About this course
This free online energy efficient building course discusses the architectural design strategies for low-energy, pollution-free, healthy and comfortable indoor environments. It begins by looking at the current energy consumption scenario and the related terminologies and definitions. This leads you to the specific requirements for energy-efficient building design in terms of materials, equipment and practices. You will learn about the different factors and components of a building which contribute towards heat gain and how they can be optimized through design and material selection. You will also learn about the electricity-consuming equipment installed inside a building which can be controlled and made to consume less electricity; in compliance with the Green Building Rating Programs. Next, you will be introduced to the concept of Net Zero Buildings with examples and case studies. This will be followed by the concept of indoor pollution, the causes, the effects and how it can be managed to meet the indoor air quality regulatory standards. You will learn about the unhealthy volatile organic compounds released by the materials used on indoor surfaces and the role of natural and mechanical ventilation in maintaining the indoor air quality. Finally, you will learn how to design building interiors for thermal and visual comfort. The importance of health, safety and general well-being of the occupants are taken into consideration through the various parameters, standards and compliance approaches. This includes the design of the space, furniture, acoustics, aesthetics and connectivity between the indoor and outdoor areas. Although largely addressed towards undergraduate students, all others who want to learn about sustainable and green building concepts and who are planning to go ahead in the field of green building design and implementation, will greatly benefit from this energy efficient building course. Why wait, start this course today! You’ll explore the complete GI toolkit, including rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, permeable pavements, urban trees, and infiltration systems, and learn how they function as green stormwater infrastructure. Step by step, you’ll cover decision-making across municipalities, the roles of planners, engineers, utilities, and consultants, plus the design principles that keep projects credible. Expect a clear view of performance goals, site constraints, and data that support better choices, such as rainfall intensity, soils, topography, and drainage networks. You’ll also tackle maintenance planning and community buy-in early. Because even the best design can fail at the approval stage, you’ll dig into policy frameworks, governance, and legislation that support GI, including regulatory tools tied to low-impact development and regional planning. You’ll examine real-world outcomes, from improved water quality and reduced flood risk to cooler neighborhoods and stronger public spaces, while also learning what can go wrong and how to prevent it. By the end, you’ll be ready to evaluate proposals, shape standards, and build scalable GI programs for sustainable, resilient cities. Enroll now and turn runoff problems into greener urban wins.