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Sustainable Energy and Building Technology

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Program Code: 31551
Credential: Advanced Diploma
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 6 semesters

Program Overview

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 Sustainable 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 entire 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.

Courses Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Adhere to legal, regulatory and health and safety codes and guidelines in sustainable energy and building technology practice.

  6. Estimate the costs and time schedule of implementing a renewable energy/energy efficiency system, including annual running costs and return on investment.

  7. Assist in land development, regulatory and stakeholder processes regarding the placement of renewable energy/energy efficiency technologies during the planning/approval phase.

  8. 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.

  9. Assist in the delivery, handling, installation and testing of renewable energy/energy efficiency technologies during the construction phase

  10. Prepare a viable business plan for a new energy business venture.

  11. Assist in the development of sales and marketing strategies for energy products and services.

  12. Promote an integrated or whole building approach with clients, industry professionals and associations.


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Work Placement

This program offers a co-op option. Co-op work terms enable you to apply your skills and knowledge in a work environment and gain valuable, practical experience related to your program of study. You will learn new skills, learn about the world of work and meet people in your profession.

For students who are accepted into the program, three co-op work terms will take place. Two four-month work terms occur consecutively after four semesters of study, and the third work term occurs between Semesters 5 and 6. There are limited spaces in the co-op option, therefore, during Semester 3, you will be provided information about the application process and will be able to apply to the co-op stream at that time. While co-op work opportunities are not guaranteed, as students are in a competitive job placement market, participating students will receive a wide range of services to help them find a co-op opportunity.

The Humber Experience

"The Sustainable Energy and Building Technology program’s breadth and depth is unique among the options I considered. This program was the only one I found to comprehensively cover both the concepts of sustainable building and urban development as well as the technical details and design tools of renewable energy generation, building science, and mechanical building systems". – Keith Davidge

The Humber Advantage

Sustainable energy house

State-of-the-art Facilities

The Sustainable Energy and Building Technology Program provides a mix of theoretical and practical skills. Our labs are equipped with state-of-the-art hardware, software and equipment to give our students and graduates hands-on experience. Students in the program have access to Humber’s LEED Gold Centre for Urban Ecology, an opportunity to study a sustainable building in operation and understand the relationship between design, construction and operation. SEBT students perform data analysis of 4 PV systems to understand how system components, orientation and tracking affect system performance. First year SEBT students participate in a small wood frame construction project in our indoor construction lab. Students work in teams to build small buildings, then test their thermal and air tightness characteristics.

Your Career

Opportunities in the energy conservation and efficiency sector include energy auditing; energy modelling; energy management including building automation systems and managing mechanical systems; and building envelope retrofits. As new buildings are required to meet increasing stringent energy and environmental performance standards, graduates have opportunities to support the design, construction and operation of new buildings. Graduates of our program work in the renewable energy sector - supporting the design, construction and operation of solar energy systems. Emerging opportunities for employment exist supporting the creation of energy management plans and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction strategies for campuses, communities and entire cities.

Opportunities include:

  • building automation technician
  • business operator/entrepreneur
  • energy auditor/analyst/manager/modeler
  • government energy policy analyst
  • project manager, energy performance
  • sustainable building analyst
  • sustainable building technologist
  • sustainable energy project manager
  • technical support specialist

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DATE LOCATION STATUS
September 2023 North Open
Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DATE LOCATION STATUS
September 2023 North Open

Sustainable Energy and Building Technology Program

Sustainable energy house

Watch the video to learn more about the Sustainable Energy and Building Technology program from students and faculty.


Humber Students Benefit from Five Centres of Innovation (COIs)

The Humber Centres of Innovation Network demonstrates our strong commitment to providing an experiential learning environment for students. Students and faculty work with industry partners on real-world challenges to prepare them to become the innovative and strategic problem-solvers of tomorrow. Come to Humber and experience interdisciplinary learning across five COIs.

About the COIs  

News Feed

DEWALT Partners With Humber to Support the Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals

DEWALT Partners With Humber to Support the Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals

Fri, March 24, 2023

We are truly grateful to DEWALT for their commitment to Humber College and the Centre for Skilled Trades & Technology.

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Work-Integrated Learning Career Fairs

Work-Integrated Learning Career Fairs

Fri, March 24, 2023

Our FAST Work-Integrated Learning team has been busy coordinating several WIL Career Fairs!

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Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

On October 21, 2019, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). Both names may appear on this website.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Kerry Johnston, program manager
416.675.6622 ext. 4512
kerry.johnston@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet all the requirements below in order to meet minimum program eligibility. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Admission decisions will be available via MyHumber, or by email and mail. Admission decisions will not be released by phone.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses: 
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent) 
      • Grade 12 Mathematics (MAP4C, MCT4C, MDM4U, MCB4U, MGA4U, MCV4U or MHF4U or equivalent) 
      • Two Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

N/A

Equipment & Device Requirements

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i7 (Quad Core) Intel i7 (Quad Core)
Memory Minimum 16GB of RAM
Storage Minimum 250GB storage space (SSD) preferable
Network Wireless 802.11 b/g/n/ac Built-in Ethernet port (strongly recommended), Long battery life (strongly recommended)
Video Minimum 4GB video RAM/Minimum 24 bit colour (DGAS, DEC, ARC, SNRG, INTD, IDSN) Recommended but not required for LAND and CIVL
Display 1280 x 1024 video display resolution (DGAS, DEC, ARC, SNRG, INTD, IDSN) Recommended but not required for LAND and CIVL
Other Dedicated graphics card, GTX 1050, 1550, 2060 or higher needed for rendering purposes (DGAS, DEC, ARC, SNRG, INTD, IDSN)

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Kerry Johnston, program manager
416.675.6622 ext. 4512
kerry.johnston@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2022-2023 fee for two semesters was:

  • domestic: $3,974.76
  • international: $19,615.00

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

Additional fees apply for optional field experience.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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