MSc in Energy-Efficient and Environmental Building Design

Programme overview

Buildings are responsible for a large share of our global energy use. Energy use is in fact the main determinant of a building’s global environmental footprint, considering its total life span.

Lund University is internationally renowned for high-quality research related to energy-efficient buildings. Our expertise is centred on a whole-building perspective, which accounts for inhabitant needs as well as their comfort and health. The University’s advanced research, and its close ties to the building industry, create an excellent foundation for a strong Master’s programme with a largely unique focus on buildings.

Our students will graduate with advanced knowledge, skills and competencies within the area of energy-efficient and environmental building design in heating-dominated climates. Our goal is to create highly skilled professionals, who will significantly contribute to and influence the design, building or renovation of energy-efficient buildings and relating to renewable energy supply, taking into consideration the architecture and environment, the inhabitants’ behaviour, needs, health and comfort, as well as the overall economy.

The carefully tailored theoretical courses are complemented with practical modules, in which students apply their new knowledge. This pedagogical approach enables a strong learning progression and is the reason why the programme is shaped by tailor-made mandatory courses. Our students work together in small teams to design energy-efficient concepts and buildings and to analyse the consequences of various design alternatives using supportive computer tools and methods in an integrated design process. The student teams are intentionally mixed both in terms of cultural background and academic backgrounds, such as in architecture and engineering. Thus, the students are trained in the interdisciplinary design process and in teamwork, which is very important for their future careers. Courses also include site visits, guest lecturers from the industry and tours of existing good examples of energy-efficient building design.

The programme involves teachers from different departments at Lund University, mainly: Department of Architecture and Built Environment (Divisions of Energy and Building Design and Environmental Psychology) and Department of Building and Environmental Technology (Divisions of Building Physics and Building Services).

Lund University – Sweden's Top-Ranked University

Lund University was founded in 1666 and has 40 000 students and 8 000 employees. It offers more than 130 Master’s programmes and 10 Bachelor’s programmes taught in English .

Lund is Sweden’s most attractive study destination. The University offers one of the broadest ranges of programmes and courses in Scandinavia, based on cross-disciplinary and cutting-edge research. A degree from Lund University is a hallmark of quality both in Sweden and abroad.

Subject areas

Our nine faculties and many specialised research centres offer education in the following subject areas:

• Architecture & Design
• Area Studies
• Business, Economics & Management
• Engineering & Technology
• Environment & Sustainability
• Fine & Performing Arts
• Humanities & Languages
• Law
• Medicine & Health
• Science
• Service Management
• Social Sciences

Research

Lund is home to over 30 world-leading research environments and is home to two of Europe's largest materials research facilities: MAX IV (inaugurated in 2016) and ESS (to open in 2023). Lund University is also a member of the prestigious research-intensive university networks Universitas 21 (U21) , the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the European University Alliance for Global Health (EUGLOH).

Teaching style

Critical thinking and freedom of mind are the cornerstones of academic life at Lund University. A focus on group work in more informal, open class environments facilitates learning, creates a dialogue and helps generate new ideas.

Lund is an international meeting place for students and researchers alike. This creates global class environments where students gain new cultural perspectives and can develop their international networks, which are highly valued by employers worldwide.

Students in Lund are given excellent opportunities for business interaction . The city of Lund has a unique, world-class environment for technology, knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship and hosts an impressive breadth of international companies.

Student Life

Lund is the #1 choice for international students coming to Sweden and is considered the best student city in Sweden, with its unique combination of large social clubs (the historic 'nations'), student unions and the Academic Society creating a vibrant and active student life.

City of Lund

Located in southern Sweden, the city of Lund is just 10 minutes by train to Sweden’s third largest city, Malmö, and only 35 minutes by train to Copenhagen Airport in Denmark.

As one of the oldest cities in Sweden, dating back to 990, Lund is a city of contrasts where over 1 000 years of history blend with modern knowledge and ideas. In Lund, you find the charm of a small, picturesque, cobble-stoned city, side-by-side with big city attractions such as services, shopping, restaurants and cultural events. Lund is also home to major international companies such as Sony Mobile, Tetra Pak, Ericsson, Alfa Laval and Gambro.

English is widely spoken in Sweden and Lund (90% of Swedes are fluent) , meaning that you can experience a unique European culture without experiencing a language barrier.

Learn more about Lund University

For more information, please visit www.lunduniversity.lu.se

For more information, please visit You can also ask questions via our web form at lunduniversity.lu.se/degree-studies or find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. You can also listen to Lund University International Podcast!