Course Overview
This course introduces the life cycle assessment (LCA) technical fundamentals needed to effectively practice of whole-building LCA and use whole-building LCA results and environmental product declarations (EPDs). Learners will develop their understanding of LCA standards, methods, and data in the course. They will learn LCA concepts and technical language in general and as applied to buildings such as LCA phases, life cycle stages for a building, and building model scope. The course equips participants with the technical foundation to establish expertise in whole-building LCA and EPDs. Key topics include life cycle thinking, LCA purpose and applications, embodied carbon, relevant ISO and EN standards, LCA process and data, EPDs, and national guidelines in whole-building LCA. This is a pre-requisite course for XZEB 1165, 1166, and 1169. Delivery Format: This course is intended to be offered fully online with live tutorials with the instructor. The online learning model includes self-guided learning materials and activities in the BCIT Learning Hub.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
1.0
Domestic fees
$276.63
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 life cycle thinking and LCA as a tool.
- Explain relevant ISO and EN standards relevant to construction-sector LCA.
- Describe the generic process per ISO 14044 and the most common environmental impact categories.
- Explain how the LCA process is applied to construction products and buildings.
- Describe how to define the object of assessment.
- Discuss the potential impact of material embodied carbon emissions in relation to building operating energy emissions.
Effective as of Fall 2022
Related Programs
Introduction to Embodied Carbon & Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessments (XZEB 1160) 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 1160 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 49494
Dates
Sep 09 - Oct 07 Loading
- CRN 49494
- $276.63 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 09 - Oct 07 | Wed | 16:00 - 18:00 | Online |
Duration
5 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course has 2 scheduled live lectures on September 9 and 23, 2026. The remaining learning is completed asynchronously, online at the BCIT Learning Hub. Prior knowledge of building design and construction is recommended for success in this course.
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.