Program Overview

High Performance Buildings Program Details

The MEL in High Performance Buildings is a master's program that integrates concepts in building engineering and architectural engineering. Students learn how to work across disciplines to integrate their expertise and graduate with the skills and knowledge to be part of and lead integrated design teams to come up with innovative solutions.

Why Study This Program

The MEL in High Performance Buildings is one of the best ways to gain the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to advance in the profession. This master’s program integrates concepts in building engineering and architectural engineering. Students complete two major capstone projects where they collaborate with real-world clients to retrofit an existing building energy system and design an energy system for a new building.

Students learn how to:

• Navigate the nuances of green building design, from initial planning through to operation
• Apply energy modeling techniques and design innovative building systems
• Successfully manage projects and build teams
• Use data for informed technical and business decisions

Students also develop their business skills, learning how to:

• Incorporate principles of sustainability in processes and decisions
• Apply visual analytics for effective analysis and communication
• Successfully manage projects and teams
• Address organizational leadership challenges
• Understand key business functions, including accounting, market analysis, negotiations, and contract management, and business case development
• Learn how to support and lead strategic innovations
• Be an effective and persuasive communicator

Program Delivery

This interdisciplinary program is taught by leading experts from the Faculty of Applied Science, top industry professionals, and renowned faculty from UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School. Courses are grounded in project-based learning, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world examples and case studies. Students also complete two capstone projects focused on energy modeling and design in collaboration with an industry partner.

Career Paths

This comprehensive experience culminates in equipping students with both the credentials and the expertise essential for steering their career toward new horizons. Prepare for leadership roles where bold, impactful decisions can be made with confidence. 71% of graduates receive promotions, and 78% transition to new career paths. The MEL is not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about transforming into a leader who drives the future of the industry.

Student Impact

Discover the transformative effects of the High Performance Buildings program on students. Explore their personal stories, growth, and the skills they've gained through hands-on experiences. See how this program has shaped their educational journey and prepared them for successful careers in their field.

Alumni Spotlights

Read about the success of alumni and how they are using their degrees to reach new personal and professional heights.

Program Spotlights

Find out what makes this program so unique by exploring articles by program directors and instructors reflecting on industry trends, field trips, and conference opportunities to network with industry leaders.

• Regenerative design for high-performance buildings
• Building engineers bring resilience to building design
• Regenerative architecture: building for resilience and sustainability

Student Project Spotlights

Check out the student project spotlights to read how students have gained valuable experience while growing their professional network.

• Designing a building in the Arctic
• HPB students compete in international design competition
• Proposing retrofits to an historic building in Istanbul

Application Deadline

The application portal opens on January 1, 2026. The Round 1 deadline is March 25, 2026.

Program Details

• Start of program: As of 2024
• Career paths: Prepare for leadership roles where bold, impactful decisions can be made with confidence.
• Student experience: Students learn from leading experts and industry professionals, and complete capstone projects with real-world clients.
• Program delivery: Interdisciplinary program with project-based learning and collaboration with industry partners.