Overview

Continued and rapid construction is adding to the number of buildings in the GTA every day. Building design is increasingly focused on intelligent, energy efficient and high performance technologies that improve energy performance and reduce building operating costs. Optimizing building performance requires an understanding of how to successfully integrate independent systems.

Seneca's Building Environmental Systems programs are designed to train technicians in the operation of today's complex buildings. These programs focus on the concept that "buildings are systems", in which heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, electrical power, lighting, water and air supply are not isolated, but connected and interdependent.

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of how all systems function in commercial, office, institutional and residential buildings, and how they can be operated and maintained more efficiently.

Four certificates are offered:

1. Building Environmental Systems Operator Class II is the entry level credential for a career in commercial, office, and residential buildings.
2. Building Environmental Systems Operator Class I equips graduates to operate larger institutional buildings.
3. Building Environmental Systems Facility Manager prepares graduates to become supervisors of building operations staff.
4. Building Environmental Systems Operator Class II (Accelerated Stream) for Internationally Trained Individuals provides specialized training and professional networks to help students launch a career in the building operations and facilities management industry in the shortest time possible.

Career Opportunities

Building Operators are technicians who oversee building health and play a strategic role in increasing the efficiency of building operations. They are not necessarily experts with respect to each technology or system, but must have an understanding and level of competency in all areas, including: Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Boilers, Electrical, and Mechanical Systems.

Class II Building Operators perform minor, routine and preventative maintenance and repairs, perform and log building checks and test environmental or safety and security systems. They often report problems and recommend changes to improve efficiency, reduce waste and operation costs or comply with environmental, building or safety codes. They must be aware of the requirements of tenants, and act on tenant requests for things like air quality. Some may be involved in general property and grounds maintenance.

Virtually all buildings outside of single family residences require some type of building operator, such as condominiums, multi-story residential towers, multi-story office complexes, strip malls, and other commercial buildings

Sample job titles:

• Building Operator
• Building Systems Operator
• Building Maintenance Worker
• Building Systems Technician

Curriculum

Note: As of Winter 2019 the BES courses that were formerly offered via correspondence are now delivered online. As a result, course materials will no longer be shipped. Instead students must purchase the required textbook(s) directly from the Seneca bookstore, and the accompanying course material is available online via OntarioLearn Blackboard.

Blackboard is an online Learning Management System, through which facilitators and students are connected to allow communication, submission of assignments and keeping of grade records throughout the term.

Login information for Blackboard is sent to registered students via email in time for the start date of each course. Any questions about the online BES courses can be sent to online@senecapolytechnic.ca

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students are able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of all the systems and system components which make up the operation of a building
• Discuss the design, components, purpose and operation of each of the following building systems: heating, air conditioning, air handling, electrical, HVAC controls and water treatment
• Operate each system in a safe, comfortable, energy efficient and environmentally conscious manner
  • Manage waste
  • Work safely and protect the safety of building occupants
  • Perform calculations to achieve a desired outcome for a specific building system
  • Use a physchrometric chart
  • Identify factors which contribute to building safety, comfort and energy efficiency
  • Interpret and analyze charts and graphs commonly used in building operations
  • Troubleshoot and maintain building systems

Accelerated Stream

Are you new to Canada? Do you have an international education?

If so, learn more about the BES Operator Class II accelerated stream:

• A Seneca College certificate and BES Operator Class II designation in only 6 Months
• Bursaries and tuition support based on financial need that may cover up to 100 percent of tuition and textbook costs
• One-on-one support from employment consultants and job developers
• Access to Seneca's robust employer network
• Targeted training in job search, intercultural communications, and self-marketing

Credit for Prior Learning

Prior Learning Assessment

Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.

How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews, demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program Coordinator.

The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.

Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.

Transfer Credit

Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in postsecondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca Polytechnic program.

Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.

Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.

More Information

Please visit the Office of the Registrar.

Graduation/Convocation

Minimum Performance for Graduation

A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.

A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.

Residency Requirements

A faculty of Seneca Polytechnic may recommend a student for a certificate, diploma or degree only after the student has earned a minimum of twenty-five percent of the credit for that program at Seneca.

Methods of Delivery

Traditional Classroom Delivery:
Classroom instruction includes both theory and practice in a multi-skills approach. Delivery methods include use of up-to-date results-oriented print materials and case studies. This comprehensive energy efficiency training program for building operators and technicians is available for individual registration or institutional partnering.

Online:
This course involves delivery through the internet. This includes the use of online materials, group discussions and consultation with your instructor via Blackboard and email. Students will be responsible for completing all online activities as well as working through textbook content, as required. The textbook must be purchased by the student.

Affiliations

This program is recognized by the following organizations:

• Building Operators and Managers Association (BOMA)
• Toronto Building Managers and Operators Association (TBMOA)

Program Contacts

Andrew Hoang
Program Assistant
Andrew.Hoang@senecapolytechnic.ca
437.312.0344

Desmond Duke
Part-time Program Coordinator
Desmond.Duke@senecapolytechnic.ca
437.312.0341

For more information about this program, fill out the following form.