Construction

3D Visualization has revolutionized the way buildings and spaces are designed,  constructed, operated and maintained. Evaluating how and where to employ it efficiently and successfully is an emerging in-demand skill set.  The 3D Visualization for the Built Environment microcredential will provide you with skills development in Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D Rendering Tools, GIS, Digital Twins and Virtual Reality/3D Printing applications for design, presentation, construction and ongoing operations and maintenance of buildings and spaces.

This microcredential will teach students about the building envelope, its components, and the building science concepts that determine how a building interacts with its environment and surroundings. This microcredential is designed for anyone with an interest in building science. Whether a season building professional or a savvy homeowner, a knowledge of building science helps make design and material decisions that increase building efficiency and longevity. 

Students will learn how to conceptually design and analyze the costs of constructing a small building that adheres to Building Science principles, which will lead to an energy-efficient, quiet, dry and durable enclosure. Students will discuss the fundamental scientific principles that support the design and construction of a low energy, long lasting building. Students will then examine the benefits and differences between a building science approach and traditional building practices. Students will apply this knowledge to sketch, design and construct a scale, conceptual model of a small building. Finally, students will analyze the material costs of this building and revise the design accordingly. 

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a low-carbon economy by emphasizing the analysis and management of environmental impacts in construction. Through learning about environmental regulations, sustainable practices, and innovative materials, students are prepared to contribute to reducing the carbon footprint in the construction industry. 

The production, consumption and end-of-life of building materials will be reviewed using various tools, including Material Flow Analysis (MFA). Key points of intervention will be identified where changes to policy and regulation, design, typical construction processes and waste management can shift the industry into the circular economy. Understanding where construction materials come from, and their path from use through to disposal will identify the current barriers to circularity, and how these barriers can be dismantled. This course complements the Design for Disassembly and Deconstruction courses.

Design for Disassembly (DfD) is the act of planning for the repair, upgrade, adaptation, repurposing and reuse of buildings and their components. Although the life span of a building is generally longer than most products, they will end up being disposable if we don't plan for their end-of-use. The generation of construction and demolition waste has enormous environmental, social and economic costs, all of which can be avoided by bringing the built environment into the circular economy. This course provides the skills to intervene at one of the most critical stages of a building's life cycle, the design phase, to enable circularity. Case studies, industry standards and best practices will be drawn on to teach the principles of DfD. This course complements the Deconstruction and Construction Material Flow Analysis courses

The Essentials of Community Energy and Emissions Management microcredential offers a comprehensive and practical approach to understanding and implementing energy-efficient and clean energy solutions in communities. On-site renewable energy, zero-emission energy-efficient buildings, and zero-carbon transportation are the key themes of this program. This microcredential centers on learning how to create a Community Energy and Emissions Management Plan (CEEP), providing the foundational knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges of energy use and emissions in community planning and management. This microcredential is ideal for professionals in the fields of urban planning, engineering, environmental science, and public administration. It is also beneficial for individuals looking to enhance their expertise in sustainable community development and energy management.

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.

This training supports learners in all trades to prevent, analyze, and fix issues with the building envelope that affect energy efficiency. Collaborative communication and respectful work are essential to the concept of  house as a system,  where all trades work together during the construction of a home to create the most energy-efficient product. The training will introduce solid building science with the intent of making tradespeople more informed about the importance of their work and how that work affects the other trades and impacts the performance of the home as a whole.    Employees in trades such as construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing, will gain skills and knowledge regarding energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings. This upskilling opportunity will ensure employees have the necessary skills and abilities to perform their duties in an energy efficient and net zero environment.