Overview

Certified Sustainable Building Operator (CSBO)

Incentive available
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Next Start Date:

Online

Next Start Date:

Program overview

As sustainability becomes a global priority, building operators are essential in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The Certified Sustainable Building Operator (CSBO) course equips building operators with critical skills in energy efficiency, sustainable building system management, as well as regulatory and environmental compliance. These skills enable operators to optimize building performance, reduce waste, and enhance occupant well-being. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, the CSBO certification is vital for those leading the way in responsible and efficient building management. This four-day certification course is focused on key sustainability-driven skills to operate buildings in today’s rapidly evolving world.

This modular certification course consists of four mandatory one-day modules:

  • Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) and Electrical System Considerations
  • Fundamentals of HVAC Systems and Heat Pump Integration
  • Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Controls
  • Integrated Energy Systems & Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Operations

What you will learn

Refer to the Agenda section at the bottom of this page.

This course is ideal for

  • New and existing building/facility operators and maintenance staff
  • Building supervisors and managers
  • Technologists, specialists, and tradespeople (lighting, HVAC, others)
  • Third-party building management vendors

How it benefits your career

The CSBO certification program provides you with the knowledge, skills, and tools to operate buildings in a manner aligned with your organization’s sustainability goals.

Course summary

Course Details

Length

4 days

Language

English, French

Skill level

Intermediate

Format

Online

Next Start Date

Regular fee

$1835

Certification

CEU Units: 2.4
CSEP Points: 4 + 2 (for certification)

Available Incentives

BOMA Enspire

Eligible for a 80% BOMA Enspire subsidy, this course offers a unique opportunity to upskill at a fraction of the cost. Strengthen your capabilities and support high‑impact energy performance initiatives.

 

Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator

Hydro Ottawa offers eligible customers the opportunity to benefit from a subsidy covering 75% of the regular course fee.
 
This course is offered through the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator, a Hydro Ottawa initiative designed to accelerate deep retrofits of commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings to improve energy performance and reduce emissions.
 
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Meet Your Trainer(s)

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Upcoming Sessions

Length 4 days

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Any questions?

We’re here for you! Our team will be happy to guide you through our programs to help you choose the training that best fits your goals and get started with confidence.
 
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Full Curriculum

Agenda

Module 1: Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) and Electrical System Considerations

This focused one-day module is designed for facility managers, building engineers, and maintenance professionals who aim to optimize the performance of existing buildings through commissioning. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) principles and best practices, with a particular emphasis on electrical system considerations. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical strategies to enhance building performance, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.

This course offers a balanced mix of lectures and interactive sessions, ensuring participants gain practical insights into EBCx and electrical system optimization. Participants finish the course equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve the performance and efficiency of electrical systems in existing buildings through effective commissioning practices.

 

Module 2: HVAC Systems & Heat Pump Integration

This comprehensive one-day module is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of HVAC systems and the integration of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump technology. This course provides building operators with essential knowledge and skills to effectively understand, differentiate, and implement heat pump systems in various building environments. Heat pumps are increasingly vital in modern HVAC strategies due to their efficiency and versatility. Participants gain insights into the fundamental principles of heat pump operation, explore different types and form factors, and learn how to assess building parameters to select the most suitable heat pump system.

This course combines detailed lectures with practical workshops to ensure participants gain a thorough understanding of HVAC systems and VRF heat pump integration. The finish the course equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement and maintain efficient VRF systems in their own facilities.

 

Module 3: Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Controls

This immersive one-day module is tailored to facility managers, engineers, and HVAC professionals who seek to deepen their understanding of building automation systems (BAS) and controls. Participants gain insights into the fundamentals of BAS, the integration of various building systems, and practical strategies for optimizing building performance and energy efficiency through automation.

This course blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring participants complete the course with a comprehensive understanding of BAS and controls. Attendees finish the course with the ability to implement, optimize, and maintain BAS to enhance building performance and achieve significant energy savings.

 

Module 4: Integrated Energy Systems & Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Operations

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of modern energy systems, focusing on the integration and operation of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery storage solutions, and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Participants will gain essential knowledge of energy management techniques, electrical supply systems, and the maintenance requirements necessary to ensure optimal performance and longevity of these technologies.

The course will explore the synergy between these components, emphasizing efficient operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Additionally, participants will learn how to assess and manage the maintenance needs of integrated energy systems to maximize energy savings, reduce downtime, and support sustainability efforts in buildings and facilities.

Key learnings

Module 1:

  • Define the four steps of an Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) project.
  • Identify the key benefits of EBCx.
  • Evaluate the deliverables of an EBCx project.
  • Establish post-implementation mechanisms to measure the success of results.
  • Apply persistence strategies to maintain successful results of the project.

 

Module 2:

  • Understand how heat pumps work.
  • Differentiate the types and form factors of heat pumps.
  • Consider building parameters to implement the right heat pump system.

 

Module 3:

  • Calibrate a BAS.
  • Optimize an existing BAS.
  • Explore the benefits of scheduling.

 

Module 4:

  • Define the relation between PV systems and battery storage.
  • Operate modern energy systems.
  • Assess maintenance needs of integrated energy systems.

 

Test your skills

Each day finishes with an exam of 25 multiple-choice questions.

To receive the CSBO certification, a participant must pass at least three of the four modules with a 70% grade.

Important information

Learning material

  • PDF of the presentation slides (slides in printable protected PDF)
  • Supplemental training material

Your enrollment includes all presentation slides and supplemental training material to ensure your success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Policies and FAQ

Click here, to see our course postponement and cancellation policy.

Do you have questions? Consult our FAQ for answers. 

Ready to level up your career?

Build the expertise employers are looking for in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. Advance your career with CIET’s applied, industry-led training.

Available Incentives

BOMA Enspire

Eligible for a 80% BOMA Enspire subsidy, this course offers a unique opportunity to upskill at a fraction of the cost. Strengthen your capabilities and support high‑impact energy performance initiatives.

 

Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator

Hydro Ottawa offers eligible customers the opportunity to benefit from a subsidy covering 75% of the regular course fee.
 
This course is offered through the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator, a Hydro Ottawa initiative designed to accelerate deep retrofits of commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings to improve energy performance and reduce emissions.
 

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Hear it from our graduates

Pierre-Francis Parent, Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Consultant - Planéco Énergie

My background in energy efficiency was primarily at the industrial process level, so I chose to train with CIET to expand my knowledge on building energy systems. I completed the Advanced Course on Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) as well as the two courses on Building Automation Systems. The new concepts I learned, enhanced by the knowledge of the trainers and the other participants, quickly helped me identify opportunities relating to energy, comfort, and maintenance, most often "low cost" ones.

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In our experience, CIET courses deliver a great foundation for all energy professionals—at any stage of their career or experience level. We were very satisfied with the facilitation and received positive feedback from QuadReal participants. It is a pleasure to work with CIET.

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We very much appreciate the efforts you have invested in virtual learning and encourage you to maintain this format. This cuts costs and optimizes time for everyone.

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The Foundation Level Exam Prep Course was very insightful, well structured and delivered, and the compilation of resources was extremely helpful. This was an exceptional training experience. Money well spent. I am glad I chose CIET for preparing the NRCan Foundation Level Exam..

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