From building industry professionals to policy makers and homeowners, we offer training for all levels of design and construction experience.
From building industry professionals to policy makers and homeowners, we offer training for all levels of design and construction experience.
This course is for anyone wishing to have a basic understanding of the core principles of Passive House design and building energy efficiency regulations in Canada.
This course is recommended for homeowners and realtors.
This course provides a more in depth overview of the core principles of Passive House design and building energy efficiency regulations in Canada. It covers the history of energy efficient buildings, energy consumption data and environmental impact, case studies and the economics of creating high performance buildings. There are no prerequisites for this course and it is recommended for anyone wishing to understand the basics of Passive House high performance buildings, including: developers, project coordinators, subcontractors and component suppliers, architects, engineers, architectural technologists and other design professionals.
Please note: this is an introductory course and does not provide the technical knowledge necessary to design a Passive House building. If you are ready to take on a Passive House project, we recommend going directly to 120: Passive House Design and Construction.
This course covers the technical, economic and policy elements of Passive House buildings. Participants will learn how to apply Passive House principles in the context of building physics, windows and mechanical systems. Numerous case studies, both domestic and international, will be used to demonstrate current best practices and teach concepts of cost assessment. Participants will also have the opportunity to solidify their learning with interactive exercises throughout the course.
120A can be taken as a standalone course even if you don’t intend to write the Certified Passive House Designer/ Consultant Exam. If you intend to write the exam we strongly recommend you take 120A, 120B and 120C.
Learning Outcomes:
Recommended for building industry professionals and individuals who are going to be involved in the design and construction of Passive House buildings or EnerPHit (retrofit) projects, including: architects, engineers, design professionals, site supervisors, general contractors, building inspectors, city planners, homeowners, investors and suppliers of high performance building materials that may be used in Passive House construction.
There are no prerequisites for this course, however it will be assumed that the participants can read blueprints and have a basic understanding of construction terminology. This course does include some use of mathematical formulas. Please note: 110 Introduction to Passive House High Performance Buildings is not required to take this course.
This course enables you to take on your first Passive House project. It provides step-by-step instruction for using the PHPP energy modelling software, which is essential for designing a Passive House building. Participants will learn the structure, inputs and outputs of PHPP, and how to select appropriate climate data sets and record building measurements. The course includes modelling a sample Canadian project, where participants will assess building heat loss, energy demand and summertime overheating risk, as well as looking at the reliability of data sources and how design decisions impact the building energy demand.
Learning Outcomes:
Recommended for those who will be directly involved in the design, construction and energy modelling of Passive House buildings, including architects, engineers and design professionals. Also for anyone pursuing the Certified Passive House Designer/Consultant designation.
Prerequisites/ required knowledge and equipment/software
The Passive House Designer/ Consultant Exam is challenging, even for experienced architects and building professionals, so thorough preparation is essential. This two-day exam preparation course is specifically designed for those who have completed courses 120A and 120B (or equivalent), and who wish to write the exam to become a Certified Passive House professional. It gives participants the tools required to write a successful test.
Overviews of each topic that could potentially be tested in the exam will be presented and participants will be able to complete example test questions, including a design exercise, and will learn to identify common mistakes and discuss exam time management.
Note: The in-class and online exam preparation modules both review the exam material but contain different example test questions. Much like having two textbooks on the same topic, past participants have found it beneficial to complete both the online and in-class exam preparation courses, though this is not required. The online module requires separate registration and can be started after the completion of 120A.
Day 1 Insulation and airtightness • Thermal bridging • Windows • Passive House design exercise
Day 2 Ventilation and heating • Economics • Cumulative exercises and common mistakes • Exam day: overview and tips
This course is recommended for anyone pursuing the Certified Passive House Designer/Consultant designation.
Learning resources provided
Course manual and digital copy of course slides.
Prerequisites / required knowledge and equipment/software
Professional development
The Passive House Designer/ Consultant Exam is challenging, even for experienced architects and building professionals, so thorough preparation is essential. This online exam preparation course is specifically designed for those who have completed courses 120A and 120B (or equivalent), and who wish to write the exam to become a Certified Passive House professional. It gives participants the tools required to write a successful test.
The module is self-paced and provides slides, exercises and feedback on a submitted design exercise. Topics covered include:
*Please allow at least two weeks prior to the exam to register for the online module to ensure you have enough time to complete the exercises and receive feedback. The online module can be started after the completion of 120A.*
Note: The in-class and online exam preparation modules both review the exam material but contain different example test questions. Much like having two textbooks on the same topic, past participants have found it beneficial to complete both the online and in-class exam preparation courses, though this is not required. The in-class exam preparation course requires separate registration (please see course calendar for details).
Extending access
Your access to this module is valid until the upcoming exam. Should you find yourself unable to attend the upcoming exam, you can re-register for the online module at a reduced rate. See re-register ticket information below.
This course is recommended for anyone pursuing the Certified Passive House Designer/Consultant designation.
Prerequisites / required knowledge and equipment/software
The Certified Passive House Designer/ Consultant exam is set by the Passive House Institute (PHI) and offered by examination providers internationally. Information on examination regulations and the list of learning targets can be found on the PHI website. The written examination is marked by Passive House Canada and then sent to PHI for second review. PHI will issue either a Passive House Designer certificate or Passive House Consultant certificate to successful participants.
To acquire the Passive House Designer certificate, educational qualification is required which allows the applicant to independently design buildings or technical building systems. A copy of a document providing evidence of this qualification (degree, master craftsman’s certificate or similar documents, translated into German or English if applicable) must be provided. Examination participants who do not have the qualifications listed will receive the Passive House Consultant certification. Certified Designers and Consultants will be listed on our website. See more information on Passive House Designer vs. Consultant.
It is essential that those working on Passive House buildings can properly install components, accurately implement design details, and also assess the impact that changes from planned work will have on the performance of the building. Mistakes during construction can be costly, especially in high performance buildings where certification is being pursued. This three-day course teaches practical Passive House building techniques alongside theory, and prepares participants for the Certified Passive House Tradesperson exam. It is delivered as a combination of in-class lectures and hands-on workshop experience, incorporating actual building of Passive House details relevant to the Canadian construction industry. Topics covered:
Please note: This course teaches the skills and knowledge required for the Certified Passive House Tradesperson – Building Envelope Specialization exam. We do not currently offer the curriculum necessary for the Certified Passive House Tradesperson – Building Services Specialization exam.
Recommended for
Tradespeople, site supervisors and general contractors who will be involved in the construction of Passive House building. It may also be of interest to designers, architects, architectural technologists and developers. All theoretical components of this course are covered in 120A: Passive House Design & Construction.
* Participants should have prior knowledge/experience in the construction industry or related fields.
Professional development
Total number of learning hours: 22
AIBC: 22 Core LUs
The Certified Passive House Tradesperson Exam is a standardized international exam set by the Passive House Institute, and is offered three times each year. Certified Passive House Tradespeople will be listed in the directory on our website and also on the international Passive House Association website. The exam includes six interdisciplinary modules on Passive House principles and the application of those principles, and the Building Envelope specialization module.
If you are a designer or builder who wants to achieve a high-performing, durable Passive House building, you need to understand control layers. Control layers are materials and systems of materials that are specially designed, selected, and detailed to control water, vapour, and air. They are placed throughout the building, from the roof, walls, and floor to the below-grade enclosure assemblies, details, and interfaces. They consist of membranes and other materials typically described as air barriers, vapour barriers, and water-resistive barriers, or collectively as critical barriers.
The design, selection, and placement of control layers can be challenging. Given the highly insulated nature of passive house buildings, even small mistakes in water and air control can create problems. Simply adding insulation to traditional wall and roof assemblies is risky, so air and vapour control practices must be adjusted to consider the assembly layers and details. Therefore, to design and construct effective passive house buildings, designers and builders must understand the building science behind control layers.
Building Enclosure Control Layers – Session 1 of 4 Part Series
Session 1 will introduce the concept of building enclosure control layers and provide examples from passive house buildings of air barrier systems, vapour retarders/barriers, and wall/roof water management. The session will also cover placement of vapour control with different types and varying thicknesses of insulation and water control for walls, including rainscreens and water-resistive barrier materials.
This two-hour session will include 90 minutes of live web-based instruction and demonstrations plus a 30-minute Q&A.
Recommended for
Passive House Designers and Consultants
Builders, architects, architectural technologist and engineer
Building officials and planners
Trades
Students
Anyone interested in the subject
Learning resources provided
Webinar recording 20 days after the event has ended
Digital copy of course slides
Prerequisites / required knowledge and equipment/software
No prerequisites are necessary, but a basic understanding of passive house principles, including Passive House Canada 120A, would be beneficial.
Professional development
Total number of learning hours: Seeking Accreditation
BC Housing (HPO): Seeking Accreditation
AIBC: Seeking Accreditation
ALBNL: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
AANB: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
NSAA: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
AAA webinar credits: self-reported
APEG credits: self-reported
ARIDO credits: self-reported
OPPI credits: self-reported
EGBC credits: self-reported
OAA: self-reported
If you are a designer or builder who wants to achieve a high-performing, durable Passive House building, you need to understand control layers. Control layers are materials and systems of materials that are specially designed, selected, and detailed to control water, vapour, and air. They are placed throughout the building, from the roof, walls, and floor to the below-grade enclosure assemblies, details, and interfaces. They consist of membranes and other materials typically described as air barriers, vapour barriers, and water-resistive barriers, or collectively as critical barriers.
The design, selection, and placement of control layers can be challenging. Given the highly insulated nature of passive house buildings, even small mistakes in water and air control can create problems. Simply adding insulation to traditional wall and roof assemblies is risky, so air and vapour control practices must be adjusted to consider the assembly layers and details. Therefore, to design and construct effective passive house buildings, designers and builders must understand the building science behind control layers.
Building Enclosure Control Layers – Session 2 of 4 Part Series
Session 2 will take a deeper dive into rainwater control and detailing as well covering vapour control for walls.
This two-hour session will include 90 minutes of live web-based instruction and demonstrations plus a 30-minute Q&A.
Recommended for
Passive House Designers and Consultants
Builders, architects, architectural technologist and engineer
Building officials and planners
Trades
Students
Anyone interested in the subject
Learning resources provided
Webinar recording 20 days after the event has ended
Digital copy of course slides
Prerequisites / required knowledge and equipment/software
No prerequisites are necessary, but a basic understanding of passive house principles, including Passive House Canada 120A, would be beneficial.
Professional development
Total number of learning hours: 2
PHI: Seeking Accreditation
BC Housing (HPO): Seeking Accreditation
AIBC: 2 Core LUs (based on attendance of live event
ALBNL: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
AANB: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
NSAA: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
AAA webinar credits: self-reported
APEG credits: self-reported
ARIDO credits: self-reported
OPPI credits: self-reported
EGBC credits: self-reported
OAA: self-reported
If you are a designer or builder who wants to achieve a high-performing, durable Passive House building, you need to understand control layers. Control layers are materials and systems of materials that are specially designed, selected, and detailed to control water, vapour, and air. They are placed throughout the building, from the roof, walls, and floor to the below-grade enclosure assemblies, details, and interfaces. They consist of membranes and other materials typically described as air barriers, vapour barriers, and water-resistive barriers, or collectively as critical barriers.
The design, selection, and placement of control layers can be challenging. Given the highly insulated nature of passive house buildings, even small mistakes in water and air control can create problems. Simply adding insulation to traditional wall and roof assemblies is risky, so air and vapour control practices must be adjusted to consider the assembly layers and details. Therefore, to design and construct effective passive house buildings, designers and builders must understand the building science behind control layers.
Building Enclosure Control Layers – Session 3 of 4 Part Series
Session 3 will cover wall air control/air barrier systems and materials
This two-hour session will include 90 minutes of live web-based instruction and demonstrations plus a 30-minute Q&A.
Recommended for
Passive House Designers and Consultants
Builders, architects, architectural technologist and engineer
Building officials and planners
Trades
Students
Anyone interested in the subject
Learning resources provided
Webinar recording 20 days after the event has ended
Digital copy of course slides
Prerequisites / required knowledge and equipment/software
No prerequisites are necessary, but a basic understanding of passive house principles, including Passive House Canada 120A, would be beneficial.
Professional development
Total number of learning hours: 2
PHI: Seeking Accreditation
BC Housing (HPO): Seeking Accreditation
AIBC: 2 Core LUs (based on attendance of live event
ALBNL: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
AANB: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
NSAA: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
AAA webinar credits: self-reported
APEG credits: self-reported
ARIDO credits: self-reported
OPPI credits: self-reported
EGBC credits: self-reported
OAA: self-reported
If you are a designer or builder who wants to achieve a high-performing, durable Passive House building, you need to understand control layers. Control layers are materials and systems of materials that are specially designed, selected, and detailed to control water, vapour, and air. They are placed throughout the building, from the roof, walls, and floor to the below-grade enclosure assemblies, details, and interfaces. They consist of membranes and other materials typically described as air barriers, vapour barriers, and water-resistive barriers, or collectively as critical barriers.
The design, selection, and placement of control layers can be challenging. Given the highly insulated nature of passive house buildings, even small mistakes in water and air control can create problems. Simply adding insulation to traditional wall and roof assemblies is risky, so air and vapour control practices must be adjusted to consider the assembly layers and details. Therefore, to design and construct effective passive house buildings, designers and builders must understand the building science behind control layers.
Building Enclosure Control Layers – Session 4 of 4 Part Series
Session 4 will focus on the special building enclosure control practices for roof and below-grade assemblies.
This two-hour session will include 90 minutes of live web-based instruction and demonstrations plus a 30-minute Q&A.
Recommended for
Passive House Designers and Consultants
Builders, architects, architectural technologist and engineer
Building officials and planners
Trades
Students
Anyone interested in the subject
Learning resources provided
Webinar recording 20 days after the event has ended
Digital copy of course slides
Prerequisites / required knowledge and equipment/software
No prerequisites are necessary, but a basic understanding of passive house principles, including Passive House Canada 120A, would be beneficial.
Professional development
Total number of learning hours: 2
PHI: Seeking Accreditation
BC Housing (HPO): Seeking Accreditation
AIBC: 2 Core LUs (based on attendance of live event)
ALBNL: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
AANB: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
NSAA: 2 Core Learning Hours (based on attendance of live event)
AAA webinar credits: self-reported
APEG credits: self-reported
ARIDO credits: self-reported
OPPI credits: self-reported
EGBC credits: self-reported
OAA: self-reported
This is an introductory course on embodied carbon geared towards construction professionals and policy makers. The course provides a high-level overview of the importance of embodied carbon, how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the built environment, as well as a summary of embodied carbon calculation tools available to construction professionals.
Learning Objectives:
Recommended for:
This 2-hour, online course will compare and contrast the proposed National Energy Code with the BC Energy Step Code, Passive House, and others. With proposed changes coming nationally and provincially, it will be important for all industry professionals and builders to understand the key differences between the standards and the metrics that they reference. Each of the standards will drive us to design and build in different ways. Some of our traditional design and construction strategies may need updates or rethinking to ensure homes are passing the new code minimums. In particular, the expected outcomes of each standard must be understood to allow clients and government to make better choices.
Learning Objectives:
It’s what’s inside that counts: The costs and comforts of building and living in a Passive House. The math is simple: cost to build – running costs + comfort and health = customer satisfaction
This webinar will look at the detail cost breakdowns of several completed Passive houses (Part 9) as well as their long-term running costs. The class will also look as some of the less tangible measures such as air quality and health outcomes of those living in passive homes.
Learning Outcomes: