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. You will develop successful strategies for implementation of green building and sustainable design into site planning and design, building design and construction, and building management practices.
Started as a joint program between two of UC Davis Extension's most successful programs, the certificate program is now housed within the Land Use and Natural Resources (LUNR) department. From land use planning and water resources to green building and sustainable design, the LUNR department is committed to creating innovative and responsible courses, programs and conferences.
How you will benefit
Gain an in-depth understanding of the processes of incorporating social, economic and environmental issues into the planning, design and construction of commercial and residential sites. The program will cover a variety of issues including: site analysis, construction management, water resources, planning and landscape architecture. After completing this certificate you will be better prepared to implement sustainable practices.
Who should attend
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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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.
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 and infill development
This course is not currently scheduled.
Sustainable Water Resources Management in Site Design and Development
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.3. .
This course focuses on how to plan, design and implement sustainable practices for integrating water resources into urban development at the planning, design and construction stages. You will examine 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.
You will learn how to plan and design for natural and impacted water features that may be present on a site such as a creek, drainage ditch, culvert or wetland. Fundamental water resources policy issues and hydrologic processes, as they apply to community planning and design situations, will be introduced.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Green Architecture
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.4. .
This course covers the issues, challenges and opportunities associated with designing buildings that use the principles of green building and sustainable design. You will examine innovative residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and low- and high-density specialty buildings. You will also have the opportunity to evaluate the micro- and macro-economic issues associated with green buildings.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Green Building Materials and Construction Methods
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.5. .
This course will define and examine sustainable materials used in the construction of today's green buildings. Life cycle assessments of materials will be studied to better inform designers and builders in their material selections. Sustainable construction methods utilized in today's green commercial and residential buildings will be described in relation to their energy and environmental impacts and benefits. You will be introduced to the role of green building rating systems in the selection of healthy, durable and environmentally responsible building materials and methods. You will also become familiar with tools and resources to assist in their selection.
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, 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.
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.
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 . 
(262 KB)
testimonials
"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
