Green Architecture at Algonquin College

Pursue a career that makes our built environment more sustainable.

The one-year Green Architecture Ontario College Graduate Certificate program, gives you the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to stay up-to-date on sustainable building design strategies. The field of green architecture is heavily expanding. This program complements your knowledge of building design, technology and construction with a range of design strategies that reduce our ecological footprint.

Learn how to design buildings that are healthy and liveable while being environmentally responsible. Some design strategies learned in this program are sustainable site development, managing material resources, and conservation of energy and water. Study sustainable practices that help make the world a more eco-friendly place.

During the program, you complete Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) courses and workshops. These help prepare you to write the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate (GA) exam toward the LEED (GA) credential. (You are responsible to arrange and pay for the exam separately if you so choose.) Doing so gives you an added credential that many employers are seeking. The program also provides opportunities for you to participate in student design competitions, design charrettes or client projects that challenge your knowledge and experience.

In your final term, you have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to a sustainable design project. Once completed, you present your project to a panel of sustainable design professionals.

Graduates are able to evaluate and analyze current practices in building design, and are well positioned to be considered for significant roles working on sustainable projects. Graduates have the opportunity to be employed in a number of fields. You may be hired by:

• architects
• engineers
• green building consultants
• contractors
• municipal, provincial or federal government offices

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Want to significantly improve the environmental, social and economic performance of our buildings.
• Are interested in pursuing alternative career options.
• Enjoy an applied approach to learning about how sustainable buildings are designed, constructed and used.
• Have previous education and/or experience in architecture, building engineering, interior design, construction or a related field.

Careers

Graduates may find employment with architects, engineers, green building consultants and contractors. Opportunities also exist in municipal, provincial and federal government offices concerned with building design and construction, real estate and facilities management.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Assemble, analyze, adapt and appropriately apply technical data from architectural documents and related sources to complex contexts and documents.
2. Coordinate and facilitate the collection, processing, and interpretation of technical data related to green architecture projects.
3. Communicate technical information effectively and accurately in a variety of modes.
4. Assist in planning and designing green architecture projects.
5. Use electronic technology to support architectural projects.
6. Analyze and solve technical problems related to green architecture projects using the principles of mathematics and science.
7. Assess the environmental, social and economic impacts of architectural projects.
8. Integrate civil, mechanical, structural and electrical disciplines into green architecture projects.
9. Provide leadership in the planning and implementation of green architecture projects.
10. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent in a related field, such as Architecture, Architectural Technology, Architectural Technician, Building Construction Technician, Building Engineering Technology or Interior Design.
• Applicants are also required to submit a resume and a portfolio of their Architectural work (in PDF format) which demonstrates knowledge and skills in the following four areas:
  1. Architectural building design fundamentals (site planning, floor planning, massing, and working with a building program).
  2. Architectural drawing skills, both by hand and using Architectural computer software such as AutoCAD and Revit Architecture.
  3. Fundamental knowledge of building science, materials, technology and systems (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical).
  4. Fundamental knowledge of building codes and regulations.
• Applicants without the required diploma or degree will be assessed individually and will be required to complete an Eligibility Package.
• Eligibility package submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website: www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.