Current Size: 100%
Sustainable Energy and Building Technology Co-op |
School of Applied Technology |
Program Availability |
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Type:
Advanced Diploma
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Campus:
North
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Program Code:
31551 |
Length: Six semesters, beginning in September |
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CONTACT INFORMATION: Kerry Johnston, program manager | 416.675.6622 ext. 4512 | kerry.johnston@humber.ca
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Learn eco-conscious and energy-smart development with Humber’s Sustainable Energy and Building Technology Co-op program. With this advanced diploma, you can become skilled at providing integrated solutions in the sustainable energy sector with your considerable knowledge of energy efficiency, green building practices and renewable energy sources. Learn how to assess site characteristics and client needs; advise on renewable energy, building design and heating/cooling system alternatives; improve energy efficiency through energy audits and energy performance simulation; cost energy systems, and select appropriate suppliers and contractors.
Industry insights and experiences are infused into every aspect of this program’s curriculum to allow for practical learning that you can apply to your future career. Get real-world experience and make valuable industry contacts with a work placement that translates theoretical concepts into practice. With instruction in energy entrepreneurship, sales and marketing, you can become a successful entrepreneur with abilities in identifying needs and opportunities, conducting market research and writing business proposals.
The global shift towards planet-friendly development is creating a boom in opportunities for those skilled at constructing energy-efficient buildings – and Humber’s Sustainable Energy and Building Technology Co-op program is your entry to this dynamic and fast-evolving field.
Join the green building revolution that is expected to result in an additional three million jobs worldwide over the next 20 years. Use your in-demand expertise in energy conservation and sustainable construction methods and materials to develop homes, office towers, manufacturing facilities, schools and more. New career opportunities are emerging in the next generation of energy systems, including wind, solar and geothermal sectors.
Work with building owners and managers investing in energy conservation, efficiency or management; engineering, architectural and general contracting firms; real estate developers; energy site developers; and, energy-intensive industries. You’ll also find career options in architecture/engineering/construction, and with federal, provincial and municipal government programs that deal with sustainability, energy efficiency and energy conservation. Combine your extensive knowledge in sustainable construction with your training in entrepreneurship to build your own green development enterprise.
Facilities & EquipmentThe college's unique "sprung" building, which contains a fully constructed residential home, provides an all-season training facility for solar, wind and other renewable technologies. Program training includes innovations in building system technologies.
The newly established SEBT program had its first intake in September 2008 and benefits from established labs in the highly regarded electronics, civil engineering and building trades departments. As the program progresses, demonstration, training and research facilities are being brought on-line. These include a climate measurement station, as well as renewable energy and green building demonstrators such as its LEED Gold-rated Center for Urban Ecology.
SEBT students will be trained in a number of software packages used heavily in the renewable energy and green building design sectors. These include AutoCAD for building and project documentation, RETScreen for renewable energy feasibility and Building Energy Performance Simulation (BEPS) software for design stage prediction of building energy consumption, loads and dynamics. Throughout the program, students will also enhance their skills in MS Office tools such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
Work placement offers the opportunity to get hands-on experience during a paid work term in the energy efficiency, green building or sustainable energy industry sectors following semester four (minimum 400 hours). Students will complete a series of career management workshops to help develop effective job and work term search skills prior to the work term. Students find their own co-op placement with support from Humber, which works with business, industry and government to identify co-op employment opportunities.
Note: For more information visit Selection Procedures.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
Qualified graduates of this program may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward a variety of pathways to further study at many postsecondary institutions.
For detailed information, visit our website at humber.ca/transferguide.
The 2012/2013 fee for two semesters is
– domestic $3,705.48
– international $12,800.
Amounts listed are the total of tuition, lab and material fees, student service and auxiliary fees for the first two semesters of the 2012/2013 academic year.
Fees are subject to change.
For more information visit Fees and Financial Assistance.
"I chose this program because I get a chance to make an impact on the environment by working on homes and other buildings to make them safer, cleaner and more energy efficient. As awareness arises that we need to do something about climate change, more and more opportunities are opening up."
Lakhbir Dhillon, Student, Humber College
“Humber’s curriculum focuses on the most current initiatives with teachers that are highly connected to industry. I am looking forward to developing a relevant and marketable range of knowledge.”
Michelle Bird, Student, Humber College
"I chose this program because I get a chance to make an impact on the environment by working on homes and other buildings to make them safer, cleaner and more energy efficient. As awareness arises that we need to do something about climate change, more and more opportunities are opening up."
Lakhbir Dhillon, Student, Humber College
“Humber’s curriculum focuses on the most current initiatives with teachers that are highly connected to industry. I am looking forward to developing a relevant and marketable range of knowledge.”
Michelle Bird, Student, Humber College
Semester 1 | ||
| Course Code | Course | Credits |
| COMM 213 | Technical Communications 1Technical Communications 1Course Code: COMM 213 Credits: 3 This course is designed to develop the writing skills that will be required for clear communication in technical documents. Students will learn write documents that are clear, accurate, and grammatically correct.
Students will practice reading and writing skills that will be valuable in their college programs and build a strong base for professional technical and business writing. Those students who plan to further their studies will develop the fundamental skills for writing acceptable academic English.
To help students reach these goals, the course covers the following: analytical reading and critical thinking; the organization and development of expository and persuasive essays; and the elements of clear writing, including grammar and punctuation skills. 3 | 3 |
| SNRG 101 | The Energy CommonsThe Energy CommonsCourse Code: SNRG 101 Credits: 3 This course provides an overview of the Canadian energy industry from a global Sustainable Development (SD) perspective. It also provides the essential cognitive and practical tools to allow individuals to assess their own energy consumption patterns, energy related challenges and opportunities. The course includes past, present and future trends in global energy consumption, socio-economic and ecological aspects of energy generation, distribution and consumption, as well as a classification and comparison of energy sources, The development of the notion of Sustainable Development is covered, with a focus on the UNFCCC and other international actions to mitigate negative energy impacts. | 3 |
| SNRG 107 | Construction DrawingsConstruction DrawingsCourse Code: SNRG 107 Credits: 3 This course introduces the student to construction drawing terminology and interpretation. It also introduces students to CADD (computer-aided drafting and design), and to personal computer principles and uses. The emphasis will be on CADD, using AutoCAD Software Version 2012, with extensive hands-on experience in a computer lab. | 3 |
| SNRG 109 | Energy Metrics, Surveying and AnalysisEnergy Metrics, Surveying and AnalysisCourse Code: SNRG 109 Credits: 4 This course provides students with an overview of the technologies used to harness the energy of the sun, wind and earth and how to evaluate these technologies as sources of energy. Evaluating these energy sources requires that students understand how to map elements of the natural and built environment using Total Station and GPS surveying techniques. Students will collect data related to renewable energy potential through field observations. Additional data will be collected and analyzed from online atlases and databases. The impact of federal, provincial and municipal regulations and incentives will be studied to enable students to perform basic financial feasibility calculations. | 4 |
| TECH 101 | Electric CircuitsElectric CircuitsCourse Code: TECH 101 Credits: 4 An introductory course on basic concepts of voltage, current flow and resistance leads to the analysis of series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Classical circuit theorems are introduced to calculate the current or voltage in resistive networks. Power and efficiency are studied. Sinusoidal waves and their characteristics are introduced. Capacitors are studied in a simple DC environment. Complementary laboratory work includes the use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and signal generators. | 4 |
| TMAT 105 | Math 1Math 1Course Code: TMAT 105 Credits: 4 This mathematics course includes the following: numerical computation of basic arithmetic operations; basic operations applied to algebraic expressions; simple equations; functions and graphs; trigonometric functions; factors and factoring; algebraic fractions and fractional equations; systems of linear equations; second-order determinants; exponents and radicals; quadratic equations; vectors and oblique triangles; radian measure; ratio, proportion and variation.4 | 4 |
Semester 2 | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| COMM 313 | Technical Communications 2Technical Communications 2Course Code: COMM 313 Credits: 3 This course is designed to reinforce and expand on the skills students learned in Technical Communications 1. In Technical Communications 2, students will learn to design and write informal reports and a variety of other technical documents, using appropriate research, language, layout, and graphics. | 3 |
| SNRG 201 | Building Science and ThermodynamicsBuilding Science and ThermodynamicsCourse Code: SNRG 201 Credits: 4 This course provides a scientific approach to building construction and service delivery, developed to achieve a fundamental understanding of how buildings in cold climates have evolved and the challenges that building professionals face in meeting the demands for much higher levels of energy and ecological performance. The emphasis is on principles and details of small building construction that encourage structural longevity, low environmental impact, energy efficiency and a healthy living environment. Starting with a topology of construction types, elements and materials, the course proceeds to scientific principles, including the laws of thermodynamics. Building science fundamentals include concepts of thermal comfort, climate characteristics through ASHRAE records, building science measures, properties of building materials, specific heat capacity and sensible and latent heat. This is applied to practical aspects of building construction, including design of building skin and openings, air, vapour & condensation controls. Imbedded energy and off-gassing of building materials is also covered, as well as space heating/cooling and hot water delivery. The course introduces bldg. Energy efficiency and conservation programs (R2000, EnergyStar, Go Green, BOMA, LEED, Green Globes), including site visits pertaining to these programs. At the end of the course, students will be able to derive climate characteristics for a given building site, perform calculations of building heat loss/gain for a small building and determine its maximum capacities for heating/cooling systems. They will be able to discuss current methods to achieve these as well as low energy alternatives. | 4 |
| SNRG 205 | Renewable Electricity TechnologiesRenewable Electricity TechnologiesCourse Code: SNRG 205 Credits: 4 This course covers photovoltaic and wind technologies that convert energy from renewable sources into electricity for use in buildings. It also covers electricity storage. Course content includes levels, complexities, strengths and weaknesses of wind, photovoltaic and storage solutions, and the viability and likely configurations of such technologies, given clients, sites, budgets and buildings. Students calculate probable electrical potential, given levels of technology and site data of solar radiation and/or wind energy. They study diurnal/seasonal peaks and lows of electrical potential that impact system design. Electrical load requirements of typical building services, appliances and equipment and ways to minimize and/or distribute the loads for system efficacy are covered. Students develop an electrical storage component to a proposed system. Safe practices and safety considerations of electrical storage technologies and WHMIS are included. Optimum charging techniques and the requirement for energy sinks in cases of oversupply are discussed. Consultation processes to determine energy demand, etc., are formalized. Field trips are an integral aspect of the course. | 4 |
| SNRG 207 | Electric Circuits IIElectric Circuits IICourse Code: SNRG 207 Credits: 4 This course covers the fundamental laws and basic concepts governing the behaviour of sinusoidal alternating current circuits. The effects of resistance, inductance and capacitance in series and parallel AC circuits are analyzed, and the circuits are studied for the application of the devices as active and passive filters. An introduction to the transformer is studied for use in power supplies and signal coupling. Complimentary laboratory work includes the use of analog and digital voltmeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies and signal generators. | 4 |
| SNRG 311 | Mechanical SystemsMechanical SystemsCourse Code: SNRG 311 Credits: 3 This course will provide an overview of building mechanical systems. Principles of thermodynamics will be applied to support the selection and sizing of the components of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Students will study the fundamentals of ventilation and indoor air quality system components, as well as plumbing and fire protection systems. System comparisons will be performed for residential, commercial and industrial/institutional applications. | 3 |
| TMAT 204 | Math 2Math 2Course Code: TMAT 204 Credits: 3 This course covers systems of three linear equations in three unknowns; radical equations; systems of quadratic equations; trigonometric identities; exponential and logarithmic functions; use of semi-log and log-graph paper; plane geometry; analytic geometry of the straight line and of the conic sections. | 3 |
Semester 3 | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| HUMA 024 | Humanities: An Introduction to Arts and ScienceHumanities: An Introduction to Arts and ScienceCourse Code: HUMA 024 Credits: 3 The Humanities course focuses on fundamental questions individuals ask of themselves as they proceed through life. Why are we the way we are? Do we have free will or are we prisoners of our past experience or our biological inheritance? What motivates societies to change? Why do societal changes so often divide people into opposing camps? Why do so many people find contemporary life at home, at work, and in the community unfulfilling? What constitutes good government? How should injustice be fought? Can nations successfully deal with global problems? What is science and how does it differ from other kinds of inquiry? Can scientists provide solutions to the problems we face? What is art and does it offer answers of its own? What is its relationship to beauty, to knowledge, and to ethics? Is objectivity about art (or anything) possible? These questions are organized into units that begin with issues concerning the nature of the individual and then extend outward to various social, cultural and physical contexts.
The issues explored in this course are too complex to have any one right answer. Rather, individuals must search for answers that make sense of their experiences via various theoretical perspectives. The Humanities course supports this endeavour through study of different thinkers presented in the readings and exploration of different points of view explored in class discussions.
ESL students should consider taking the ESL Humanities course. Students may transfer into
ESL Humanities (HESL 024) either at the Registrar?s Office or the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Office (K201) on a first-come, first-served basis before the Last Day to Add. | 3 |
| SNRG 301 | Building Energy Loads Building Energy LoadsCourse Code: SNRG 301 Credits: 4 This course develops the student’s understanding of electrical and other loads generated by various building systems, appliances and other equipment in residential, light commercial and industrial applications. After a review of fundamental electrical principles, electrical safety is covered in depth. The principles of power generation, transmission and distribution are introduced. Primary focus will be placed on the energy required to operate building heating, cooling and hot water systems as well as appliances and lighting. The costs associated with these various loads will be examined as well. All principles will be reinforced in labs and working sessions. | 4 |
| SNRG 305 | RE and Green Building Policies and ProgramsRE and Green Building Policies and ProgramsCourse Code: SNRG 305 Credits: 2 This course provides an overview of the policies and programs designed to promote energy conservation and energy efficiency, green/sustainable building practices and the implementation of renewable energy technologies. Students will examine the international, federal, provincial and municipal processes of policy development and legislation. Students will study the impact of policies and programs on the economic viability of energy conservation/efficiency, green building and renewable energy projects. | 2 |
| SNRG 307 | Computer-Aided Design 1Computer-Aided Design 1Course Code: SNRG 307 Credits: 3 This course builds on skills and knowledge acquired in SNRG107 and SNRG 201 in furthering students? ability to use AutoCAD architectural design software to design and detail building structures. Students by the end of the course will have produced floor plans, elevations, sections and details for a single or two-storey residential wood-frame structure to industry standards while incorporating best practices in sustainable design. | 3 |
| SNRG 309 | Sustainable Building Design 1Sustainable Building Design 1Course Code: SNRG 309 Credits: 3 This course is an introduction to the study of sustainable building design and its relationship to sustainable energy and building practice. Part 1 of the course will be theoretically based, focused on the origins of the green building movement and the principles of integrated design process (IDP); review of the codes and standards utilized to regulate the design community; emerging trends within the built environment and fundamentals of the building design process. Part 2 of the course will shift the focus to the softer aspects of sustainability, analyzing the triple bottom line, life cycle costing, carbon and climate change, and the influence of human factors and appropriate ergonomic design within sustainability. | 3 |
| SNRG 310 | Low Energy Building SystemsLow Energy Building SystemsCourse Code: SNRG 310 Credits: 4 This course takes the principles of solar energy, thermodynamics and building science from previous courses and applies them to real-world building applications. Through fundamental concepts of solar resource, heat transfer, and air flow, students will critically assess the factors that affect building energy use such as building orientation and layout, building materials and assemblies, and passive heating and cooling strategies. The course will finish with solar thermal technologies and applications. Access to real-world examples of low-energy buildings and low-energy systems is integral to the course. | 4 |
Semester 4 | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| CNST 701 | Project Management PrinciplesProject Management PrinciplesCourse Code: CNST 701 Credits: 3 The Project Management Principles course provides students with a comprehensive knowledge about processes and familiarity with tools and techniques required to manage projects. The course is the prerequisite first in a series of four courses that lead to a certificate of achievement in project management from Humber. The structure and the methodology of the course is based on The Guide to Project Management Book of Knowledge PMBOK 4th Edition published by the Institute of Project Management, (PMI) in 2008. The topics cover all of the nine project management knowledge areas, and the five process groups that are used for managing projects successfully. | 3 |
| GNED 000 | General Education ElectiveGeneral Education ElectiveCourse Code: GNED 000 Credits: 3 The following courses represent the GNED General Education electives that you can choose from as part of your program's curriculum. Anthropology | 3 |
| SNRG 400 | Energy AuditingEnergy AuditingCourse Code: SNRG 400 Credits: 4 This course formalizes the student?s understanding of the goals and procedures of energy audits in residential and other small buildings. Course content includes: government programs and certifications that require audits; the purpose theory, practice and outcomes of an energy audit; completion and recommendations of a real audit. Content conforms to federal/provincial requirements that allow students to apply for the appropriate auditor certification. | 4 |
| SNRG 401 | Principles of Economics and ManagementPrinciples of Economics and ManagementCourse Code: SNRG 401 Credits: 3 Today?s managers must perform the functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling, and must do so within the context and constraints of environmental and social pressures and demands. This course examines the role of the manager and the skills and techniques needed to effectively and efficiently manage the resources of people, money, materials and time to achieve organizational objectives. Throughout this course, students will be required to demonstrate understanding of the key principles and functions of management, and to apply these skills in contemporary business situations. | 3 |
| SNRG 407 | Energy Performance Simulation SoftwareEnergy Performance Simulation SoftwareCourse Code: SNRG 407 Credits: 4 This course introduces students to the goals and procedures of energy audits in residential and other small structures. Course content conforms to federal and provincial requirements that allow audit recipients to qualify for EE loans and incentives. Students are also introduced to Building Energy Performance Simulation (BEPS), used to predict how energy efficient a given building design is. Course content includes: government programs and certifications that require audits; the purpose theory, practice and outcomes of an energy audit; completion and recommendations of a real audit; the purpose of BEPS, government programs and certifications that require BEPS and BEPS software. Students conduct and compare a real BEPS on typical and green versions of a residential building, as well as on a building associated with the grid-tied energy projects course. | 4 |
| SNRG 507 | Computer-Aided Design 2Computer-Aided Design 2Course Code: SNRG 507 Credits: 3 This course introduces students to Revit 3D Architectural design software. On completion of this course students will be capable of 3D modelling small commercial and residential structures to include the foundation, walls, floors, doors, windows, stairs and roofing systems. Students will also be able to utilize the 3D model to develop and annotate architectural drawings to include plans, elevations, sections and details. | 3 |
| SNRG 550 | Co-op Work TermCo-op Work TermCourse Code: SNRG 550 Credits: Students are encouraged to gain valuable work experience, by completing a paid work term following semester four. Students are responsible for finding a suitable placement (minimum 400 hours). The school provides a range of services, including work preparation workshops, to help students develop effective job search skills. The school also works with business and industry to identify employment opportunities for students. |
Semester 6 | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| SNRG 501 | Energy Entrepreneurship, Sales and Marketing 1Energy Entrepreneurship, Sales and Marketing 1Course Code: SNRG 501 Credits: 3 This course introduces students to the sales and marketing tools and strategies employed by successful businesses in the sustainable energy and building sectors, with an emphasis on those that are successful in promoting solutions with a high perceived initial cost and long term financial and environmental payback. Sales and marketing strategies that are appropriate to equipment retailers, consulting firms, contracting companies, energy suppliers and real estate developers are discussed. Content includes how to target customers, the process of market segmentation and positions, the stages of the product life cycle, pricing strategies, the element of the promotional mix and evaluating the success of a marketing strategy. Choices of media and media professionals, word-of-mouth advertising, customer follow-up and retention are also reviewed. At the end of the course students present and analyze an existing sales and marketing strategy of their own choice, from the energy sector. The basics of entrepreneurship are also introduced, including identifying needs and opportunities, conducting market research and writing a business proposal. | 3 |
| SNRG 600 | Capstone Project 2Capstone Project 2Course Code: SNRG 600 Credits: 5 The Capstone Project 2 course offers students an opportunity to further consolidate and integrate their program learning by conducting a self-directed group project activity. The course has been designed to assist students in defining the project goals, sourcing and collecting information or data, perform research, analysis and design, as required, and formulate conclusions and recommendations. | 5 |
| SNRG 603 | Sustainable Resource ManagementSustainable Resource ManagementCourse Code: SNRG 603 Credits: 3 This course will focus upon principles of sustainable development, preservation, and management of natural resources. These principles are applied to sustainable sites and buildings where applicable, with a focus on three major resource areas: materials, air and water. The overarching theme is development of our built environment using sustainable methods and appropriate technologies that preserve the health of both humans and the environment. | 3 |
| SNRG 605 | Community Development PoliciesCommunity Development PoliciesCourse Code: SNRG 605 Credits: 3 This course introduces concepts, features and examples of sustainable communities. It then explores how communities engage in urban, suburban and rural projects related to energy developments, the construction and retrofit of buildings and land-use changes. Students will explore the political, commercial and private layers of the sustainable energy and building markets. The course also introduces students to the complexities and importance of engaging local residents and community groups. Course content includes: federal, provincial and municipal levels of responsibility; agencies, procedures and requirements associated with obtaining building and energy development permits in Ontario; typical timelines and investments required for approval; social, political, financial and environmental factors that encourage, influence or de-rail a proposal; public reactions to change, NIMBYism, the role of private companies, media, citizens groups and NGOs; stakeholder dialogue that encourages inclusion and recognition of mutual benefits; professional practice during the approval process and means of appeal and redress. Case studies of successful and failed proposals are discussed. | 3 |
| SNRG 609 | Energy Systems Integration and Programming 2Energy Systems Integration and Programming 2Course Code: SNRG 609 Credits: 5 This course advances the knowledge and programming skills learned in the Energy Systems Integration and Programming 1 course and applies them to more complex installations that incorporate multiple building and/or sustainable energy technologies. The focus of the course is on achieving energy efficiency, reliability and ease of operation. Different manufacturers’ systems and components are analyzed and programmed. As well, students study leading examples of system integration in the GTA or participate in related research conducted at Humber College or its partners. The course shares deliverables with the Capstone Project 2 course. Students develop working solutions for automation of the proposed RE/EE design. | 5 |
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