Society faces significant population growth challenges while we seek to decarbonize, adapt to climate change and manage resources in a more sustainable manner. Meeting these challenges means buildings, energy systems and infrastructure must evolve – yesterday’s solutions are being replaced by new approaches. Our Sustainability Energy and Building Technology advanced diploma program positions graduates with a portfolio of skills that are in high demand.

Our unique program prepares graduates to examine, model and improve the energy and environmental performance of existing buildings; to support the design, construction and operation of new, sustainable buildings being built to increasingly stringent performance standards; to implement renewable energy technologies; and to support new approaches to understanding and managing energy use and building resilience into campuses, neighbourhoods or whole cities. At one time we paid little attention to the cost, availability or environmental impact of energy use – today, these are issues of growing importance to individuals, business and government.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Perform a land site assessment to determine potential for renewable energy harvesting, optimum placement of wind, solar and earth energy technologies and building orientation for passive solar gain and protection from the elements.
• Perform an energy needs analysis for residential or small-scale commercial or industrial structures, designated under Section 9 of the Ontario Building Code, and identify building system components that save energy.
• Perform an energy audit on residential, small-scale commercial and industrial buildings, designated under Section 9 of the Ontario Building Code, to determine energy efficiency, problem areas and energy loss and advise on corrective actions.
• Design and propose a grid-tied or off-grid renewable energy system for a residential or small-scale commercial or industrial structure, designated under Section 9 of the Ontario Building Code, based on an energy needs analysis.
• Adhere to legal, regulatory and health and safety codes and guidelines in sustainable energy and building technology practice.
• Estimate the costs and time schedule of implementing a renewable energy/energy efficiency system, including annual running costs and return on investment.
• Assist in land development, regulatory and stakeholder processes regarding the placement of renewable energy/energy efficiency technologies during the planning/approval phase.
• Assist in the selection of heating, cooling, hot water and electrical systems and equipment during the building specification phase in a new structure or retrofit to ensure high energy efficiency.
• Assist in the delivery, handling, installation and testing of renewable energy/energy efficiency technologies during the construction phase
• Prepare a viable business plan for a new energy business venture.
• Assist in the development of sales and marketing strategies for energy products and services.
• Promote an integrated or whole building approach with clients, industry professionals and associations.

Work Placement

• Our program features an optional work placement of 400 hours (minimum). This offers practical experience in the energy efficiency, green building or sustainable energy industry sectors following Semester 4. We work with business, industry and government to identify work placement opportunities.