Radiative Energy Transfer and Building Energy Modeling

As global energy demands rise, designing buildings that minimize thermal loss is more critical than ever. Understanding how heat transfers through radiation—especially via roofs and structural materials—is key to creating sustainable, low-emission environments. This text-only course guides you through the foundational principles of radiative energy transfer and building energy modeling. You will learn to analyze how different materials affect thermal performance and how to apply these concepts to modern residential designs. What you will learn: Understand the fundamental principles of radiative heat transfer in built environments; Model energy exchange to and from building surfaces, focusing on roof radiation; Evaluate the thermal properties of modern building materials and insulation; Calculate heat loss and gain using energy balance equations; Apply modern sustainability standards, including passive design concepts and U-value calculations. You will start with core thermodynamic concepts and radiation physics before moving into practical modeling scenarios. Through written explanations and step-by-step calculation exercises, you will develop a solid framework for analyzing residential energy efficiency. This course is designed for beginners in architecture, civil engineering, and environmental sustainability, requiring no prior background in thermal modeling. Start reading today to master the essentials of sustainable building energy design.