Program Overview

Sustainable Built Environments: Sustainable Buildings Emphasis

Overview

Energy-efficient structures will be the buildings of the future. Combine your passion for sustainability and love of architecture for a career in this burgeoning field. Students pursuing an emphasis in Sustainable Buildings within the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Built Environments program explore the science and practice the techniques behind building energy efficiency. Hands-on coursework includes such topics as climate-responsive design, net-zero energy design, energy conservation, passive solar design and natural ventilation systems. In this interdisciplinary program, students learn how to analyze existing and planned structures and use critical-thinking skills and solutions-based strategies to create workable plans to make those buildings more efficient. Students graduate with a practical understanding of sustainability principles and expertise in built environment policy and design.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• SBE 201: Sustainable Design & Planning
• SBE 301: Introduction to Design Thinking
• ARC 461E: Sustainable Design & the LEED Initiative

Career Fields

• Sustainability consulting
• Design
• Engineering
• Real estate

Level of Math

Moderate Knowledge

The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 112 (College Algebra Concepts) or 108 (Modeling with Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 107 (Exploring and Understanding Data), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), MATH 116 (Calculus Concepts for Business), MATH 119A (Mathematics of Biological Systems: A Calculus Based Approach), or a statistics class from outside the Mathematics Department, such as ISTA 116 (Statistical Foundations for the Information Age) or SBS 200 (Statistics for the Social Sciences).

Level of Second Language

2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

No

This Major's College

College of Architecture, Planning & Landscape Arch

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Built Envir

Sample Plans

2025, Sustainable Built Environments: Sustainable Buildings Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • Intro. To Sustainability (1)
  • First-Year Composition (3)
  • College Algebra (3)
  • Second Language Semester 1 (4)
  • Environmental Studies: Ideas and Institutions (3)
  • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (1)
• 2nd Semester
  • Careers in Sustainability (1)
  • First-Year Composition II (3)
  • Introductory Biology II: Lecture (3)
  • ECOL 182L - Intro. Biology 2 Lab (1)
  • Second Language Semester 2 (4)
  • General Education: Exploring Perspectives (3)

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • Sustainable Design and Planning (3)
  • History of Built Environment 1 (3)
  • Introductory Physics I: Lecture (3)
  • Introductory Physics I: Lab (3)
  • General Education: Exploring Perspectives (3)
• 4th Semester
  • Professional Communication (3)
  • History of Built Environment 2 (3)
  • Water & Energy: Con. & Alt Systems (3)
  • Basic Economic Issues (3)
  • Introduction to Statistics (4)

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • Intro to GIS for Planning and Landscape Architecture (4)
  • SBE Emphasis course (3)
  • SBE Emphasis course (3)
  • General Education: Exploring Perspectives (3)
  • General Education: Building Connections (3)
• 6th Semester
  • Introduction to Design Thinking (4)
  • Population Geography (3)
  • Environmental Ethics (3)
  • SBE Emphasis course (3)
  • SBE Emphasis course (3)

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • Research Methods (3)
  • Internship (3)
  • SBE Emphasis course (3)
  • General Education: Building Connections (3)
  • General Education: Building Connections (3)
  • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) (1)
• 8th Semester
  • Senior Capstone (3)
  • Contemporary Architecture & Urban Theory (3)
  • SBE Emphasis course (3)
  • Elective (3)