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Course Content

I. Introduction (10 mins)
II. Learning Objectives (10 mins)
VIII. Summary & Key Takeaways (5 mins)
Final Quiz – Heat Resilient Building Design

This course is a 1-hour CPD session designed for architects, urban planners, engineers, and energy assessors, focusing on how to design buildings that withstand extreme heat while meeting Australian standards. It addresses the urban heat island effect, climate-responsive architecture, and the integration of passive cooling strategies like natural ventilation, thermal mass, and advanced shading. The course dives deep into materials and technologies—such as heat-reflective surfaces, ventilated facades, and phase change materials—that reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Special attention is given to aligning design practices with the National Construction Code (NCC 2022), NatHERS, and Whole-of-Home Efficiency Standards. Practical modules and real-world case studies equip participants to apply these strategies across diverse Australian climate zones for resilient, future-proof buildings.

  • CPD Points: 1 Formal CPD Point
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Certificate Upon Completion
  • Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced

This session is designed for

Architects
Designers
Engineers
Energy Assessors

By the end of this course, participants will understand how to design buildings that are resilient to extreme heat by applying passive cooling techniques, selecting heat-mitigating materials, and integrating shading and ventilation strategies. They will also be able to tailor heat resilience solutions to various Australian climate zones and ensure compliance with NCC 2022 and Whole-of-Home Efficiency Standards. Most importantly, they will gain practical skills to future-proof buildings and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling for long-term comfort and sustainability.

  • Understand the impact of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) and their effects on cities, energy consumption, and occupant health.
  • Explore passive cooling strategies, including optimal site orientation, natural ventilation, and thermal mass integration.
  • Learn about heat-reflective materials and shading techniques to minimize heat absorption and improve building efficiency.
  • Discover advanced ventilation strategies, such as ventilated façades, hybrid cooling systems, and night purge ventilation.
  • Ensure compliance with NCC 2022 and Whole-of-Home efficiency factors, integrating resilience into building design.
  • Apply real-world case studies and best practices to create climate-responsive, future-proof buildings.

This ensures that CPD efforts align with professional regulatory requirements.

Framework/Body

Relevant Sections

Focus Areas

National Construction Code (NCC 2022)

Vol 1 & 2, Section J;
Whole-of-Home Efficiency

Covers passive cooling, shading, natural ventilation, and reflective materials that comply with NCC Section J and Whole-of-Home Efficiency metrics.

NatHERS Protocols

Climate Zone Design;
Thermal Comfort Modelling

Emphasises the application of thermal comfort modelling across Australia’s 8 climate zones, ensuring buildings meet 7-star ratings using compliant tools and strategies.

ABSA CPD Competency Area

Section 3.2 – Building Envelope

Focuses on building envelope design to reduce heat gain, improve thermal stability, and integrate materials that support long-term heat resilience.

BDAA CPD Category

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

Encourages energy-conscious design choices, climate-responsive planning, and passive design integration aligned with BDAA sustainability priorities.

NSCA 2021 (Architects)

PC10, PC12, PC31, PC35

Supports architects in addressing embodied and operational carbon, integrating passive design features, and complying with performance-based NCC requirements.

Engineers Australia (Stage 2)

Technical Proficiency;
Sustainability

Applies to engineers working on sustainable HVAC integration, smart passive/active hybrid systems, façade performance, and building envelope optimisation.

Licensed Builders (State CPD)

NCC-aligned modules

Guides builders on the practical application of passive cooling techniques, material choices, ventilated facades, and compliance with NCC construction standards.

Building Surveyors

NCC 2022 Performance Provisions

Enables surveyors to assess performance-based designs under NCC, including thermal bridging, ventilation strategies, and passive design compliance.

Urban Planners & Landscape Architects

Planning Policies, WSUD

Promotes integration of urban forestry, rooftop greening, WSUD, and reflective surfaces in planning to mitigate urban heat island effects and support precinct-level cooling.

What’s Included

The course also examines National Construction Code (NCC 2022) compliance, Whole-of-Home efficiency factors, and climate-responsive architecture tailored for Australian conditions. Through real-world case studies and best practices, architects, urban planners, engineers, and energy assessors will learn how to integrate long-term resilience planning into sustainable building design. This session equips professionals with the practical tools and regulatory knowledge necessary to future-proof projects against rising temperatures and climate change.

  • 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.

Why Take This CPD Session?

This CPD session provides essential knowledge on heat-resilient building design, helping professionals address the growing challenges of urban heat islands and climate adaptation.

Attendees will gain practical insights into passive cooling strategies, advanced materials, shading, and ventilation techniques, ensuring compliance with NCC 2022 and Whole-of-Home Efficiency Standards.

By integrating these strategies, participants can enhance the thermal performance and long-term resilience of their building projects while improving occupant comfort and reducing reliance on mechanical

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