Buildings are at the heart of the global energy transition. They account for around 40% of total energy use and one-third of CO₂ emissions. As cities move toward climate neutrality, the need for professionals who understand both energy systems and indoor environmental quality has never been greater. A degree in Building Energy and Indoor Environment places students at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and human well-being. This opens the door to a broad spectrum of career paths across industry, public institutions, and research.

This field is evolving faster than ever, thanks to digitalization. Smart buildings now integrate IoT sensors, digital twins, data-driven energy management, and AI-based control systems to optimize comfort and efficiency in real time. The profession is no longer only about heating, cooling, and ventilation — it is about designing and operating intelligent, responsive, and sustainable environments.

As a student in our research group, you will have the opportunity to work in an internationally leading research group, gaining in-depth knowledge and skills in analytical, numerical/digital, and experimental methods in specialist areas of building energy systems and indoor environment. We provide bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD education.

In the Renewable Energy study program, we offer a specialization in HVAC Engineering. Grounded in applied thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, this specialization provides both theoretical and practical expertise in heating, ventilation, and sanitary systems. The objective is to learn how to design technical systems that meet requirements for functionality, good indoor environmental quality, and sustainable energy use. Other key components include applied control and electrical systems for HVAC applications.

The learning outcomes qualify students to contribute to modern building construction and renovation projects, working closely with architects and engineers from other disciplines. Beyond buildings, HVAC competence is also in demand in industrial processes, food production, and sports facilities.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in Renewable Energy, you will be eligible for the 2-year Master’s program in Building Energy and Indoor Environment, as well as other relevant master’s programs at NTNU and at universities elsewhere.

3-year bachelor program

• Renewable energy 

We offer both 5-year and 2-year Master's degree programmes with a specialization in Building Energy and Indoor Environment.

During the initial phase of the program, you will build a solid foundation in Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. After completing this phase, you will be ready to take our core courses and develop a fundamental understanding of Building Energy and Indoor Environment. Depending on your study track, interests, and career goals, you can then select elective courses in specialized areas such as Indoor Environment, HVAC Engineering, Heat Pump Systems, and Building Performance Simulation. These courses allow you to deepen your expertise and open up a wide range of career opportunities in these fields. 

The master’s degree concludes with a thesis project, which is typically linked to the ongoing research of our group or to innovative challenges proposed by industry partners and public institutions.

We have also established a collaboration and education agreement with top Chinese universities. It is possible to either take a double degree with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) or make an exchange to perform the master's thesis. 

5-year master programme (Msc, Siv. Ing.)

• Energy and Environmental Engineering (5-year)
• Mechanical Engineering (5-year)

2-year master programme  (Msc, Siv. Ing.)

• MSc in Sustainable Energy (MSSE) 
• Energy and Environmental Engineering (2-year)
• Mechanical Engineering (2-year)

Foundation courses

• TEP4235 Energy use in Buildings (7.5 ECTS)
• TEP4245 HVAC Engineering (7.5 ECTS)

Specialisation courses

• TEP4315 Indoor Environment (7.5 ECTS)
• TEP4260 Heat Pump System for Building Heating and Cooling (7.5 ECTS)
• TBM4322 Building Performance Simulation (7.5 ECTS)
• TEP4530 Energy and Indoor Environment, Specialization Project (15 ECTS)
• TEP4535 Energy and Indoor Environment, Specialization Course (7.5 ECTS)

Master thesis

• TEP4910 Energy and Indoor Environment, Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)

The Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology offers a PhD in Engineering, where you can write a doctoral thesis connected to research and development carried out in our research group. Available PhD positions are posted on the NTNU vacancies page.

Elective PhD courses taught by our group

• EP8300 Natural Convection Flows in Buildings (7.5 ECTS)
• EP8301 Advanced Building Performance (7.5 ECTS)
• EP8302 Simulation and Optimization of Thermal Systems (7.5 ECTS)