Net Zero Homes: Building to Achieve On-site High Performance

Bridge the critical gap between energy-efficient design and practical construction in the course Net Zero Homes: Building to Achieve On-site High Performance. While a high star rating looks impressive on paper, achieving that performance requires meticulous attention to detail on the job site. This course takes you on a comprehensive tour of standard construction stages, identifying common pitfalls where thermal performance is often compromised and providing actionable control measures to prevent them.

You will be introduced to the Builder's Thermal Performance Checklist, a vital quality control tool designed to guide construction teams from the base stage through to handover. The content examines the physical realities of installation, framing, and rough-ins, demonstrating how to manage insulation compression, eliminate thermal bridges, and ensure airtightness. Through real-world examples and thermal imaging evidence, you will learn how to align the construction team's efforts with the NatHERS build assumptions to ensure the final build matches the design intent.

Key learning outcomes and topics covered include:

• Understanding NatHERS build assumptions and the builder's responsibility in meeting them.
• Implementing the Builder's Thermal Performance Checklist to mitigate risk at every stage.
• Managing insulation integrity during footing, frame, and rough-in stages to prevent wind washing, gaps, and compression.
• Identifying and resolving thermal bridging issues in corners, junctions, and steel beams.
• Best practices for lockup, including window selection and the proper application of wraps and membranes.
• Executing the pre-plaster check and fix stage to seal penetrations behind cabinetry, cavity sliders, and cornices.
• Utilizing verification tools such as thermal imaging cameras and blower door tests to confirm quality and airtightness.

This course is essential for builders, project managers, and designers who want to ensure their high-performance designs are executed correctly. By mastering these on-site techniques and fostering a culture of quality, you can deliver homes that are comfortable, energy-efficient, and fully compliant with their rated performance.