Learning Outcomes

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

Building Science, Codes, and Standards for ZEBs

• Compare requirements of 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.

ZEB Airtightness

• Demonstrate an 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.
• Explain selection considerations for on air barrier material and accessory durability and performance.
• Compare material properties (membranes, tapes, components, etc.) in their application as an air barrier system.
• Observe installation and testing 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.

ZEB Assembly Details

• 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 and Passive House standard.

ZEB Mechanicals Systems

• 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 and the Passive House standard.

Effective as of Fall 2020