Year-End Updates 3: New Training Opportunities
a) Built Green Canada announces relationship with online training provider, Blue House Energy
We believe training is essential. All builder and renovator members must be trained in BUILT GREEN® practices, policies, and procedures prior to building their BUILT GREEN® projects. Contracted trades and/or suppliers are also encouraged to take our training, as are non-members interested in our programs.
Prior to enrolling their first project, a builder must take BUILT GREEN® Program Fundamentals, Module 1, which focuses on the fundamental aspects of the program, orienting participants on how to work with Built Green; introducing them to the administrative and technical requirements; preparing them to successfully navigate Built Green’s quality assurance processes; and offering them resources to help them be successful at building BUILT GREEN® homes. The fee for this is $150 plus tax for members and $250 plus tax for non-members—a 15% discount is offered to companies that send more than five staff to our training.
One of the requirements for BUILT GREEN® membership is that training is taken every two years. We strongly recommend building science training as a natural progression—and to encourage continued education, points may be earned on our Checklist for doing so. Built Green Canada recognizes the Building Science for New Homes training available through Service Organizations licensed through Natural Resources Canada, and will continue to do so, as meeting the membership training requirements; however, there are times when accessibility can be challenging.
With this in mind, Built Green Canada is delighted to announce its newly formed relationship with Blue House Energy, a company committed to the delivery of online, on-demand courses in building science and energy efficiency for trades, renovators, contractors, and home performance professionals. This relationship has been driven by the need to accommodate new and existing markets with training that is accessible, affordable, and convenient.
The “Construction Technology” course places heavy emphasis on building science and building better, and this will be made available effective December 18. The cost is $276.50 plus tax for those BUILT GREEN® members reflecting a a 30% discount. A special purchase discount code will be available through Built Green Canada December 18, 2015 through June 18, 2016.
The course addresses the house as a system concept; the role of sustainable development in construction; how building science affects building durability and occupant comfort; the signs, symptoms, and solutions for good indoor air quality; building envelope details and how they control or contribute to heat, air, and moisture flows; and mechanical systems. It is estimated this will take approximately 15 to 18 hours to complete (including reviews, quizzes, etc.)
Construction Technology is made up of fourteen online modules that you access from a secure learning platform. Each module includes a downloadable study guide to accompany the online learning program. There is a review and quiz at the end of each module to help the participant gauge their understanding of the topics covered. Participants can review any section or topic in any module as many times as required.
b) Technical Workshops: Looking for Onsite Locations
In September, Built Green Canada held its first technical workshop focused on rigid exterior cladding. The workshop was held at a build-in-progress, which allowed for live demonstrations. More workshops are being planned. If you are interested in providing an onsite location at a build-in-progress please contact the Built Green Canada office.