BLDG 4300 Net Zero Building Design

Advanced strategies for achieving net-zero energy consumption in new constructions.

Course overview

This advanced course focuses on the technical and strategic requirements for designing new construction projects that achieve net-zero energy consumption. You will move beyond basic efficiency measures to explore integrated system design, renewable energy integration, and performance verification. The course uses real-world case studies and software modelling to simulate energy flows in high-performance buildings.

Students will learn to balance building envelope performance with mechanical system selection, ensuring that energy production matches consumption over an annual cycle. You will also examine the economic and regulatory frameworks driving the shift toward carbon-neutral construction in Ontario.

Who takes this course

This course is available to students in the Bachelor of Applied Technology — Building Science program.

Credits: 3 · Hours: 45

Prerequisites

• BLDG 1410 Building Science Principles
• BLDG 1770 Energy Efficiency Strategies
• BLDG 4650 Building Performance Monitoring

Learning outcomes

• Apply advanced modelling techniques to calculate whole-building energy loads.
• Integrate renewable energy systems into high-performance building envelopes.
• Evaluate mechanical systems for efficiency and carbon reduction potential.
• Design control strategies for automated energy management in commercial structures.
• Assess project feasibility using life-cycle cost analysis and carbon accounting.

Evaluation