Green arhitecture competition

If you’ve always wanted to make the world a better place, then the fresh new field of Green Architecture could provide just the new angle you’re looking for. And with all the green design features of the brand-new ACCE building, there’s no better place to learn.

Designed for those who already have education or work experience in architecture, construction, interior design or similar fields, this one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate will provide you with a competitive edge in a fast-evolving field that’s increasingly sought after by all industries. Through both theoretical and hands-on learning experiences, you’ll discover how new green architecture technologies can reduce the environmental impact of human habitation and commercial activity, conserve energy, use alternative fuels or recycled materials, and much more. You’ll also get to visit other green buildings and meet those who work in the field, work on projects with other ACCE program students, and develop at least one design project where you can apply all the principles you’ve learned. Watch this video to see how some of our students bring their education to life in the CMHC Sustainable Housing Student Design Competition.

2014 Green Architecture Award Winner – Ana Genio

Ana Genio, recent Green Architecture program graduate and 2014 Green Architecture Award Winner shared her experience with the program –

“The Green Architecture Program at Algonquin College offers a solid and broad knowledge of all aspects surrounding sustainable buildings. Its curriculum is up-to-date, interactive and diverse. It is an excellent platform for a deep understanding of Sustainability in today’s world and how it can be achieved in the Construction Industry. All the professors are very knowledgeable and have real life experience in the field that is shared in the rich learning environment of the classroom.

This program gave me essential skills to be successful in the Green Design industry and helped me to get my current job as a project coordinator at Windmill Developments Group in Ottawa.”

Ana Genio, Nov 30^th 2014

Here’s what another one of our recent graduates had to say about the program –

“The Green Architecture program gave me a solid foundation in the principles of sustainable building and integrated design. Working in multi-disciplinary groups was a beneficial
learning experience that exposed group members to a variety of different backgrounds.
The professors were highly knowledgeable, extremely approachable and creative in the delivery of the courses.

The Green Architecture program greatly helped my career prospects allowing me to apply the knowledge I have learned at my current municipal job as Sustainability Coordinator. I have been
able to apply many of the concepts learned while working on municipal building retrofit projects as well during the creation of water and energy efficiency programming. I recommend this program for anyone who is passionate about making a difference in the rapidly expanding field of green buildings.”

-Kalen Pilkington, MES

Green Architecture Class of 2012

Sustainability Coordinator, City of St. Albert

Why should you enroll in this program? – Well, here is a list of reasons some recent graduates gave us when asked about their reasons for enrolling and what they felt were some of their best experiences in the program….

• I initially wanted to pursue a master’s degree in architecture. After researching possible thesis subjects, I’ve decided to become more familiar with sustainability. Algonquin College was one of the few schools that offered this and one of the best ones.

•During the last semester of study for my architectural technical diploma program, we began to speak more on the topic of sustainability in design. I chose to take the Green Architecture Course in order to further expand my knowledge on this topic in order to help with the paradigm shift from the older ways of thinking.

•To add sustainability knowledge to my architectural background, to apply and improve the way of building back in Mexico. The Green Architecture program at Algonquin College seemed complete and gave me general information on sustainability.

Best Experiences

• Collaboration with other schools (Solar decathlon and NESEA competition)

• Program provided a variety of topics that each have a potential for further research

• Broader knowledge of sustainable methods and materials

• A formulated analytical approach to design, such as energy modeling and site analysis

• Knowledge of certification programs such as GGBCS , the Living Building Challenge which set a baseline and provide guidance on sustainable design

• A vision of the change that is occurring in the design world that will give us a brighter future

2013 SOLAR DECATHLON participation

Starting in February 2012, students in the Green Architecture program will play a leading role in Team Ontario’s entry into the prestigious U.S. Solar Decathlon competition. Click here for more information on Algonquin College’s participation in this event. The Canada Green Building Council featured the ECHO house in their August 2013 newsletter, read the article featuring our student’s work here. The Team Ontario Solar Decathlon ECHO project has been selected as a finalist for the Sustainable Design Awards and a number of the team members will be attending the awards ceremony – find out about this award here. Along with this award selection Team Ontario is featured in the media and on video – here is a selection of links to view on this awesome project. 1. CTV Morning Live, 2. Team ECHO animated walk through .

OCTOBER 1st, 2013 Solar Decathlon UPDATE . Rick Briginshaw, Coordinator for the Green Architecture program sent us an update, click here to find out how the team is progressing.

OCTOBER 7TH, 2013 Solar Decathlon UDATE – Rick provides us with another update now that the competition has started – follow this link to read more!

OCTOBER 13TH, 2013 – Team Ontario in the 2013 US Department of Energy placed 6th overall in the Solar Decathlon this weekend (October 12/13, 2013), marking one of the best results ever by a Canadian team. The team, comprised of Algonquin College, Carleton University, and Queen’s University students and employees, also took first place in the Engineering category, second in Affordability, and fourth in Market Appeal. Click the above link to read the US Department of Energy’s blog on this year’s winner and for a link to the overall standings. Congratulations once again to Team Ontario!