Sustainable Energy Microcredentials
Microcredentials
Contact Us
Kathleen Couturier
Sustainable Energy Program Coordinator
kathleen.couturier@lakelandcollege.ca
780 853 8566
Take flexible, online courses that focus on specific technologies to upskill or reskill in the renewable energy sector.
Lakeland College's sustainable energy microcredential options are for:
- Professionals in the traditional energy industry looking to transition by learning new skills. You can add skills quickly without leaving your current job.
- Engineers, architects, developers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, power engineers and instrumentation technicians looking to add to their skill set.
- Anyone looking for new opportunities in an emerging industry. You'll learn job-ready specific skills in a condensed time period.
If one or two microcredentials whet your appetite for more, you can also earn a sustainable energy technology certificate or diploma. Each microcredential has 12 credits, so 5 microcredentials are 60 credits, enough for the diploma. A certificate requires 2 microcredentials plus 2 other 3 credit courses.
Six microcredential streams are now available (see details below). There are also four alternative energy electives you can take individually.
Each microcredential stream is taught online by an instructor, held asynchronously and can be completed in a few months.
Registration is on our continuing education platform. Links to each microcredential course are provided with the detailed course information below.
This microcredential includes 4 online courses and a lab. Gain a solid understanding of biogas principles and production, including bio-mass, bio energy, bio heat, as well as emerging technologies in the field of biofuel and introductory knowledge about hydrogen energy technology.
These courses are perfect for senior technicians and middle management in the oil & gas, forestry and waste management industries looking to expand their knowledge base and transition to the renewable energy sector.
Courses:
- RC 207 Introduction to Biofuels – 3 credits
- RC 323 Bio Energy and Biogas – 3 credits
- QNRG 240 Hydrogen Energy Technology – no credits, but required
- RC 208 Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling - 3 credits
Explore conventional and renewable energy systems, water conservation and management, carbon monitoring and management, and climate change on a global scale. Emphasizing critical thinking, these courses foster skills that will help you get considered for jobs in municipalities or government agencies that require skills and awareness of climate change and the net zero emissions movement.
This microcredential has four courses:
- RC 201 Energy & The Environment - 3 credits
- RC 203 Global Impact of Climate Instability - 3 credits
- RC 210 Water Issues & Conservation Management - 3 credits
- RC XXX GHG Monitoring and Management - 3 credits in development
You can transfer up to 12 credits to the Sustainable Energy Technology diploma.
Registration will be available on our continuing education platform.
The sustainable building microcredential positions you for solid skills in residential and commercial energy assessments and provides you with the hands-on practice and experience you need during the on-site lab.
Your courses will cover heating, ventilation, heat loss testing, air conditioning, energy modelling, integrated energy systems, and more. From these, you'll gain a clear understanding of energy audits in building and renovating. These skills are great additions for developers, construction workers, service organizations, consulting firms, carpenters, general contractors, architects and engineers.
This microcredential also prepares you to the take the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Foundation and Energy Advisor exams.
You'll take 4 courses:
- RC 20X Building Science – Commercial - 3 credits; in development
- RC 324 Sustainable Building Design and Practices - 3 credits
- RC 430 Integration of Distributed Energy Systems - 3 credits
- RC XXX Building Science – Residential - includes an in-person lab. 3 credits
Registration coming soon. Please contact Kathleen Couturier if you are interested in this microcredential.
Learn about geo-exchange and geothermal, and the integration of various systems for maximum energy efficiency. Focusing on heat and energy recapturing, co-generation, and energy exchange systems integration, this microcredential is the perfect complement to mechanical engineers, civil and structural engineers, inspectors and technicians, developers, project managers, HVAC technicians and plumbers.
This microcredential includes 4 online courses and one optional hands-on lab. You could transfer up to 12 credits (4 courses) to the Sustainable Energy Technology diploma program.
Courses:
- RC 200 Basic Energy Principles - 3 credits
- RC 206 Geo Energy Exchange - Installation - 3 credits
- RC 322 Geo Energy Exchange - Design Principles - 3 credits
- QNRG 112 System Integration and Energy Exchange - 3 credits
- Optional QNRG 221 Operational Energy Exchange/Fusion training lab - 3 hours, no credits
If you are looking to challenge the Earth Loop Technician certification exam, you can take additional preparation courses:
- ELT Remediation (dates TBD)
- ELT Maps (dates TBD)
- ELT Regulations (dates TBD)
Integrate sustainable energy technology into your own business and learn the small business and project management skills you need to excel. These courses focus on developing your writing skills, critical thinking and introduce the techniques and software required to apply for design-related careers.
This microcredential includes 4 online courses:
- CO 255 Strategic Communication & Community Engagement - 3 credits
- BA 215 Small Business Management - 3 credits
- EBA 312 Project Management - 3 credits
- RC XXX Introduction to AutoCAD - 3 credits; in development
Registration coming soon. Please contact Kathleen Couturier if you are interested in this microcredential.
Learn all you need to know about designing, installing and maintaining performant solar PV systems, and how to navigate the Canadian electrical code. Start your solar business or start working for a solar company; skilled solar installers and designers are in high demand in this booming industry!
This microcredential includes 4 online courses and an on-site lab. Each course is the prerequisite for the next, so you'll need to take them in order.
- RC 200 Basic Energy Principles - 3 credits
- RC 205 Introduction to Solar Energy - 3 credits
- RC 325 Solar Photovoltaic Systems - 3 credits
- QNRG 220 Solar PV On-site Lab - optional; 15 hours
- RC 326 Electrical Installation and Codes - 3 credits
Starting dates and details are on Lakeland's continuing education registration site. If you've taken RC 200, you may register in the next course RC 205.
Other notes:
- After you successfully complete RC 205 you are eligible to write the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar PV Associate exam. Earning this credential is the first step toward professional photovoltaic certification.
- Optional: Renewable Energy Solar PV on-site lab (15 hours).
- The 4 online courses are all part of the Sustainable Energy Technology program and can transfer into the certificate or diploma.
Five alternative energy electives are also available as single courses or as part of earning a certificate or diploma.
- RC 200 Basic Energy Principles - 3 credits
- RC 204 Introduction to Wind Technology - 3 credits
- RC 327 Energy Storage Systems - 3 credits
- RC 321 Solar Thermal Systems - 3 credits
- RC 430 Integration of Distributed Energy System - credentials
Course descriptions that start with RC can be found on the Sustainable Energy Technology course section. Other courses will be detailed on the registration platform.
Schedule
As courses are scheduled, they will be available on the registration system. Courses run in 8 week blocks in these time periods:
- Aug 25 - Oct 17, 2025
- Oct 20 - Dec 12, 2025
- Jan 5 - Feb 27, 2026
- March 2 - April 24, 2026
- April 27 - June 19, 2026
All in-person labs will run between June 22 and 26, 2026.
Tuition
Tuition varies by microcredential stream program. Please refer to the registration site for exact cost. However, each course will cost approximately $759.
Further options
You may stack microcredentials. In other words, take all the microcredentials Lakeland offers.
As well, you can pursue other professional credentials through organizations we align with, such as NABCEP or LEED certifications.
Other Lakeland benefits
- Lakeland College has over a decade of experience offering renewable energy programs.
- Our courses are taught by acknowledged industry experts.
- We are a registered training provider for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Its solar installation professional program dates back to 2003.
Lakeland College’s sustainable energy microcredential courses are made possible through funding from the Government of Alberta.