Building Science Basics

Building Science Basics (BSB) is the introduction to the house as a system with respect to energy efficiency. This system is made up of the building envelope, surrounding environment, and occupants. If you're looking for building science courses online, this is the one to begin with.

This course introduces the science behind energy efficiency, occupant comfort, health, and safety.

The house functions as a system, made up of many different components and systems:

• The envelope (foundation, walls, floors, ceilings and attics, doors and windows)
• Heating, cooling and ventilation equipment and distribution
• The surrounding environment
• The occupants and their behaviour in the house

Each of these components is affected by the interactions of heat, air and moisture flow in, out, and around the house. All of the interactions impact indoor air quality and the need for ventilation.

Full course available in audio on-demand

How much do you know about Building Science principles right now?

Upon completion, you will know how these components are affected by the interactions of heat, air and moisture flow in a house, and how those interactions impact indoor air quality and the need for ventilation.

The course has three modules. Each module has a quiz at the end. You need at least a 70% grade in the quiz at the end of each module to proceed to the next (there is no limit on quiz attempts).

Once you pass the third module you take the final test, which you may only take once.

A grade of at least 70% earns you a Blue House Energy Certificate of Achievement.

Successful completion of the Building Science Basics online course (US) will earn you 4.5 BPI Continuing Education Units. Find out how to claim your CEUs.

Anyone in the home renovation or new construction industry needs to know the basics. BHE’s cheap and cheerful online training is designed for busy people by an experienced industry professional. We know what you need to know!

Download the Course Description & Outline

At the end of the course, you will understand:

• Concept of the ‘House as a System’ and how it relates to building science

• Various ways that heat, air and moisture flow affect a house

• Neutral pressure plane

• Factors that impact indoor air quality

• Methods of evaluating a house for indoor air quality

• Methods of controlling moisture and pollutants in a number of situations

• Need for ventilation

• Three types of ventilation systems

• Signs of combustion spillage

• Radon mitigation procedures

• Building Science Basics takes about 9 hours to complete (including reviews, quizzes, etc.)

• Like all BHE courses, you have access for a full 12 months.

• 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!

• Sales within Canada are subject to GST/HST

Completing this course qualifies you for:

BC Housing: 12 Continuing Professional Development Points

BPI: 9 Continuing Education Credits