Training Courses

Virtual Zero-Energy Buildings Training Opportunity!

Apply today to attend BCIT’s Fundamentals of Zero Energy / Emissions Passive House Buildings course in Spring 2025. The course is offered online and free of charge for eligible participants!

This course covers the fundamentals of Net Zero energy/emissions and Passive House buildings, with a focus on wood-frame construction.

Through the course, learners will develop their knowledge of international, national and provincial zero energy/emissions buildings codes and standards. They will also develop an understanding of net zero energy/emissions buildings principles, building science, systems, materials and cost.

The course presents multiple case studies and provides a strong foundation for future zero energy/emissions building courses.

FNHES training course - vestibule

Key Topics

Key topics include:

  • BC Building Code’s Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code
  • Net Zero, Zero Carbon and Passive House standards
  • Operational and embodied carbon
  • Energy efficiency performance metrics
  • Building science
  • Integrated design
  • Introduction to low-Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) and airtight enclosures
  • Introduction to net zero mechanical and electrical systems
  • Costing

Schedule of Sessions

This course is offered online with live virtual lectures and self-paced learning in the BCIT Learning Hub.

The course will take place over seven 3-hour online sessions, plus 3 hours of independent learning:

  • Wednesday, April 2, from 1 pm – 4 pm

  • Wednesday, April 16, from 1 pm – 4 pm

  • Wednesday, April 30, from 1 pm – 4 pm

  • Wednesday, May 14, from 1 pm – 4 pm

  • Wednesday, May 28 from 1 pm – 4 pm

  • Wednesday, June 4, from 1 pm – 4 pm

  • Wednesday, June 18, from 1 pm – 4 pm

Eligibility

Eligible participants include:

  • BC First Nations community housing or energy staff
  • BC Indigenous housing society staff
  • BC First Nations community members, including youth, who are interested in a career in the housing or energy sectors
  • Contractors currently working for BC First Nations on housing or energy projects

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application form by March 19, 2025. We will follow up within one week. Spaces are limited, so apply today! The course is free for eligible participants.

Questions?

Contact the Program Lead for the First Nations Home EnergySave Program:

Erin Pedersen

Previous Courses

BCIT XZEB 1114 – Building Science for Retrofits

From September 18 to November 13, 2024, FBC offered BCIT’s Building Science for Retrofits course to a cohort of 23 students representing 10 BC First Nations, six contractors, and three support organizations.

Students learned the fundamentals of building science for retrofits and upgrades for homes in rural communities.

Course topics included:

  • House-as-a-system
  • Air, water, moisture and heat management
  • Retrofit solutions and programs
  • Culturally appropriate design
  • Best practices for retrofit envelope and mechanical upgrades