Building Environmental Systems Operator Class I
Seneca College Certificate
More Information
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 Building Owners and Managers Institute of Canada. (BOMI).
Three certificates are offered:
- Building Environmental Systems Operator Class II is the entry level credential for a career in Commercial, Office, and residential buildings.
- Building Environmental Systems Operator Class I equips graduates to operate larger institutional buildings.
- Building Environmental Systems Facility Manager prepares graduates to become supervisors of building operations staff.
Information Session
New students are invited to attend an information session.
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
Due to COVID-19, all Part-time Studies courses are being offered online until further notice, in one of the following two formats: online virtual classroom and online self-directed. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
Curriculum
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.
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.
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.
BES700 is recommended but not required
The Air Handling course (incorporating waste management) is designed to prepare students to operate air handling systems in a safe, energy efficient, and environmentally conscious manner as well as to manage waste in a safe, efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly manner.
Access to a computer with internet connection is required to complete this course by correspondence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This course is an introduction to building systems associated with hospital buildings and the types of equipment necessary to operate a hospital.
This course provides hands-on exposure to equipment and systems used in the field of Building Operations. Students will be prepared to use diagnostic and troubleshooting skills in the work environment. Tours of Seneca College building systems and facilities will be included so that participants better understand the breadth of the field of Building Environmental Systems.
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@senecacollege.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
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 416-491-5050 ext. 77461.
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.
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:
Interprovincial Facility Training Accreditation Council
(IFTAC)
Building Operators and Managers
Association (BOMA)
Toronto Building Managers and Operators Association
(TBMOA)
IFTAC Certification
To apply for IFTAC certification, students need to fill out the application form. and mail to:
Seneca College
Energy Training Office
1750 Finch Ave. East
Toronto, On
M2J 2X5
Program Contacts
Cherry Langlois
Program Assistant
Cherry.Langlois@senecacollege.ca
416-491-5050 ext.22523
Desmond Duke
Part-time Program Coordinator
Desmond.Duke@senecacollege.ca
416-491-5050 ext.26134
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.
Information Session
New students are invited to attend an information session.