Designing for Net-Positive Buildings

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Price

A$99.00

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Course Content

I. Introduction (5 minutes)
II. Learning Objectives (2 minutes)
III. Module 1: Net-Zero vs Net-Positive Design (10 minutes)
IV. Module 2: Renewable Energy and Water Reuse Strategies (15 minutes)
VI. Module 4: Regulatory & Financial Frameworks (10 minutes)
VII. Summary & Key Takeaways (3 minutes)
Final Quiz – Designing for Net-Positive Buildings

★★★★★

This course explores how architects and building designers can move beyond net-zero to create buildings that generate more energy and resources than they consume. It provides practical strategies for integrating renewable energy, water reuse systems, and surplus generation into real-world projects. Participants will gain a clear understanding of key metrics, design approaches, and system coordination required to achieve net-positive outcomes. The course also explains how to navigate NCC 2022 requirements, performance solutions, and financial frameworks that support high-performance design. By the end, learners will be equipped to deliver buildings that contribute to environmental sustainability, community resilience, and long-term value.

This CPD provides general guidance on professional responsibilities and documentation practices. It does not constitute legal advice or replace project-specific contractual or statutory obligations.

  • CPD Points: 1 Formal CPD Point
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Certificate Upon Completion
  • Difficulty Level: Intermediate
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This session is designed for

Architects
Building Designers
Energy Assessors
Engineers
Urban Planners



By the end of this course, participants will be able to distinguish between net-zero and net-positive design strategies and apply this understanding in their projects. They will be able to integrate renewable energy and water reuse systems effectively into building designs. Participants will also be capable of designing buildings that generate surplus energy for community benefit. In addition, they will understand how to navigate and apply relevant regulatory and financial frameworks. Overall, they will be equipped to deliver compliant, high-performance buildings that go beyond standard sustainability outcomes.

  • Differentiate between net-zero and net-positive building design strategies and their performance outcomes.
  • Design buildings capable of generating and exporting surplus energy to support broader community needs.
  • Integrate renewable energy systems and water reuse solutions into architectural designs effectively.
  • Navigate NCC 2022 compliance pathways, including performance solutions and evidence of suitability requirements.
  • Apply key performance metrics such as Energy Use Intensity and whole-of-life carbon in decision-making.
  • Evaluate financial and regulatory frameworks to support the delivery of net-positive building projects.

This ensures that CPD efforts align with professional regulatory requirements.

Framework/Body

Relevant Sections

Focus Areas

National Construction Code (NCC 2022)

Volumes 1 & 3; Section J9, J3D14; Part A5G2–A5G4

On-site energy systems, solar PV sizing, energy surplus design, and water reuse system compliance.

NatHERS Protocols

Whole-of-Home Rating; Technical Notes

Energy performance of domestic services; alignment with surplus energy contribution and performance modelling.

ABSA CPD Competency Area

Modules on Whole-of-Home and energy system integration

Designing for operational and surplus performance; incorporating water reuse strategies into thermal assessments.

Building Designers

BDAA CPD Areas – Energy and Sustainability

Compliant system integration; renewable strategies; water reuse; precinct-level contributions.

NSCA 2021 (Architects)

PC10, PC20, PC31, PC33, PC45

Whole-of-life carbon, energy systems design, sustainability alignment, compliance documentation, and project feasibility.

Engineers Australia (Stage 2)

2.2, 3.1, 3.5

Energy modelling, life-cycle analysis, integrated system design for net-positive outcomes.

Licensed Builders (State CPD)

NSW: NCC 2022 and PCA Vol 3 updates

Renewable systems, water reuse, compliance-ready construction practices for net-positive homes.

Building Surveyors

NCC 2022 Part A5; Evidence of Suitability pathways

Assessment of Performance Solutions, documentation review, and grid/export compliance.

Urban Planners & Landscape Architects

Sustainability in Precinct Planning; Local Government Incentives

Design for shared infrastructure, community energy systems, and resilient water strategies in precinct design.

What’s Included

This course examines the transition from conventional sustainability approaches to regenerative design within the built environment. It explores how building systems can be planned and coordinated to deliver long term environmental and operational benefits. The content looks at the relationship between design decisions, building performance, and broader urban infrastructure. It also reviews how policy, compliance frameworks, and industry standards influence high performance outcomes. In addition, the course investigates real world applications and system integration across residential and mixed use projects.

  • A 1-hour video session covering NCC-aligned strategies and real-world case studies.
  • An interactive quiz to test and reinforce knowledge.
  • An audio summary version via NotebookLM for flexible, on-the-go learning.
  • A downloadable certificate of completion for CPD compliance reporting.
  • Centralised CPD tracking dashboard to support audits and personal recordkeeping.
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Why Take This CPD Session?

Build the skills needed to design buildings that deliver measurable environmental and community benefits beyond standard compliance.

Stay aligned with current NCC requirements and evolving sustainability expectations in the Australian construction industry.

Gain practical knowledge that can improve project performance, client outcomes, and long-term building value.

Professional development is an investment in career growth and regulatory compliance. Take the next step today.

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