This 48-hour course will provide a comprehensive study of Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs) to ensure that that builders, designers, consultants and tradespeople have the applied knowledge to build to the Upper Steps of the BC Energy Step Code, Net-Zero Energy or the Passive House standard. Students will learn from industry experts and develop an applied understanding of the BC Energy Step Code, building science in ZEBs, airtight design and construction, execution of high performance assembly details, and mechanical systems for ZEBs.

Part 1 of the course will cover ZEB Fundamentals providing a solid foundation on the Energy Step Code, new regulatory requirements, working with an Energy Advisor, and evolving practices. With interactive dialogue and presentations from multiple industry subject matter experts, students will be prepared for a deeper dive into the science, design solutions, and construction techniques for airtightness, low thermal energy demand intensity enclosures and efficient mechanical systems.

Part 2 of the course will focus on airtightness, developing an applied understanding of approaches, construction details, and best practices for executing an airtightness plan (from building design to construction and final testing). Air barrier solutions for critical building interfaces, multi-unit airtightness, material options, and construction coordination are some of the topics that will be covered.

Part 3 will examine Assembly Detail solutions to achieve the ‘envelope-first’ performance requirements of the BC Energy Step Code. Under the guidance of an expert instructor and using real mockups, learners will virtually evaluate assembly solutions. The strategies and details reviewed aim to facilitate a critical comparison of the performance, constructability, and costs of different approaches to meet the thermal energy demand intensity (TEDI) metric of the BC Energy Step Code or the Passive House standard. Throughout, students will compare materials (membranes, insulation, tapes, flashing, fasteners, etc.) in the context of the building assemblies. Part 4 will advance understanding of the design, installation, and verification practices needed to realize performance of mechanical systems in energy efficient residential buildings. Through case study work and applied learning exercises led by industry experts, you will learn best practices related to residential HVAC systems. Topics covered include: proper system selection to fit with design and performance expectations and best practices for builders and mechanical contractors to ensure good design and proper tender specifications, installation, and verification. This course is offered fully online. The online learning model for this course includes live lectures with multiple industry experts, real-life demos recorded at the BCIT High Performance Building lab and self-paced learning activities.

Because the course is a pilot, and because we want to do our part during these difficult times, we are offering this 36-hour(plus) course at a reduced rate of $100 (approx. 90% reduction).  This is possible thanks to our amazing partners.

Credits

4.0

Cost

$100.00