Sustainable and Energy Efficient Buildings

Today’s construction industry is moving towards sustainability, where energy-efficient buildings are becoming a necessity rather than a choice. The Sustainable and Energy Efficient Buildings programme provides the skills to develop and manage state-of-the-art solutions, from energy modelling to intelligent system design. You will specialise in both passive and active energy saving solutions, including renewable energy and intelligent engineering systems. Graduates become experts whose competencies are highly valued in the growing green building market.

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Programme values

A lecturer leads a session in the modern “Young-Lab” classroom, combining technology and a creative atmosphere. It’s a space where inspiring discussions and new ideas come to life.

Valued by industry leaders

Today, a contemporary building must be energy-efficient and, preferably, utilise renewable energy sources. Increasingly stringent requirements for energy efficiency in buildings only increase the need for professionals who are knowledgeable about them. This master’s degree will equip you with the competencies you need for the future.

KTU’s Santaka Valley building – a state-of-the-art research and innovation hub where academia and business collaborate. This is where future solutions are born.

Inspiring learning environment

Over the last few years, the University campus has undergone a major renewal. At the Faculty, you will find a new study centre, computer labs, a virtual reality classroom, upgrades to our laboratories and a new contemporary multifunctional library. For this study programme, we have also installed a living lab-type laboratory.

Students from KTU’s GIFTed program tackle real-world challenges using the mind map method – this is a space for high-potential youth to collaborate, think creatively, and lead with purpose.

Real-world cases

The study programme will provide you with an even deeper understanding of the life cycle of a building. We focus on conceptual design, planning and analysis, modelling and predicting building energy consumption and microclimate, and the integration of renewable energy sources. In addition, you will get the knowledge of efficient building management and maintenance.

Students studying using computers – a flexible academic environment that supports remote learning and self-paced study. KTU accommodates diverse learning styles.

New Freedom to shape your path

Throughout your studies, you will have choices. Students can choose alternative study modules according to their interests and needs and propose themes for their final thesis. We hope that you will actively take part in international exchange programmes, ECIU activities and internships in partner offices abroad.

Career opportunities

The demand for professionals who understand, research, and design intelligent and sustainable buildings and their engineering systems is rapidly growing. This programme provides the opportunity to learn about key building sustainability standards (BREEAM, LEED, LEVELs) and how to create energy-efficient buildings that meet the highest energy class, enhance occupant well-being, and minimise environmental impact.

Graduates of the Sustainable and Energy Efficient Buildings programme can pursue a wide range of career opportunities:

Building Energy Performance Expert

Analyses building designs, certifies their energy performance, and prepares the necessary documentation. Engages with clients and collaborates with designers of other building components to ensure efficiency and compliance. This is the core role of these experts.

Sustainable Buildings Expert

As sustainability principles continue to evolve, these experts stay ahead by continuously learning and effectively applying them to buildings. They also provide guidance on necessary improvements to enhance sustainability.

Researcher in Building Microclimate, Sustainable Development, and Energy Efficiency

Plans, conducts, evaluates, publishes and presents research at scientific conferences.

Admission requirements and programme structure

Cycle – second cycle

Field – civil engineering

Form, duration – full-time studies (1,5 yr.)

Study type – evening-time, blended learning

Location – Kaunas, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Language – english, lithuanian

Degree awarded – master of engineering sciences

Yearly price ⁱ : full-time studies – 5538 €, price per credit – 92,3 €

Financial support »

Semester

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Building Energy Demand Modelling	6	Blended learning
Energy Production and Supply	6	Distance learning
Indoor Environmental Assessment and Design	6	On-campus learning
Research Project 1	6	Blended learning
Sustainable Buildings and Cities	6	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Facilities Operation and Maintenance	6	On-campus learning
Intelligent Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems	6	Distance learning
Research Project 2	6	On-campus learning
Sustainable Water Management	6	Blended learning

Electives (Select 6 cr.)

Building Data Analytics and Machine Learning	6	On-campus learning
Modular Construction and Regenerative Design	6	On-campus learning
Waste Management and Recycling Technology	6	Blended learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Blended learning

Learning outcomes

Good to know

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.
Blended – learning on the university premises and online.
Distance – almost all learning online.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.
Blended – learning on the university premises and online.
Distance – almost all learning online.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
Blended – learning on the university premises and online.

What will you learn

To apply sustainable building principles
To integrate renewable energy sources and ensure energy efficiency

To use advanced digital tools to analyse and model building engineering systems

To investigate the sustainability issues at stake and apply systemic, research-based solutions

Learning outcomes

Admission requirements

University bachelor degree certificate:	Civil engineering, energy engineering or environmental engineering.
Proficiency in English:	IELTS ≥ 6.0, TOEFL ≥ 85, CEFR ≥ C1, or previously completed studies in english language.
Transcript requirements:	Obtain a suitable transcript of your bachelor's degree from your school. If unavailable, provide official translations and verified copies of the original documents.
Accepted languages:	English / Russian
Document legalisation:	The documents must be legalised (Apostille) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where the documents were issued. This requirement does not apply to the documents issued in the EU and Belarus, Ukraine.

Score structure

	0,9	average grade (CGPA) of University‘s Bachelor’s degree (min. length – 180 ECTS) and its supplement
	0,1	motivation letter and online interview
+	≤ 4	additional points

Additional points

science activities (scientific publications, presentations at scientific conferences, participation in exhibitions, work in student science society or science group etc.) or art activities (publication or realization of artwork, participation in art exhibitions, contests of architecture)	≤ 2
at least 1 year of work experience in the field of study programme	0,5
graduated from academic talent development program in higher education institution (for example "GIFTed talent academy")	0,5
partial studies in the higher education institution abroad with ≥24 ECTS completed	0,5
bachelor's or master's (if integrated study programme is completed) degree diploma with honours	0,5

admission procedure

Testimonials

Portrait photo of a man with a shaved head, wearing a dark blue blazer and blue shirt. He is standing with arms crossed and smiling while looking at the camera. The background is neutral light grey.

This study programme has developed an awareness that sustainability and responsibility are an integral part of the construction sector. When I started my studies, I thought I would be designing lifts but the course has opened up a wider range of career opportunities – I now aim to address sustainability challenges and contribute to climate change solutions.

Martynas Lankutis

Student

Portrait photo of a woman with short dark hair, wearing a black blouse. She is smiling and looking at the camera against a gray background.

I wanted to find an area in the construction sector that would allow me to deepen my knowledge of sustainability. I got a job at YIT Lietuva while I was still a student, and here I was able to apply what I had learnt – to understand the principles of sustainable building design, to deepen my knowledge in energy efficiency solutions, and to apply the practical tools presented by the lecturers and guest experts. The university provided a strong foundation for my future career.

Monika Žemgulienė

KTU alumna, Sustainable Construction Engineer, YIT Lithuania

Portrait photo of a woman with long dark hair, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt. She is smiling with her arms crossed over her chest, against a neutral gray background.

Today’s hot topic is reducing energy consumption and maximising the use of renewable energy in small households and even in the industrial sector. Students choosing this study programme have the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable environment. There is a great demand for these professionals, and in our company, they work on both renovation projects and new construction.

Jurgita Stepšienė

COO, Energija Baltic

International mobility partners

Join an exchange programme with our international partners:

more about exchange studies

FAQ

What stages of the building life cycle are covered in the studies?

This programme focuses on the following stages of the building life cycle: conceptualisation, design and analysis, modelling and prediction of building energy consumption and microclimate, and integration of renewable energy sources. It also covers efficient building management and maintenance, intelligent building systems, life cycle costs, and building renovation and renewal.

Will energy efficiency in buildings remain an important issue in the future?

Yes, because energy efficiency plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Europe and the rest of the world are currently on the road to sustainability. Engineers need to follow building sustainability standards (BREEAM, LEED, LEVELs) and ensure that buildings are energy efficient, meet the highest energy class requirements, minimise environmental impact and provide a comfortable environment for occupants. The demand for professionals in this field is skyrocketing.

What will I learn during my studies?

The first year of the Sustainable and Energy Efficient Buildings programme focuses on building sustainability. You will learn about the latest standards and trends in building sustainability assessment, develop the ability to design building microclimate systems and understand their impact on people, and explore the impact of buildings on the environment.

In the second part of your studies, you will explore intelligent building management systems, sustainable water management, building operations and refurbishment.