Outline

Overview

The aim of the unit is to acquaint students with the range of analytical and design tools available for low energy building design; to provide the opportunity for students to become proficient at using some of these tools. Among the techniques and tools explored are: climate data analysis; graphical and model techniques for solar studies; steady state and dynamic heat flow analysis; simplified methods for sizing passive solar elements; computer models of thermal performance; modelling ventilation; estimating energy consumption. Emphasis is given to tools which assist the design of the building fabric rather than building systems. At the end of the unit it is expected that students will: be aware of the importance of quantitative analysis in the design of low energy buildings; have an understanding of the theoretical basis of a range of analytical techniques; be familiar with the range of techniques available for building energy analysis; be able to apply many of these to design analysis; be familiar with the range of thermal analysis computer software available; and be able to use a software package to analyse the thermal performance of a typical small scale building. All of the assignments are designed to provide students with hands-on experience of each of the analysis tools.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BPSD5040
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ozgur Gocer, ozgur.gocer@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Sumedh Kulkarni, sumedh.kulkarni@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Indoor thermal comfort and daylight performance analysis of a building Written with non-written elements	60%	Formal exam period Due date: 05 May 2025 at 23:59	A2 x 10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance	Attendance Students are required to meet the minimum 90% attendance to pass this unit.	0%	Multiple weeks	Duration of class
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A sensitivity analysis of building envelope Written with non-written elements	40%	Week 08 Due date: 15 Apr 2025 at 23:59	A2 x 10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Sensitivity analysis of a building envelope: The purpose of this task is to establish your understanding of integrated design, modeling, and basic analysis processes by using energy analysis software tool DesignBuilder. You are required to model and perform a sensitivity analysis of the building envelope and daylight performance of a selected building design.
Indoor thermal comfort and energy performance analysis of a building: The assessment aims to improve the thermal comfort in each of the day time and night time use spaces or thermal zones. This improvement is to be determined by reducing the number of discomfort hours when compared to an initial design.
Attendance: Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have approved special consideration may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction an excellent standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with the University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022, for every calendar day up to and including 10 calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to the late work. For work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	• Unit Introduction • Building energy systems and building performance simulation tools • Energy modeling in the building design process and practices in AU • Energy simulation & Introduction to Design Builder	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to DesignBuilder Introduction to Assessment 1 Creating sun path diagrams for an existing building for different climates and orientations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Heat transfer through building envelope	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	The effect of building construction systems (walls, roof/ceiling, etc) and glazing system performance (U-value, SHGC and VLT)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Windows and Shading device design	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Shading device design	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Visual Comfort	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Daylight analysis	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Natural Ventilation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Window operability, ventilation effectiveness, passive solar heating/cooling, including interpretation of the psychrometric chart, and user controls	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Thermal comfort	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Thermal comfort analysis with the proposed scenarios	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

1. Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022

Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study unless granted exemption.

2.Students are required to submit an application for special consideration if they need an extension for an assignment.

3.Special consideration is only applicable for short-term circumstances that are beyond your control, such as illness, injury or misadventure. UoS Coordinators can permit a simple extension under special circumstances.

4.More information and details available at:
http://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration-and-arrangements.html

5.Unless a special consideration is approved or a disability adjustment is granted, penalties apply to late submissions: http://sydney.edu.au/architecture/documents/CS/forms/latesubattendance.pdf

6.Turnitin similarity matching software must be used for all assignments. It can only accept files 40 MB or less

7.Reference any material that is not yours.

8. All instances of Academic dishonesty will be reported.

9. For more details on Academic Appeals, please see: http://sydney.edu.au/student_affairs/academic_appeals/process.shtml

10. Students must acknowledge all sources of feedback, editing, and proof-reading.

11. More information and details available at:
http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

1- Magoulès, Frédéric, and Hai‐Xiang Zhao. “Overview of Building Energy Analysis.” Data Mining and Machine Learning in Building Energy Analysis. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2016. 1–16. Web.

2- Hensen, Jan, and Roberto Lamberts. Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation . Second edition. Abingdon, Oxon ;: Routledge, 2019. Web.

3- Wilde, Pieter. Building Performance Analysis. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2018. Web.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. generate a grounded unique insight into the sustainable design of buildings
LO2. learn independently based on investigation of issues relating to sustainable design
LO3. demonstrate a developed interest in and awareness of the well founded knowledge of sustainable design for buildings and their environment
LO4. apply critical reasoning to the issues of the design of environment and independent, informed technical judgement of buildings
LO5. evaluate opinions from literature in the field, make design decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for those decisions made
LO6. collect, analyse and organise information and ideas regarding buildings, their design development, detailing, and relationship to the environment, and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Thank you for your valuable feedback. We appreciate your insights, and the suggested changes will be incorporated to improve the learning experience.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DESC9015: Building Energy Analysis

Semester 1, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links