Course Overview
This course builds on the technical foundation and basic principles of life cycle assessment (LCA) to begin practicing whole-building LCA. In the course, learners will apply their understanding of fundamental LCA standards to whole-building LCA. The course will be based on the Canadian national guidelines for whole-building LCA and will make use of the free LCA software, the Athena Impact Estimator for Buildings. Key topics include: background material and energy environmental data, scenarios, creating a building model and conducting whole-building LCA, data quality considerations, environmental product declarations (EPDs), interpreting results, making comparisons, and reporting. Prior knowledge of building design and construction is recommended for success in this course.
Prerequisite(s)
- XZEB 1160 or or equivalent experience
Credits
2.0
Domestic fees
$553.25
International fees are typically 3.4 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:
- Describe the material and energy environmental data that underlies whole-building LCA, as well as data quality considerations and scenarios.
- Explain how to create a whole-building LCA model.
- Describe how Athena's Impact Estimator for Buildings software tool works and how to use the software.
- Discuss how to interpret LCA results, including uncertainty, and limitations, and conclusions.
- Explain how to do a fair comparison of LCA results.
- Describe how to responsibly interpret and report LCA results.
Effective as of Fall 2022
Related Programs
Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessments Using Impact Estimator for Buildings (XZEB 1165) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Construction and the Environment
- Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessment Professional
Microcredential Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of XZEB 1165 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 49495
Dates
Oct 14 - Dec 02 Loading
- CRN 49495
- $553.25 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 14 - Dec 02 | Wed | 16:00 - 18:00 | Online |
Duration
8 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course has 3 scheduled live lectures on October 14, 28, and November 18, 2025. The remaining learning is completed asynchronously, online at the BCIT Learning Hub.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.