Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Summer 2024. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.

 

 

Overview

This program is designed to train technicians in the operation and maintenance of large, complex buildings, and a system of connected and interdependent variables which must be operated and maintained efficiently, in order for the building to function in a healthy and sustainable way.

Building on the skills and knowledge gained through the Class II certification, successful graduates of Class I can apply for the Systems Maintenance Designation from BOMI (Building Owners and Managers Institute) Education Canada.

Three 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.

BOMI Logo


 

Interested in learning more?

Students are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the program and to connect with our team. 

Seneca Part-Time Building Environmental Systems Information Session

Tuesday, April 9, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register Now

Confirmation of registration and a unique link to join the information session will be provided upon registration.

Career Opportunities

In addition to the skills required of Class II Building Operators, Class I Operators are responsible for maintenance of larger building or a portfolio of buildings that have complex heating, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems.

Class I operators are more typically employed in institutional settings, such as industrial and manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities, government, utilities, hotels and other commercial establishments. They require knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BAS). Some may assist a Facility Manager in managing work or purchase orders or liaising with contractors and tradespeople.

Sample job titles:

  • Building Systems Technician
  • Building Superintendant
  • Auxiliary plant operator
  • Powerhouse Operator
Filter Classes: In Class     Online     Correspondence     Hybrid     Availability   

Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.

Curriculum

BES Operator Class I (9 Courses)

BES700
Building Systems: Overview
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

Preferably Post-Secondary diploma but not mandatory or mature student status (19 years of age or older)

This practical course is designed to offer an overview of building systems, enabling students to relate to the operation of a building in a safe, energy efficient and environmentally conscious manner.




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BES701
Heating
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

BES700 is recommended but not required

The Heating course of the Building Environmental Systems program is designed to prepare students to operate heating systems in buildings in a safe, energy efficient, and environmentally conscious manner.
Access to a computer with internet connection is required to complete this course by correspondence.




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BES702
Air Conditioning
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

BES700 is recommended but not required

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration course is designed to prepare students to operate air-conditioning and refrigeration systems in buildings in a safe, energy efficient, economical and environmentally conscious manner.
Access to a computer with internet connection is required to complete this course by correspondence.




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BES703
Air Handling
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

BES700 is recommended but not required

The Air Handling course is designed to prepare students to operate air handling systems in a safe, energy efficient, and environmentally conscious manner.
Access to a computer with internet connection is required to complete this course by correspondence.




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BES704
Electrical
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

BES700 is recommended but not required

Covers the design, operation and maintenance of electrical systems in buildings in a safe, energy efficient, economical and environmentally responsible manner.




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BES705
Controls
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

BES700 is recommended but not required

This course covers the key concepts of commercial building pneumatic HVAC controls.




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BES706
Water Treatment
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

BES700 is recommended but not required

This course covers the key concepts of the field of water treatment as applied to the protection and operation of building systems to provide the best use of energy for conservation and safety practices.




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BES710
Energy Efficiency - Large Buildings
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

BES700

Students learn to analyze all aspects of large building operations and from these analysis suggest changes complete with realistic capital expenditure proposals that include payback periods. These changes are designed to improve utility consumption within that building.




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Elective courses (Choose 1)

BES707
Pipe Systems Design
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

BES700, BES701, BES702, BES703, BES704, BES705, BES706

This is one of the two advanced courses in understanding systems design for students who have completed the basic courses in BES Operator Certificate II (i.e. BES700 through BES706). This course includes a study of the design application and operating characteristics of hydronic piping systems equipment.




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BES708
Air Systems Design
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

BES700, BES701, BES702, BES703, BES704, BES705, BES706

This is one of the two advanced courses in understanding systems design for students who have completed the basic courses in BES Operator Certificate II (i.e. BES700 through BES706). This course includes a study of the design application and operating characteristics of hydronic piping systems equipment. A study of the design, application and operating characteristics of air handling systems.




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BES709
Hospital Building Systems
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

BES700, BES701, BES702, BES703, BES704, BES705, BES706

This course is an introduction to building systems associated with hospital buildings and the types of equipment necessary to operate a hospital.




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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, water treatment.
  • Operate each system studied 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
    • Analyze large building operations from an energy efficiency perspective and create proposals to achieve more efficient utility consumption

Information Session

Students are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the program and to connect with our team. 

Seneca Part-Time Building Environmental Systems Information Session

Tuesday, April 9, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register Now

Confirmation of registration and a unique link to join the information session will be provided upon registration.

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 College will have earned academic credits in post-secondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca College 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

When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October) and Spring (June).

For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.

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 College may recommended 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:

Program Contacts

Cherry Langlois
Program Assistant
Cherry.Langlois@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0716


Desmond Duke
Part-time Program Coordinator
Desmond.Duke@senecapolytechnic.ca
437-312-0341


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