Supervising Net-Zero and Passive House Construction, Microcredential, Part-time
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
| 2024-04-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Supervising Net-Zero and Passive House Construction microcredential equips individuals in the construction industry with the skills and knowledge to supervise projects adhering to Net-Zero, Net-Zero-Ready, or Passive House standards. Through five courses, participants gain expertise in airtightness, enclosure construction, mechanical and electrical essentials, site supervision, and applied project management. The program emphasizes practical application and hands-on learning, preparing graduates for careers in construction management, project management, and sustainable building design.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Supervising Net-Zero and Passive House Construction microcredential is designed for individuals in the construction industry or recent graduates of related construction programs who seek to acquire the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to supervise construction projects adhering to Net-Zero, Net-Zero-Ready, or Passive House standards.
Objectives:
- Develop the ability to manage compliance with performance requirements and compliance processes of the BC Energy Step Code and Passive House standards.
- Gain in-depth knowledge to inform design, coordinate work, and control construction quality to achieve airtightness and enclosure (low-TEDI) performance levels.
- Acquire experience with tools and strategies to support site supervision activities, guided by seasoned industry leaders.
Program Description:
The microcredential consists of five courses that progressively build upon knowledge and focus on practical examples in wood-frame buildings. Upon completion, participants will possess:
- Confidence in ensuring project compliance with performance requirements and compliance processes of the BC Energy Step Code and Passive House standard.
- In-depth knowledge to inform design, coordinate work, and control construction quality to achieve airtightness and enclosure (low-TEDI) performance levels.
- Experience with tools and strategies to support site supervision activities, gained with coaching from seasoned industry leaders.
Outline:
Content:
The microcredential covers the following topics:
- Fundamentals of Net Zero energy/emissions and Passive House buildings
- Airtightness and low-TEDI enclosure construction for zero energy/emissions or Passive House buildings
- Mechanical and electrical essentials for zero energy/emissions and Passive House buildings
- Site supervision of zero energy/emissions and Passive House construction
- Applied project for site supervision of zero energy/emissions and Passive House construction
Structure:
The microcredential consists of five courses:
- XZEB 1001: Fundamentals of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- XZEB 1120: Airtightness and Low-TEDI Enclosures of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- XZEB 1146: Mechanical and Electrical Essentials for Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- XZEB 1171: Site Supervision of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Construction
- XZEB 1173: Applied Project for Site Supervision of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Construction
Course Schedule:
The microcredential is offered through Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) with intakes in January, April, and September.
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
XZEB 1001: Fundamentals of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- Covers the fundamentals of Net Zero energy/emissions and Passive House buildings, with a focus on wood-frame construction.
- Helps learners develop their knowledge of international, national, and provincial zero energy/emissions buildings codes and standards.
- Provides an understanding of net zero energy/emissions buildings principles, science, systems, materials, and cost.
- Presents case studies and provides a foundation for subsequent zero energy/emissions building courses.
XZEB 1120: Airtightness and Low-TEDI Enclosures of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- Covers airtightness and low-TEDI enclosure construction for zero energy/emissions or Passive House buildings.
- Helps learners develop their knowledge of airtightness and low thermal demand (low-TEDI) building enclosures with a study of wood-frame construction.
- Provides a firm understanding of assembly details, material selection and compatibility, construction approaches, sequencing, and coordination for zero energy/emissions or Passive House buildings.
XZEB 1146: Mechanical and Electrical Essentials for Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- Covers the essentials related to mechanical and electrical design and construction in zero energy/emissions and Passive House buildings.
- Helps learners understand unique mechanical and electrical considerations for Net-Zero, Net-Zero-Ready, and Passive House buildings.
XZEB 1171: Site Supervision of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Construction
- Helps learners develop their knowledge of how to manage new construction and coordinate construction for larger and more complex buildings.
- Focuses on developing understanding from a construction perspective of design details, new responsibilities and skills needed, and the impact of onsite decisions on final compliance and performance under the Passive House standard or the Upper Steps of the BC Energy Step Code for Part 3 and Part 9 buildings.
- Familiarizes students with tools and construction checklists to systematically manage relevant issues for zero energy/emissions or Passive House buildings.
XZEB 1173: Applied Project for Site Supervision of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Construction
- Provides an opportunity to practice skills and knowledge learned throughout the microcredential.
- Involves working on an applied project associated with supervising construction of a Net-Zero, Net-Zero Ready, or Passive House, or equivalent building.
- Under the supervision of an advisor, students develop and present a report to demonstrate their understanding and competency in supervising Net-Zero, Net-Zero Ready, Passive House, or equivalent high-performance construction.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Assessment methods may include:
- Assignments
- Quizzes
- Exams
- Projects
- Presentations
Assessment Criteria:
Assessment criteria may include:
- Knowledge and understanding of course material
- Application of knowledge and skills to practical scenarios
- Communication and presentation skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
Teaching methods may include:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Hands-on activities
- Online learning platforms
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced industry professionals and faculty members with expertise in sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, and construction management.
Unique Approaches:
- The program emphasizes practical application and hands-on learning through case studies, simulations, and industry partnerships.
- Students have access to industry-standard software and equipment to enhance their learning experience.
- The program is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing students to complete the microcredential while balancing work and personal commitments.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Upon completion of the microcredential, graduates may pursue careers in the following areas:
- Construction management
- Project management
- Building inspection
- Energy efficiency consulting
- Sustainable building design
Opportunities:
The microcredential provides graduates with the skills and knowledge to:
- Supervise construction projects that meet Net-Zero, Net-Zero-Ready, or Passive House standards
- Manage compliance with energy efficiency and sustainability regulations
- Lead teams in the implementation of sustainable building practices
- Advance their careers in the construction industry
