Building Performance
Bachelor of Science in Building Performance (BSBP)
Our mission is to educate the next generation of A/E/C industry (Architecture/Engineering/Construction) technicians who are intimately fluent in decarbonized building design and construction practices through iterative, data informed methodologies. Competencies include Sustainable Building Certification System processes (such as LEED + WELL), awareness of the unique management considerations for high performance building projects, and in-depth understanding of the California Green Building & Energy Codes.
A distinguishing objective of the BSBP degree program is our strong focus on industry-ready applied high performance building, development, documentation, and project management skills. In recognition of the advanced curriculum and practicum completed by program graduates, the College of the Canyons Bachelor of Science in Building Performance degree has earned the Zero Energy Design Designation (ZEDD) as selected by the U.S. Department of Energy.
How To Apply Sign up for Info Session
Why a Bachelor of Science in Building Performance degree?
The wide range of crises being experienced due to the effects of climate change are well understood scientifically; yet the impacts of these crises on the built environment still remain largely unaddressed for communities in which we reside. Creating high performance buildings is important because more thoughtful planning, design, and construction of the built environment can help meet the objectives and performance targets necessary for achieving resiliency and developing sustainable architecture. Building Performance focuses on improving the measurable ways a building can be resource efficient (energy, water, waste) in addition to improving environmental quality for building occupants.
A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree differs from a 4-year undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree by providing highly specialized, technical coursework which blends applied science and workforce preparation learning objectives together. The Bachelor of Science (BS) form of baccalaureate degrees is well suited to studying and developing career skills for use in the multifaceted field of high-performance building design and construction.
Building Performance technicians are in high demand.
The need for a baccalaureate level degree in Building Performance is evidenced by an in-depth analyses of labor market gaps and research of current job opportunities available in the field. Additionally, career opportunities in high-performance building design and construction are projected to grow in both the near and long-term as a result of ever-increasing environmental regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. College of the Canyons' Architecture and Interior Design program, with its established expertise in sustainable design and development education focused on technical workforce preparation, provides an ideal educational community through the Bachelor of Science in Building Performance (BSBP) program for students seeking an opportunity to develop skills necessary for meaningful, well-paying employment. Program graduates are uniquely qualified for careers in the A/E/C industry well beyond traditional employment for the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction. Additionally, candidates pursuing employment in the A/E/C industry who have attained a Bachelor's degree enjoy tremendous opportunity and higher wages when compared to candidates with just an Associate's degree. The average wage for Building Performance professionals in Los Angeles County is currently over $39 per hour (with annual starting salaries of almost $40k) and 69% of graduates attain a living wage within a year of completing their degree (Source: Labor Market Information Report-SCCLA May 2022). The salary range for experienced building performance professionals is considerably higher, especially in positions which require more advanced technical skills.
For more info on careers in A/E/C fields related to building performance, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website here.
What will I learn and what courses do I need to complete?
The Building Performance major helps students develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the challenges being confronted by the field of sustainable design and construction to provide resilient built environments in response to the effects of global warming and climate change. Students who complete the BSBP program will:
- Examine the effects of environmental factors and resource consumption on the performance of building projects using a variety of analytical and simulation methodologies.
- Evaluate the suitability of resilient/sustainable building strategies relative to code compliance documentation and regulatory approvals for projects.
- Analyze the use and effectiveness of passive and active environmental control systems and resource conservation strategies for building projects.
- Utilize advanced Building Energy Modeling (BEM) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) techniques to facilitate Integrative Process methodologies for residential and nonresidential building projects to achieve code compliance, improved building performance, and sustainable rating system certification.
- Apply vocational skills and competencies during required Project Based Learning internship to demonstrate technician employment readiness for the A/E/C industry.
Please refer to this 4-Year Roadmap for a sample pathway through the entire 120-unit Bachelor of Science in Building Performance degree program. Additional information on coursework required for the degree can be found in the BSBP Student Handbook.
Application, Dates, Cost
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Application Opens
July 1, 2024 -
Priority Application Deadline
September 30, 2024
Applications will be accepted after the Priority Deadline on a rolling basis until November 30, 2024 should any open seats be available -
If Accepted, You Will Start
January 6, 2025 -
Estimated Graduation
June 2026
- Estimated Cost
For the entire 4-years of coursework required to earn the BSBP degree, not accounting for Financial Aid assistance and grants: $12,000.
For students who have already completed an Associate's degree related to Architecture, the remaining coursework required to earn the BSBP degree, not accounting for Financial Aid assistance and grants: $7,000.
- Application Fee None
- Financial Aid & Scholarships
Available through the College of the Canyons Financial Aid Office.
Please carefully review:
- the BSBP Admissions Checklist and the BSBP Student Handbook to ensure you have completed all of the required courses and preparation necessary prior to beginning an online BSBP Admissions Application.
- Learn more about the BSBP program - Sign up for Info Session.
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Contact Us!
Building.Performance@Canyons.edu
A BSBP representative will get back to you as soon as possible.