Green Building and Retrofitting
Overview
Assiniboine College’s Green Building & Retrofitting certificate is a fully online, four-week training program designed to prepare experienced tradespeople and homebuilders for Canada’s growing green construction sector. Delivered through Moodle, the program includes five self-paced courses that explore sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, and safe retrofitting strategies.
Funded by the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, this program is free for students and open to qualified learners across Canada. Upon completing each course, students earn a digital badge to share on their social media. After finishing all five courses, they receive a full Associate's Certificate and digital microcredential badge to share on their resume.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements for this program.
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirements. Minimum requirement for this program is CLB of 5 for listening and speaking, and CLB 4 for reading and
writing.
Recommendation: the program is best suited for people with some experience in trades or construction, whether in Canada or internationally.
International Applications
If you are an international applicant, you need a valid work permit to be accepted into the program.
Applications are open!
Students must apply through the partner portal - they will be contacted by a service delivery partner from their province of residence and if they are accepted, they will be given an acceptance letter to send with their enrollment details to Assiniboine.
The application deadline is three weeks before the start date.
Careers & Connections
Careers
- Energy Advisor / Energy Auditor
- Green Building Technician
- Residential Renovation Technician
- Retrofit Installer / Retrofit Project Coordinator
- Sustainable Construction Worker
- HVAC and Heat Pump Technician
- Solar Panel Installer / Technician
- Building Envelope Specialist
- Insulation and Air Sealing Installer
- Construction Site Supervisor (Green Projects)
- Sustainability Consultant (Construction Focus)
- Facilities Maintenance Technician (Energy Focused)
- Home Energy Retrofit Assessor
- General Contractor (Green or Net-Zero Builds)
- Building Performance Specialist
Industry Connections:
- Construction and renovation companies specializing in energy retrofits
- Provincial and federal energy efficiency programs (e.g., Greener Homes Initiative)
- Municipal housing and infrastructure departments
- Utility companies offering energy audits or rebate programs
- Non-profit housing organizations focused on affordable, energy-efficient homes
- Green building certification bodies (e.g., LEED, ENERGY STAR, Passive House Canada)
- Indigenous housing authorities and community development groups
- Homebuilder associations and trade unions
- Environmental and sustainability-focused NGOs
- Post-secondary institutions and apprenticeship programs with green trades focus
Connections
This program is led by Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society with Assiniboine College as the training partner. The is a Pan-Canadian initiative in collaboration with service delivery partners from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories.
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For information on agreements, see Articulation Agreements.
Tools & Supplies
Technology Requirements
All of our programs require the use of a computer with internet access. Some resources may be available on campus. For more details, see At-Home Computing.
Courses & Costs
Costs
The program is free. It’s funded by Employment Social Development Canada’s Sectorial Workforce Solutions Program.
Courses
To receive a Green Building and Retrofitting associate certificate with a microcredential, students must successfully complete 20 CEUs. You will get a digital badge for each course you complete. You need an average grade of 50% or higher in each course to earn your badges.
The courses are 100% online and self-paced, meaning you can work on them when your schedule permits; all five courses must be completed within your cohort's time frame. There are no required live classes, but there are optional Q&A sessions on Zoom each week. These sessions are recorded and can be watched later.
Sustainable Building Basics (WRKP-0089) | 20 Hours
Explore the core principles of sustainability in construction. This course introduces the environmental impact of buildings, green building certifications, and energy efficiency strategies. Learn how design and material choices can support a low-carbon future.
Energy Analysis & Verification (WRKP-0090) | 20 Hours
Understand how energy flows through buildings and how to assess it. This course covers the basics of energy modeling, building diagnostics, and performance metrics. You'll also explore tools and techniques used to verify energy savings in retrofit and new-build projects.
Efficient Energy Systems (WRKP-0091) | 20 Hours
Dive into the systems that power modern, energy-smart buildings. Topics include high-efficiency HVAC systems, heat pumps, solar PV, battery storage, and building automation. Learn how renewable technologies can be integrated into residential and small commercial projects.
Envelope & Retrofit Systems (WRKP-0092) | 20 Hours
Gain a solid foundation in retrofitting techniques to improve energy performance. This course focuses on building envelopes—insulation, air sealing, windows—as well as sustainable material choices and retrofit strategies for different home types.
Safety & Compliance Basics (WRKP-0093) | 20 Hours
Learn the essentials of Canadian building codes, energy regulations, and occupational safety as they relate to green construction and retrofitting. The course also addresses indoor air quality, mold, VOCs, and other health considerations critical to safe and sustainable buildings.
Work Integrated Learning
you have learned during the program. The provincial Service Provider will help you with your practicum placement. This component is separate from the microcredential.
FAQs
General Questions
How long will the program be offered?
The first intake is planned for September 2, 2025. New cohorts will start monthly with the final one scheduled for December 6, 2027.
Is there any hands-on work?
The courses include real-life examples, case studies, and scenario tasks that feel like real work situations, but everything is done online.
How will I be graded?
Each course includes quizzes, assignments, and short reflections. Some are marked automatically, and others are reviewed by your instructor.
What if I fail a quiz or assignment?
You can retake the unit quizzes until you receive a passing grade (50% or higher). Final assignments must be passed on the first try, but you can still pass the course even if one task isn’t perfect.