Course Overview
The elective course is presented as lectures and assignments, with a term project to be conducted in parallel with lectures. It will benefit students who want to gain more in-depth knowledge of building energy performance simulation as well as the skills to use sophisticated simulation tools. Meanwhile, through the study, students will acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the most widely adopted building energy standard (e.g. BC Energy Step Code, ASHRAE90.1). This elective course is broken into four segments: 1. Engineering algorithms of software – including advanced knowledge of modelling software and heat transfer and thermodynamic algorithms related to building mechanical, electrical and plumbing (M.E.P.) systems. 2. Minimally-code compliant building modelling – ASHRAE 90.1 ECB and PRM modelling guidelines, ASHRAE 90.1 ECB and PRM baseline and proposed building design modelling. 3. BC Energy Step Code modelling – City of Vancouver Energy Modeling Guidelines, BC Energy Step Code requirements, GHG emission calculations. 4. Workarounds of selected innovative and/or complex building M.E.P. systems/components. Starting with commonly used computer building energy simulation tools and their features, student will apply principles and knowledge of building envelope, the building M.E.P. (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) systems, the typical building energy simulation methods and building energy standard to more complicated building performance simulation models. Students will learn how to optimize various systems such as lighting, HVAC, and renewable energy systems for improved comfort and energy performance with consideration for the impact on life-cycle costs with the assistance of energy modelling software. Each week's lesson includes two hours and a half (2.5 hours) lecture session, and a one-hour (1.0 hour) lab session. In addition, a bi-weekly preparatory session of active learning (reflection of key readings) will be scheduled.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$1,823.88
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Build code compliant building energy performance model.
- Identify various building HVAC systems and the corresponding energy conservation measures being employed in the building systems design.
- Autonomously conduct more in-depth investigation into building energy performance by performing parametric analysis for building envelope, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems design alternates.
- Build energy performance models of mechanical systems that are readily available in software (e.g. eQuest 3.65 & DesignBuilder/EnergyPlus) to assess the energy use and the associated GHG emissions. These systems include among others: four-pipe fan coil systems, water source heat pump systems, packaged rooftop unit systems, variable air volume systems, packaged terminal air conditioning systems, packaged terminal air-cooled heat pump systems, hot water baseboard heating systems, and electric baseboard heating systems.
- Devise workarounds to model complex features, systems or components that are not readily characterized in software.
- Gain the proficiency in computer building energy simulation tool use. (eQuest 3.65 & DesignBuilder/EnergyPlus), and set forth the engineering algorithms used by the software.
- Have in-depth understanding of building energy standards widely adopted by federal and provincial authorities having jurisdiction over building energy efficiency, such as BC Energy Step Code and ASHRAE90.1 to evaluate and improve the energy performance of the building and its systems.
- Master the ASHRAE 90.1 Performance Rating Method and Energy Cost Budget Method to assess the building energy performance.
- Interpret simulation results to, and communicate the key findings/conclusions with personnel of other disciplines in building design.
- Present simulation results and findings in a clear and understandable manner, in both a written and public presentation.
Effective as of Fall 2021
Related Programs
Advanced Energy Simulation (BSCI 9250) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Building Energy Modelling
Graduate Certificate Part-time
- Building Engineering/Building Science
Master of Applied Science Full-time/Part-time
- Building Science
Master of Engineering Full-time/Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of BSCI 9250 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 62369
Dates
May 01 - Jul 31 Loading
- CRN 62369
- $1823.88 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 01 - Jul 31 | Fri | 13:00 - 16:20 | Burnaby NE01 Rm. 216 |
Duration
13 weeks
Instructor
Bo Li
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Please email Program Assistant, at BCIT_buildingscience@bcit.ca to obtain approval to register for this course. Please include your student A#.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.