Supervising Net-Zero and Passive House Construction

The Supervising Net-Zero and Passive House Construction microcredential is for individuals in the construction industry, or those who have recently completed a related construction program, who are seeking to gain the skills, knowledge, and tools unique to supervising construction on Net-Zero, Net-Zero-Ready, or Passive House construction projects.

Whether they want to coordinate and supervise smaller teams and sub-trades on smaller projects (Part 9 buildings) or work with larger teams on complex projects (larger Part 9 or Part 3 wood-frame buildings), learners will develop their ability to manage compliance with the performance requirements of BC Energy Step Code and Net-Zero Energy and Passive House standards and prepare for the upcoming changes to the National Building Code.

The microcredential consists of five courses that build upon each other in knowledge and focus on practical examples in wood-frame buildings. Upon completion, learners will have:

• Confidence to ensure project compliance with performance requirements and compliance process of the BC Energy Step Code and Passive House
• 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

Builders, tradespeople, site supervisors, site superintendents, energy advisors, project managers will learn construction details and approaches to inform design, coordinate work, and control construction quality for compliance with Passive House and Energy Step Code performance metrics and build tools and strategies to support site supervision activities from seasoned industry leaders.

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

This microcredential provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for people leading construction site crews and teams to assist in their ability to plan, implement, and quality assure 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)
• Mechanical and electrical systems considerations for supervising Net Zero, Net Zero Energy-ready, and Passive House projects (XZEB 1146).
• Tools to coordinate and supervise construction for compliance on BC Energy Step Code and Passive House standards on larger, more complex buildings. Access to 10 videos on ensuring quality for construction sequencing and details (XZEB 1171)
• Practice coordinating and supervising construction for on BC Energy Step Code and Passive House standards through applied project with supervision of an industry advisor
• Develop and present a report demonstrating understanding and competency in supervising Net-Zero, Net-Zero Ready, Passive House, or equivalent high-performance construction (XZEB 1173)
• 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
• Essentials of Net-Zero and Passive House Construction
• Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment Professional