Essentials of Net-Zero and Passive House Construction

​This course covers the fundamentals of Net Zero energy/emissions and Passive House buildings, with focus on wood-frame construction. The course will help learners develop their knowledge of international, national and provincial zero energy/emissions buildings codes and standards. Students will also develop an understanding of net zero energy/emissions buildings principles, science, systems, materials and cost. The course presents multiple case studies and provides a strong foundation for subsequent zero energy/emissions building courses. 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-TEDI and airtight enclosures, introduction to net zero mechanical and electrical systems, and costing. This course is offered online with live virtual lectures and self-paced learning in the BCIT Learning Hub.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course covers airtightness and low-TEDI enclosure construction for zero energy/emissions or Passive House buildings. The course will help learners develop their knowledge of airtightness and low thermal demand (low-TEDI) building enclosures with study of wood-frame construction. Students will develop a firm understanding of assembly details, material selection and compatibility, construction approaches, sequencing and coordination, for zero energy/emissions or Passive House buildings. Key topics include the airtightness, high R-value enclosure details, thermal bridging, assembly interfaces, windows, mechanical and electrical penetration, and embodied carbon of materials. This course is offered online with live virtual lectures and self-paced learning in the BCIT Learning Hub.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in XZEB 1001

​This course focuses on an integrated approach to residential HVAC mechanical equipment to meet national and provincial zero energy (BC Energy Step Code) requirements and Passive House standards. The course will help learners understand the best practices from the design to verification of HVAC systems in residential projects. Through case studies and industry experts, learners will recognize the unintended consequences of poorly selected, designed, installed, and verified systems and practices for planning, coordinating, and verifying mechanical HVAC systems to ensure project performance and owner satisfaction. Key topics include Energy Step Code and Passive House requirements; HVAC mechanical system options, costs, and performance; and best practices from design, tender, installation, and verification. To succeed in this course, there is an expectation of a pre-requisite knowledge of the BC Energy Step Code, Passive House standards, and airtightness and low-TEDI assemblies.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This introductory course focuses on integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) and electrical systems in Zero Energy or Passive House homes. The course will outline the decision-making for planning, designing, and constructing/renovating a Zero Energy home with integrated solar PV and electrical systems. It applies “lessons learned” from case studies of Zero Energy homes equipped with solar PV technology. Key topics include critical elements of a design-build process, pre-design considerations and requirements, future-proofing for new technologies and electrical circuit load capacity, equipment and monitoring options, and hand-off best practices. This course is intended to be offered fully online or in a hybrid of online live lectures and discussions. The online learning model includes live lectures and complementary self-guided learning materials in the BCIT Learning Hub.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course will prepare students who have completed XZEB 1001 and XZEB 1120 with the outstanding body of knowledge required to earn the Certified Passive House Tradesperson - Envelope Specialization designation. Learners will gain a detailed understanding of the Passive House Standard, design principles, economics, construction, and certification requirements. The course will cover the 5 basic principles of a Passive House building and provide an in-depth review of building enclosure topics, including insulation, thermal bridging, airtightness, and windows/doors. Upon successful course completion, students will earn designation as a Certified Passive House Tradesperson, registered with the Passive House Institute.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in XZEB 1001 and 60% in XZEB 1120

​This lab course allows for hands-on practice constructing various air barrier systems and assembly details for zero energy/emissions and Passive House buildings to meet the requirements of the national and provincial zero energy (BC Energy Step Code) and Passive House standards. Students will apply a foundational understanding of zero energy/emissions building codes and standards, airtightness and low-TEDI enclosures and work through several hands-on lab stations to build, test, or evaluate various assemblies using a range of approaches and materials. Lab activities will cover air and thermal barrier approaches and details for foundations, above and below-grade walls, roofs, interfaces, windows, balconies, penetrations, and low-embodied carbon insulation material options. This course is offered in person at BCIT High-Performance Lab with some assignments through the BCIT Learning Hub. Students should prepare for light construction and wear steel-toe footwear for lab sessions. Tools are provided onsite.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in XZEB 1001 and 60% in XZEB 1120
• To succeed in this course, students must have completed the prerequisites or be able to demonstrate knowledge equivalent to XZEB 1001 and 1120.