Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Learning outcomes

The student should, after completing the course, be able to

regarding knowledge and understanding

• present and discuss the most important hazards to cultural heritage related to climate,
• present, quantify and discuss, also in quantitative terms, future threats to cultural heritage caused by climate change,
• understand and critically reflect on the links between cultural heritage and climate change mitigation and adaptation,
• present and discuss methodological frameworks for climate change impact assessment and climate change adaptation of built heritage,
• apply a systematic method for identifying plausible energy efficiency measures in historic buildings based on calculated energy savings,

regarding competence and skills

• independently write a short scientific report,
• integrate and apply the knowledge gained in the course to a real case: a building or a district,
• propose and motivate innovative and sustainable strategies and technical solutions for historic buildings or districts with respect to climate change,

regarding judgement and approach

• reflect on how heritage values can be integrated in decisions about energy efficiency and climate change adaptation measures, and
• appreciate and discuss, from different points of view, how competing objectives are negotiated in decisions about energy efficiency and climate change adaptation in historic buildings and districts.

Content

The course deals with three interconnected topics of key importance for a sustainable management of historic buildings:

• Indoor climate for both preservation and comfort
• Improving energy efficiency while respecting heritage values
• Climate change impact and adaptation: What are the risks specific to cultural heritage and how do we cope with them?

The course provides an advanced introduction to the scientific basis to these three topics. Case studies consisting of both individual historic buildings and historic districts will be analysed with an iterative process oriented method in which both technical and social aspects are included. The course integrates fundamental knowledge in engineering and conservation and critically discusses international guidelines and standards. Links and controversies between climate, energy and heritage in the past, present and future are presented and discussed.

The three main themes of the course are integrated in case studies where the students will work with management plans focusing on energy and climate issues. Furthermore, the students will be assigned the task of identifying a research question and writing a literature review on this topic.

Instruction

The course will consist of seminars, lectures, group exercises and excursions. Active participation in seminars, exercises and excursions is compulsory. Absence from any of these will need to be compensated.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on active participation in seminars and the submission of written assignments. Grades will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system. The following grades will be used: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG).