Sustainable Construction Management Certificate

Build a better future - literally.

Learn how to plan, manage, and deliver sustainable projects that result in smarter, safer, more comfortable, affordable and energy efficient buildings

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Two people affix synthetic roofing underlayment to a structure in a workshop. One is on top working, while the other assists from the side.
Available online or on campus, with a one-week hands-on session in Penticton.

Campus

  • Penticton
  • Online
View schedule and campus details
Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered

Credential

Certificate

Delivery options

Online, Full-Time, Part-Time

  • International students eligible

Tuition and fees

Domestic students
2026-27: $8,238.99

International students
2026-27: $29,973

Program details

The Sustainable Construction Management Certificate at Okanagan College is a comprehensive one-year program designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in the evolving construction sector. As the industry shifts toward low carbon building, digital integration, and sustainable practices, this applied program equips graduates with the technical, digital, and management skills that employers need today.

Delivered over two semesters with five courses per semester, the program combines technical knowledge with project management fundamentals and sustainability expertise. Students gain a solid foundation in estimating, scheduling, cost control, and project delivery, while exploring advanced topics such as building science, sustainable technologies, and select elements of virtual design in construction (VDC). Communication, collaboration, and leadership skills are also emphasized, ensuring graduates are ready to succeed in multidisciplinary work environments.

Learning is flexible and accessible, with most coursework completed in hybrid-online delivery, supported by an in-person weeklong intensive at the Penticton campus featuring workshops, labs, site tours, and hands-on collaboration with instructors, industry professionals, and peers.

Whether entering the workforce or building on a trades or technical background, graduates are prepared for diverse opportunities in project coordination, construction management and planning, and sustainable construction consulting—contributing to a more efficient and environmentally responsible built environment.

Note: Learners also have the option to pursue the certificate on a part-time basis or enroll in individual courses to explore specific areas of interest. For those wishing to extend their studies, the Sustainable Construction Management Certificate ladders directly into the 2-year accredited Sustainable Design & Construction Management Technology Diploma.

  • Growing, purpose-driven industry focused on sustainability and innovation
  • Reduces long-term operating and maintenance costs
  • Creates healthier, more resilient and comfortable buildings
  • Supports low-carbon, energy and resource-efficient building practices
  • Extends the life and performance of existing buildings through a whole-building approach to retrofits

Gain the practical skills and knowledge to manage construction projects and support a low-carbon, high-performance built environment.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Project management, scheduling and cost control
  • Construction estimating and procurement
  • Building science fundamentals
  • Efficient, effective and integrated building systems
  • Digital collaboration and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) basics
  • Communication, teamwork and leadership

Tools you'll learn

  • Estimating and scheduling software
  • Basic BIM/VDC tools (Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit)
  • Building performance assessment tools
  • Digital collaboration platforms

While the certificate itself is not nationally accredited, it ladders directly into the nationally accredited Sustainable Design & Construction Management Technology Diploma.

Salary range

  • Entry to mid-level: CAD $50,000 – $70,000
  • With experience: CAD $70,000 – $100,000+

Roles

  • Project coordinator
  • Construction assistant
  • Field supervisor
  • Sustainable construction consultant

Work-related experience

  • Hands-on workshops
  • Site tours
  • Practical assignments
  • Practicums/Job shadow(s)

Pathways in: trades or technical background, high school diploma

Pathways out: ladder into the Sustainable Design & Construction Management Technology Diploma for advanced study

Canerector Foundation Awards

Canerector Foundation logo

This award is worth $5,500 for Certificate and $8,000 for Diploma students, don't delay.

Domestic students with confirmed seats in Sustainable Building Technology programs, Construction, Manufacturing, Motor Vehicle, Aerospace and Manufacturing Trades Foundation or Diploma classes are eligible to apply.

Applications for the Canerector Foundation Award are open.

Application criteria

  1. Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person / refugee
  2. Entrance Scholarships will be awarded on stable enrollment to students:
    • Entering an eligible full-time eligible Sustainable Building Technology program (Sustainable Construction Management Certificate or Sustainable Design & Construction Management Technology Diploma) or Skilled Trades Program at any campus of Okanagan College
    • Demonstrating evidence of volunteerism, coaching, mentorship, or co-curricula activity in the last 5 years
    • Committing to maintaining a 75% average and participating in mentorship activities.
  3. Scholars maintaining a 75% average and participating in at least two mentorship activities will be eligible for a completion scholarship, with an additional mid-point award for Diploma students.

Can I complete the program fully online?

You can complete all courses online, but there is a required one-week hands-on session in Penticton.

How long does the program take?

1 year full-time; part-time options available.

Are there prerequisites?

High school diploma or equivalent; prior trades/technical experience is an asset.

Can I work while studying?

Yes, most learning is online with short in-person sessions.

What jobs can I get after graduation?

Project coordinator, construction assistant, field supervisor, sustainable construction consultant.

Can I continue my studies afterward?

Yes, you can ladder into the 2-year Sustainable Design & Construction Management Technology Diploma program.

Is this program eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Yes, the program meets minimum requirements for PGWP eligibility.

Is this program eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Yes. This program is eligible for a PGWP as long as you meet Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements, including full-time study, in-person delivery in Canada and graduation from a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

PGWP eligibility is determined by IRCC PGWP eligibility requirements. Students are responsible for confirming their individual eligibility before applying.

Delivery method: Blended (online and in-person). Offered primarily online and in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.

Includes: 10 courses over one year, plus 1 in-person Fall residency at the Penticton campus.

Duration: 1 year

  • Semester 1: September - December (Fall)
  • Semester 2: January - April (Winter)

Typical program schedule

Semester 1 (Fall)

Overview of typical class days, times and delivery formats for the Fall semester, including the in-person residency.
CourseDayTimeDurationDelivery formatLocation
1-week residencyMonday - Friday9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.1 week at start of Fall semesterIn-personPenticton
Course 1Monday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.September - December (~14 weeks)OnlineOnline
Course 2Tuesday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.September - December (~14 weeks)OnlineOnline
Course 3Wednesday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.September - December (~14 weeks)OnlineOnline
Course 4Friday1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.September - December (~14 weeks)Hybrid (in-person or online)Penticton or online
Course 5Flexible
(asynchronous)
-September - December (~14 weeks)OnlineOnline

Semester 2 (Winter)

Overview of typical class days, times and delivery formats for the Winter semester.
CourseDayTimeDurationDelivery formatLocation
Course 1Monday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.January - April (~14 weeks)OnlineOnline
Course 2Tuesday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.January - April (~14 weeks)OnlineOnline
Course 3Wednesday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.January - April (~14 weeks)OnlineOnline
Course 4Friday9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.January - April (~14 weeks)Hybrid (in-person or online)Penticton or online
Course 5Friday1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.January - April (~14 weeks)Hybrid (in-person or online)Penticton or online

Delivery method: International students are registered primarily in in-person classes, as outlined in the program schedule below.

Includes: 10 courses over one year, including 6 in-person courses.

Duration: 1 year

  • Semester 1: September - December (Fall)
  • Semester 2: January - April (Winter)

Typical program schedule

Semester 1 (Fall)

Overview of typical class days, times and delivery formats for the Fall semester, including the in-person residency.
CourseDayTimeDurationDelivery formatLocation
1-week residencyMonday - Friday9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.1 week at start of Fall semesterIn-personPenticton
Course 1Monday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.September - December (~14 weeks)In-personPenticton
Course 2Tuesday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.September - December (~14 weeks)In-personPenticton
Course 3Wednesday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.September - December (~14 weeks)In-personPenticton
Course 4Friday1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.September - December (~14 weeks)In-personPenticton
Course 5Flexible
(asynchronous)
-September - December (~14 weeks)OnlineOnline

Semester 2 (Winter)

Overview of typical class days, times and delivery formats for the Winter semester.
CourseDayTimeDurationDelivery formatLocation
Course 1Monday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.January - April (~14 weeks)OnlineOnline
Course 2Tuesday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.January - April (~14 weeks)OnlineOnline
Course 3Wednesday6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.January - April (~14 weeks)OnlineOnline
Course 4Friday9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.January - April (~14 weeks)In-personPenticton
Course 5Friday1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.January - April (~14 weeks)In-personPenticton

See the Delivery options explained accordion above for a detailed description of campus options for domestic and international students.

Campus Start date
Penticton Sep. 2026
Online Sep. 2026

Admission requirements

  • BC secondary school graduation, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for one year as of the first day of classes.
  • English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.
  • Math requirement:
    • A minimum of 60% in any of:
      • Pre-calculus Grade 12
      • Foundations of Mathematics Grade 12
      • Principles of Mathematics 12
      • Applications of Mathematics 12
      • Adult Basic Education MATH 012
      • Okanagan College MATH 120
    • Or a minimum of 67% in any of:
      • Pre-calculus Grade 11
      • Principles of Mathematics 11
      • Adult Basic Education MATH 011
    • Or a minimum of 70% in an Okanagan College Mathematics 11 Proficiency Test
    • One of the Grade 12 mathematics courses is recommended. The mathematics requirement must be successfully completed no more than seven years prior to enrolment in the program.
    • Applicants who do not meet the minimum mathematics requirement should contact the department to discuss possible options.

Mature Students: Applicants who do not have secondary school graduation may apply as a mature student provided they are at least 19 years of age and have not attended secondary school on a full-time basis for a year or more. Mature students must complete specific entrance requirements that apply to regular applicants.

Program outline

Year 1

Term 1

Complete All of the following:
BUAD 128 - Computer Applications I
SBMT 117 - Construction Methods
SBMT 112 - Digital Drafting and Virtual Design I
SBMT 124 - Sustainability and the Built Environment
SBMT 116 - Scheduling and Cost Control

Term 2

Complete All of the following:
SBMT 118 - Construction Estimating
SBMT 135 - Building Science Principles
SBMT 120 - Project Delivery
SBMT 144 - Sustainable Methods and Technologies
CMNS 136 - Technical Communication I for Sustainable Building Technology

Successful completion of the prescribed courses as listed in the program outline with a minimum graduating grade average of 60%.

Residency requirements

A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through OC.

Additional information

View the official Calendar details and policies
Learn more about the department
View the Tuition and fees page

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