Industry Training
Find courses, training or professional development opportunities related to emissions-neutral buildings.
Courses
Find learning opportunities for all levels, from recent graduates to professionals. We have included courses offered outside Alberta if the content is relevant.
Click on the institution’s logo for course details.
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Essentials of Net-Zero and Passive House Construction:
This BCIT micro-credential contains information on topics about building enclosures, net-zero and Passive House design and construction, electrical and mechanical systems, and processes and considerations for codes and standards. General concepts from these courses apply to Alberta, although some building techniques, codes, and grid carbon intensity may not be specific to Alberta.
Supervising Net-Zero and Passive House Construction:
This BCIT micro-credential is for those in the construction industry who have recently completed related construction programs and seek to gain the skills, knowledge, and tools unique to supervising the construction of net-zero, net-zero-ready, or Passive House construction projects. Develop your ability to manage compliance with the performance requirements of BC Energy Step Code and Net-Zero Energy and Passive House standards, and prepare for the upcoming changes to the National Building Code. General concepts from these courses apply to Alberta, although some codes may not be specific to Alberta.
Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessment Professional:
This BCIT micro-credential provides the skills and knowledge to effectively use LCA in design decisions for construction projects. Gain foundational knowledge of life cycle thinking, embodied carbon, and LCA standards and methods that are applied as you conduct whole-building LCAs and calculate the carbon impact of building materials using Athena’s free LCA software.
You will complete the micro-credential with a final project where you will undertake a thorough whole-building LCA and produce a comprehensive report in compliance with the national guidelines on whole-building LCA. General concepts from these courses apply to Alberta, although some codes may not be specific to Alberta.
Essentials of Zero Energy + Passive House Construction
- XZEB 1001 Fundamentals of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- XZEB 1120 Airtightness and Low-TEDI Enclosures of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- XZEB 1140 Introduction to Residential Mechanical Systems for Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- XZEB 1150 Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic & Electrical Systems for Zero Energy & Passive House Homes
- Optional: XZEB 1130 Airtightness and Low-TEDI Enclosures Lab for Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
Supervising Net-Zero and Passive House Construction
- XZEB 1001 Fundamentals of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- XZEB 1120 Airtightness and Low-TEDI Enclosures of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- XZEB 1146 Mechanical and Electrical Essentials for Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
- XZEB 1171 Site Supervision of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Construction
- XZEB 1173 Applied Project for Site Supervision of Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Construction
- Optional: XZEB 1130 Airtightness and Low-TEDI Enclosures Lab for Zero Energy/Emissions and Passive House Buildings
Cost: >$500/certificate
Length: >21 Hours (~60 Hours, 3-6 months)
Offering Timing: Evenings
Prerequisite: None, No international applicants
Location/Online: Online
Credential Type: Microcredential upon completion of courses
Alberta Relevance: BC-based course. General building science concepts are applicable. Should consider differences in the carbon intensity of the grid and the impact of fuel switching. Some building techniques may not be appropriate for Alberta’s climate.
Note: This information is provided at the course level. All courses would need to be completed for the microcredential.
Individual Courses & Certifications
CIET has developed over 35 courses/certificates to support professionals in their career growth in the world of energy efficiency and emissions neutral buildings. Virtual classroom and online courses on topics surrounding energy management, energy consulting, building operations and maintenance, decarbonization, and industrial facilities. Become a commissioning specialist, energy auditor, advisor, or Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Manager. General concepts from these courses are applicable to Alberta, although some building techniques may not be appropriate for Alberta’s climate.
- Measure and Verification Essentials
- Existing Building Commissioning Essentials
- Certified Building Commissioning Professional
- Energy-Efficient Financing Mechanisms
- Building Energy Modelling Professional
- Working with the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB)
- Building Science and Numeracy Essentials
- Working with the Greener Homes Initiative
- Building Energy Modeling Essentials
- Carbon Footprint Accounting – Scope 1 and 2
- Becoming Carbon Neutral – Concepts, Strategies, and Initiatives
- Making the Case for Decarbonization Projects
- Planning and Selecting GHG Reduction Projects
- Achieving Net Zero Buildings
- Prep Course for the NRCan Low-Rise Multi-Unit Residential Buildings Exam (MURB)
Cost: >$500/course
Length: >8 Hours / course
Offering Timing: Virtual Classroom, Weekday
Prerequisite: High school, Varies
Location/Online: Virtual Classroom
Credential Type: Course Certificate of Completion, Course Credential
Languages: English, French
Alberta Relevance: Canada-wide courses. General concepts are applicable. Some building techniques may not be appropriate for Alberta’s climate.
Note: This information is provided at the course level. All courses would need to be completed for specific credentials.
Sustainable Energy Technology Diploma
Lakeland College’s Sustainable Energy Technology program offers comprehensive training in the evolving field of renewable energy. Whether you’re seeking practical knowledge and skills or looking to expand your expertise in architecture, engineering, or the trades, this online and flexible program has you covered. The curriculum begins with the basics, covering various types of renewable energy such as solar, wind, biofuel, and geo-exchange. It then progresses to more advanced topics, including the design and installation techniques for solar photovoltaics, solar hot water, micro-wind, and geothermal systems. Additionally, you’ll learn about small business management, all of which are applicable to the emissions-neutral building industry in Alberta.
Individual courses
Enhance your professional skill set by completing microcredential courses at Lakeland College. They currently offer the following online courses:
Cost: >$500/course
Length: >21 Hours (2 year diploma, additional individual courses)
Offering Timing: Flexible, Online
Location/Online: Online, lab work in Vermilion for diploma.
Credential Type: Diploma, Course Certificate
Alberta Relevance: AB-based course. All content is relevant.
Alternative Energy Technology Diploma
NAIT’s two-year diploma program in Alternative Energy Technology will equip you with the skills necessary to design, integrate, and maintain systems that utilize alternative energy sources, including solar, geothermal, wind, biofuels, hydro, fuel cells, and co-generation. The program includes specific courses covering technology, codes and regulations, building energy modeling, energy audits, energy management, and retrofits, all of which are applicable to the emissions-neutral building industry in Alberta.
Individual courses
Enhance your professional skill set by completing weekend courses at NAIT. They currently offer in-person courses on solar photovoltaic installation for electricians, and photovoltaic design courses with a focus on installation.
Cost: >$500/course
Length: >21 Hours (2 year diploma, additional individual courses)
Offering Timing: Monday – Friday daytime for diploma, weekends for courses
Location/Online: In person – Edmonton
Credential Type: Diploma, Course Certificate
Alberta Relevance: AB-based course. All content is relevant.
Energy Management Diploma
NorQuest College offers an in-person two-year diploma program in Energy Management. In this program, you will acquire the skills to apply renewable energy sources, understand energy efficiency, and navigate energy policy. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including environmental issues, energy modeling and simulation, financial analysis for energy projects, renewable energy systems, energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) policy, energy auditing, and more. Additionally, there is an optional term for a paid internship at the end of the second year. Energy Management graduates can pursue diverse careers in the industry, including roles as energy advisors, energy analysts, energy assessors, energy auditors, energy consultants, energy managers, and project managers.
Cost: >$500/certificate
Length: >21 Hours (2 years)
Offering Timing: Monday-Friday daytime
Prerequisite: High School
Location/Online: In Person – Edmonton
Credential Type: Diploma
Alberta Relevance: All content is relevant. AB-based.
High-Performance Residential Design and Construction Certificate:
SAIT’s program is ideal for those currently in the residential construction industry, including architects, designers, engineers, site managers and tradespeople. It consists of five courses that cover residential construction topics such as high-performance building principles, net-zero and zero-carbon fundamentals, smart home technologies, design integration and construction detailing. The program is conducted in a virtual classroom setting with a live instructor based in Calgary, and all courses are applicable to Alberta.
Cost: >$500/certificate
Length: >21 Hours (~70 Hours, 10 months)
Offering Timing: Evenings
Prerequisite: High school and courses must be taken in order.
Location/Online: Virtual classroom, instructor based out of Calgary
Credential Type: Certificate of Completion
Alberta Relevance: This course was designed and developed with Alberta’s market in mind. All content is relevant.
Note: This information is provided at the course level. All courses would need to be completed for the credential.
Passive House Canada
The Passive House (Passivhaus) standard is recognized internationally as the proven best way to build for comfort and performance. They have many courses to offer whether you’re a homeowner, designer, architect, planner, builder or policymaker advocating for high-performance building standards. Passive House Canada’s head office is in Victoria, BC, with instructors from across Canada and their courses will ensure you are qualified to design high-performance, highly efficient buildings to meet Canada’s national green building strategy.
- Building Enclosure Control Layers (200)
- How to Identify and Drive Down Embodied Carbon in Buildings (310)
- Understanding Building Codes (320)
- Calculating the Cost/Comfort Equation (Part 9 Buildings) (330)
- How to Design and Build High-Performance Multi-Unit Buildings at the Lowest Possible Cost
- Flixo Training – Model Thermal Bridges for High-Performance Buildings
- Window Modelling for High-Performance Buildings using Flixo Pro
- PHPP Expert, Achieving the Passive House Standard for Existing Buildings
Cost: >$50/course
Length: >21 Hours (course length varies)
Offering Timing: Virtual Classroom
Prerequisite: High School
Location/Online: Online
Credential Type: Course Certificate
Alberta Relevance: Canada-based course. General building science concepts are applicable. Some building techniques may not be appropriate for Alberta’s climate or grid carbon intensity.
Professional Home Builders Institute
The Professional Home Builders Institute (PHBI) is a leading provider of education and training for Canada’s new homebuilding industry. Headquartered in Calgary, PHBI offers a wide range of in-depth courses, covering topics from “Building Science Principles” to “Problem Solving in the Home Building Industry.”
Whether you’re a homeowner, designer, architect, planner, builder, or tradesperson, PHBI provides both online and in-person courses in Alberta to support your journey toward building better, more efficient homes.
In-person:
Online:
- Advanced Barrier Techniques for Window and Door Installers
- Building Codes (National Building Code 2019 Alberta Edition)
- Building Science and Moisture Management
- Building Science Principles
- Construction Fundamentals
- Construction Performance Guidelines and Warranty Applications
- Energy Efficiency and Air Tightness Testing
- From Plans to Perfection: Project Planning for Windows and Doors
- Moisture Control Fundamentals
- Precursor to SAIT’s CNST-001 Building Moisture Control, part of the New Home Warranty Program Moisture Control Certificate of Completion (a SAIT/PHBI collaboration)
- New Energy Code – Section 9.36 (Seminar)
- Problem Solving in Home Building – Virtual Classroom
- Problem Solving in the Home Building Industry
PHBI’s highly regarded Master Home Builder designation makes a powerful statement about your commitment to professionalism, performance, education and exceptional customer service.
Elevate your reputation in the competitive new home marketplace and become a Master Home Builder.
Cost: >$50/course
Length: >21 Hours (course length varies)
Offering Timing: In Person, Virtual Classroom, Online
Prerequisite: Knowledge of construction
Location/Online: Online, Calgary, Edmonton
Credential Type: Course Certificate, Designation
Alberta Relevance: PHBI’s head office is in Calgary, Alberta. All content is relevant.
Solar Alberta
With a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, Solar AB aims to help Alberta transition towards a cleaner, greener future by harnessing the power of the sun to generate renewable energy. They provide free networking and educational events on solar photovoltaics, along with both free and paid online training courses, all applicable to our climate and regulations.
You may qualify for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) for these courses, which covers 2/3 of the class cost. More information can be found about the grant in the linked course descriptions below.
Cost: >$50/course
Length: >6 Hours (course length varies)
Offering Timing: Virtual Classroom, On Demand
Prerequisite: Varies, some courses have no prerequisites, others require knowledge of the Canadian Electrical Code
Location/Online: Online
Credential Type: Course Certificate
Alberta Relevance: AB-based course. All content is relevant.
Residential Construction Program
Trade Winds to Success offers a residential construction program for Indigenous students in Alberta. Students receive up to 400 hours of carpentry experience, 48 hours of electrical experience and 48 hours of plumbing experience that can be credited to apprenticeship hours once indentured in the respective trade. Students learn about some high-performance building techniques. A program for those looking to get into the construction industry.
Visit Program Page
Cost: >$50
Length: >21 Hours (18 weeks)
Offering Timing: Daytime
Prerequisite: Must be 18+ and Indigenous
Location/Online: In person, Edmonton
Credential Type: Certificate
Alberta Relevance: AB-based course. All content is relevant.
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