Essentials of Net-Zero and Passive House Construction, Microcredential, Part-time

Program Overview

This microcredential program provides knowledge and skills for constructing high-performance buildings that meet Net-Zero Energy, Passive House, and BC Energy Step Code standards. It covers fundamentals, airtightness, mechanical systems, and solar photovoltaic systems. Students can earn an optional badge by completing an in-person lab course.

Program Outline

Outline:

Program Content and Structure:

The Essentials of Net-Zero and Passive House Construction microcredential focuses on providing individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to construct high-performance buildings that meet the requirements of the BC Energy Step Code, Net-Zero Energy, and Passive House standards. The program includes practical examples of wood-framed construction from seasoned industry leaders.

Course Schedule:

The microcredential consists of four courses offered on a course-by-course basis:

XZEB 1001: Fundamentals of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings

(2.0 credits)

• Covers the fundamentals of Net Zero energy/emissions and Passive House buildings, including national and provincial zero energy/emissions building codes and standards, principles, science, systems, materials, and cost.

XZEB 1120: Airtightness and Low-TEDI Enclosures of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings

(2.0 credits)

• Focuses on airtightness and low-TEDI enclosure construction for zero energy/emissions or Passive House buildings, covering assembly details, material selection, construction approaches, sequencing, and coordination.

XZEB 1140: Introduction to Residential Mechanical Systems for Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings

(2.0 credits)

• Explores integrated residential HVAC mechanical equipment to meet national and provincial zero energy (BC Energy Step Code) requirements and Passive House standards, discussing best practices for planning, coordinating, and verifying mechanical HVAC systems.

XZEB 1150: Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic & Electrical Systems for Zero Energy & Passive House Homes

(1.0 credit)

• Introduces integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) and electrical systems in Zero Energy or Passive House homes, outlining decision-making for planning, designing, constructing/renovating, and hand-off best practices.

Optional Course:

Students may also take an optional in-person lab course (XZEB 1130: Airtightness and Low-TEDI Enclosures Lab for Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings) to earn a Zero Energy/Emissions Buildings Enclosure Specialist badge.

Teaching:

The program is offered through distance and online learning. Courses include live virtual lectures and self-paced learning in the BCIT Learning Hub. The optional lab course is delivered in person at BCIT's High-Performance Lab.