Professional development programs
Design of Sustainable HVAC Systems
Delivering and operating a sustainable HVAC system is dependent on accurate and well-documented design, and
the transference of that design to installers, commissioners, operators, and users. A documented design
decision process and the use of digital design tools facilitates transparency. This provides opportunities
for improved system integration, analysis, and operation.
This module deals with the design of sustainable HVAC systems. It relies on other modules for design
principles; code, standard, and rating tool compliance; and operational sustainability.
The design process and, more importantly, the design record that conveys the design intent to all parties is
essential to realising energy-efficient sustainable design throughout the life of the building. Design
pricing documentation may not be sufficient to convey all this information, so consideration should be given
to additional design record documentation – schematic diagrams, user guides, digital methods, and
operational design reviews.
The abundance of information, new equipment, design tools, and many competing factors will lead to different
energy-efficient solutions being applicable to various projects. Designers of energy-efficient sustainable
HVAC should continue to consider new design solutions, and challenge existing designs for applicability and
opportunities for efficiency improvement.
Course length
24 months (full qualification) / five months (per module)
Part of a Professional Diploma
This is Module 3 of AIRAH's Professional Diploma in Sustainable HVAC Design and Operation.
Topic 1 - Design documentation
Exploring the stages of design, types of documentation, and workplace requirements with respect to
commissioning, operation, and maintenance.
Topic 2 - Design safety and review
Reviewing the safe design process, commissioning, and building operator reviews, as well as compliance
recording for coordination, industry standards, building codes, and energy/environmental rating tools.
Topic 3 - Calculations, options analysis, and records
Specifically reviewing important elements of the calculation process and the need for design records. Also
outlining the use of psychrometrics as a calculation tool and analysing important issues related to option
analysis as part of the design process. Stakeholder assessment is considered as part of the sustainable
design process, as well as the iterative process of design review, feedback incorporation, and change
management.
Topic 4 - Digital design tools and systems
Exploring the use of digital design tools and systems to assist in the design process, enable design
information transference, control HVAC systems, provide connectivity for analysis, and offer more intelligent
control and digital mimicking of buildings.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of this module, participants should have a good understanding of the design processes, tools,
and documentation for sustainable HVAC systems from a process, documentation, and problem-solving perspective.
Specific learning outcomes covered in this module:
-
The process and stages of design is defined to establish sustainable design methods.
- The types of project documentation are defined, developed, and confirmed with appropriate stakeholders
as required.
- Plans and specifications are reviewed to ensure sustainable outcomes.
- Design information – including commissioning, operation, maintenance, and user information – is
established for workplace requirements.
- Safety in design is incorporated to ensure safe serviceability operability and construction, including
Safe Design Reports.
- Sustainable design is documented according to project requirements and organisational policies and
procedures.
- Computations and other supporting evidence are appropriately recorded to support design.
- Outcomes from psychrometric analysis report are confirmed and applied to system design.
- Sustainable design is presented and assessed with key stakeholders to facilitate improvements.
- Alterations to the design resulting from feedback are implemented as required.
- Final design is documented and submitted to client for approval.
- Digital design tools and systems are considered in relation to improved design, information transfer,
control, monitoring, and operational feedback.
Program fees (inc. GST)
Your program fees include access to the online classroom environment and all online topic resources.
Registration
Online registration is available for the for the AIRAH accredited Professional Diploma in Sustainable HVAC
Design and Operation and individual modules within.
Alternatively, please complete the registration form and return it to [email protected].