Building Efficiency & Sustainable Technology (BEST)
Certificate Program

The Building Efficiency & Sustainable Technology Certificate Program prepares the students for employment in the field of sustainable building, building performance and energy consumption auditing. Utilizing the latest environmental science, students will study new systems and techniques for building “green” energy efficient, healthy and safe buildings and homes. Coursework includes hands-on training for home energy auditing, a growing field in the new “green” economy. After successful completion of this two-semester program students can qualify for the Residential Energy Services Network’s Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Certification and the Building Performance Institute’s (BPI) Building Analyst Certification. Courses within the program will attract and re-train displaced workers and job-changers, as well as those looking to expand their knowledge and skills.

1. Be familiar with building materials and methods of construction;
2. Be able to read and interpret blueprints;
3. Have proper communication skills in written and spoken language;
4. Understand and recommend the best strategies to achieve sustainable, energy efficient, safe and healthy homes and buildings;
5. Perform audits of energy use in residential structures;
6. Size simple beams and framing members;
7. Make recommendations on lowering the energy usage;
8. Advise on the cost effective use of renewable energy sources.

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Course Descriptions

ENG 101 Composition
3 credits
This course develops students’ abilities to write effective essays and to reason critically. A review of grammar and syntax, as needed, is included. The goals of unity, coherence and logical development are pursued through analysis of professional and student essays and through practice of prewriting, writing and revision techniques. Students learn various organizational patterns. Students will write and revise several essays.

CTC 106 Blueprint Reading
3 credits
formerly CIV 106
Fundamentals of blueprint reading with topics in basic construction of buildings, conversion, notations, and abbreviations used on plans and elevations.

ARC 106 Building Technology
4 credits
The study of materials, their origin, manufacture, use, limitations and application in construction. Areas of concentration include building systems, foundations, wood, heavy timber and light frame construction, masonry, steel, concrete, sitecast and precast concrete framing systems, roofing, glass and glazing, cladding and finishes.

CTC 130 Alternative and Renewable Energy
3 credits
An introduction to the study of energy for electrical power generation and transportation, including sustainable and non-sustainable energy sources. This course investigates the relationship between population and consequences of increased energy demand, reliance on fossil fuels, global warming and other impacts. Work in this class includes an examination of
energy types including fossil fuels and nuclear power, as well as sustainable and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, biofuels, fuel cells, and others. Electrical conservation and efficiency will be investigated. The social, economic and environmental impacts and effectiveness of these alternatives will be evaluated.

BIO 181 Environmental Science
4 credits
An introduction to the problems of physical resources management and aspects of ecological concern in our natural environment, with emphasis on our demand for energy, the consumption of our natural resources, resource pollution, and waste management. Alternate sources of energy are explored. Class: 2 hours per week plus Laboratory: 3 hours per week.

CTC 131 Building Efficiency Auditing
3 credits
This course is intended to provide the knowledge and experience necessary to perform energy audits of residential and small commercial buildings. This course will provide the basic understanding of sustainable building energy efficiency.

CTC 132 Sustainable Energy for Residences and Businesses
3 credits
An investigation of sustainable energy for residences and businesses through the use of energy conservation and renewable energy options. LEED Building standards and certification will be investigated. Energy options including hydroelectric, wind power, bio-fuels, passive solar, solar thermal, photo-voltaics, hydrogen fuel cells and others will be studied. Energy
conservation and efficiency in the use of window, insulation, electrical equipment, lighting, heating and cooling will be investigated. Research and evaluation of renewable energy’s economic and social feasibilities, environmental benefits and impacts, as well as state and national energy policies, will be addressed. Cost-benefit analyses will be completed for the
implementation of various systems.

ARC 240 Environmental Systems
3 credits
formerly ARC 220 Environmental Systems
This course imparts knowledge of the interior environment of structures large and small and the interrelationship of energy, climate, site and architectural design. Conservation of non-renewable energy sources is an intrinsic theme. A study of the design factors in heating, cooling, plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems is included. 2 hours lecture; 2 hours of laboratory.

This Program was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration. The information contained in this product was created by a grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. All references to non-governmental companies or organizations, their services, products, or resources are offered for information purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it and is intended for individual organizational, noncommercial use only.