Apply the basic principles of life cycle assessment (LCA) fundamental LCA standards to practice whole-building LCA. The course is based on the Canadian national guidelines for whole-building LCA and will use the free LCA software, the Athena Impact Estimator for Buildings.
100% online, Feb 26 - Apr 9 (independent work + 3 live lectures on Feb 26, Mar 12 & 26), Wednesdays 4-6PM for 7 weeks, $521.38
Learners will gain a detailed understanding of the Passive House Standard, design principles, economics, construction, and certification requirements. The course will cover the 5 basic principles of a Passive House building and provide an in-depth review of building enclosure topics, including insulation, thermal bridging, airtightness, and windows/doors. Upon successful completion, students will earn designation as a Certified Passive House Tradesperson, registered with the Passive House Institute.
March 20 – April 3, 2025
In this course, students will dive into the world of renewable energy sources and systems for heat and electricity and carbon capture. Students will learn how to evaluate technologies based on cost factors, technology readiness, site specific conditions and other risk factors.
In this course, students will take a hands-on approach to develop a Community Energy and Emissions Plan. Students will learn to navigate the planning process, identify funding sources, and learn to manage project consultants.
In this course, students will gain a fundamental understanding of energy and emissions including where energy comes from, how it is used or captured, and the impacts it has on people and the planet. Students will learn about climate change mitigation and adaptation, resilience, economic and health benefits, and much more.
In this project-based course, students will practice completing a high-quality whole-building LCA and preparing an environmental building declaration. Prior knowledge of building design and construction is recommended for success in this course.
The course will prepare students to conduct a wbLCA and prepare an environmental building declaration by understanding the quality and sources of data, advanced methods, and interpreting results using the Impact Estimator for Buildings web tool. Key topics include advanced data considerations, EPDs, advanced method issues for Module D (recyclability, biogenic carbon, carbonation, off-gassing), benchmarks, comparisons, and wbLCA practices consistent with national guidelines. Prior knowledge of building design and construction is recomended for success in this course.
Learn the fundamentals of life cycle assessment (LCA) and embodied carbon in construction for designers, energy advisors, energy modelers, and policymakers.
100% online, Jan. 22 - Feb. 19 (independent work + 2 live lectures on Jan. 22 + Feb. 5), Wednesdays 4-6PM for 5 weeks, $265.79
Prerequisites: None
This course helps students learn how to manage new construction, coordinate construction for larger, more complex buildings and become familiar with tools and construction checklists to systematically manage relevant issues for zero energy/emissions and Passive House buildings
Key topics include the airtightness, enclosure details, thermal bridging, mechanical services, construction management, quality assurance construction checklists, and compliance documentation.
