Environmental & Sustainable Building Sciences
CIP Code: 03.0103
Overview
Create greener, more efficient structures to combat climate change and promote eco-friendly living with a career in the environmental and sustainable building sciences.
In this multi-disciplined two-year program, students in the Lambton College Environmental & Sustainable Building Sciences, Ontario College Graduate Certificate utilize existing related education or experience to learn and apply a variety of skills to transform and lead organizations in the efficient use of building systems in order to manage internal environmental conditions. Utilizing the latest in testing equipment, building instrumentation, automation and safety systems, students learn to identify, test, and remediate potential hazards in the indoor building environment. The reduction of energy waste and compliance with all applicable Canadian safety standards for residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings are studied.
In this hands-on program, students acquire the knowledge to manage integrated systems that involve the complex interconnectivity of processes, resources, and technologies, with a concentrated focus on sustainability and energy management for building design and control. Curriculum includes Canadian environmental legislation, risk assessment, hazardous materials assessment and abatement, instrumentation and automation, mechanical building systems, and air and water quality sampling and testing processes.
Students also develop foundational skills for success in Canada, including technical communications, practical laboratory techniques, and project management. As this program is experiential in nature, students participate in a co-op in their final term.
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Admission Requirements
- University degree,or equivalent in science, architecture, mechanical, civil, environments, or electrical engineering
The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
English Language Requirements
International applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and skills in English by submitting an English proficiency test. Please refer to our English Language Requirements webpage to determine which minimum scores are accepted.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Professional Communications
This course is designed for international students with diplomas or degrees. It focuses on polishing communications skills acquired through one's academic career and workplace experience. Through various business writing and speaking scenarios, students learn Canadian business practices and communication styles, incorporating inclusivity and diversity. Close attention is paid to proper incorporation of the intellectual property of others to ensure academic integrity. Students will practice organized and dynamic speaking and will strive for polished business documents.
Chemistry & Physics
This course introduces a selection of foundational concepts of chemistry enabling students to understand the fundamentals of water chemistry and of water quality data, such as pH, dissolved electrolytes, disinfection and water hardness. The laboratory portion is designed to apply the above theoretical concepts while developing basic skills of manipulation and careful observation through experiments involving quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Construction Plans, Specifications & Codes
The student will develop the knowledge regarding identification and interpretation of the different types and aspects of architectural drawings and related equipment. The student will develop the ability to read and interpret drawings and sketches from oral and written information. The student will also develop the knowledge and skill in drawing and sketching plans from oral and written information.
Electric Circuits
This is an introductory course in electricity consisting of fundamental electric principles together with an analysis of simple electric circuits. Emphasis throughout the course is on problem solving. Laboratory exercises complement the material covered in class.
Business Analytics
Strong computer skills are essential to finding Canadian employment in management and administration. This Business Analytics course introduces the use of data-driven techniques to identify and solve business problems. Students will learn key concepts of data analysis, from data collection and preparation to the application of predictive analytics models. Students develop skills in time management, self-discipline, and having an eye for detail by strengthening their ability to read and follow written instructions. Business Analytics is a course delivered using practical applications in the computer lab; through case studies and hands-on activities, students will learn to use Excel functionality more effectively in analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing data. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of data in today's business environment and will develop the skills necessary to identify, analyze, and utilize data for making better industry-specific decisions through case analysis.
Introduction to Canadian Building Science
In this course, students will learn the basic concepts of heat flow, moisture movement, air transfer, and psychometrics, as well as the interplay between the properties of materials, building envelope assemblies, construction methods, energy efficiency, and human thermal comfort. Students will gain the fundamental knowledge necessary to appraise building designs. In addition, students will gain an understanding of how building science exploits science, in the design of building exteriors with emphases on efficient energy use, indoor air quality that supports human thermal comfort, and economics.
Job Search & Success
This course provides student with skills and knowledge to help support their career search and succeed in the workplace. Students align their personal skill set and goals to guide them on their career paths. They will learn how to effectively conduct a job search, build a professional and well-tailored resume and cover letter, and develop and practice interview techniques. Students will also develop their personal brand to help support effective career networking and aid in their job search. Teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are also discussed. Self-reflection is used to inspire insight and support their professional career journey.
Indoor Environmental Sampling & Testing Methods
Students gain practical experience in the utilization and operation of modern field equipment used for sampling air in the Canadian indoor building environmental. Students study various elements of sample collection in the field and collecting samples for air and water quality testing procedures. Common indoor hazards sample collection (i.e. mould) and other known hazards are also conducted in this course.
Indoor Environmental Measurements & Controls
In this course, students are introduced to the equipment, methods, and protocols used in the measurement and analysis of air and water sampling of emission sources in the indoor building environment. In addition, factors affecting these methods to model indoor air and water pollutants are studied. A variety of air pollution control technologies as well as air pollution issues and airborne contaminants and infection control are introduced and discussed.
Energy Efficiencies & Sustainable Construction
This course will offer students an introduction to energy efficient building techniques, state of the art energy conserving systems and sustainable building approaches. Specific subject to be covered will include the basics of Heat Transfer, Building Envelope, Insulation Techniques, and New Technologies in electrical and heat generation.
Environmental Legislation
This course provides students with the skills and practical knowledge that apply to various regulatory standards related to air, water, soil, hazardous waste, chemical management and other related environmental legislation. Topics will be analyzed in terms of standard development, enforcement at municipal, provincial and federal levels, and the validity of the standard's ability to protect health and the environment particularly specific environmental statutes that are significant to Ontario practice today.
Fundamentals of Instrumentation I
This is an introductory course in process instrumentation and safety. Topics will include WHIMS and an introduction to industrial hazards, Job Safety Analysis, and Work Permits. Basic instrumentation and control loop concepts, instrument signalling, wiring, and calibration techniques will be studied. Pressure measurement will be covered in greater detail. The reading and interpretation of Process and Instrumentation Diagrams will be addressed. The laboratory component will expose the student to the correct use and operation of calibration devices, pressure sensors and measuring instruments.
HVAC & Mechanical Building Systems
This course will introduce the various conventional energy dependent systems focusing on Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR), lighting and control equipment found in residential and commercial buildings in Canada. Students will delve into each of these systems and examine optimal systems performance along with prospective retrofit improvements to existing buildings.
Project Management
This course will provide the student with an overview of the structured processes and knowledge areas of project management within the context of organizations. It will contrast the differences between operational management and project management. It will provide the student with numerous tools and techniques used to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control, and close a project. Students learn the vocabulary, definitions, principles and concepts of project management and working in a project team.
Canadian Building Automation Systems & Controls
This course provides students with an introduction to the fundamentals of Building Automation Systems. Students explore electrical/mechanical systems and develop a solid understanding of how to control energy-consuming devices and manage energy resources within a building in Canada. In addition, students study how central processing units increase energy efficiency within buildings and the strategies used to improve system performance to yield energy and cost savings.
Fundamentals of Instrumentation II
This course consists of an introduction to some of the fundamentals of process variables such as temperature, pressure, and level measuring instruments. Topics include primary sensing devices, terminology and symbols, and test equipment usage including calibration procedures. The laboratory portion of the course allows the student to become familiar with various types of test equipment, connection of instruments to sense process variation, apply calibration standards, and learn troubleshooting skills.
Sustainable Building Systems
In this course, students study the maintenance, energy management systems, occupant's well- being, and existing industry standards for facilities to achieve operational efficiency. In terms of operations, students critically analyze the importance of various Computerized Maintenance Management Systems, LEED certification and overall sustainable initiatives commonly utilized in Canada today such as net zero emissions accountability for greenhouse gas reduction. In addition, students study a variety of relevant energy and sustainability topics including lighting, solar geometry, and vernacular architecture design.
Canadian Environmental Risk Assessment
Students are introduced to the techniques and basic concepts of hazard management, recognition, evaluation, and best practices to mitigate, eliminate, or control health and safety hazards within building systems. Students study the processes, and methodology required for assessing indoor environment building risks in Canada, and how to document and communicate these through proper channels to the appropriate stakeholders.
Canadian Envoronmental Auditing Methods
This course explores Canadian programs aimed at enhancing energy conservation and efficiency opportunities. Students engage with real-world cases in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors across Canada. They learn to conduct energy audits, water consumption audits, and carbon footprint analyses. Additionally, environmental systems audits including Indoor Air Quality assessments, visual HVAC inspections, and waste audits are covered. Sustainability strategies are emphasized throughout, along with understanding rating system requirements. By the end, students gain practical skills in assessing and improving energy efficiency in diverse settings, contributing to sustainable practices in their professional roles.
Alternative Power Processes
This course is a study of electricity generation using renewable resources such as solar, wind, and biomass energy. Power Engineering Technology students need to be familiar with renewable electricity generation, as it is becoming more common due to environmental reasons and the available subsidies.
Energy Performance Simulation
Utilizing various software applications, students learn about the different types of performance simulation software and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each as well as how it can provide information in both design and client decisions. Students learn to interpret simulation results for calculating life cycle costing, payback periods of energy efficiency measures and how to present and communicate these results.
Work Term (Full-Time)
Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation.
WIL Project
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Project is aimed at enriching students by connecting different program areas of study, cutting across subject-matter lines, and emphasizing unifying concepts. The focus of the WIL Project is to make connections between study and industry by engaging students in relevant and meaningful activities that are connected to and practiced within the professional workplace. WIL Project allows students to enhance and strengthen their employability prospects post-graduation by fine tuning skills and knowledge and meeting the expectations of today's employers. Students are required to attend the scheduled shifts in the WIL office, reporting to the WIL Supervisor. Weekly real-world challenges are presented in the WIL office, designed by industry professionals. In addition to the weekly assigned deliverables, students are also offered professional development sessions, and exposed to industry guest speakers, enhancing their opportunity to develop their professional network.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel a program or course at any time; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways to third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College's sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.
Contact
Centre for Global Engagement
LAMBTON COLLEGE SARNIA
1457 London Road
Sarnia ON N7S 6K4