02.04.2025
Serhii Kozhedub is a candidate of technical sciences, associate professor of the Department of Architectural Structures at KNUCA (Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture), head of the Research Laboratory for Energy Efficiency Problems in Construction and Architecture “Energy Center-KNUCA,” and one of the lecturers for the “EnergyStart” course from Energy Club.
The topics covered by Serhii and his colleagues – KNUCA professors – generate genuine interest among course participants and considerable feedback, as they address current topics of energy auditing and innovative directions in energy development.
“My colleagues and I – experienced specialists – represent the Scientific and Educational Center for Designing Buildings with Near-Zero Energy Consumption, which is a structural unit of the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, better known as NZEB Hub KNUCA,” explained Serhii Kozhedub. “The center is interdisciplinary and interacts with various departments. In addition to teaching, we engage in scientific activities, develop standards and state building codes, write manuals that meet the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Science, and also conduct practical activities in developing construction projects. Furthermore, our qualification center trains energy auditors who develop energy efficiency certificates for buildings.”
Lectures at the “EnergyStart” courses from Energy Club align with the main activities of the Scientific and Educational Center. There, KNUCA teachers talk about the energy efficiency of buildings and structures. Similar courses are conducted at the university’s scientific and educational center to improve the qualifications of energy auditors, and this is a certified activity.
– Who benefits from the information that KNUCA teachers present at Energy Club courses, and how?
“Absolutely everyone, regardless of their level of preparation. A building as a consumer unit cannot exist separately from other infrastructure of a settlement and is part of the energy consumption chain. Plus, energy is produced from coal and gas, and we, as consumers, use it after several stages of transformation of fossil resources. This is also taken into account during the analysis of building audits when developing an energy efficiency certificate.
In addition, we are now promoting ideas of green construction and sustainable development. This direction has already gained momentum worldwide, but it’s only developing here. KNUCA has developed projects for the reconstruction of schools and kindergartens, improving their energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Our team serves as an expert on this issue. Also, within the framework of the NGO ‘Living Planet,’ we consult on procurement and green building standards.”
– Which topics interest the audience most at Energy Club courses?
“It depends on who was present at the lectures. There were questions about certificates – who develops them, how to obtain them, their validity period. Information about conducting energy audits during wartime was of interest, as were questions about building engineering systems, heat supply regulation, and coordination with utility services. The topic of implementing SEAP – Sustainable Energy Action Plan – was also raised. A few years ago, under the auspices of USAID, within the framework of the Covenant of Mayors, cities that were involved implemented SEAPs, and colleagues shared their experience on this issue. So, the audience’s interest is significant.”
– How relevant is the initiative to conduct educational courses on energy issues for representatives of territorial communities and businesses?
“Very relevant. Course participants have the opportunity to communicate with experienced energy specialists, and I’m not talking about my team now. For our part, as scientists and university representatives, we also provide knowledge and share our developments. That is, program participants from different cities of Ukraine receive diverse knowledge about innovative directions in energy, their practical implementation, etc. And this is very important.”
– What areas of training should be implemented for energy market participants on the Energy Club platform?
“Energy efficiency is already ‘understood’ by everyone. This concept is no longer something unusual for the vast majority. I see this in the example of the younger generation – KNUCA students. Today, no one is surprised by a thermal imager; it’s already the norm for people. But the topic of environmental friendliness, impact on the environment, the life cycle of buildings – from design to liquidation or reuse of materials after building dismantling – is very relevant and is gaining momentum.”
Energy Club Dossier
Serhii Kozhedub – Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural Structures at Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, Candidate of Technical Sciences.
Since 2015 – Head of the Research Laboratory for Energy Efficiency Problems in Construction and Architecture “Energy Center-KNUCA.”
Teacher/trainer for the preparation of energy auditors and specialists in engineering systems inspection.
Secretary of the KNUCA qualification center for certification of persons who intend to conduct activities in energy certification of buildings and inspection of engineering systems.
Member of the commission for evaluating the professional qualification “Energy Auditor of Buildings” at the KNUCA qualification center.
Deputy Head and Information Support Manager from KNUCA for the grant project “Innovative Master Courses Supporting the Improvement of Energy and Carbon Footprint of the Ukrainian Building Stock (UKRENERGY),” provided by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) under the ERASMUS-EDU-2022-CBHE program.
Secretary of the editorial board of the professional scientific collection of articles “Energy Efficiency in Construction and Architecture.”
Member of the Technical Committee for Standardization – TC 82 “Environmental Protection.”
Author of manuals on the design and reconstruction of energy-efficient educational buildings with improved environmental characteristics.
