Sustainable Design

17-481-1 Technical Certificate
Campus: Online

Overview

The Sustainable Design certificate is offered online and provides applicants a wealth of education in sustainable building design. Whether the student is interested in building design, building construction, or just wanting to gain a working knowledge about the topic, the courses will apply. Students will learn about sustainable structures, renewable energy sources, types of energy systems, methods of construction, and alternative energy uses for both residential and commercial buildings. Students will learn how to reduce their personal carbon footprint; conserve natural resources; calculate energy loads for buildings; and design smart, high performance buildings from an ecological standpoint. Building systems will be looked at starting from site orientation and location, moving on to the building’s heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems. The certificate holder will have a solid knowledge about the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) rating system and other common rating systems as they relate to sustainable "green" building design.

Special Features

All of the courses will be offered online.

Student Profile

Students in this certificate should:

• Perform basic math skills
• Enjoy problem solving
• Appreciate the environment
• Understand some of the construction process
• Be capable of working online

Preparation for Admission

Students should strive to reach a comfort level in the following courses or skills:

• Computer knowledge
• Ability to work effectively in an online learning environment
• Basic math and science
• Written Communication

Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this certificate to be able to:

• Describe the need for renewable energy systems
• Evaluate changing needs and emerging careers in the architectural field
• Research energy generation systems: photovoltaic, wind, biogas, and hydroelectric
• Evaluate design and cost of solar, geothermal, and biomass heating/cooling
• Recognize Zero Energy designs
• Analyze implications of energy use - locally, regionally, and internationally
• Use formulas for calculating energy loads
• Compare successful/unsuccessful energy efficient building projects
• Describe the roles that architects, designers, and contractors play in sustainable design
• Evaluate site orientation and how this affects performance of building projects
• Recognize "green" building systems: HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning), electrical, and plumbing
• Use landscape practices to enhance the sustainability of a project
• Evaluate the implications landscaping can have both locally and regionally
• Apply the LEED rating system to projects
• Recognize sustainable terminology, methods, materials, and applications

Related Programs

• Architectural Commercial Design
• Building Performance Technician