Topic 1: Analysis of Climate Datasets
Climate is first examined from a global perspective: what are the variations in climate across the Earth and why do they occur? The collection of data on key climate parameters, e.g. irradiation, temperature and humidity is described. Monitored climate data forms the basis for standard datasets (e.g. TRY, TMY2) that are used in building simulation. A quantitative analysis of these standard datasets for a number of locales is carried out to reveal the prevailing climate characteristics for each locale. Spreadsheet tools are used to derive summary metrics and frequency histograms for key climate parameters from the standard datasets.

Topic 2: Interaction Between Climate and Buildings
The energy saving potential of a building depends to a large degree on the local solar microclimate, which itself is influenced by the building's form and that of the surroundings. The relation between built form and solar microclimate is investigated using a series of irradiation mapping examples for various building forms/orientations. Notions of thermal mass are introduced using the 'tent' versus 'pyramid' paradigm. Students anticipate how various buildings might perform under different climatic conditions.

Topic 3: Principles of Solar Control and Daylighting Design
Traditional and novel design principles for solar control and daylighting are presented. Their effect on the energy performance of buildings is described. The potential for solar penetration and daylighting is related to the built form and the building fabric. Spatial and temporal patterns in solar penetration and daylighting are anticipated for a range of building types from previous work on climate data and local solar microclimate. The distinction between domestic and non-domestic buildings is made in terms of the form, fabric and operation of the buildings and how these relate to solar control and daylighting. Passive and active measures for solar control and daylighting are described.

Topic 4: Simulation I
The sun casting and daylight factor approaches for simulation modelling of, respectively, solar penetration and daylighting are presented. The data requirements for each simulation approach are described. Students learn to formulate the evaluation scenario and to carry out simulations using both approaches. The implications of the sun casting analysis for thermal comfort and heating/cooling requirements are anticipated. Students estimate daylight availability from simulated daylight factor values and data from the TRY.

Topic 5: Simulation II
The original concept for a building design is usually refined a number of times. Students learn how to effectively prepare for and manage a series of simulations to investigate several design variants for a building. In particular, the sensitivity of solar and daylighting performance to methodical changes in building parameters is investigated. Students are shown how to communicate their findings in a 'design team' setting and how to prepare and present results effectively.