Bitesize Low Energy Design
- Introductory
- 4 x 2 Hr Sessions
- FROM £348.00
- ONLINE
- 20 CPD Hrs
Learn how to design healthy, high performance buildings with practical advice on what makes the most difference to improving sustainability, comfort and energy use [whatever your project brief].
Key Benefits
Gain practical design advice to ensure value from any project.
Explore the key early stage design decisions that have the biggest impact in shaping comfort, energy use and real world performance.
Understand what good looks like for fabric and services design.
SPACES AVAILABLE
Bitesize - Winter 2026
7th Jan 2026 - 16th Jan 2026
View Schedule
FROM £348.00 ex. VAT
Online
What You'll Learn
Our blended learning programme takes you through key design considerations, with real-life case studies and interactive online workshops that distil the crucial knowledge our trainers have gained from years at the forefront of UK low energy and Net Zero building design. Along the way we draw upon lessons from Passivhaus, a proven and quality assured route to achieving good performance. We provide you with the tools needed to make informed decisions that impact energy consumption and cost, ensuring your projects’ building performance is future proof, whether you’re tackling a one-off project or approaching a site master plan.
- Understand how architectural design impacts on energy performance and comfort.
- Explore how early-stage design choices around shape and form factor, insulation, and glazing affect energy in use.
- Recognise why airtightness is important and how to consider the right construction choices to achieve this.
- Explore the role of effective ventilation and the best strategies for efficient heating and cooling.
There are 4 modules - each blends a block of self-study followed by a live online workshop to dig deeper and test your understanding.
- Module 1: Introduction to Passivhaus and the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) software Unpack the challenges and opportunities we face in building design and the tools we have at hand. Get acquainted with the basic principles of Passivhaus and other energy standards and learn the role of PHPP software in the design process.
- Module 2: Climate Responsible Architecture Explore how early stage architectural design choices influence energy performance and how to apply these principles to your projects.
- Module 3: Climate Responsible Construction Gain understanding of construction and material strategies that ensure energy efficiency, comfort and sustainability.
- Module 4: Climate Responsible Building Services Learn how to successfully integrate building services in high performance buildings, focusing on heating, cooling, hot water and ventilation.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is an ideal introduction for anyone involved in the design or briefing of projects:
- Architects, architectural technologists & wider design teams
- Clients - such as local authorities and housing associations
- Developers, design managers & project managers
- Self-builders
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Course Details
| Duration | 4 × 2-hour online sessions |
| Delivery Format | Blended - live online teaching + self-study |
| Price (Member) | £348.00 ex. VAT (AECB & Passivhaus Trust Members) |
| Price (Standard) | £398.00 ex. VAT |
| Next Start Dates | Regular dates throughout the year |
| Location | Online |
| Certification & Credits | This course is worth 20 CPD hours and is the ideal foundation for the Design & Engineering learning pathway. |
| Access & Materials | All learners will be given access to all training materials, further resources and case studies on our learning platform for two years. |
| Funding Options | CITB grant support & regional funding available. Find out more: https://coaction.org.uk/funding |
| Accessibility | Reasonable adjustments and additional learning support on request |
Building better together
We believe better buildings start with better skills — that’s why every Coaction course is grounded in real project experience and focused on practical, actionable learning that builds confidence and competence.
Coaction exists to upskill the built environment — not for profit, but for impact. As a Community Interest Company, every penny goes back into improving training, supporting the workforce and accelerating the transition to low-energy, future-proof buildings.
Why choose Coaction?
- Future-focused skills: Every course is shaped by live project experience, aligned with industry best practice and continually updated — giving you the confidence to deliver high-performance buildings now and as standards evolve.
- Progression pathways for every role: From foundation learning to advanced specialist training, we offer clear routes for students, professionals, educators and full delivery teams. Support continues long after the course through our alumni community and industry partnerships.
- Fully supported learning experience: You’ll receive the materials and guidance you need to apply your learning — from manuals and sample packs to exam preparation (where relevant), PHI credit points and long-term access to high-quality resources. We'll work with you and your team as needed to make sure you get the right learning in place.
- Trusted expertise & recognised training: Delivered by leading UK building-performance specialists, our courses are accredited by the Passivhaus Trust, supported by preferred training partner status and recognised by the Passive House Institute.
Upcoming Courses
| Course Name | Dates | Location | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
Bitesize - Winter 2026 7th Jan 2026 - 16th Jan 2026 View Schedule | 7th Jan 2026 - 16th Jan 2026 View Schedule | Online | Book Now |
Bitesize - Spring-1 2026 2nd Mar 2026 - 11th Mar 2026 View Schedule | 2nd Mar 2026 - 11th Mar 2026 View Schedule | Online | Book Now |
Career Outcomes
This course will change your approach to and the way you think about sustainable design forever. Past course participants say 'why wasn’t I taught this earlier!'.
What next? Continue learning and exploring how you can further your knowledge on the Passivhaus standard.
- Coaction courses ( PHI renewal points) PASSIVHAUS IN PRACTICE (6 PHI points) | CRETIFIED PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER | RETROFIT DELIVERY (16 PHI points) | THERM (16 PHI points)
- Passivhaus Trust and member approved courses Certified Training | On Demand | Partner/Member Events
- Conferences / Communities / Events Passivhaus Trust | iPHA | AECB
Publicise your projects and knowledge via post on LinkedIn via your personal or work profiles and tag us!
Keep in touch - we are here to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all our session are recorded but we only offer access to these recordings upon request.
In our experience, the best outcomes happen when you attend all live sessions, however, in exceptional circumstances, with advance notice, we will be happy to provide a recording – please get in touch with your course manager.
Our terms and conditions state cancellations will be refunded at the following rates:
- More than 3 weeks before the course: full refund;
- Less than 3 weeks before the course: 50% refund;
- Less than 3 days before the course: no refund available.
If you wish to defer, you must give at least 7 days notice and can defer once free of charge, subsequent deferrals may incur a £50 admin fee. Participant substitutions for courses can be made at any time but the person taking the exam must have completed the whole course.
Yes - we do offer this service. Please get in touch with us to discuss this further.
We offer 10% discount on groups of 3 or more on our Certified Passivhaus Designer course.
You can contact our team on 01752 686890 or email us at support@coaction.org.uk. We are here to help.
Where possible we will offer an alternative study plan to suit your availability, please get in touch to discuss this further.
