Master Programme in Energy-efficient and Environmental Building Design

Buildings are responsible for a large share of our global energy use. Energy use is in fact the main determinant of a building s global environmental footprint, considering its total life span. The environmental degradation caused by the construction and operation of buildings should be minimised as much as possible. This new Master´s programme is timely due to the issue of global warming and other environmental risks related to global energy use. Lund University is internationally renowned for high quality research related to energy-efficient buildings. The expertise at Lund University is centred on a whole building perspective taking into account the need of the inhabitants, as well as their comfort and health.

The Master´s programme will greatly benefit from advanced research at Lund University and by strong links established with the building industry. This Master´s programme will provide knowledge, skills and competence about energy-efficient, environmental building design in cold climates. The ultimate goal is to train highly skilled professionals, who will significantly contribute and influence the design, building or renovation of energy-efficient buildings, taking into consideration the architecture and environment, the inhabitants behaviour and needs, their health and comfort as well as the overall economy. The building sector is in need of professionals who are competent in these areas.

Each of the three first terms will consist of two theme-specific courses and one larger applied course. The themes studied each term will be directly applied in the practical course where you will work in small teams to design energy-efficient buildings, and analyse the consequences of your various design alternatives using an integrated design process.

This Master´s programme involves teachers from different departments at Lund University. The main ones are: Dept of Architecture and Built Environment (Divisions of Energy and Building Design, and Environmental Psychology), Dept of Building and Environmental Technology (Divisions of Building Physics and Building Services) and the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE).

Career prospects

The global work market´s need of professionals within this area is obvious due to environmental risks and increasingly demanding building regulations. There is a need of developments and skills related to energyefficient building design, with professionals who can rapidly lead the building industry and municipalities into a sustainable future. As a graduate from this Master´s programme, you will be able to work in design teams responsible for energy and environmental issues, and take the lead as key person in companies and municipalities pursuing energy and environmental aspects with a whole-building perspective in mind. You will also be eligible to pursue your studies at the doctoral level.