Sustainable Energy Technology Diploma
Sustainable Energy Technology Diploma
Contact Us
Kathleen Couturier
Sustainable Energy Program Coordinator
kathleen.couturier@lakelandcollege.ca
780 853 8566
Be a leader in the evolving field of renewable energy. Learn how with our online sustainable energy program.
Gain practical knowledge and useable skills for a new career. Or, expand your abilities
if you're already working in a trade, engineering or architecture.
Our online program is flexible:
- full or part-time study
- multiple course offerings
- take certificate and diploma level courses
- take microcredential courses and accumulate credits toward the diploma
Our program begins with basics:
- types of renewable energy—solar, wind, biofuel, geo-exchange
- energy principles
- environmental impacts of energy generation and use
If your goal is to design, plan and complete sustainable projects, learn how through the diploma courses. You’ll:
- discover efficient building construction practices and sustainable building design.
- design, plan and complete renewable energy projects
- study design and installation techniques for solar photovoltaics, solar hot water, micro-wind and geothermal systems
- learn small business management
- take an on-site course at our research centre
Requirements
More program details
2024-25 Tuition and fees
Content | Fee |
Course | $766.30/per |
Lab course | $1,715 |
Course materials are included in these fees and will be mailed out to you so you have
them before the courses start. So, it's important that you register at least 2 weeks
before each course start date.
You need to know
- There are 10 courses in the certificate program.
- There are 11 more courses in the diploma program.
- We recommend you start with RC 200 Basic Energy Principles.
- There are optional entry points - courses - where you can start the program.
- You may take the program part-time or full-time.
- Expect to spend 10 - 15 hours per week per course. We recommend only taking 2 courses at one time.
- There's new optional 40-hour work integrated learning practicum placement course (RC 329) available to certificate and diploma students.
Important registration notes:
- You register for these courses once you have applied to and have been accepted in the program. Use Apply Alberta to apply to the program. Once accepted, you'll use My Lakeland to register for courses.
- You must register at least 2 weeks before a class starts so that you can get your textbook(s) and materials in time.
- If you are an international student, you should register at least 4 weeks before the start of your class.
- There's no need to reapply after you finish your first classes, You simply register for courses each term until you complete all the necessary courses. The exception is if you are inactive for 3 consecutive terms, then you will need to re-apply to the program. You register and pay through My Lakeland or bank bill payment.
Other options for starting the program are courses that don't have prerequisites:
- RC 201 Energy and the Environment
- RC 202 Energy Audits & Conservation
- RC 203 Global Impact of Climate Instability
- RC 208 Waste Reduction, Reuse & Recycling
- RC 207 Introduction to Biofuels
- CO 255 Strategic Communications & Community Engagement
Please note:
- We recommend you limit registration to 2 courses per term if you are also working.
- You must apply and be accepted to the program before you can register for courses. How to Apply.
- Fees are due in full at time of registration.
- International students should register one month prior to the course start date to guarantee delivery of textbooks and resource materials.
- Dates are subject to change. We recommend you check here regularly for updates.
Applications open: Apr 15, 2024 Close: Oct 3, 2024
Note: RC 200 is considered the prerequisite for RC 204, RC 205 and RC 206
Certificate courses
Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024 Close: Aug 12, 2024
Course dates: August 26 – October 18, 2024
- RC 200 Basic Energy Principles
- RC 202 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Practices
Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024 Close: Oct 7, 2024
Course dates: October 21 – December 13, 2024
- CO 255 Communications
- RC 207 Introduction to Biofuels
Diploma courses
Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024 Close: Aug 12, 2024
Course dates: August 26 – October 18, 2024
- BA 215 Small Business Management
- RC 327 Energy Storage Systems
Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024 Close: Oct 7, 2024
Course dates: October 21 – December 13, 2024
- RC 210 Water Issues and Conservation Practice
- RC 326 Electrical Installation and Codes
Note: RC 200 is considered the prerequisite for RC 204, RC 205 and RC 206
Certificate courses
Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024 Close: Dec 16, 2024
Course dates: January 6 – February 28
- RC 200 Basic Energy Principles
- RC 206 Geo Energy Exchange – Installation
Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024 Close: Feb 17, 2025
Course dates: March 3 – April 25, 2025
- RC 203 Global Impact of Climate Instability
- RC 204 Introduction to Wind Energy
- RC 205 Introduction to Solar Energy
Diploma courses
Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024 Close: Dec 16, 2024
Course dates: January 6 – February 28
- RC 323 Bioenergy and Biogas
- RC 328 Sustainable Bldgs. Energy Mgmt and Controls
Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024 Close: Feb 17, 2025
Course dates: March 3 – April 25, 2025
- RC 324 Sustainable Building Design and Practices
- RC 430 Integration of Distributed Energy Systems
Certificate courses
Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024 Close: Apr 14, 2025
Course dates: April 28 – June 20, 2025
- RC 201 Energy and the Environment
- RC 208 Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling
Diploma courses
Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024 Close: Apr 14, 2025
Course dates: April 28 – June 20, 2025
- RC 322 Geo Energy Exchange - Design Principles
- RC 325 Solar Photovoltaic Systems
On-site Lab registration open: Aug 7, 2024 Close: May 26, 2025
Course dates: Jun 23 – June 27, 2025
- RC 431 Renewable Energy On-site Lab
Note: On-site Lab is not available to International Students
Course Information:
- Tuition fees are due in full at time of course registration.
- Last day to drop an online course is 7 calendar days after the course start date.
- If you withdraw in the first week, you will receive a full refund less $200 per course administration fee. Exceptions apply.
- Last day to withdraw from the course with a W or to change from credit to audit - 35 days after the course start date.
- Course schedule is subject to change due to enrolment demand and other factors.
- RC 431 On-site lab: Students who withdraw from this course at least five business days before the start date will receive a full refund minus a $200 administration fee. No refunds after the class starts or if you are a no-show.
Lakeland Option
Turn your certificate into a diploma by continuing with this program.
Apply credits toward a degree
Apply up to 30 credits of your diploma credits (after you graduate) towards a Bachelor of Science degree at Athabasca University. The options are:
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science - human sciences major
- Bachelor of Science - applied mathematics major
- Bachelor of Science - computing and information systems major
Industry Certifications
Courses prepare you to pursue industry certifications from organization such as:
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) - Lakeland College is a registered training provider for the NABCEP's Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Associate as well as PV Installation Professional & PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist exams. Our RC 205 Introduction to Solar Energy and RC 325 Solar Photovolatic Systems courses are gateways to NABCEP certification. Take the courses as part of the diploma or in a sustainable energy microcredential stream.
- Canadian Green Building Council (LEED Green Associate)
Other options
You may also want to look at short courses to add installation skills. Check with organizations such as the Solar Energy Society of Alberta for other educational opportunities.
As well, this diploma and related journeyperson trades certification is a powerful combination of skills and knowledge.
Depending on any other previous education, you may want to pursue a diploma or degree in a related discipline.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
Completion on this diploma meets entrance requirements for NAIT's Bachelor of Technology program.
Athabasca University (AU)
You can receive credit towards the Bachelor of Science Post Diploma program in the following majors:
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer & Information Systems
- Human Science

From the start of your classes at Lakeland, you'll be learning applied skills and spending time in the field.
When's the last time you took your learning outside?

Explore how Lakeland doesn't just teach but leads. Take a look through our research centre in this virtual tour.
