Applied Circular Economy: Zero Waste Buildings, Microcredential, Part-time

Program Overview

The Applied Circular Economy: Zero Waste Buildings microcredential at BCIT empowers professionals to design, construct, and manage buildings that minimize waste and maximize resource recovery. Through three courses, students learn to optimize resource utilization, evaluate building materials for environmental impact, and apply circularity principles to construction projects. The program aligns with Canada's 2050 net-zero target, emphasizing sustainable building practices and deep decarbonization strategies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Applied Circular Economy: Zero Waste Buildings microcredential at BCIT equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to design, construct, and manage buildings that minimize waste and maximize resource recovery. This program aligns with Canada's 2050 net-zero target, emphasizing the need for deep decarbonization strategies and sustainable building practices.

Objectives:

• Understand the material flow through the construction process, from extraction to disposal, and apply this knowledge to optimize resource utilization.
• Evaluate building materials and products based on their environmental impact using Life Cycle Assessment reports and product disclosure statements.
• Integrate 'Design for Disassembly' and 'Cradle to Cradle' principles into building projects to promote circularity and minimize waste.
• Manage building deconstruction and incorporate salvaged and recycled materials into new projects.
• Apply the waste hierarchy to construction processes, prioritizing prevention and zero waste strategies.

Outline:

This microcredential consists of three courses, each worth 3 credits:

• Deconstruction Management:
• Principles of deconstruction planning and execution
• Material recovery and salvage techniques
• Regional policies and regulations related to demolition and deconstruction
• Design for Disassembly:
• Principles of DfD and Cradle to Cradle design
• Case studies and industry best practices
• Application of DfD strategies to building projects and material selection
• Construction Material Flows:
• Material Flow Analysis (MFA) techniques
• Identification of key intervention points for circularity
• Analysis of material sourcing, consumption, and end-of-life options

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of project work and individual exams. The passing grade for each course is 50%.

Teaching:

The program is delivered in a blended format, combining on-campus and online learning. Students can register for courses individually or complete all three to obtain the microcredential.