Energy & Environment   

Successful businesses not only respond to their current customer needs, but often anticipate future trends and use innovation to develop new ideas, products or services. The future of skilled trades will be shaped by emerging trends such as sustainability, new entrants to the skilled trades and applied research and development as well as skills shortages driven by demographic s and economic factors. Leaders and entrepreneurs in the trades need to develop the capacity to leverage these trends and other changes that may arise in the future. The online modality of this course allows for greater flexibility, access and engagement for tradespersons from a variety of backgrounds who wish to develop their capacity to innovate in their fields. Emerging Trends and Innovation in the Trades equips future leaders and entrepreneurs in the trades with the ability to analyze and manage emerging trends and nurture a culture of innovation within their fields. With the help of case studies, research reports, online collaborative tools and creative thinking methods, students develop the ability to continually improve the day-to-day operations and long-term sustainability of a trades business.

This course will deal with the issues of traditional and non-renewable energy sources such as crude oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear energy, as well as renewable energy sources like hydroelectricity, solar, ocean, geothermal and wind energy. Students will obtain a broad understanding of current resources, technologies and their limitations; and a realistic appreciation of what energy sources and technologies may be feasible in the future. Energy is one of the essential needs of a modern society. The scale of its use is closely associated with a society's prosperity and the quality of life that its members experience. However, it has become increasingly clear to all that the prevailing energy system, based on non-renewable sources is unlikely to be sustainable. As a result, the implementation of alternative energy systems have gained momentum in our high energy-consuming society over the last few decades. This course will provide a general overview of various energy sources both conventional and non-conventional. It will also assist students to assess critically the important current debates on energy and the environmental impacts of its generation, storage, transportation and use. No Textbook Required.

Students explore many facets of building green in the construction industry from a general contractor’s (builder’s) perspective. Students will gain an introductory knowledge of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), Net Zero Energy program and the various LEED Rating Systems with an emphasis on new construction. The significance of the elements of green construction, green procurement, and contracting for green construction as they relate to a contractor’s green strategy are addressed.