Green Building and Sustainable Design
Jobs in California’s green businesses grew 36 percent between 1995 and 2008, and Sacramento is the state’s fastest growing region for these kinds of jobs.
—“State’s green economy shows steady growth,” Sac Bee, Dec. 2009
The Green Building and Sustainable Design Certificate Program addresses the trend of developing healthier communities through sustainable design by defining effective ways to utilize energy and water usage. The program combines elements from architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, environmental and land use planning, and construction management. Develop successful strategies for implementation of green building and sustainable design into site planning and design, building design and construction, and building management practices.
Gain practical knowledge that matters
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the processes of incorporating social, economic and environmental issues into the planning, design and construction.
- Learn green and sustainable design techniques for both commercial and residential buildings
- Build your understanding of: site analysis, construction management, water resources, planning and landscape architecture.
- Become better prepared to implement sustainable practices.
Designed for professionals like you
The program is designed for planners, architects, developers, contractors, landscape architects, interior designers and anyone interested in the implementation of sustainable building tools and strategies. It is also recommended for professionals moving into fields that require knowledge of green building or sustainable design, or anyone who recognizes the importance of green building and sustainable design.
| UNITS | F | W | SP | SU | ||
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| REQUIRED COURSES | Sustainability and the Built Environment | 2 | 
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| Sustainable Planning, Environmental Site Design and Development | 2 |
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| Sustainable Water Resources Management in Site Design and Development | 2 |
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| Green Architecture | 2 |
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| Green Building Materials and Construction Methods | 2 |
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| Energy Sources, End Uses and Impacts | 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 (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.
Explore
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 translates into planning, engineering,
architecture,
landscape architecture, construction and other fields.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Sustainable Planning, Environmental Site Design and Development
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.2.
Learn
about fundamental planning isues and sustainability
processes as they apply to community planning and design situations.
Discover
how to identify key challenges when incorporating sustainability into
planning
strategies, policies and site design, and examine technical and
environmental
factors of site design, including different policy, design and planning
models.
You will consider ways policies, codes and standards can be modified to
encourage sustainable planning and design practices.
- Land use planning
- Smart growth and urban design
- Transportation policy and design
- Environmental site design
- Site assessment and selection
- Brownfield redevelopment strategies
- Infill development
Each topic is taught with an
eye toward integrating sustainable practices into planning and site
scale.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Sustainable Water Resources Management in Site Design and Development
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.3.
With natural resources becoming increasingly precious, sustainable water management is an essential concern for any building project. Learn how to incorporate a sustainable water resources approach into urban development and its related infrastructure at the planning, design and construction stages. Explore water use/demand, water conservation, water quality and wastewater treatment, use of recycled water and storm water drainage as they relate to the planning and design of urban communities and project sites.
Learn to apply
sustainability
principles to natural or impacted sites, such as a creek, drainage
ditch,
culvert or wetland. Gain a fundamental understanding of water resources
policy
issues and hydrologic processes as they apply to community planning and
design
situations.
- California’s water policy challenges as they relate to community and site development
- Analytical methods to determine water supply, demand and quality, urban watershed protection, flood management and storm drainage
- Innovative techniques for water conservation
- Recycled and raw water
- Using urban landscapes for multi-benefits such as recreation and water quality treatment
- Designing neighborhood plans and site plans to address flooding
issues,
storm drainage issues and non-point source water pollution issues
Each topic will be taught with an eye toward integrating sustainable practices into an aesthetic and functional site plan or project, and to cover a range of development types and situations, including residential, commerical, office, mixed use, retail and recreational environments. You will also examine ways local policies, codes and standards can be modified to encourage sustainable water resources practices.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
Green Architecture
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.4.
The average American house is 2,400 square-feet and uses more than 13,000 board-feet of lumber, 6,000 square-feet of sheathing and 2,000 square-feet of flooring—putting a strain on our natural resources. Rising energy costs, a shortage of building materials, growing consumer demand and environmental awareness are forcing architects, designers and building professionals to seek better and more efficient ways to design our buildings.
Explore
the issues, challenges and
opportunities associated with green building and sustainable design.
Examine
innovative residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and low- and
high-density specialty buildings. Evaluate the micro- and
macro-economic issues
associated with green buildings.
Focus
on the holistic, large
geometric aspects of green design, and discuss how comprehensive
building
design can respond to the needs of occupants and environmental
circumstances. Examine
thermal, water and lighting control systems.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Green Building Materials and Construction Methods
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.5.
Learn how you
can implement green building practices in homes, apartments, business
complexes
and office buildings. Utilize materials and techniques that promote
healthy,
durable and environmentally responsible construction. Increase your
understanding of helpful tools and resources, including the green
building
rating system. Hands-on exercises provide you with innovative solutions you can put to immediate use.
- Desirable characteristics of sustainable materials, and how to assess and quantify them
- “Cradle-to-cradle ” product analysis and its application to building materials
- Sustainable site design materials and landscaping systems
- Alternative structural systems (including adobe, strawbale, rammed earth)
- Salvaged materials
- Building commissioning
- Construction and demolition waste diversion
- Modular systems
- Design and material reduction
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Green Building Materials and Construction Methods starts February 17
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.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Energy Sources, End Uses and Impacts starts May 7
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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(262 KB)testimonials
With "going green" as the new catch phrase in what seems like every walk of life from automotive design to household cleaning products, it's become marketable to have "green" associated with your professional practice. I think having a certification in Green Building and Sustainable Design through UC Davis Extension makes me a more desirable professional and gives me a niche in the workplace.
Paul Maksy
Landscape Architect, Beijing Office Manager
The HLA Group
"These classes have been great. Taught by professionals from all segments of the green building and sustainable industry, they presented not only new ideas and a fresh perspective but reinforced my belief that this is just the right way to live. Each class had at least five guest lecturers who provided additional and very valuable information. What I truly enjoyed was the open discussion format of the classes, allowing participants to benefit from the professional diversity of each other and further contributing to the learning experience. The classes helped me look at things in a different light--from thinking about where materials come from to how to conserve/save energy. These classes far exceeded my expectations, and I enjoy them!"
Thomas Canitia
