Green Building and Renewable Energy
The Green Building and Renewable Energy Certificate Program combines elements from architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, environmental and land use planning, construction management and renewable energy systems design to provide in-depth technical training in the treatment of renewable energy systems design.
How you will benefit
Complementing the policy, planning and design emphasis of the Green Building and Sustainable Design Certificate Program, this program delves deeper into the treatment of renewable energy systems design. Learn to develop successful strategies for implementation of green building and sustainability in site planning and design, building desgin, and construction management practices. Gain the body of knowledge associated with green building and sustainable design principles and prepare for LEED certification.
Who should attend
The program is designed for professionals who want to advance their knowledge and careers in the planning, design, engineering, renewable energy systems and construction disciplines, including: construction managers, first line supervisors, architects, architectural drafters, civil and mechanical engineers, interior designers, urban and regional planners, developers, builders and landscape architects.
| UNITS | F | W | SP | SU | ||
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| REQUIRED COURSES | Sustainability and the Built Environment | 2 | 
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| Energy Sources, End Uses and Impacts | 2 |
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| Solar Energy Systems Design | 2 |
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| Small Wind Energy Systems | 2 |
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| Cogeneration and District Solutions | 1 |
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| Bioenergy Systems Design | 2 |
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| Geothermal Energy Systems Design | 2 |
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| Green Building Design Studio | 2 |
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Classroom format |
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Elective Courses (3 courses)
Any course in the Land Use, Natural Resources or Construction Management programs may apply with prior approval.
Required Courses
Sustainability and the Built Environment
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.1. .
Receive an overview of sustainability, as it relates to the built environment-from the economic, environmental and social-equity development perspectives. Learn how researchers and analysts define sustainability, as well as how they measure and track progress. Study historical precursors of the current sustainability movement, and how this movement is translated into planning, engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, construction and other fields.
Participate in
group discussions lead by professionals currently engaged in
sustainable building practices. Large-scale planned communities, infill
sites and individual structures from the U.S. and other nations, as
well as how these buildings are serviced and managed are highlighted.
Learn how to examine planning, design and building problems
holistically, contrasting "cradle to cradle" life cycle analyses
(economic and environmental) against the long-term costs of traditional
development approaches.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Sustainability and the Built Environment starts September 19
Energy Sources, End Uses and Impacts
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.6. .
End uses—the breakdown of how energy is used in its final stage-is a crucial component of a successful sustainable environment. Conservation and the effectiveness of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, biomass, hydroelectric and photovoltaic are key elements to achieving energy efficiency.
This course will address the energy issues from the macro perspective of the built environment to the micro approach of how heat flows through a building. Using the "whole building" perspective, you will learn about some of the natural and mechanical means of heating, cooling and ventilation for improved indoor air quality and cost savings. From solar panels and exterior shades to lighting a space and painting a roof white, you will learn how to analyze energy use as an effective strategy to promote energy conservation in the built environment.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Solar Energy Systems Design
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.14. .
Learn the basics of solar photovoltaic power systems for both residential and commercial systems, as well as solar system physics and technology, design and implementation. Examine energy conservation, the economics of solar power systems, passive solar heating systems, the California Solar Initiative and LEED Review. Work with other participants to design a solar energy system for residential and commercial purposes. Gain the practical skills needed to design a solar power system for your home or business.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Solar Energy Systems Design starts October 9
Small Wind Energy Systems
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.10. .
Learn the basics of small wind energy systems engineering for residential and commercial applications. Examine:
- small wind systems types and components
- economic issues
- public concerns
- installation
- safety
- operation
- and maintenance criteria
Study wind measurement, energy output estimates, wind system selection and sitting criteria. Work in teams to select and site a small wind energy system for a residential or commercial application.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Cogeneration and District Solutions
1 quarter units academic credit, X421.11. .
Gain an overview of micro-cogeneration and district energy solutions for commercial and district applications.
Learn about:
- Cogeneration system selection and sizing
- Preliminary feasibility study approaches
- Heat to power ratios
- Computer programs
- Economic and environmental issues
- Emerging technologies and regulations
This course is not currently scheduled.
Bioenergy Systems Design
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.12. .
Receive an introduction to bioenergy systems to produce biofuels and power generations. Gain an understanding of:
- biomass technologies and characteristics
- engineering bioenergy feedstocks
- biochemical covedrsion
- anaerobic digestions
- thermochemical and physicochemical coversion
- biomass production systems
- and feedstock logistics
Explore the environmental, economic and social impacts. Learn about emerging bioenergy technologies, legislation and regulations. Work in teams to design and site a bioenergy system for a commercial or agricultural application.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Geothermal Energy Systems Design
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.13. .
Learn the basics of geothermal energy systems design in both residential and commercial applications. Explore direct use applications and requirements, planning and design. Particular attention is paid to the theory, design and installation of ground source heat pump systems and how the innovative use of these systems have benefited homes, schools, hospitals and municipalities. Work in teams to design and site a geothermal energy system for a commercial or residential application.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Green Building Design Studio
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.7. .
Apply what you learned in the Green Building and Sustainable Design Certificate Program to a real-world example. Structured as a design studio, you will have six weeks to develop conceptual plans for a site and for an individual building, set of buildings or open space. You will work in small groups to explore the challenges in designing a sustainable project at different scales. Experts on different aspects of sustainable development and green building will provide feedback as you work through the design process. During the final class, you will present your project to an outside jury of experts.
You will have a limited amount of time to work on designs during classes. Anticipate working outside of class during the six week period. Drawings and sketches can be prepared by hand or on the computer.
This course is not currently scheduled.
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