Join trainer Lucy Pedler of The Green Register for a live online 2.5 hour session (including Q&A) outlining the basic principles of sustainable building and building physics. 

 Architects – do you need to meet the new ARB CPD requirements on Environmental Sustainability? See below for how this training meets those needs.

About the series

Join us for a new series on four of the key areas of sustainable design for those who are looking for clear, concise and unbiased information at an introductory level. 

There are two dates for this series, each of which comprises two separate subjects: 

About this session

Topic 1: Introduction to Sustainable Building Practices 

This is a concise, easy-to-understand introduction to the key issues surrounding sustainable building practices before exploring more specific technical topics.    

Sustainable Building topics covered: 

• Global issues 
• National issues  
• Essential definitions  
• Key issues relating to heat loss: 
  • Solid wall insulation; IWI & EWI  
  • Roof and floor insulation 
  • Thermal mass 
  • Windows & doors 
• Moisture movement, airtightness, indoor air quality and ventilation 
• Low carbon technologies 
• Interior finishes, wellbeing & healthy buildings 
• Reducing water use 
• Overheating 
• Materials and reducing waste 
• Heritage issues 

Topic 2: Introduction to Building Physics  

The art and science of building physics is a term that describes an understanding of how buildings respond to moisture, heat, light and air movement. This concept, together with ‘The Whole House’ approach, looks at buildings in a holistic way and how one measure can affect other measures. 

By bringing together all the key aspects of building physics we can build safely, healthily and sustainably. However, sometimes the terms used can be a bit mysterious…what’s the difference between a breathable and a hygroscopic building material for example? 

This part of the session will explain some of the terms used and the science behind them. 

Building Physics topics covered: 

• the whole house approach 
• fabric first 
• breathability 
• hygroscopicity 
• moisture risk in buildings 
• ventilation strategies 
• airtightness 
• heat loss 
• interstitial condensation 
• avoiding unintended consequences 
• appropriate building materials 

Programme 

11.00-12.00: Topic 1: Introduction to Sustainable Building Practices 

12.00-12.10: Q&A 

12.10-12.20: break 

12.20-13.20: Topic 2: Introduction to Building Physics 

13.20-13.30: Q&A 

Who is this session for? 

The session is ideal for anyone looking for an introduction to sustainable building and building physics; the training offers ideal foundation knowledge for any professional, including architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors and builders, as well as householders and energy assessors, and all with an interest in sustainable building. 

Architects – need to meet the new ARB CPD requirements on Environmental Sustainability? 

This session meets the following ARB topic areas under Environmental Sustainability at an introductory level: SA1&2; SB1,2,3 and several of the design principles listed under SB4; SC1&2; SD2&3. 

About the trainer

Lucy Pedler, BA Arch, Dip Arch 

Lucy is an architect with 34 years of professional experience in the UK and USA and has particular expertise in sustainable building practices. Lucy created The Green Register in 2000, now a nationwide networking and educational not-for-profit organisation promoting sustainable building practices to all disciplines of the construction industry. 

In 1999, Lucy started her own sustainable architecture practice, archipeleco, designing buildings that have a low impact on the environment. In 2005, Paul McWilliams joined archipeleco to then create develeco limited, a company exclusively self-funded to offer refurbishments of existing buildings - usually in very poor condition - and transform the properties into sustainable, beautiful buildings fit for 21st century living. 

Lucy has had a lifelong passion for low impact buildings and was recognised as an Earth Champion in 2015. She is also very keen on land-based travel, often on a bike (not surprising given her surname).