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Net Zero Homes: Designing for Thermal Performance

Master the practical rules of passive solar design to create comfortable, high-performance Net Zero homes that maximize energy efficiency and livability.

Created byPointsbuild
BeginnerUpdated Mar 3, 2026

What You'll Learn

  • check_circleApply the five rules of passive solar design.
  • check_circleMaster home orientation for optimal solar gain.
  • check_circleSelect high-performance windows using U-values.
  • check_circleOptimize insulation and airtightness layers.
  • check_circleUtilize thermal mass to regulate temperature.
  • check_circleDesign effective natural ventilation paths.

About This Course

Unlock the secrets to sustainable construction with the course Net Zero Homes: Designing for Thermal Performance. Presented by Jeremy Spencer, an experienced builder and thermal performance assessor, this comprehensive program guides you through the essential principles of designing and building homes that are comfortable, healthy, and environmentally responsible.

The building industry plays a massive role in global carbon emissions, but it also holds the key to the solution. With the trajectory of construction heading toward zero energy and carbon readiness, this course moves beyond basic theory to provide practical rules of thumb and actionable strategies. You will learn how to bridge the gap between architectural design and on-ground performance to create homes that achieve 7, 8, or even 10-star energy ratings.

A key focus of this course is teaching you how to use house energy rating software (NatHERS) as a proactive design tool rather than a mere compliance check. Whether you are working in cool climates or the tropics, you will gain the confidence to offer carbon-responsible products to a marketplace demanding cheaper running costs and a lighter environmental footprint. Join us to learn how to design and build the homes of the future, today.

Course Content

2 activities • 4 videos • duration: 1h 48m

  • videocamNet Zero Homes and Course Overview
    Duration 11:39

Your Instructors

Pointsbuild

Professional Development Courses

menu_book5 courses
star40 reviews

Launched in 2007, Pointsbuild became Australia’s first dedicated online continuing professional development (CPD) training provider for the Built Environment. We have since expanded our offering into Association and Membership Bodies, Allied Health, Social Services, and the Public Sectors with a library of nearly 200 online self-paced courses, selling and delivering in excess of 30,000 courses each month.

Jeremy Spencer

Director/Builder/Energy Rater at Positive Footprints

For almost 20 years Jeremy has been a Registered Builder, Thermal Assessor and Director at design & build company Positive Footprints. Positive Footprints have won multiple awards for sustainability and worked to show that energy efficient sustainable design and high performance construction is a cost effective option and can be a mainstream reality. An educator and former GreenLiving lecturer in an earlier life, Jeremy is founding member of Builders Declare, and currently sits on the Design Matters Board, the Sustainability Hub, and the NatHERS Stakeholder Consultative Group.

Credit Information

Professional development requirements vary by profession, country, and regulatory body. Before enrolling, review the course details and confirm that the content, learning format, and any listed credits meet your specific requirements. You are responsible for confirming eligibility with your regulator or professional association and keeping the records required for reporting.

What Students Are Saying

4.9 out of 5
Student's Choice
35 reviews
  • GU
    Grace U.
    starstarstarstarstar

    A great presentation, a lot of graphics and clear explanation.

  • JL
    Johnny Wing Wah L.
    starstarstarstarstar

    yes ., this is an introductory course for beginner

  • JJ
    Jean-Francois J.
    starstarstarstarstar

    Decent, better than a lot of your other videos

  • GC
    Gareth C.
    starstarstarstarstar

    I enjoyed being reminded of such an important issues and have the clarity and backup information to support the issues

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 300+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 27 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.

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