Green Building and Sustainable Design
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.
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.
Sustainable Planning, Environmental Site Design and Development
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.2.
Learn about the planning and site design of sustainability. Topics include:
- Land use planning
- Smart growth and urban design
- Transportation policy and design
- Environmental site design
- Site assessment and selection
- Brownfield redevelopment strategies
- Infill development
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Sustainable Planning, Environmental Site Design and Development starts November 20
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 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. Receive an introduction to fundamental water resources policy issues and hydrologic processes as they apply to community planning and design situations.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Green Architecture
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.4.
The average American house is 2,400 square-feet and uses more than 13 thousand board-feet of lumber, six thousand square-feet of sheathing and two thousand 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.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Green Architecture starts January 13, 2010
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 will provide you with innovative solutions that you can put to immediate use. Using green materials in your building projects promotes conservation of diminishing nonrenewable resources and reduces environmental impact from the ground up. Get in on the ground floor of new green construction methods that are changing the landscape of the building industry.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Green Building Materials and Construction Methods starts February 17, 2010
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.
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.
For More Information
Attend a free information session to learn more about the Green Building and Sustainable Design Certificate Program.
Download a Green Building and Sustainable Design Certificate Program fact sheet. 
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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
