When you consider that the building sector is Canada’s third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and that the government has legislation in place to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the green building workforce is poised to grow significantly in the coming years, making it an excellent career choice.

In this guide we’ve covered the full range of green building courses you can take. Whether you’re looking to enroll in university or you’re a professional looking for a certification course, or you just feel like a quick workshop or free online course to see if you’re interested in this field, there’s something for everyone.

Green Building Credential Courses

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One pathway into green building is by learning how to certify green buildings. We’ve listed a few professional training programs below that equip you with the knowledge you need to start working in this field. Once you’ve gained these credentials from the particular organization you would be qualified to certify green buildings according to their particular rating system.

There are many green building certification organizations in Canada. We’ve kept our list of courses that provide credentials here brief, but if you want to look more fully into this field you can look through our list of green building certifications and rating systems that we’ve compiled here to find a particular organization that you resonate with.

LEED

Since LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a building certification organization, the courses are primarily focused on teaching people how to implement LEED requirements to certify a building.

For those just starting out, the LEED Green Associate credential teaches the foundational principles of green building and the LEED rating system, preparing students to support others working on LEED projects.

Taking it a step further is LEED Accredited Professional. Intended for those actively working on green building projects, these credentials measure knowledge of green building combined with knowledge of a specific LEED rating system and the certification process. There are various LEED AP pathways to follow depending on your specialty (e.g. Interior Design + Construction,  Building Design + Construction, and Operations + Maintenance.) To get this credential, students must first pass the LEED Green Associate.

The courses are administered by the GBCI (via USGBC). You can purchase course materials and online courses from them and then sign up to do the exams.

Maintaining these credentials requires doing continuing education hours. You can get those continuing education hours through CAGBC (see courses below), USGBC and other organizations.

BREEAM

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a building certification organization that takes a holistic approach to building certification by measuring a range of factors, such as health and social impact, whole life performance, ESG and net zero goals.

Courses are offered by the BRE (Building Research Establishment) and are delivered both online and in person. Aside from offering BREEAM certification, the BRE offers courses on a range of topics, including indoor environmental quality (IEQ), Passive House, infrastructure and building information modelling (BIM).

Passive House Canada

Passive House Canada offers a variety of courses and workshops with the aim of teaching people how to create buildings that are as energy efficient as possible. This is done through heat recovery, airtightness, high-performance insulation and other techniques. 

There are plenty of courses available through Passive House Canada, such as Controlling Water and Vapour, Understanding and Working with PHPP, Passive House Design and Construction, Pathway to Passive House Trades Certification, and many others. 

The vast majority of courses are available online. See the full list here. 

WELL Building Standard

Offered by the International WELL Building Institute, the WELL Building Standard aims to take a holistic approach to the assessment of buildings, with the aim to create buildings that enhance health and well-being.

This is based on a variety of principles, including air, light, movement, mind, nourishment, thermal comfort, sound, water, materials and community.

The WELL AP (accredited professional) course teaches the practices and application of WELL Building Standards, so you’ll then know how to design and assess homes that will meet the standard. The course is available online.

University and College Programs in Green Building and Sustainability Engineering

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Across Canada there are plenty of university and college programs in green building, architecture, sustainability and environmental engineering. We’ve highlighted some of them here.

Ontario

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Carleton University – Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Engineering (BEng)

Carleton University offers a Bachelor of Engineering in Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Engineering. In this program, students explore ecological concepts, energy-efficient building methods and the integration of green materials into modern construction. The program emphasizes collaboration with design studios and group projects giving students practical experience in developing sustainable solutions for real-world architectural challenges.

Fanshawe College – Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning (BEDP)

Fanshawe College offers a four-year Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning, designed to prepare graduates for careers focused on creating resilient, healthy and sustainable communities across Canada. The curriculum combines design theory with applied skills, covering community planning, sustainable landscapes and ecological design. A standout feature of the program is its co-op component, which allows students to gain hands-on industry experience while completing their studies.

University of Waterloo – Sustainable Environmental Engineering (BEng)

At the University of Waterloo, students can pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Environmental Engineering, a four-year program centred on designing infrastructure and technologies that reduce environmental impact. The program covers areas such as water conservation, renewable energy systems, sustainable urban development and advanced waste management strategies.

Waterloo’s renowned co-op program remains a core element, providing students with opportunities to apply their classroom learning directly in industry settings and develop practical expertise in sustainability-focused engineering.

Algonquin College – Sustainable Architectural Design (Graduate Certificate)

At the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence, students can complete a one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Architectural Design. The program develops practical and theoretical skills to design healthier, low-carbon buildings. Courses cover sustainable site planning, material resource management and strategies for conserving energy and water. 

Students also complete Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) coursework to prepare for the LEED Green Associate exam, adding professional credentials to their portfolio. Learning takes place in Algonquin’s state-of-the-art facility, which serves as a living lab, giving students the opportunity to see sustainable design principles in action.

Humber College – Sustainable Energy and Building Technology (Advanced Diploma)

Humber College offers an Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Energy and Building Technology, a six-semester program that prepares graduates to meet Canada’s growing demand for sustainable infrastructure. Students learn how to model and improve building performance, support renewable energy integration and apply building science to new construction and retrofits. 

The program includes optional co-op placements, offering valuable work experience with industry partners. Training is supported by state-of-the-art labs and Humber’s LEED Gold Centre for Urban Ecology, where students analyze solar PV systems and test construction methods. Graduates are equipped for careers in energy auditing, sustainable building analysis and renewable energy project management.

Niagara College – Sustainable Construction (Course)

Niagara College offers a Sustainable Construction course (CIVL1295P) within its construction programs, giving students a strong foundation in green building principles. The course introduces sustainability concepts in materials, energy use, and design, and explores programs and case studies that promote environmentally responsible construction. 

Students analyze existing sustainable projects and learn how construction practices can reduce environmental impact. This three-credit course helps prepare learners to apply sustainability standards in real-world building projects and supports career pathways in construction technology, engineering and project management with a focus on environmentally conscious development.

University of Toronto – Greening the City (Graduate Course)

University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies offers Greening the City: Urban Environmental Planning and Management, a course exploring the integration of green infrastructure into cities. Students study ecosystem services, urban resiliency, and the role of planners, policymakers and private stakeholders in driving sustainable urban change.

British Columbia

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British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) – Building Engineering/Building Science (Master’s Degree)

BCIT is home to one of Canada’s most established Building Science Graduate Programs, offering both a Master of Engineering in Building Science and a Master of Applied Science in Building Engineering/Building Science. These interdisciplinary programs focus on delivering durable, energy-efficient and healthy buildings. 

Students engage in applied research and hands-on projects through BCIT’s Building Science Centre of Excellence and the Centre for Architectural Ecology. For professionals looking for shorter programs, BCIT also offers specialized courses such as Energy Modelling for Building Professionals and the new Building Energy Modelling and Performance Analysis Advanced Certificate.

University of British Columbia (UBC) – Bachelor of Sustainability (Bachelor’s Degree)

UBC provides a diverse range of sustainability-focused pathways. At the Vancouver campus, programs in environmental engineering, sustainable agriculture, and geography with an environment and sustainability concentration are popular options. Meanwhile, UBC Okanagan has introduced the Bachelor of Sustainability, one of the few undergraduate degrees of its kind in Canada. 

This four-year program blends interdisciplinary learning with experiential and community-based study, offering concentrations in Environmental Analytics, Environmental Conservation and Management, Environmental Humanities and Green Chemistry. Students gain real-world experience through access to urban, agricultural and wilderness environments in the Okanagan Valley.

Okanagan College (OC) – Sustainable Building Technology (Diploma)

OC’s two-year Sustainable Building Technology Diploma prepares graduates to be “agents of change” for a net-zero energy, water and carbon future. The program delivers practical training in sustainable materials, green retrofits, renewable energy systems, building science and regenerative design, alongside systems thinking and project management. Learning is hands-on across the college’s Okanagan campuses with strong links to regional industry and real-world projects.

Alberta

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University of Alberta – Environmental & Conservation Sciences (BSc)

A four-year degree focused on real-world solutions to land, water, biodiversity and climate challenges. Students choose majors such as Conservation Biology, Land Reclamation, Northern Systems, Human Dimensions, Environmental Economics & Policy, or Wildlife & Rangeland Resources. Hands-on learning includes field schools, capstone projects, and applied research, preparing graduates for roles across conservation, consulting, policy and sustainability.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) – Architectural Technologies (Diploma)

This two-year, project-based diploma develops practical skills in building science, codes and bylaws, BIM (3D/4D) and sustainable design practices. Delivered in person or blended, the program mirrors industry workflows, integrating documentation, costing and scheduling so graduates can support energy-aware architectural design, renovations and performance-driven construction.

Mount Royal University – Sustainability Studies (Courses)

MRU embeds sustainability across programs and offers environment-focused coursework such as NTSC 2201 – Environmentally Sustainable and Healthy Societies. Students examine societal and environmental impacts and explore changes needed for healthier, more sustainable communities. Learning is complemented by experiential and community-based projects across Science & Technology and other faculties.

Quebec

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Concordia University – Building Engineering (BEng)

Concordia’s Bachelor of Engineering in Building Engineering is one of Canada’s most established programs, bridging architecture and engineering to prepare students for careers in designing climate-resilient and net-zero buildings. The program emphasizes sustainability through coursework in civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and lighting systems. 

Students benefit from world-class labs like the Solar Simulator Environmental Chamber, hands-on co-op placements, and industry partnerships with consulting firms, utilities and government agencies. Alumni are working across Canada and internationally on major infrastructure and sustainable building projects.

Université de Montréal – Environment and Sustainable Development (Master’s Degree & Graduate Diplomas)

UdeM offers a Master’s in Environment and Sustainable Development, available in thesis or internship-based formats, that immerses students in sustainability theory, policy and applied research. 

For shorter credentials, the DESS (Specialized Graduate Diplomas) in Environment and Sustainable Development, Industrial Hygiene, or Environment, Health and Disaster Management provide focused training. Programs emphasize advanced technologies, sustainable planning and interdisciplinary collaboration, with graduates often pursuing roles in policy, consulting and environmental project management.

McGill University – Sustainability in Management

At McGill, sustainability is integrated across graduate and undergraduate management programs through the Marcel Desautels Institute for Integrated Management (MDIIM). 

Students can pursue specialized courses and initiatives under the Managing for Sustainability stream, which trains future leaders to address environmental, social and economic challenges in business and infrastructure. 

Programs focus on embedding sustainability into management, operations, and strategy – ideal for students looking to bridge business leadership with green development.

Other Provinces

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Dalhousie University – Environmental Design Studies (BEDS)

Dalhousie in Nova Scotia offers the Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies (BEDS), which serves as a foundation for the Master of Architecture. This program emphasizes sustainable urban design and architecture, with strong co-op opportunities that connect students to architectural firms across Atlantic Canada. Graduates gain hands-on skills in sustainable design, community engagement and green construction practices, preparing them for advanced study or professional work in architecture and planning.

University of New Brunswick – Master of Forest Engineering (Master’s Degree)

UNB’s Master of Forest Engineering provides advanced training in sustainable forestry, bioenergy, forest operations and value-added wood product design. The program combines coursework and a major research project, preparing graduates for careers in forest management, green construction materials and bio-based energy systems. Flexible study options allow for part-time or full-time completion.

Memorial University – Master of Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (MASc)

Memorial University in Newfoundland has a Master of Applied Science in Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering, a course-based program that addresses climate resilience and infrastructure renewal. Students focus on topics such as buildings, bridges, dams, water systems and waste management while developing expertise in asset management, life cycle cost assessment and climate adaptation for infrastructure.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic – Environmental Engineering Technology (Diploma)

At the Moose Jaw campus, Sask Polytech offers a 32-month Environmental Engineering Technology diploma. Students split their time between classrooms, labs and fieldwork, supported by three mandatory co-op placements. Coursework includes environmental monitoring, site remediation, waste management, hydrology, atmospheric quality and GIS. Graduates often work as environmental technologists, site assessors or sustainability consultants across government, consulting and industry.

University of Manitoba – Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvD)

UM’s Bachelor of Environmental Design is a four-year program that integrates architecture, landscape and interior design with sustainability principles. The curriculum is studio-based, encouraging students to tackle real-world challenges in climate-adaptive design, urbanism and cultural heritage. Co-op and exchange opportunities expand learning beyond the classroom and graduates are well prepared for advanced studies in Architecture, Planning or Landscape Architecture.

Green Building Online Courses 

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Whether you can’t make it to in-person classes or you just prefer to learn online, you still have plenty of options. We’ve listed some of the many paid online green building courses here (free ones are in the section below).

Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) – Learning Hub

Format – Online
Structure – Self-paced modules and live webinars
Date and time – Ongoing (access available for 90 days from start date)
Duration – Various (depending on course)
Description – A wide range of sustainability courses designed for professionals in Canada’s green building sector. Taught by experienced instructors, these courses cover practical approaches to low-carbon building, performance improvement and sustainable operations. Learners can purchase courses individually or as a discounted bundle. Webinars require 80 percent live attendance to qualify for Continuing Education hours.

BOMI Education Canada – High-Performance Sustainable Building Principles

Format – Online
Structure – Self-paced
Date and time – Ongoing
Duration – Variable, self-directed pace
Description – This course provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable building practices. Participants learn how to integrate high-performance standards, address building performance issues affecting local and global environments and communicate the value of sustainable building initiatives. Suitable for professionals pursuing BOMI’s High-Performance designation.

University of British Columbia – Faculty of Forestry Online Micro-Certificates

Fire Safety for Timber Buildings
Format – Online
Structure – 8-week micro-certificate
Date and time – Starts October 6, 2025
Duration – 8 weeks
Description – Covers fire safety issues, regulations, and performance considerations for mass timber construction.

Hybrid Timber Construction
Format – Online
Structure – 8-week micro-certificate
Date and time – Starts October 6, 2025 and February 2, 2026
Duration – 8 weeks
Description – Explores structural and design strategies for hybrid timber systems.

Tall Wood Structures
Format – Online
Structure – 8-week micro-certificate
Date and time – Starts October 6, 2025 and February 2, 2026
Duration – 8 weeks
Description – Focuses on the design and construction of tall wood buildings, balancing safety, sustainability and innovation.

Zero Carbon Building Solutions
Format – Online
Structure – 8-week micro-certificate
Date and time – Starts February 2, 2026
Duration – 8 weeks
Description – Provides practical solutions for designing and implementing zero carbon building projects across Canada.

Quick Train Canada – Microcredentials

3D Visualization for the Built Environment
Format – Online
Structure – Microcredential; instructor-led with practical projects
Date and time – Multiple intakes (ongoing)
Duration – Varies by cohort
Description – Skills development in BIM, 3D rendering, GIS, digital twins, and VR/3D printing for design, presentation, construction and O&M of buildings.

Advanced Building Performance Simulation
Format – Online
Structure – Microcredential; instructor-led with assignments
Date and time – Multiple intakes (ongoing)
Duration – Varies by cohort
Description – Models complex HVAC and ventilation systems for large/high-performance buildings, aligning with current codes and certifications.

Building Energy Modelling and Simulation Fundamentals
Format – Online
Structure – Microcredential; project-based with assessments
Date and time – Multiple intakes (ongoing)
Duration – Varies by cohort
Description – Teaches end-to-end whole-building energy modelling, simulation, GHG reduction studies and client-ready reporting.

Building Envelope Science – Principles and Practices
Format – Online
Structure – Microcredential; self-paced with guided activities
Date and time – Multiple intakes (ongoing)
Duration – Varies by cohort
Description – Covers envelope components and building-science concepts that drive energy efficiency, durability, IAQ and moisture control.

Building Envelope Science – Design and Application
Format – Online
Structure – Microcredential; design studio and cost analysis
Date and time – Multiple intakes (ongoing)
Duration – Varies by cohort
Description – Applies building-science fundamentals to conceptual design, detailing and cost modelling for low-energy enclosures.

Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) – Net Zero Training

Advanced Building Science
Format – Online
Structure – Self-directed (national) and live virtual cohorts
Date and time – Self-directed (both ongoing and scheduled cohorts)
Duration – Varies (course level)
Description – Advanced enclosure and mechanical systems, moisture / air / thermal control and readiness for tiered codes; rebates available in 2025-26.

CHBA Net Zero Builder Training
Format – Online
Structure – Live virtual cohorts
Date and time – Scheduled 2025 cohorts
Duration – Varies (course level)
Description – Pathway for builders to deliver labeled Net Zero/Net Zero Ready homes, including modelling coordination, enclosure, HVAC and QA.

CHBA Net Zero Renovator Training
Format – Online
Structure – Live virtual cohorts
Date and time – Scheduled 2025 cohorts
Duration – Varies (course level)
Description – Deep-energy retrofit practices for existing homes, including envelope-first strategies, mechanical upgrades and verification.

Net Zero for Building Officials
Format – Online
Structure – Self-directed
Date and time – Enrol anytime (2025)
Duration – Varies (self-paced)
Description – Orients AHJs to Net Zero/Net Zero Ready requirements, plan review and site inspection considerations; 2025 discount available.

Built Green Canada – Online Training

Built Green Program Fundamentals
Format – Online
Structure – Self-guided course
Date and time – Ongoing enrolment
Duration – Short course
Description – Orientation to Built Green administration, technical requirements and QA required for new builder members.

Construction Technology for Built Green
Format – Online
Structure – Self-paced modules with study guides
Date and time – Ongoing enrolment
Duration – Multi-module course
Description – Building-science focused training on house-as-a-system, IAQ, enclosure control layers and mechanical systems; CPD eligible.

Built Green Net Zero Energy for New Construction
Format – Online
Structure – Self-paced modules with quizzes
Date and time – Ongoing enrolment
Duration – Multi-module course
Description – High-performance/net zero design strategies, advanced envelope/mechanical options and occupant behaviour impacts.

Built Green Whole-House Energy Retrofit
Format – Online
Structure – Self-paced modules with assessments
Date and time – Ongoing enrolment
Duration – Multi-module course
Description – Envelope-first deep retrofit planning from basement to attic, addressing air leakage, insulation, moisture risks and system upgrades.

Free Online Green Building Courses

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As far as free online courses go, there are also options available. Here are a few to choose from.

Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) – Building It Green Foundations Course

Developed by tradespeople, for tradespeople, the CBTU offers a national introductory training for apprentices, journeyworkers, instructors, contractors and employers. In this 2.5-hour course, students will learn the basics needed to deliver high-performance, low-carbon buildings.

NAIMA Canada – Green Building Skills Training

NAIMA Canada offers a variety of free online courses that are self-paced and ideal for anyone in the insulation business. There are a variety of courses available, including the National Insulation and Air Sealing Training Program, Air Barriers for Professionals, Residential Renovation 101 and Pare-air pour Professionnels. Courses are designed to be entertaining and interactive.

NPTEL – Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Architecture

As far as free green building courses are concerned, this is by far one of the most comprehensive ones. This course focuses on how sustainable buildings are designed and created. You will also learn about the environmental impact of development and about sustainability in general.

Taught by the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) it’s a CPD-accredited course that takes about 20-30 hours to complete.

Read more on this topic in Career Paths in Green Building.