We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of BC Housing through the Building Excellence Research & Education Grants Program.
This course meets the BC Energy Step Code Module 4: Building Envelope Options mandatory training for builders as required by BC Housing (as of Oct 2022).
Bundle and Save!
Blue House Energy provides 3 modules for builders needing competency training to renew their license. To suit your training needs, you can purchase them separately or in any combination of two, or all three.
One Module
Purchase any single Module for $110
Two Modules
Purchase any two Modules for $200
Three Modules
Purchase all three Modules for $285
Course Overview
This module covers a range of building envelope assemblies for roof, wall, and foundation, based on the “envelope first” approach to design and installation practices.
The training goals for this course are:
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Compare and contrast the performance, cost, constructability, compatibility, and future- readiness parameters at play in the design and construction of modern enclosure assemblies that are used in buildings meeting the BC Energy Step Code
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Plan the construction of enclosure assemblies, including aligning a diverse range of trades/ subcontractors,managing supply chains, sequencing site work, and ensuring correct installation practices are used
Important Details
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This course takes 9-12 hours to complete (including reviews, quizzes, etc.)
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The course is made up of an introduction and 2 sections. A downloadable study guide can be found under the ‘Resource’ Tab in your training plan
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There is a review and quiz at the end of each section. You can review any section as many times as you like.
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Once you have completed all of the sections, you can take the final test (you may only take it once)
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A grade of at least 70% earns you a Certificate of Achievement
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Like all BHE courses, you have access for 12 months
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The course is best viewed on a laptop or desktop. It works on tablets, but it’s really hard to see all the detail on a phone!
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Sales within Canada are subject to GST/HST
Sections*
Introduction
The Enclosure First Approach
Climate Zones
Successful Design
Value Optimization
Durability
Section 1: Envelope First
Assembly Configurations
Exterior Wall Assemblies
Moisture Considerations
Exterior Insulation
Air Barrier Systems
Vapour Barrier Systems
Below Grade Concrete Assemblies
Roof & Ceiling Assemblies
Framing Techniques
Structural Elements
Section 2: Planning and Costing
Priorities
Costing
Construction
Strategies and Sequencing
Exterior Wall Assemblies
Window & Door Placement
Air Barrier Systems
Integrated Design Process (IDP)
Planning
House Types
Basement Types
Building Process & Specifications
Competency Development
Teams
Trades
Quality Control
Learning Objectives
Section 1
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Identify exterior wall assembly configurations that optimize cost, durability, thermal performance including reduced thermal bridging, and buildability in all climate zones in BC
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Develop basic strategies for constructing wall assemblies that use exterior insulation that are durable and buildable
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Manage key design and construction concerns for below-grade concrete assemblies with increased thermal performance including reduced thermal bridging, while using moisture control best practices
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Understand the typical correct sequence of exterior wall membrane installation that includes for airtightness and use of exterior insulation, and identify the parties in charge of each step in this sequence
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Understand the typical correct sequence of exterior insulation installation, and identify the parties in charge of each step in this sequence
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Understand the correct overall sequence of typical airtightness and insulation detailing, and identify the parties in charge of each step in this sequence
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Align cost and construction priorities across the project team and with the owner/client, including for a diverse group of trades/subcontractors with a varying understanding of enclosure assemblies
Section 2
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Determine core competencies needed by team members in the enclosure construction process and implement ways to train them considering diverse backgrounds and learning styles, especially Indigenous persons and those from equity seeking groups
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Summarize the factors that can lead to improper installation and poor quality control in building enclosure construction, and how they can be addressed during design and early stage construction
Credit Values
Completing this course qualifies you for:
BC Housing: 2.5 CPDs