Course Overview
This course examines the intersection of climate change mitigation, sustainable forestry, and the use of wood in high-performance buildings. Using a life cycle perspective, students will explore how sustainably managed forests and bio-based materials contribute to decarbonizing the built environment. Students will develop the skills to evaluate and recommend material strategies that enhance environmental performance, with a focus on balancing embodied carbon, biodiversity, and human health. Special attention will be given to wood’s role in promoting indoor environmental quality and supporting biophilic design. The course also provides applied knowledge of key green building certification systems, equipping students to integrate mass timber and other sustainable materials into designs that meet ambitious performance and certification standards.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
1.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the role of forest ecosystems, certification systems, and sustainable material selection in optimizing carbon storage and supporting climate-resilient, low-impact wood construction.
- Demonstrate the environmental performance of mass timber construction by applying life cycle principles, carbon uptake and environmental product declarations to inform low-carbon design and material selection strategies.
- Discuss the impact of material choices, particularly wood, on indoor environmental quality, occupant health, and building performance, including aspects of fire safety and acoustics.
- Explain how mass timber can contribute to meeting the criteria of major Canadian green building certification systems, including LEED®, Built Green®, and Passive House.
Effective as of Fall 2025
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.