nZEB in Practice

A one-day course undertaken in the Saint-Gobain Technical Academy, Dublin.

Attendees of the course will attain a comprehensive overview of the fundamental requirements to achieve compliance with the latest nZEB building energy standards set out by the current Building Regulation. This course forms part of a three-part suite of complimentary courses delivered by the Technical Academy. In conjunction with our E-Learning Hub webinar “A brief but detailed look at airtightness” and Build Hub course “A practical approach to airtightness”, they can provide attendees with a core understanding of the standards required to achieve a Passive House building and a potential pathway to go forward and attain further recognition as a Certified Passive House Tradesperson. 

The course covers all aspects of the required building energy performances related to, and how Building Regulation compliance should be demonstrated. Recognising the benefits of ensuring a primarily fabric first approach to residential buildings balanced with the buildings heating and mechanical services, including contribution from renewable sources. Key topics include Insulation, Airtightness, Thermal Bridging and Ventilation. Ensuring that attendees understand the importance of integrating all elements in a coherent manner to offer high quality comfortable buildings with good levels of air quality without causing undue risks with overheating or condensation. 

Attendance requirements 

Experience - It is beneficial (but not essential) if attendees have a basic knowledge of construction principles. No previous drylining experience required 

PPE – N/A to this course 

Course Content 

• nZEB as a concept and a standard of energy efficiency 

• Comparing nZEB to Passive 

• Demonstrating compliance through DEAP 

• Comparing DEAP to PHPP the basics 

• Continuity is key – the interaction of insulation, airtightness and vapour control 

• The importance of minimisng thermal bridging 

• The glazing effect – impact on performance and comfort 

• Space heating, water heating and renewables. 

• Avoiding condensation risks 

• Air quality and ventilation 

• Joined up thinking, joined up approach 

Certified Passive House Tradesperson – Building Envelope 

There are many similarities between the standards and building physics principles of nZEB when compared to those required to achieve Passive House Standards. The Saint-Gobain Technical Academy has structured its nZEB course and two of its Airtightness courses to ensure that all the key learning objectives required by the Certified Passive House Tradesperson – Building Envelope qualification have been addressed. Attendance to all three of our free to attend training courses (as referenced) can provide the learning platform for a candidate to put themselves forward to sit the Certified Passive House Tradesperson – Building Envelope examination.  

• nZEB in Practice 
• A brief but detailed look at airtightness 
• A practical approach to airtightness