Building Sustainability — Management Methods for Energy Efficiency

From the academic year 2016/2017 onwards, Technische Universität Berlin offers a new Master's course in Building Sustainability on the EUREF Campus in the centre of Berlin. The course addresses young professionals from all over the world who want to gain special knowledge in management methods for energy efficiency in buildings and their urban environment.

It is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary course for those who plan a career in real-estate project management and planning with a focus on implementing sustainability. In addition to their own engineering, planning, architecture or economics studies, participants will gain technical, economic and management skills tailored to the building sector and will be prepared for a management career in leadership positions across the boundaries of their own fields. In addition to sector-specific fundamentals, the programme includes project and life cycle management modules as well as a global perspective regarding different approaches to energy-efficiency. Renowned European scientists are responsible for the respective modules and will supervise the final Master's theses.

In order to transfer the theoretical knowledge to practice, a strong focus will be on interdisciplinary group projects. The programme is therefore particularly suitable for young professionals who seek a leadership position in international companies.

Educational organisation

First semester:

• Energy Performance of Buildings (9 cr)
• Project Management (9 cr)
• Introduction Project (6cr)
• Lecture series "Building and Urban Area Structures: Modifications for Sustainability and Energy Management" (6 cr)

Second semester:

• Real Estate Economics (6 cr)
• Energy-Efficient Societies (6 cr)
• Interdisciplinary Project (9 cr)
• Compulsory elective: Integration of Renewable Energies (6 cr) OR Innovation and Technology Management, part I (6 cr)

Third semester:

• Life Cycle Management (6 cr)
• Compulsory elective: Smart Buildings (6 cr) OR Innovation and Technology Management, part II (6 cr)
• Master's thesis (18 cr)

Excursions and company visits may be part of the courses.

Lectures will usually take place during two full-time weekdays; accompanying tutorials might be held on a third weekday. Lectures and seminars take place at the EUREF Campus in Berlin Schöneberg.

Forms of assessment

Written exam, oral exam, individual and group presentation, written project report

Course objectives

The Master's programme in Building Sustainability offers young engineers, architects, economists and planning scholars from universities, enterprises, planning offices and public authorities the opportunity to gain interdisciplinary specialist knowledge. The programme enhances their professional skills in the area of sustainable and energy-efficient building management while taking into account the urban context of buildings, thus preparing them for specific challenges resulting from urban development and climate change. After completing the programme, graduates will be able to understand and moderate different stakeholders of a large-scale project.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills: level B2 (or higher) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) (not required in the case of high school graduation from a school with English as its primary language).

Academic requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed a programme of studies preferably in civil / construction / industrial engineering, building technology, urban planning, or architecture, and must have accrued professional experience for at least one year.
All applicants must submit a written application which presents their educational and professional background as well as their reasons for wanting to pursue the programme of study. Applicants should have professional experience, preferably in the field of building or project planning or management (technical, architectural, urban), real estate, energy economy, or environmental or sustainability management.

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees apply. However, these fees are included in the tuition fees stated above. This includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Berlin metropolitan area.

Costs of living

In order to cover their living expenses (room and board, health insurance, books, personal costs) for the study period in Berlin, we recommend that participants budget approx. 500 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

Because the full-day class lectures take place only two to three days per week, professional activities may be pursued to a limited extent, such as in firms and companies at the EUREF Campus.
The Career Service at Technische Universität Berlin offers a wide array of services for students seeking employment during their studies in Berlin as well as after completion of their degree programme.

Arrival support

The TU Campus EUREF team is ready to advise incoming students on all aspects of their arrival in Berlin and registration at the university. Moreover, the International Office - International Student Counselling of Technische Universität Berlin provides extensive counselling and advisory services for incoming and enrolled foreign students.

Services and support for international students

During the period of study, international students are supported by tutors.

Accommodation

Although Technische Universität Berlin does not itself provide student accommodation, the "Studentenwerk Berlin" (a local non-profit agency for students affairs) offers a number of accommodation options for students enrolled at educational institutions in Berlin. In general, programme participants have found affordable accommodation in Berlin without difficulty. Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office (http://www.studentenwerk-berlin.de) or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence starts at approx. 200 EUR. Private accommodation can be found on the Internet at http://www.studenten-wg.de