The heating and cooling of buildings is a major contributor to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in our society, but these issues that can be greatly reduced with high performance building envelopes and well-designed HVAC systems. Students explore key elements of thermal loads by understanding basic construction and thermodynamics as applied to the built environment. Students examine various heating and cooling systems, and thermal distribution systems to ensure thermal comfort to the building occupants. Emphasis is on clean energy systems and energy efficiency.