ASHRAE HBDP study plan

Map the load-reduction hierarchy (envelope, glazing, massing, orientation) and explain how each measure shifts heating and cooling loads

Compute a simple peak cooling load by hand from a stated envelope, occupancy, lighting, and internal-gain schedule

Distinguish whole-building energy use intensity from peak demand and explain why each drives different design decisions

Outline the steps of an iterative design-analysis loop and identify where each occurs in a project schedule

Compare passive and active design strategies and justify which apply to a stated climate and program

Select glazing and shading parameters for a stated orientation and defend the tradeoff between daylight, solar gain, and thermal loss

Describe how HVAC system selection follows from load shape, part-load behavior, and ventilation requirements

Identify the inputs and outputs of a whole-building energy simulation and flag common assumption errors

Set up a baseline-versus-proposed energy model comparison and state the conditions that must be held constant

Explain how weather data, schedules, and internal gains propagate into annual energy results

Interpret simulation outputs (end-use breakdown, unmet load hours, peak timing) and translate them into design recommendations

Distinguish calibration, validation, and sensitivity analysis and state when each is appropriate

Quantify how ventilation rate, occupancy density, and filtration interact with energy use

Evaluate thermal comfort using operative temperature, air speed, and metabolic and clothing assumptions

Differentiate source control, dilution ventilation, and filtration as contaminant strategies

Describe how daylighting and electric lighting design affect both visual comfort and cooling load

Write measurable indoor environmental quality acceptance criteria for thermal, acoustic, and air-quality performance

Sequence commissioning activities from pre-design through functional performance testing and identify the responsible party at each stage

Draft functional test procedures for an air-handling unit and a terminal box with pass/fail criteria

Explain how measurement and verification baselines are established and adjusted over time

Distinguish commissioning, retrocommissioning, and ongoing commissioning and select the right approach for a stated building condition

Diagnose common operational faults (simultaneous heating and cooling, economizer failure, sensor drift) from trend data

Calculate indoor and outdoor water use reductions for a stated fixture and irrigation retrofit

Compare material selection criteria including durability, recycled content, and life-cycle impacts

Perform a life-cycle cost comparison of two design options including first cost, energy, water, and maintenance

Explain how water and materials decisions feed back into energy performance and occupant health

Assess construction and demolition waste diversion strategies against stated targets

Integrate high-performance design, water, and materials measures into a single coherent project narrative

Synthesize all five domains into an integrated design review checklist for a hypothetical project

Re-derive the highest-risk calculations from memory and check them against your earlier work

Practice timed recall across all domains and close the gaps you identify

Write a concise project summary that defends each major decision with quantitative support