As global temperatures rise, the ability to predict and mitigate the impact of climate change on the built environment is a vital professional skill. This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the physical basis of climate change and its potential global impacts on urban areas. Students will master the transition from climate mitigation—reducing CO2 emissions through energy performance—to climate adaptation, ensuring buildings remain resilient to future risks such as overheating and urban heat island effects.
As a core component of the MSc Net Zero Buildings, this module bridges the gap between high-level climate science and practical applications in building and urban design. You will learn to use advanced computer modelling and IPCC-aligned Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) to simulate how buildings will perform environmentally and ecologically under future climatic conditions. Working with AI-integrated industry-standard tools like DesignBuilder, you will conduct climate-proofing assessments, testing energy-efficient and climate-resilient retrofit options. Your learning culminates in a technical group report that delivers data-driven strategies for eco-refurbishment, providing the expertise needed to design the next generation of truly Net Zero and resilient buildings.
The module is delivered through a total of 36 scheduled hours, structured to provide students with the following:
•Lectures (21 hours): These sessions deliver the core theoretical and practical framework of the module.
•Tutorials (15 hours): These are interactive sessions focused on the application of industry-standard tools and design-led analysis.
This structure supports the development of technical expertise in building performance and climate adaptation, ensuring graduates possess the skills needed for the transition to net-zero and climate-resilient buildings