Program Overview

Program Overview

The Online Undergraduate Certificate in Energy Conscious Construction is designed for individuals who want to advance their professional credentials in the design and construction of high-performing, energy-efficient, residential buildings. The coursework is comprised of 15 credit hours that address:

• Energy modeling and simulation: Analyzing design performance prior to construction.
• Environmental control systems: Integrating energy-efficient environmental control systems into residential building designs.
• Performance benchmarks: Meeting and exceeding state energy code requirements.
• Assemblies & Structural Systems: Understanding state of the art and emerging construction systems for high-performing, energy-efficient, residential building designs.

Program Details

Courses are rooted in the fundamentals of building science coupled with the latest industry standards in codes, systems, assemblies, and performance evaluation. Students take five courses – two from the School of Design and Construction in energy modeling and energy codes, two from the Architecture program in residential construction and passive environmental control systems, and one from Mechanical Engineering in fundamentals of building science.

Recognition

The School of Design and Construction’s programs in Energy Conscious Construction (ECC) is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Design Designation. This recognition ensures that the ECC provides students with a solid foundation in building science and the opportunity to apply that knowledge in the design process through its various assessment methods.

Target Audience

This certificate is ideal for individuals in the following fields:

• Design and Construction
  • Architects
  • Envelope Specialists
  • Interior Designers
  • Landscape Architects
  • Construction Managers
• Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Civil Engineers
  • Structural Engineers
  • Environmental Engineers
• Inspection and Maintenance
  • Energy Auditors
  • Building Inspectors
  • Building Officials
  • Energy Raters

Program of Study

The certificate requires five 3-credit courses (15 credits total). It is recommended that students take nine credits during the summer, three credits in the fall, and three in the spring. Students can complete the undergraduate certificate within one academic year but may take more time as needed.

Required Courses

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the duration of the certificate. Students must complete these courses:

• ARCH 493 – Environmental Control Systems I
• Choose one of the following:
  • ARCH 464 Advanced Residential Construction
  • ARCH 495 Modular Off-Site Construction
• SDC 451 – Energy Modelling I
• SDC 441 – Building Energy Codes, Standards, and Rating Systems
• ME 483 – Topics in Mechanical Engineering (Fundamentals of Building Science)

Awarding of the Certificate

At the beginning of the student’s final semester of coursework, the student should apply for the certificate. Certificates require a separate graduation application and are mailed separately from diplomas.