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Course Description

​​This introductory micro-credential explores the principles, technologies, and strategies for decarbonizing heating systems, with a focus on district energy solutions. Developed in collaboration with Heatnet Global, the course introduces learners to Nordic best practices, energy policy frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and urban transformation strategies. It is designed for skilled trades professionals, particularly electricians and HVAC technicians, to build foundational knowledge in low-carbon heating, including district energy, etc. This course will answer the why, what and the how of decarbonizing heat through Why would you decarbonize heat? If we do it, what does it mean? And the how, what are the strategies, solutions and skills required to do this? ​ This micro-credential will consist of 10 modules delivered in 1 to 1.5 hour synchronous sessions, with each session including a special guest speaker (subject matter expert): ​Introduction (Overview of the course structure, introduction to the crisis we face, how to manage change, and urban transformation) ​Where to Start (Introduction to decarbonizing energy and why the need to start with heat, district energy with specific examples introduced from the Nordics) ​No time to waste (The cost of energy dependency and how to never let a good crisis go to waste) ​How to get going (Exploration of what we can learn from the Nordic countries, and closing the gap – barrier & drivers) ​From Words to Action (Strategies for how to conserve, connect & convert, and how to deliver with reference cases) ​Policies (Examination of the overall framework – objectives and policies, directives on energy, standards for sustainable construction) ​Political Challenges (Results vs. objectives, challenges and adjustments) ​Securing Buy-in (Revisiting Module 1 and exploring how we manage sustainable change, target groups – who is involved, selling decarbonization, stakeholder management and communication strategies) ​Capacity Building (What do we need to do – strategy, solutions, staff, skills and sponsors, how to get more of what we need) ​Keep it Simple (What are our objectives moving forward and what is the quickest route) ​Following the delivery of online synchronous modules, learners will be attend a one day in-person field session at Mohawk College, which will include hands on learning, a variety of workshops and planned offsite visit to reinforce online learning.

This introductory micro-credential explores the principles, technologies, and strategies for decarbonizing heating systems, with a focus on district energy solutions. Developed with Heatnet Global, the course introduces learners to Nordic best practices, energy policy frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and urban transformation strategies.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Understand the role of heating in energy decarbonization
  • Explore district energy systems and Nordic models
  • Identify policy frameworks and stakeholder strategies
  • Apply concepts to retrofit scenarios

Micro-credential Partners:

Delivery Information: 

  • Program runs September 17th to November 19th
    • Online synchronous learning on Thursdays 9am to 10:30am EST.
    • One in-person field day at Mohawk College on Thursday, November 19th (full day)

Prerequisites

None

Equivalents

None

Course Hours

23

Credit Value

2
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Section Title
Decarbonizing Heat: An Introductory Course
Type
Blended
Days
Thu
Time
10:00AM to 10:00PM
Dates
Sep 17, 2026 to Nov 19, 2026
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
120.0
Location
Instruction Method
Blended  
Registration
Fee
Domestic Student non-credit $118.05
Credit Value
2 credits
Withdraw with Refund (less $20 holdback) before
Sep 24, 2026
Transfer before
Oct 02, 2026
Withdraw (no refund) between
Sep 24, 2026 to Nov 09, 2026
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