Module 4

Module 4 – Maximising Sustainability in Operations


About the module

This module aligns with current compliance and industry best-practice requirements for energy efficient, sustainable HVAC design and operation.

MODULE 4 TOPICS
TOPIC 1 Sustainability and energy efficiency
Considering the benefits of sustainability and energy efficiency for various stakeholders, and why good operation and maintenance is vital to the equation.
TOPIC 2 Resource consumption in buildings
Describing the systems in a building, how they consume resources, and operational strategies for reducing energy use.
TOPIC 3 Operational strategies
Exploring how maintenance planning should be carried out to maintain the sustainability and energy efficiency of a building. The use of DA19 HVAC&R Maintenance is also discussed.
TOPIC 4 Managing sustainability
Describing the process of developing an energy management plan, including a number of case studies.

The aim is to provide the HVAC designer with a comprehensive knowledge of where and how energy is used in HVAC systems, and the tools and techniques available to assess maintenance and operational performance of systems. The module highlights where operational energy integrates into an overall energy management approach to buildings.

Learning outcomes

At the completion of this module, participants should be able to apply the techniques and strategies required to ensure that building services systems operate at maximum energy efficiency throughout their lifetime. 

The specific learning outcomes covered in this module are:

  • The benefits of maximising energy efficiency of building services systems.
  • Factors impacting energy efficient operations and maintenance.
  • Operations and maintenance of building plant to determine the effects on sustainability.
  • The effects of inadequate operations and maintenance to determine the impact on performance.
  • Analysis of prime energy sources to define energy in the context of building services systems.
  • The significance of major systems on energy consumption in buildings.
  • Information related to energy efficiency obtained from relevant building professionals.
  • The analysis of building occupant activities to determine their impact on energy efficiency.
  • The effects of inadequate maintenance and the requirement to develop suitable strategies for each type of maintenance.
  • Various types of maintenance strategies and the role of computerised maintenance management and smart management systems.
  • The importance of documenting and managing maintenance records through the use of a manual or electronic management systems.
  • The basic contents of operating and maintenance manuals to ensure service technicians, owners, and property managers receive appropriate technical information.
  • The development of maintenance schedules, report forms, and checklists to ensure compliance with service contracts.
  • The development of performance-monitoring techniques to ensure operation and maintenance processes provide systems that meet occupants’ and/or tenants’ expectations, including the importance of recommissioning and building tuning.
  • Benefits of energy management to inform work practices
  • Energy management plans to support a structured approach to the ongoing management and review of energy consumption of buildings and building services.
  • Targets to measure the performance of the commitment to saving energy.
  • Use tracking and monitoring systems to provide energy profiles.
  • Analysis of energy bills/accounts to confirm accurate charging, track energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions to identify inefficiencies.
  • Tracking energy usage and efficiency over time to reconcile energy bills and identify opportunities to implement energy-saving measures.
  • Identification of energy-saving opportunities and implementation of basic maintenance energy saving practices.

Explore modules 1, 2, and 3 using the links below or return to the program page.


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