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Zero Energy Buildings All-In-One: Fundamentals, Airtightness, Assemblies, and Mechanicals CESA 1005

Centre for Energy Systems Applications Course

International Fees

International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.

Course details

​This 48-hour course (equivalent to CESA 1001, CESA 1110, CESA 1120 and CESA 1140 combined) will provide a comprehensive study of Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB's) to ensure that that builders, designers, consultants and tradespeople have the applied knowledge to build to the Upper Steps of the BC Energy Step Code, Net-Zero Energy or the Passive House standard. Students will learn from industry experts and develop an applied understanding of the BC Energy Step Code, building science in ZEBs, airtight design and construction, execution of high performance assembly details, and mechanical systems for ZEB's.

Prerequisite(s)

  • No prerequisites are required for this course.

Credits

4.0

Not offered this term
This course is not offered this term. Please check back next term or subscribe to receive notifications of future course offerings and other opportunities to learn more about this course and related programs.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Part 1:

  • Compare the BC Energy Step Code, near Net Zero Energy building standard, and the Passive House standard.
  • Describe the 6 principles of high performance buildings and the "envelope-first approach" to near Zero Energy Buildings.
  • Explain fundamentals of building science (heat, air, and moisture transmission) in the context of various near Zero Energy Building assemblies
  • Explain the role of material selection on building durability and performance.

Part 2:

  • Demonstrate an introductory understanding of air flow fundamentals as they relate to building enclosure assemblies.
  • Be aware of the importance of planning and coordination from design through to construction and testing to meet the Part 9 requirements of the BC Energy Step Code.
  • Explain selection considerations for on air barrier material and accessory durability and performance.
  • Compare material properties (membranes, tapes, components, etc.) in the application as an air barrier system.
  • Observe installation of various air barrier solutions to achieve the airtightness (ACH) metrics of the BC Energy Step Code and the Passive House standard.
  • Compare the performance, constructability, and costs of several different air barrier approaches to meet the airtightness (ACH) metrics.

Part 3:

  • Compare material properties (membranes, insulation, tapes, fasteners, etc.) in the application of various near Zero Energy Building assemblies.
  • Observe construction of various enclosure solutions to achieve the airtightness (ACH) metrics and thermal performance (TEDI) metrics of the BC Energy Step Code, near Zero Energy building standard, and the Passive House standard
  • Compare the performance, constructability, and costs of several different approaches to meet the thermal performance (TEDI) and airtightness (ACH) metrics.
  • Be aware of the importance of planning and coordination from design through to construction and testing to meet the Part 9 requirements of the BC Energy Step Code.

Part 4:

  • Explain how an Integrated Design Process can lead to achieving efficient mechanical systems performing as intended.
  • Demonstrate understanding of application of best practices during the design and tender stages of mechanical systems.
  • Learn and apply best practices for equipment selection and sizing of mechanical systems.
  • Explain the value of various high performance heating, ventilation and cooling strategies (passive and active) and interactions between systems in airtight buildings.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with use of standard High Performance Construction checklists in a construction environment.
  • Be aware of the importance of planning and coordination from design through to construction and testing to meet the Part 9 requirements of the BC Energy Step Code.

Effective as of Winter 2020

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