EnergyPlus, and OpenStudio workflows. We provide walkthroughs and practical exercises with these tools. While software licenses are not included, PHPP offers a trial version and OpenStudio/EnergyPlus are free open-source tools.
Is this relevant for retrofit projects, not just new builds?
Absolutely. Module 7 is entirely dedicated to net-zero retrofit strategies, covering building energy audits, the EnerPHit standard, staged deep retrofit planning, and the unique challenges of upgrading existing buildings. This is one of the fastest-growing areas of demand in the industry.
How does this course relate to Passive House certification?
The course covers Passive House principles extensively, including envelope performance targets, MVHR design, and PHPP modelling. While it's not a Passive House Institute-certified training course, it provides excellent preparation for Passive House projects and complements official PH training.
Can I access the course materials after completion?
Yes, you have lifetime access to all course materials including any future updates. This means you can revisit modules whenever you need a refresher or when new content is added. We regularly update the course to reflect the latest standards and technologies.
Will I receive a certificate?
Upon completing all 8 modules, you'll receive a Verdeu Certificate of Completion in Net-Zero Building Design & Energy Systems. This certificate is recognized by employers in the sustainable building sector and can be shared on LinkedIn and your professional portfolio.

Ready to advance your career?

Join professionals worldwide who are building the sustainable future. Enroll today and start learning at your own pace.