As Canada struggles to reduce GHG emissions in its built environment, it needs trained, motivated building operators to ensure that new zero carbon and energy-retrofitted industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential buildings are operated to specification. It’s one thing to design zero-carbon buildings, another to construct them and yet another to operate them. If they are not operated to specification, GHG reduction targets will not be met.

The Labour Education Centre completed its second cohort of the Green Building Operators program September 1, 2023. Graduates are looking for rewarding placements in the building operations.

The program is 8 weeks in length, the curriculum covers conservation principles, energy-saving water, lighting and electrical practices, new technologies such as Building Automation Systems and Controls, Green building infrastructure such as EV charging sites and bicycle rooms, and Green waste management systems. Training also includes soft skills, and digital training including an introduction to YARDI. Certifications for WHMIS (hazardous materials) Working at Heights (using a safety harness) Workplace Violence and Harassment and handling of tools is also provided. Graduates include people who are at the beginning of their career path and newcomers with previous work history in the building operations industry. Many of the participants are women, Indigenous people, people of colour, and newcomers.

For more information about the Green Building Operators course and how to hire our graduates please contact:

Hameed Attaiy at 437-326-0148 [email protected]

                                                        or

Steve Shallhorn at 647-985-4480 [email protected]

The only course of its kind in Canada, the program is funded by the Home Depot Charitable Foundation.

A 2022 pilot was funded by the Future Skills Centre, through the Canada Green Building Council.

Program Highlights

• 8-Week Program
• Earn Safety Certifications (WHMIS, Working at Heights, Workplace Violence and Harassment, and handling of tools)
• In-Person & Virtual Learning
• Guest Industry Lectures
• Site Visits
• Job Placement Assistance (résumé writing and interview support)

Green Building Operator Program Graduates (September 2023)

Guest lecturer Niss Feiner speaks to program participants at LEC's classroom.

Students meet to inspect a retrofitted rooftop.

Program participants practice at LEC's workshop.