Building Controls & Energy Management, Advanced Certificate, Part-time
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Advanced Certificate in Building Controls & Energy Management program equips learners with the knowledge and skills to optimize building energy efficiency through live lectures, self-guided learning, and practical projects. Graduates are prepared for careers in various industries, including engineering, energy management, and facility operations, where they can implement energy-saving strategies and improve building performance.
Program Outline
Outline:
Program Content and Structure
The program uses live, web-based lectures and self-guided learning as the primary method to develop the knowledge and applied skills of the learners. Learning methodologies will also include case studies, project work, group collaboration, and student presentations.
Course Schedule
Year 1
- Fall Term: CESA 5100 - Energy Basics, CESA 5320 - Energy Systems & Controls
- Winter Term: CESA 5420 - Building System Integration and Analytics, CESA 5500 - Codes and Standards
- Spring Term: CESA 5620 - Commissioning and Optimization, CESA 5700 - Decision Making
Year 2
- Fall Term: CESA 5800 - Change Management, CESA 5820 - Controls and Operations Management
- Winter Term: CESA 5920 - Controls Project
Individual Modules with Descriptions
CESA 5100 - Energy Basics
This course presents an overview of various energy uses, sources, and cost structures, as well as strategies to reduce energy consumption and costs. Conventional and renewable energy sources are discussed. Strategies for energy conservation, fuel switching, and changing to passive systems are examined. Behavioural changes as a conservation strategy are introduced. The rationale for sustainable energy management within existing buildings is explored.
CESA 5320 - Energy Systems & Controls
This course provides an overview of best practices for energy efficient control strategies in building systems. The course will include controls strategies for HVAC, Pumping, Low Voltage Lighting, and security systems. Control strategies will include variable flow air and water strategies, heating and cooling lockouts, real-time demand and occupancy-based control, predictive algorithms, load-based control, intelligent response, and dynamic reset. Students will explore the energy impacts of these strategies to prioritize alternative controls approaches. The course will also provide a general introduction to and overview of all topics in the BCIT Controls and Energy Management Program.
CESA 5420 - Building System Integration and Analytics
This course presents an overview of building automation systems, communication protocols, system integration, and data analytics as it relates to the role of energy management professionals. Topics include identifying different industry-standard communication protocols and normalizing data so it can be analyzed by software. The course will cover Industry-standard automation protocols and standards such as BACnet, LonWorks, Modbus, Haystack, and CoBe and will have students identify what role they play in today's building automation industry. The course will cover The Internet of Things (IoT) as well as practical use cases to understand how this might affect the future of DDC controls. Students will learn how to integrate to various data sources, pull the data into a common platform, give the data metadata so it is meaningful to software, and then run analytics on that data to identify potential areas of optimization.
CESA 5500 - Codes and Standards
This course presents an overview of various energy policies, laws, codes, standards, and building rating systems for existing buildings, including the Model National Energy Code of Canada, ASHRAE Standards 90.1, BC Energy Code, Vancouver Energy Bylaw, and LEEDTM Building Rating Systems. The course also introduces energy requirements, targets, and performance measures currently mandated or suggested as best practices, as well as upcoming further reduction requirements.
CESA 5620 - Commissioning and Optimization
This course will build upon the introductory concepts presented in CESA 5320 - Energy Systems and Controls to provide students with information on how to create an optimized control system with more complex control strategies. From these learnings, the student will be able to design an optimal control system, creating a complete controls package such as a detailed points list, sequence of operation, alarm and trend schedules, and integration schedules. This package will cover content that can be used in a new construction project or retrofitting an existing system. Students will be able to identify a direct digital control (DDC) package that meets all the requirements of the specifications. Students will review detailed DDC submittals and create a deficiency list if required. Students will then theoretically work through the process of commissioning a new system or retro-commissioning an existing system during which the student will verify if the DDC systems meet all the requirements of the specifications and if it is commissioned properly.
CESA 5700 - Decision Making
This course presents an overview of various decision-making tools and methodologies. Performance indicators examined include direct and indirect financial costs and benefits, and non-monetary costs and benefits. Emphasis is placed on full life cycle costing, assessment, and energy analysis.
CESA 5800 - Change Management
This is an introduction to organizational behaviour and change management concepts, including group effects, motivators, and communication techniques, that can be used to facilitate organizational change, with a focus on energy management. John P. Kotter's eight-stage process to leading successful change is examined, along with the eight errors that are common to unsuccessful change efforts. Kotter's framework is further explored through the fable "Our Iceberg Is Melting," which he co-wrote with Holger Rathgeber. Doug McKenzie-Mohr's community-based social marketing principles to foster sustainable behaviour change are probed and then applied to the development of a comprehensive behavioural change campaign on the topic of energy conservation or waste reduction.
CESA 5820 - Controls and Operations Management
This course presents the actions, policies, strategies, and management systems required by day-to-day operations of buildings through the integration of building controls. This course gives a full understanding of operating and maintaining a building automation system and using that system to improve the ongoing energy efficiency of facilities operations.
CESA 5920 - Controls Project
This course is the final project course for the Controls and Energy Management Program. Students will apply the knowledge they have learned of building energy efficiency, automation systems, commissioning, and data analytics to propose solutions to optimize the system operation of a real building. Students will work in groups for this project to assess a building and determine controls-related performance improvement measures. The deliverable for this course is a report that presents the findings of the assessment, budget, and recommendations of improvement strategies, including anticipated cost savings.
Careers:
Job Opportunities
There is a strong demand in industry for people with the skills that the Advanced Certificate in Building Controls & Energy Management will develop. Many industry partners have stated that their company has difficulty finding people with both building controls and energy management skills. Industry believes that there is demand for graduates with the BCEM credential's profile. Current job titles of people typically working in this emerging field that could benefit from this program are:
- Engineers, P.Eng. (Mechanical, Control Systems Designer)
- Power Engineers (Control Technicians, Facility Managers)
- Controls Contractors
- Energy Managers
- Facility Operators
- Energy Modellers
- Analytics Specialists
- Systems Integrator (Manager of Integration, System Integration Operator)
- Trades
- Commissioning Agents
- Building Operators
- Sustainability Managers
- Engineering Technologists
- Vendors or suppliers of automation equipment
Employment Destinations
To date, there is no job title that reflects the uniqueness of this emerging field. Potential employment areas for graduates of this program are:
- Engineering Design Firms
- Engineering Commissioning Firms
- Energy Management Jobs
- Facilities Management and Operations Companies
- Construction Companies
- Real Estate and Property Management Companies
- Controls Companies
BCIT - British Columbia Institute of Technology
Overview:
BCIT is a public post-secondary institution in British Columbia, Canada, offering practical, flexible, and applied education. It distinguishes itself from traditional colleges and universities by focusing on hands-on learning with instructors who have direct experience in their fields.
Services Offered:
BCIT provides a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic & Learning Services:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing support, and library resources.Campus Amenities:
Cafeterias, fitness facilities, student lounges, and other amenities.Financial Aid & Awards:
Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.Health & Wellness:
Counseling, health services, and wellness programs.Safety & Security:
Campus security services and safety protocols.Student Life & Housing:
Student clubs, events, and housing options.Technology:
Access to computer labs, software, and online learning platforms.Workplace & Career Opportunities:
Career counseling, job placement services, and internship opportunities.Indigenous Initiatives:
Support services and programs for Indigenous students.International Students:
Support services and programs for international students.Student Association:
Student-run organization representing student interests.Student Life and Campus Experience:
BCIT offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for students to engage in various activities, including:
Clubs and Organizations:
Joining clubs and organizations related to their interests.Events:
Attending campus events, workshops, and social gatherings.Volunteering:
Contributing to the community through volunteer opportunities.Mentorship:
Connecting with mentors and peers for guidance and support.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical, Hands-on Learning:
Focus on applied learning with industry-relevant skills.Experienced Instructors:
Instructors with direct experience in their fields.Flexible Learning Options:
Full-time, part-time, and online programs.Strong Industry Connections:
Close ties with industry partners for internships and job opportunities.Career-Focused Programs:
Programs designed to prepare students for specific careers.Vibrant Campus Community:
Opportunities for student engagement and social interaction.Academic Programs:
BCIT offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Applied & Natural Sciences:
Business, media, computing, and IT.Engineering:
Various engineering disciplines.Health Sciences:
Healthcare and medical programs.Trades & Apprenticeships:
Skilled trades and apprenticeship programs.Flexible Learning:
Online and part-time programs.Microcredentials:
Short-term, specialized programs for skill development.Other:
BCIT is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, with initiatives focused on environmental protection and community engagement. The institution also acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations.
Entry Requirements:
This program has a two-step admission process. Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains.
Step 1: Pre-entry assessment
Applicants are required to complete a pre-entry assessment form [PDF] to review their work experience and how they meet the entrance requirements. Applicants that do not meet all entrance requirements may receive a study plan indicating required pre-entry courses. The pre-entry assessment can be completed and emailed to BCIT_BCEM@bcit.ca. You can apply if you have had the pre-entry assessment and have completed any necessary pre-entry courses. A completed pre-entry assessment form from the program area must be uploaded to complete your application.
Step 2: Meet the following entrance requirements
English language proficiency:
Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
Math:
One of the following: Precalculus 11 (67%) or Foundations of Math 11 (67%) or Workplace Math 11 (67%) or Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
Entry options:
One of the following: Option 1: Recognized diploma or degree in a related field, such as: Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Process Controls Mechanical Technologies Instrumentation Power & Process Engineering HVAC Technology Building Science Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control Technician Option 2: Interprovincial Red Seal in a related trade, such as: Instrumentation and Control Technician Industrial Electrician Electrician Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Plumbing Option 3: BCIT Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Energy Management (or previous associate certificate) Option 4: Fourth Class Power Engineer certification with a minimum of two years work experience. Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations. Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Recommended for success
Work experience in fields such as operations and maintenance, facilities management, building controls engineering, and/or building controls integration
