Retrofit Solutions for Rural Communities, Microcredential, Part-time

Program Overview

The Retrofit Solutions for Rural Communities microcredential equips learners with knowledge of building science, zero emissions buildings, and retrofit strategies. Through practical examples and hands-on activities, it teaches affordable solutions for improving building performance and comfort in rural regions. The program covers topics such as house-as-a-system, building envelope, heating, cooling, and ventilation, and design for culture, comfort, and affordability.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Retrofit Solutions for Rural Communities microcredential is designed to enhance knowledge of essential building science, zero emissions buildings, and retrofit strategies.
• It covers concepts such as "house-as-a-system," building envelope, heating, cooling, and ventilation, and design for culture, comfort, and affordability.
• It consists of two courses using practical examples of residential retrofits in rural regions.
• Through applied activities, learners will identify affordable solutions to improving performance and practice applying these techniques through hands-on activities.

Objectives:

• Describe the context for reducing emissions of the building sector.
• Explain the fundamentals of building science related to residential building retrofits.
• Describe how the "house-as-a-system" approach can be applied to retrofit decisions.
• Identify the strategies for evaluating emissions retrofits to improve occupant comfort, efficiency, and durability.
• Apply building science fundamentals in hands-on construction and sequencing of specific building retrofits and upgrades.

Outline:

• Building Science for Retrofits:
> - Introduces the fundamentals of building science for retrofits and upgrades for homes in rural communities. > - Outlines the contexts for reducing emissions in homes, fundamental building science concepts, solutions for residential building retrofits and upgrades, and strategies to reduce energy usage and improve comfort and building durability. > - Presents multiple case studies from communities in different regions of BC. > - Key topics include: House-as-a-System: air, water, moisture, and heat management; retrofit solutions and programs; culturally appropriate design; and best practices for retrofit, envelope, and mechanical upgrades.
• Implementing Retrofit Solutions for Rural Communities:
> - Introduces approaches to above and below-grade assembly solutions to achieve energy efficiency, durability, and comfort. > - Learners apply their building science knowledge in hands-on construction and sequencing of specific building upgrades. > - By the end, they will be able to compare typical strategies based on local material availability, durability, application, and available funding. > - Key topics include: House-as-a-System approaches, envelope upgrades, mechanical upgrades, sequencing, constructability, and durability. > - This course will be offered in person in the community or at the BCIT High Performance Lab. > - Learners should be prepared for light construction and wear steel-toe footwear for lab sessions. > - Tools will be provided onsite.