Fleming College: Learn | Belong | Become

This new program will be offered pending approval by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Program Highlights

Sustainable Renovations is a new, 15-week, compressed program that is unique in Canada. It is modeled on Fleming College’s successful Sustainable Building Design and Construction program concept. You will work on a ‘real world’ renovation project involving a wide variety of sustainable systems and materials - to understand the complexity and challenges of green renovation. 

What You Learn

• You will learn how to assess existing buildings and their systems and components
• Obtain a theoretical and practical understanding of building science, and green building principles to promote a holistic understanding of the complexities and interdependence of renovation projects
• Understand administrative aspects such as permits and contracts, building codes, costing, incentive and rebate programs, energy assessment, urban site management and materials recycling and reuse
• How to carry out the actual construction and installation of sustainable improvements, including overseeing hiring and coordination of qualified installers
• You will complete the concept for a unique renovation project with a client, practicing client relations and how to be an informed advocate for green building
• How to select and use sustainable renovation materials and techniques based on the principles of house-as-system, environmental and social responsibility and business profitability.

How You Learn

• A team based approach is used in the design, construction and coordination of the renovation project work
• You will participate in administrative, structural and mechanical tasks
• Each student participates in a concurrent, individual design project
• Introductory courses are in a classroom setting at the outset of the program and are interspersed with hands-on site work 3-4 days per week

Career Opportunities

Sustainable or ‘green’ renovation is expected to become the dominant segment of the construction industry over the next 10-20 years. The program is designed to benefit a range of learners, such as renovation contractors and sub-contractors who want to develop a green building focus; skilled tradespeople transitioning to their own business start-ups; individuals interested in environmental issues who want to work in this field; and designers, architects and engineers interested in sustainable alternatives, who are seeking an applied experience. Depending upon your background, when you complete this program, these are possible job opportunities and careers:

• Self employment as a renovation contractor or for a general contractor
• Home or building inspector
• Construction manager
• Facility manager or site supervisor
• Energy advisor, auditor, installer or home energy planner
• Building industry technical sales representative
• Employment with government, non-profit or private agencies engaged in green building or green retrofit research, education or certification, such as Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, LEED Canada, Green Building Council. 

Minimum Admission Requirements

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)

Or a current Certificate of Qualification as a Carpenter – General.

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Administration for Sustainable Renovations	112.00
Building Structure and Systems	56.00
Business Development for Sustainable Renovations	16.00
Mechanical Construction for Sustainable Renovations	112.00
Safety Awareness and Management	32.00
Structural Construction for Sustainable Renovations	112.00
The Green, Sustainable and Natural Renovations Movement	40.00
Understanding Construction Plans	40.00

Semester 1

Administration for Sustainable Renovations

Course Number: MTRL0041

Creating a successful sustainable renovation project requires a significant amount of administrative organization and effort. In addition to the typical administrative duties involved in renovation projects (client relations, budgeting, permitting, time management, etc.), a sustainable renovator must also develop excellent research skills for sourcing and assessing new materials and methods, fully plan for proper waste management and recycling, apply for and complete paperwork for different assessment tools and rating systems (Eco-Energy, LEED, Energy Star, etc.), sourcing and assessing used and recycled materials, completing energy and solar audits, networking with consultants and specialists, calculating "carbon footprint" and educating clients and the public about sustainable features and maintenance. All the conventional and sustainable administrative elements must be delivered within an effective business model to ensure economic sustainability as well. The blend of conventional and sustainable administrative duties is reflected in the individual administrative task given to each student within the building project, who then becomes directly responsible for the associated administrative duties. This involves creating a set of administrative guidelines and protocols and effectively communicating these to the entire build team. The student will manage the daily tasks and duties associated with that administrative role over the duration of the project. A central focus will always be placed on ensuring that sustainability criteria are identified and observed. A full report will be written to summarize and critically evaluate the task.

Units: 112.00
Hours: 112.00

Building Structure and Systems

Course Number: CNST0132

Building Structure and Systems is the core theoretical element of the program, exploring the variety of existing residential structures in Ontario and developing an understanding of the structural and mechanical systems typically found in these buildings. This includes basement and crawlspace foundations as well as typical wood framing systems and claddings (brick, wood, aluminum and vinyl siding). Window types, insulation materials, roof sheathings, soffit and fascia will be examined. Various types of heating fuels (oil, propane, natural gas, electricity) and the means of delivering heat within buildings (forced air, radiant, baseboard) along with air handling systems and air conditioning will be examined along with plumbing and wiring systems and materials. The roles of each building element and the interdependencies between them will be studied within the context of the whole house system. The environmental impacts of these elements on residents and the ecosystem will also be assessed. Methods for assessing existing buildings will be examined in theory and through site visits to the project building plus several others in the local area. A strong emphasis will be placed on non-invasive assessment techniques and the identification of potential hazards / toxins. House examinations will focus on identifying elements with poor environmental implications and identifying remedies that will improve environmental performance. Solar orientation will be given specific focus in assessing buildings. A variety of energy auditing techniques and programs will be critically evaluated for their applications in sustainable renovations. Real-world assessments using these tools will be performed on the project building. The data gathered will be used to assess potential improvements in energy performance resulting from the project renovation. Building science (building-as-system) will be applied to the initial audit and to the final audit in order to assess the effects of a renovation on sustainability and performance. The role of solar orientation (passive solar gain in winter, solar exclusion in summer) will be covered thoroughly. New, innovative and more sustainable materials and methods will be researched and evaluated for their capacity to improve sustainability and whole-house performance in a renovation project.

Units: 56.00
Hours: 56.00

Business Development for Sustainable Renovations

Course Number: BUSN0135

This course provides an overview of the legal framework that governs residential renovations in Ontario and how that relates to the actual experience of working with a real-life client (Module 4). A range of business models will be examined, along with the basic processes and forms for estimating, record keeping and invoicing clients. Issues relating to insurance and liability as well as tax law will be examined through reference to case studies. Marketing ideas will be explored appropriate to business start-ups.

Units: 16.00
Hours: 16.00

Mechanical Construction for Sustainable Renovations

Course Number: CNST0135

Creating a successful sustainable renovation project requires a thorough understanding of all the mechanical systems of the building and how changes and suggested improvements will affect the home's performance. A sustainable renovator must be able to improve the comfort and function of the building's mechanical systems while decreasing energy consumption and increasing indoor air quality. Upon a theoretical understanding of heating, cooling, air handling, plumbing and electrical systems, students will learn to apply sustainability criteria to potential systems changes and upgrades. Researching new technologies, sourcing equipment and developing relationships with suppliers and installers are all key components to delivering a sustainable mechanical package in a renovation. To help integrate theory with practice, each student will be given responsibility for at least one significant mechanical construction task associated with the building project. Research will be undertaken to fully understand the implications of each aspect of the project. Guided research and discussion will result in the student choosing a sustainable option for their task. Materials will be sourced, ordered and installed in the project building under the supervision of the instructors and/or qualified professionals, and within the project's timelines and budget. A full report will be written to summarize and critically evaluate the task.

Units: 112.00
Hours: 112.00

Safety Awareness and Management

Course Number: HLTH0247

This critical course provides students with the opportunity to complete several key safety certifications as well as apply their learning to the building project. Certifications include WHIMIS, fall arrest and first aid/CPR training. The Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Construction Projects will be examined, including penalties for non-compliance. Tool safety and site safety practices will be reviewed in detail as well as expectations of student performance. On site, this knowledge will be put into practice by developing health and safety plans and site safety practices; modeling these procedures and monitoring their effectiveness in real world situations. Sustainability will be seen in terms of personal safety and long-term health for self, employees and clients.

Units: 32.00
Hours: 32.00

Structural Construction for Sustainable Renovations

Course Number: CNST0134

Creating a successful sustainable renovation project requires a thorough understanding of all the structural systems of the building and how changes and suggested improvements will affect the structure. A sustainable renovator must be able to improve the envelope of the building (increase energy efficiency, reduce toxicity, improve functionality and beautify) while maintaining or improving structural integrity. A sound theoretical basis of forces and structure can be applied to existing structural systems as well as suggested changes, and specific knowledge of the building code and the structural tables it contains transforms the theory into acceptable practice. Alternative means of research and/or assessing and testing materials not in the building code will help sustainable renovators in proposing new materials and techniques. The structural components of a building are also its aesthetic components. Fit and finish are crucial to a successful renovation, and the sustainable renovator must ensure that this work meets quality targets while providing the benefits of sustainable choices. Structural and finish materials must be non-toxic, have a low environmental impact, be long-lasting and meet or exceed the client's aesthetic expectations while fitting into the project budget. This course places emphasis on researching sustainable structural options, sourcing and pricing materials and installing them expertly. To meld theory with practice, each student will be given responsibility for at least one significant structural construction task associated with the building project. Research will be undertaken to fully understand the implications of each aspect of the project. Guided research and discussion will result in the student choosing a sustainable option for their task. Materials will be sourced, ordered and installed in the project building under the supervision of the instructors and/or qualified professionals, and within the project's timelines and budget. A full report will be written to summarize and critically evaluate the task.

Units: 112.00
Hours: 112.00

The Green, Sustainable and Natural Renovations Movement

Course Number: ENVR0052

This course provides an overview of the program concept and the ways it is designed to help meet the needs of sustainable renovators. It provides an opportunity to examine the history of, and developments in, sustainable approaches to renovations, as well as industry growth, and the variety of methods practiced within the industry today. The rationale for the program design, and its scope and scale will be examined in the context of industry needs. Students will begin developing their own philosophy and approach to sustainable renovations examining the concepts of green, (including greenwashing), sustainable and natural. Sustainable renovators aim to make the best possible choices for the health of their clients and of the larger ecosystem, but compromises due to costs, practicality, codes and other barriers are often necessary. Setting sustainability goals and identifying barriers to these goals is an ongoing process that will be introduced here. The principles of the house-as-system approach, which is central to the program, will be introduced through an examination of cold climate building science. The various types of movement of heat, air and moisture within and through building envelopes will be examined via examples of how common renovation techniques can alter these movements in ways that can be beneficial or harmful to the client and the ecosystem. The hands-on renovation project (or projects) selected as the primary program activity will be introduced, along with the team system and learning environment in which work on the project will be undertaken. The responsibilities and accountabilities of each member of the project team will be reviewed as well as client relations and expectations of performance. Individual projects and deliverables will also be introduced in this course. Based on personal interest, students will select from a range of administrative, structural and mechanical roles for which they will assume a research and leadership position through to project completion.

Units: 40.00
Hours: 40.00

Understanding Construction Plans

Course Number: CNST0133

It is crucial that sustainable renovators be able to read and interpret construction drawings and documents, and to some degree be able to create them as well. Sustainable renovations must be created within a house-as-system model, and the majority of this work is done at the planning stage. Properly created and interpreted construction plans are the central tool in ensuring a renovation will work as intended. This course introduces and explores all the elements that go into a well-detailed set of construction documents for a sustainable renovation. Basic plan reading and Ontario Building Code (part 9 and 11) familiarity are key elements in creating conventional renovation documents, and will be thoroughly examined. Plan components unique to sustainable renovations, such as solar mapping, power consumption charts and heat loss calculations, will also be covered in detail. The focus of this course is a multi-stage student project in which each student completes a full set of construction documents for a real-world client. Beginning with an initial interview with the client and an inspection of the building to be renovated, the student will be responsible for guiding the client through the establishment of sustainability goals, from which a list of sustainable options for the renovation will be created. The client will choose from these options, which become the basis for the student to create a full set of construction drawings, materials schedules, budget and timelines for the project. The project will be presented publicly upon completion.

Units: 40.00
Hours: 40.00