RETScreen Introductory Workshop

NEW* Future Workshops to be announced.  

With the introduction of Ontario Bill 150, Green Energy and Green Economy Act, renewable energy is no longer just the right thing to do for the environment; it is also the financially sensible thing to do.  Centennial's hands-on workshop will introduce participants to using RETScreen version 4 software for setting up renewable energy models to estimate energy production and build business cases for renewable energy projects.  Energy model results are only as accurate as the inputs that go into them.  Thus, in addition to helping participants navigate through the software, the workshop will also:

• Give context to the input values, where they come from, and how they may change from project to project;
•  Some time will also be spent on how to use energy efficiency models to assist in the decision making process for building retrofit projects; and 
•  Current financial metrics, such as incentive programs and tax breaks related to clean energy projects are integral to the workshop.

On February 20, 2010 industry professionals from all over North America came to Centennial College to participate in a Introductory RETScreen Workshop. The day long sold-out Saturday workshop was led by Christian Cianfrone, a Green Buildings expert with Morrison Hershfield.

Dr. Sean White, lead instructor from the Ontario Solar Academy was one such participant: "I have used other programs for determining how to get the most out of a system, determine my annual system output and most important of all, the payback of a system" he said. "Through the CEI, in one day Christian showed me how to use RETScreen for those purposes" he continued. Noting the deficiencies in alternative software for analyzing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, Dr. White can now help students to better design PV systems using RETScreen software.

The next workshop takes place March 20, 2010 at Centennial College's Progress Campus in Toronto's east end. Further dates in Winter and Summer 2010 include April 17, May 15, and June 19. Registration is available here. Anyone who participates in the Introductory RETScreen Workshops has the opportunity to fill out a course evaluation form where they can indicate what further specific training in RETScreen they may desire. The information gathered from these forms will be used to determine the content of the Advanced RETScreen workshops being developed for the Summer and Fall 2010 Terms.

• Engineers and Technologists
• Facility Managers
• Planners
• Architects
• Academic Faculty
• Clean Energy Project Developers
• Bankers/Project Financers
• Current Students Looking to Enhance their Skill Sets

This full day workshop was held on the following dates in 2010: February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, September 18, and November 20 at Centennial College's Progress Campus.  To defray the cost of the workshop, there is a nominal registration fee of $295 (plus GST or HST) per attendee. Payment must be made in advance by major credit card.

There are 3 convenient ways to register:

1. Register online here 
2. Phone 416-289-5300, and ask to sign up for course code ESET-100
3. Visit any Centennial College Enrolment Services office to register in person

Upon receipt of payment, registrants will be sent workshop admission information, complete with workshop time and location. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. 

For those travelling from out of town, Centennial College has its own Residence and Conference Centre, conveniently located next to the College's Progress campus. To see other local lodging options, click here.

Christian Cianfrone, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., LEED® AP is a Sustainable Design Specialist with the Buildings and Facilities Division at Morrison Hershfield.  Christian has several years of practical experience as an energy consultant, HVAC designer, and project manager on a wide array of projects within the green building and sustainability sectors. Christian also teaches LEED® related courses and guest lectures in the Architecture and Engineering departments at Ryerson University and the University of Toronto. More...

Registration is limited to 24 attendees and will be done on a first come first served basis.

Cancellations or no-show registrants will not be entitled to a refund; however, confirmed registrants can send a substitute if unable to attend.

The workshop organizers reserve the right to cancel the workshop if the minimum registrant number is not met, or for other reasonable or unforeseen reasons. Maximum liability is limited to refund of actual fees paid.

Room number: B3-09. Progress Campus Map: http://www.centennialcollege.ca/adx/aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?DocID=1532

 RETScreen® is a registered trademark of Natural Resources Canada