George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Smart Building Design and Operations
(T420)
Program Details
New- Program Code: T420
- Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate
- Duration: 2 Semesters
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: September
- Domestic Tuition: $4,522.00 *
- International Tuition: $19,418.00 **
- Fall 2026 Delivery: Semester 1: Hybrid
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Open | Open |
| Winter 2027 | Open | Open |
| Spring 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
- PGWP Eligible: Yes
- CIP Code: 15.0501
Program Description
Program Overview
Smart buildings are now the standard, and the industry needs people who know how to make them work. This program prepares you to design, integrate, and manage the systems that keep modern buildings efficient, automated, and data-driven. You’ll learn how to apply smart tech to real operational problems, work with sensors and automation platforms, and use data for ESG reporting. When you graduate, you will be ready to tackle both retrofits and new builds with confidence.
Full Description
Smart buildings are now the backbone of modern cities, and the industry needs people who understand how to design, integrate, and operate the technology that keeps them running. This program equips you with the skills to plan, implement, and manage smart systems that improve energy efficiency, streamline operations, and deliver the data organizations rely on for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and for building performance standards.
In this one-year program, you'll work through practical, real-world challenges using sensors, automation platforms, operating systems, and data tools that mirror what is used in the field. You'll learn how to evaluate a building's current systems, map out smart technology solutions, and connect devices, networks, and software so owners and facility managers can access reliable, actionable information. If you've ever wondered how smart buildings optimize energy use, reduce operating costs, or enhance occupant comfort, you'll develop that expertise here.
You'll also build a solid understanding of how smart technology supports sustainability strategies, reduces carbon footprints, and contributes to certifications and compliance frameworks. Through case studies and experiential learning, you'll practice translating data into plans and recommendations that matter for retrofit projects, new construction, and ongoing operations.
This program is designed for people with backgrounds in engineering, technology, building systems, architecture, sustainability, or facility operations, as well as professionals looking to upskill in an emerging field. Whether you're new to smart buildings or expanding your expertise, you'll leave knowing how to assess needs, design solutions, and oversee implementations that support efficient, resilient, and future-ready buildings.
When you graduate, you'll be equipped to work on multi-disciplinary teams across construction, property management, energy, consulting, and sustainability-focused organizations. With market demand growing quickly, you'll step into a sector that needs people who can bridge technology, operations, and strategy.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
SEMESTER 1
| CODE | COURSE NAME |
|---|---|
| SBDO1001 | Advanced Communications |
| SBDO1002 | Introduction to Smart Buildings |
| SBDO1003 | Smart Building Elements and Features |
| SBDO1004 | Stages in New Construction and Design |
| SBDO1005 | Ethical Use and Storage of Data |
| SBDO1006 | Capstone 1 Smart Building Study |
SEMESTER 2
| CODE | COURSE NAME |
|---|---|
| BUS 4072 | Portfolio Development and Work Search Preparation |
| SBDO2001 | Retrofitting Buildings |
| SBDO2002 | Network and Cyber Security |
| SBDO2003 | Integration and Interfaces |
| SBDO2004 | Smart Building Use Cases |
| SBDO2005 | Post Construction, New Roles and Responsibilities |
| SBDO2006 | Capstone 2 |
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,522.00 *
International Tuition
$19,418.00 **
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
**Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree (or equivalent) in computer science, electromechanical, environmental engineering, building science, sustainability, architecture, or other equivalent field of study.
Applicants without the required education credential may be considered with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience as evidenced by a resume and references (work experience in building/ facility operations, HVAC controls, cyber security, civil/ mechanical/energy systems engineers, construction management)
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Engineering Technologies
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4365
Email: engineeringtech@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 8 a.m.–4 p.m., room D305
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Do you have questions about this program or your career options? Join us for an on-campus information session. You'll have the opportunity to meet our friendly instructors and staff, ask questions and experience what it’s like to be in a George Brown Polytechnic classroom.
Program Description
Program Overview
Smart buildings are now the standard, and the industry needs people who know how to make them work. This program prepares you to design, integrate, and manage the systems that keep modern buildings efficient, automated, and data-driven. You’ll learn how to apply smart tech to real operational problems, work with sensors and automation platforms, and use data for ESG reporting. When you graduate, you will be ready to tackle both retrofits and new builds with confidence.
Full Description
Smart buildings are now the backbone of modern cities, and the industry needs people who understand how to design, integrate, and operate the technology that keeps them running. This program equips you with the skills to plan, implement, and manage smart systems that improve energy efficiency, streamline operations, and deliver the data organizations rely on for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and for building performance standards.
In this one-year program, you'll work through practical, real-world challenges using sensors, automation platforms, operating systems, and data tools that mirror what is used in the field. You'll learn how to evaluate a building's current systems, map out smart technology solutions, and connect devices, networks, and software so owners and facility managers can access reliable, actionable information. If you've ever wondered how smart buildings optimize energy use, reduce operating costs, or enhance occupant comfort, you'll develop that expertise here.
You'll also build a solid understanding of how smart technology supports sustainability strategies, reduces carbon footprints, and contributes to certifications and compliance frameworks. Through case studies and experiential learning, you'll practice translating data into plans and recommendations that matter for retrofit projects, new construction, and ongoing operations.
This program is designed for people with backgrounds in engineering, technology, building systems, architecture, sustainability, or facility operations, as well as professionals looking to upskill in an emerging field. Whether you're new to smart buildings or expanding your expertise, you'll leave knowing how to assess needs, design solutions, and oversee implementations that support efficient, resilient, and future-ready buildings.
When you graduate, you'll be equipped to work on multi-disciplinary teams across construction, property management, energy, consulting, and sustainability-focused organizations. With market demand growing quickly, you'll step into a sector that needs people who can bridge technology, operations, and strategy.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
SEMESTER 1
| CODE | COURSE NAME |
|---|---|
| SBDO1001 | Advanced Communications |
| SBDO1002 | Introduction to Smart Buildings |
| SBDO1003 | Smart Building Elements and Features |
| SBDO1004 | Stages in New Construction and Design |
| SBDO1005 | Ethical Use and Storage of Data |
| SBDO1006 | Capstone 1 Smart Building Study |
SEMESTER 2
| CODE | COURSE NAME |
|---|---|
| BUS 4072 | Portfolio Development and Work Search Preparation |
| SBDO2001 | Retrofitting Buildings |
| SBDO2002 | Network and Cyber Security |
| SBDO2003 | Integration and Interfaces |
| SBDO2004 | Smart Building Use Cases |
| SBDO2005 | Post Construction, New Roles and Responsibilities |
| SBDO2006 | Capstone 2 |
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,522.00 *
International Tuition
$19,418.00 **
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
**Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree (or equivalent) in computer science, electromechanical, environmental engineering, building science, sustainability, architecture, or other equivalent field of study.
Applicants without the required education credential may be considered with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience as evidenced by a resume and references (work experience in building/ facility operations, HVAC controls, cyber security, civil/ mechanical/energy systems engineers, construction management)
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Engineering Technologies
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4365
Email: engineeringtech@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 8 a.m.–4 p.m., room D305
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Do you have questions about this program or your career options? Join us for an on-campus information session. You'll have the opportunity to meet our friendly instructors and staff, ask questions and experience what it’s like to be in a George Brown Polytechnic classroom.
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