International Expert on training program of Energy Efficient Building Design and Integrated Building Design Approach (IBDA)

The objective of the UNDP-GEF full size project is to reverse the existing trends and reduce consumption of electrical and thermal energy and associated GHG emissions in new and reconstructed, primarily residential buildings in Armenia. As part of a broader development strategy to promote energy-efficient building design and technology in Armenia the project envisages delivery of a comprehensive training program for building professionals on IBDA and energy efficient products and technologies. Energy-efficient design is a critical building block for sustainable built environment and the central role in that is designated to the architects. The building construction industry is one of largest employers, employing a mix of technical specialists, skilled and unskilled personnel. The IBDA implementation is dependent also from the knowledge and skills of engineers and technicians specialized in mechanical and electrical engineering, HVAC, plumbing, glazing and insulation industry, etc. The ultimate goal of applying IBDA is to achieve high performance and multiple benefits at a lower cost than the total for all the components combined if these were considered separately. Professional education and training process needs to focus on aligning the curriculum content for students and practical training (with relevant training package) for practicing architects/designers in order to allow these professionals to be in line with current demand in the market and international standards and best practice. Architecture curriculum is developed and monitored by national organizations, however there is charter for architectural education (Union Internationale des Architects, 2005) used for developing curriculum for architectural studies and includes provisions for considering the knowledge building in sustainable and low energy design. Architectural education should also teach professional skills such as project management and coordination with consultants in order to improve the building delivery. The main objective of the task is to develop a comprehensive training program on energy efficient (EE) building design for i) students specializing in architecture, building design, civil engineering and heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) engineering; ii) practicing architects and building engineers in selected CIS countries; to iii) deliver training of trainers (ToT) on IBDA and energy efficient building design for respective university lecturers and to iv) deliver training on IBDA and energy efficiency building design for practicing architects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Training program development requested by UNDP from service provider must be conducted from combination of desk work and communication with project team and mission to the country for practical delivery of training. The proposed structure of the task implementation can follow the below order. I. Develop the questionnaire (to be provided to the local Project team) for evaluation of the existing needs in the corresponding target group (university students, lecturers and building design/construction professionals) covering following issues: Educational background The need for knowledge and skills on energy efficient building design, awareness about building code and energy policy. Openness for enhancement. Curriculum analysis with emphasis on EE and environmental design (for universities). II. Identification of relevant content to address the gap in the present architectural, HVAC and other relevant curricula for students and development of a training package on integrated building design approach for practicing architects and engineers. Key topics to be covered: IBDA EE and Renewable Energy (RE) technologies in buildings: HVAC Lighting Envelope Building energy audit and certification Buildings EE legal aspects Economics and financing of EE and Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) in buildings EE in buildings and climate change Case studies for different building types. III. Development of supporting teaching material within the existing curricula framework, as a starting point for the curricula enhancement program. IV. Selection of high quality reference materials for students with possibilities of specializing as a sustainable designer, energy efficiency policy expert, building science researcher, etc. V. Train the- trainer workshops in Yerevan for university lecturers wherein the reference materials and guides in the form of tutorials as aids for self-learning and teaching should be provided for the duration of 5 days. VI. Recommendations for infrastructure improvement (laboratories, software, networking, library) for acquisition of practical skills for understanding concepts of building performance by taking thermal performing analysis and computer simulation tools that can help in educating students about the environmental parameters and behavior of a building. VII. Conduct training workshops for practicing architects on energy efficient building design and IBDA. Deliverables: Deliverable 1. Sample questionnaires for evaluation of the existing needs-November 2011 Deliverable 2. Content, the supporting teaching and high quality reference materials of the curricula amendment-December 2011 Deliverable 3. Training package for ToT (based on the needs evaluation)-January 2012 Deliverable 4. Delivery of ToT training sessions for university lecturers and practicing architects; report on conducted training sessions and recommendations for infrastructure improvement-February 2012

Competencies

Experience in CIS and/or EU countries countries is an asset Knowledge of best international practice in the field of training/educational programs on energy efficient building design. Good understanding of educational/training needs for energy efficient building design and IBDA for universities and design organizations. Good communication, analytical and writing skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education: University degree in the field of engineering, architecture and/or energy. The availability of Scientific Degree is an advantage. Experience: Minimum 5 years of educational or scientific working experience in the field of elaboration and delivery of educational and training programs on energy efficient building design and IBDA. Languages: Proficiency in Russian language knowledge is an asset.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

International Expert on training program of Energy Efficient Building Design and Integrated Building Design Approach (IBDA)