Certificate Program in Renewable Energy

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

Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are key to creating a clean energy future not just for our nation but for the world. Gain in-depth technical training in the treatment of renewable energy systems design with the Renewable Energy Certificate Program. This program combines elements from architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, environmental and land use planning, construction management and renewable energy systems design.

Gain practical knowledge and skills

Learn to develop successful strategies for incorporating renewable energy systems into site planning and design, building design and construction, and building management practices.

• Acquire a holistic understanding of the theory and science behind today's renewable energy systems.
• Get hands-on experience in designing and siting renewable energy systems for commercial, residential and agricultural applications.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest energy technologies, legislation and regulations.

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, project managers, architects, architectural drafters, civil and mechanical engineers, interior designers, urban and regional planners, developers, builders and landscape architects.

Tuition

Courses may be taken individually or as part of the Certificate Program in Renewable Energy. Tuition for the entire certificate program is $5,545 to $6,645, depending on when you enroll.

Certificate program requirements

The Renewable Energy Certificate Program is comprised of 15 quarter units. All students must complete the three core required courses (six units): Sustainability and the Built Environment; Energy Sources, End Uses and Impacts; and Green Building Design Studio. In addition, you must complete a total of nine units from the remaining courses listed. This program requires three elective courses from the Land Use, Natural Resources, Energy Resource Management, Engineering or Construction Management programs. (Elective courses can be for academic credit or continuing education units.) Some restrictions apply so please get approval prior to enrolling in your elective courses. For more information contact us at (800) 752-0881.

Quarterly schedule of courses

		UNITS	F	W	SP	SU
REQUIRED COURSES	Sustainability and the Built Environment	2
	Energy Sources, End Uses and Impacts	2
	Green Building Design Studio	2
	Cogeneration and District Solutions	1
	Bioenergy Systems Design	2
	Geothermal Energy Systems Design	2
	Small Wind Energy Systems	2
	Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems Design	2
	Solar Thermal Energy Systems Design	2
F=Fall W=Winter SP=Spring SU=Summer; Schedules subject to change Classroom format Online Learning format

Elective Courses (3 courses)

Any course in the Land Use, Natural Resources, Energy Resource Management, Engineering or Construction Management programs may apply with prior approval.

Required Courses

Sustainability and the Built Environment

2 quarter units academic credit, X421.1. 20 GBCI Hours, 20 AICP Hours

Explore sustainability as it relates to the built environment—from the economic, environmental and social-equity 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.

Participate in group discussions led by professionals currently engaged in sustainable building practices. This introduction to the Green Building and Sustainable Design Certificate Program 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.

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Energy Sources, End Uses and Impacts

2 quarter units academic credit, X421.6. 20 AICP Hours

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 April 13

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Green Building Design Studio

2 quarter units academic credit, X421.7. GEN CEUs, GEN Hours, AICP Hours

Apply what you learned in the Green Building and Sustainable Design or Renewable Energy certificate programs 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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Cogeneration and District Solutions

1 quarter units academic credit, X421.11.

It has been estimated that about 20 percent of U.S. electricity could be made with heat that is currently wasted 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.

This course is not currently scheduled.

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Bioenergy Systems Design

2 quarter units academic credit, X421.12.

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.

This course is not currently scheduled.

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Geothermal Energy Systems Design

2 quarter units academic credit, X421.13.

Geothermal energy is a unique renewable energy resource. It can be used to generate electricity in cases where high temperature fluids are found, as a nonelectric energy source for specific industrial processes such as drying vegetables, or for HVAC in buildings and homes. The geothermal base for these applications in California is exceptionally large and has the potential to significantly contribute to meeting the state’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy resources. Focus on how to develop this low temperature resource, and cover both theoretical and practical information. Gain the necessary knowledge to understand the promise and limitations of geothermal heat pump installation and direct use applications.

Topics include:

• Heat pump technology
• System components
• Types of ground heat exchangers
• The heating and cooling process
• Costs and incentives

Also explore the theory, design and installation of ground source heat pump systems, the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems available, with the potential to dramatically reduce electrical power consumption in California. Examine case studies that demonstrate how innovative uses of such systems can benefit your household, organization or community.

Sections of this course open for enrollment:

• Geothermal Energy Systems Design    starts April 26

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Small Wind Energy Systems

2 quarter units academic credit, X421.10.

Learn to design and install a small wind system for residential and commercial applications. The class will examine: how to measure wind and estimate energy output; small wind system types and components; wind system selection and site criteria; economic issues; public concerns; permitting; installation, safety, operation and maintenance criteria; emerging technologies, legislation and regulations; and case studies. Participants in this 20-hour workshop will collaborate to select and site a small wind energy system for a residential or commercial application. This course can be taken individually or as part of the Renewable Energy Certificate Program.

This course is not currently scheduled.

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Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems Design

2 quarter units academic credit, X421.14.

Learn the basics of solar photovoltaic power systems for both residential and commercial use, 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 in teams 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 Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems Design    starts April 23

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Solar Thermal Energy Systems Design

2 quarter units academic credit, X421.15.

Interest in solar thermal energy is on the rise. Learn the fundamentals of designing and installing these power systems for residential and commercial applications and work in teams to design a solar thermal energy system.

Topics include:

• Residential and large scale systems components
• Concentrating systems, air and cooling systems
• Design fundamentals
• Cost/yield analysis
• Installation and maintenance
• Emerging trends and technology

This course is not currently scheduled.

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