High Performance Buildings

Program Goals

The MEL in High Performance Buildings program distinctively integrates three core areas: architecture courses in green building design, engineering courses in energy modeling and design, and business courses covering organizational leadership and strategy.

This program integrates these disciplines in two major capstone projects, where you’ll collaborate with real-world clients to retrofit an existing building’s energy system and design a new energy system. Under the guidance of top researchers and industry professionals, and working in state-of-the-art facilities, you will:

  • Master the nuances of green building design, from initial planning to operation.
  • Apply energy modeling techniques and design innovative building systems.
  • Enhance skills in project management, leadership, and team building.
  • Utilize data for informed technical and business decisions.
  • Implement life-cycle assessment methods in resource industries.
  • Conduct risk analyses and decision-making for complex environmental systems.

“Problems that arise in building design often emerge from the fact that engineers and architects aren’t speaking the same language; our intent is to build project work teams that bring both groups together and teach students to communicate across fields through real-world design projects.” – Dr. Steve Rogak, Professor & Program Co-Director

BUSINESS ACUMEN FOR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Success in today’s market demands a blend of technical and business skills. Partnering with UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School, the program offers courses in business strategy, operations, project management, and leadership. These classes equip you with essential business skills such as:

  • Managing processes in supply chains and manufacturing systems.
  • Utilizing visual analytics for effective communication and analysis.
  • Applying project management techniques in real-world scenarios.
  • Identifying sustainability opportunities in various industries.
  • Analyzing and addressing organizational leadership challenges.
  • Gaining insights into business decision-making across key functional areas.
  • Understanding the principles of organizational strategy and innovation.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TOMORROW’S CHALLENGES

Effective management and leadership are rooted in strong interpersonal skills. The MEL program enhances these through professional development workshops, covering communication, teamwork, coaching, and mentoring. Embedded in the curriculum are group projects and problem-solving activities, providing continuous opportunities to refine your managerial and leadership capabilities.

BECOME AN AGENT OF CHANGE

Discover how this innovative leadership master’s degree prepares you to tackle significant industry challenges and contribute solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.

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