Essentials of Net-Zero and Passive House Construction

The Essentials Net-Zero and Passive House Construction microcredential is for individuals who want to gain the skills and knowledge to construct high-performance buildings to meet the BC Energy Step Code, Net-Zero Energy, and Passive House standards. Every industry practitioner will benefit from an applied understanding of the unique requirements of Net-Zero and Passive House design and construction.

The microcredential contains the essentials needed for understanding building enclosures, electrical and mechanical systems, and processes and considerations for these new codes and standards. The microcredential consists of four courses using practical examples of wood- framed construction from seasoned industry leaders. An optional hands-on lab course is available for those interested. This program is delivered online and is offered on a course-by-course basis.

Upon completion, learners will have:

• Confidence to ensure project compliance with performance requirements and compliance process of the BC Energy Step Code and Net-Zero and Passive House standards
• The skills to critically assess design details and adopt construction best practices to achieve airtight and thermally-efficient Net-Zero and Passive House performance levels
• The ability to compare design options and construction requirements for mechanical and electrical systems in Net-Zero and Passive House buildings
• Knowledge of new planning, decision-making, and construction practices to achieve Net-Zero and Passive House buildings.

Architects, Designers, and Energy Advisors will learn features and considerations for designs that feature constructible details, incorporate best practice on building science and durability, and consider both operating emissions and embodied carbon. Evolved practices for mechanical and electrical system planning, design coordination, and final performance in Net Zero and Passive House construction.

Builders, Trades, and Project Managers will learn construction details and approaches to ensure compliance with Passive House and Energy Step Code performance metrics, strategies to manage compliance risk on a project and how to address current industry issues such as material compatibility. Evolved practices for mechanical and electrical system design coordination, quality installation and system verification in Net Zero and Passive House construction.

Planned assessments vary and include quizzes, hands-on learning activities, and participation during lectures.

This microcredential provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for people working in the construction industry to assist in their ability to design, plan, and implement projects that contribute to energy security and sustainability.

Topics covered include:

• BC Energy Step Code, Net Zero, Zero Carbon and Passive House standards, operational and embodied carbon, energy efficiency performance metrics, building science, integrated design, low-TEDI and airtight enclosures, and costing (XZEB 1001)
• Airtight and low-TEDI assembly details, material selection and compatibility, sequencing, and coordination for airtight zero energy/emissions or Passive House building enclosures. Access to 20+ videos construction sequencing and details (XZEB 1120)
• Best practices to ensure good design, installation, and verification of HVAC systems in residential projects (XZEB 1140)
• Best practices for planning, designing, and constructing/renovating a Zero Energy home with integrated solar PV and electrical systems (XZEB 1150)
• An optional 2-day in-person lab course is also available for hands-on practice constructing and testing various air barrier systems, materials, and assembly details (XZEB 1130)

• Essentials of Community Energy and Emissions Management
• Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment Professional
• Supervising Net-Zero and Passive House Construction