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. 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.
Gain practical knowledge that matters
- Learn to develop successful strategies for implementation of green building and sustainability in site planning and design, building design, and construction management practices.
- Gain the body of knowledge associated with green building and sustainable design principles.
- Prepare for LEED certification.
Designed for professionals like you
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.
Certificate program requirements
Courses may be taken individually or as part of the Certificate Program in Green Building and Renewable Energy. Tuition for the entire certificate program is $5,545 to $6,645, depending on when you enroll. Please call (800) 752-0881 for more information.
| 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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F=Fall W=Winter SP=Spring SU=Summer;
Schedules subject to change
Classroom format |
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Elective Courses (2 units)
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 led by professionals currently engaged in
sustainable building practices. This course highlights 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.
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.
This course is not currently scheduled.
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 like solar
power, biomass, hydroelectric and photovoltaic are key elements to achieving
energy efficiency. Examine the energy issue from the macro perspective of the
built environment to the micro approach of how heat flows throughout a
building. Using the "whole building" perspective, discover 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, 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.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Small Wind Energy Systems
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.10.
Master the fundamentals 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.
It has been suggested that about 20 percent of U.S. electricity could be made with heat that is currently thrown away by industry. 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. Explore the economics of micro-cogeneration life cycle assessment, breakeven analysis, incentive programs, heat and electricity supply scenarios, and interconnecting with your local utility. Examine environmental impacts such as co-products, impact assessments and pollutant emissions.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Cogeneration and District Solutions starts February 11, 2010
Bioenergy Systems Design
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.12. GEN CEUs, GEN Hours
Rising fuel prices, environmental concerns and pressures for oil independence are creating a strong market for renewable energy. Bioenergy is renewable energy derived from biological sources to be used for heat, electricity or vehicle fuel. Gain an understanding of biomass technologies and characteristics, engineering bioenergy feedstocks, biochemical conversion, anaerobic digestions, thermochemical and physicochemical conversion, 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.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Bioenergy Systems Design starts January 21, 2010
Geothermal Energy Systems Design
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.13.
Master the skills required to design the latest geothermal energy systems. Learn the basics of
geothermal energy systems design in both residential and commercial
applications. Explore direct use applications and requirements, planning and
design. Get an in-depth explanation of the theory, design and installation of
ground source heat pump systems and how the innovative use of these systems has
benefited homes, schools, hospitals and municipalities. Work in teams to use
these new skills 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 or Green Building and Renewable Energy 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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