Climate Literacy Training Project

Why Climate Literacy Matters in Atlantic Canada

Climate Vulnerability

Atlantic Canada is increasingly affected by rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, which pose significant risks to communities and infrastructure. Sustainable construction practices are essential in mitigating these risks and ensuring a resilient built environment.

Net-Zero Commitments

Nova Scotia has set ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with the Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth outlining strategies to transition towards energy-efficient buildings and carbon reduction. The construction sector must rapidly adapt to meet these new standards and drive innovation in sustainable design.

Aging Infrastructure

A significant portion of Nova Scotia’s building stock requires retrofitting to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The Climate Literacy Training Project provides industry professionals with the tools and expertise needed to execute these upgrades effectively, helping to modernize infrastructure while reducing environmental impact.

Industry Growth & Innovation

The transition to a green economy is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity. Sustainable building practices create new job prospects, attract investment, and position Nova Scotia as a leader in innovative construction techniques. This training program ensures the local workforce is equipped to capitalize on the emerging green economy.

Building Code Changes

With National Building Code 2020 updates taking effect on April 1, 2025, professionals in the building sector must be prepared to comply with new regulations and higher performance standards. The Climate Literacy Training Project provides essential training to keep industry professionals ahead of these regulatory changes and proactively integrate best practices in sustainable construction.

Project Objectives

The Climate Literacy Training Project is designed to:

• Develop a specialized curriculum focused on climate literacy, new builds, and retrofitting.
• Ensure accessibility through industry associations, student clubs, and professional networks.
• Deliver hybrid training in both in-person and online formats, with a long-term goal of integrating the content into a Learning Management System (LMS) by 2027.
• Support industry adaptation by regularly updating course content to align with evolving policies, regulations, and technologies.

Project Scope

The Climate Literacy Training Project is a five-week hybrid micro-credential course, developed in collaboration with Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). It focuses on providing industry-specific knowledge to professionals across the construction, architecture, and engineering sectors.

The program includes:

• A specialized curriculum on building retrofits, net-zero designs, and sustainable construction techniques.
• Training delivery through industry associations and educational institutions to maximize accessibility and industry engagement.
• Collaboration with NSCC to host and promote the course.
• Alignment with Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan and national building code updates to ensure relevance and applicability.

Note: While BTZx is responsible for developing and delivering the training, the course will be hosted through NSCC’s existing learning platforms for long-term accessibility.

Course Modules & Learning Objectives

Module 1: Understanding Climate Change

This module provides an in-depth understanding of climate change science and its impact on the built environment.

Unit 1: Introduction to Climate Change

• The role of whole-building life cycle assessments in sustainable construction.
• Types of carbon emissions in the building sector.
• Strategies for reducing embodied carbon in construction materials.

Unit 2: Impacts of Climate Change

• Differences between natural and built environments.
• The impact of climate change on infrastructure and communities.
• Addressing compounded vulnerabilities affecting socially marginalized groups.

Module 2: The Construction Industry’s Role

This module explores the construction industry’s dual role as both a contributor to and a solution for climate change.

Unit 3: Industry as a Contributor

• Understanding the carbon footprint of construction activities.
• Identifying sources of embodied carbon in building materials.
• Conducting life cycle assessments for sustainable building practices.

Unit 4: Industry as an Adapter

• Defining net-zero buildings and their long-term benefits.
• Understanding Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan goals and industry implications.
• Preparing for upcoming national building code changes and implementing high-performance building standards.

Ways to Collaborate

The success of the Climate Literacy Training Project relies on industry engagement and collaboration. Organizations and industry stakeholders can:

• Offer case studies to integrate real-world industry challenges into the curriculum.
• Contribute to a Building Industry Panel to help align the course with industry needs.
• Become a Facilitator for future course sessions.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for professionals in:

• Architecture & Engineering
• Construction Management
• Building Trades (HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, etc.)
• Building Officials & Policy Makers
• Students in Construction-Related Programs

Why Enroll?

• It’s FREE! No cost to participants.
• Stay Ahead of Industry Changes – Be prepared for National Building Code 2020 updates.
• Earn an NSCC Micro-Credential – Enhance your professional qualifications.
• Access Industry Networking Opportunities – Connect with green building leaders through alumni networks and industry events.

Enrollment & Custom Training Options

• Limited Enrollment – Only 30 participants per cohort.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis – Early registration is encouraged.
• Custom Training for Organizations – Tailored courses available upon request.

Stay Updated!

Subscribe to get exclusive updates on:

• Future course dates
• Industry events
• Webinars & panel discussions

Interested in joining our pilot program? Contact us to be part of the first group to experience this course.

What’s Next?

Contact Us – Have questions? Email stseng-rhoades@buildingtozero.ca

Register for the Course – Secure your spot today!