Program Overview

Overview of the Energy Conscious Construction Undergraduate Certificate Program

The Energy Conscious Construction (ECC) Undergraduate Certificate Program is a nationally recognized program offered by Washington State University. This program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in building science and the opportunity to apply that knowledge in the design process. The ECC Undergraduate Certificate Program is offered asynchronously online through WSU Global Campus and is open to all VCEA students with junior standing.

Plan of Study

The plan of study for the ECC Undergraduate Certificate Program includes the following courses:

• ME 483 Fundamentals of Building Science (3 credits)
• SDC 451 Energy Modeling I (3 credits)
• SDC 441 Energy Codes, Standards, Rating Systems (3 credits)
• One of the following courses:
  • ARCH 464 Advanced Residential Construction (3 credits)
  • ARCH 495 Modular Off-Site Construction (3 credits)
• ARCH 493 Environmental Control Systems I (3 credits)

The total credits required for the program are 15.

Competency Gaps

The ECC Undergraduate Certificate Program tackles the following competency gaps:

• Fundamentals of building science
• Evaluation and integration of environmental control systems
• Understanding of current residential energy code requirements and design methods to exceed these standards
• Application of modern envelope assemblies into residential building design
• Use of whole-building simulation software to evaluate design performance

Student Testimonials

Students who have completed the ECC Undergraduate Certificate Program have provided positive testimonials about their experience. They have noted that the program has helped them prepare for the future and has provided them with real-world examples of what has already been done, what's being done, and what they can do to make buildings even better in the future.

Energy Modeling and Simulation

The ECC Undergraduate Certificate Program includes courses that focus on energy modeling and simulation. Students learn how to analyze design performance prior to construction and use whole-building simulation software to evaluate design performance.

Performance Benchmarks

The program also focuses on performance benchmarks, including meeting and exceeding state energy code requirements. Students learn how to design buildings that are energy-efficient and meet the latest energy codes and standards.

Environmental Control Systems

The ECC Undergraduate Certificate Program includes courses that focus on environmental control systems. Students learn how to integrate energy-efficient ECS into designs and understand the importance of environmental control systems in building design.

Assemblies and Structural Systems

The program also focuses on assemblies and structural systems, including the integration of energy-efficient assemblies into designs. Students learn how to design buildings that are energy-efficient and meet the latest energy codes and standards.

Admission Requirements

The ECC Undergraduate Certificate Program is open to all VCEA students with junior standing. Students can either complete all courses or complete selected courses to fulfill elective requirements associated with their primary plan of study.

Recognition

The ECC Undergraduate Certificate Program has earned the U.S. Department of Energy's Zero Energy Design Designation. This designation recognizes the program's commitment to imbuing students with a greater understanding of the enduring impacts their design choices have on the built and natural environment.

Funding Sponsor

The ECC Undergraduate Certificate Program is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Building Technologies Office (BTO) Award Number DE-EE.

Supportive Quotes

Industry professionals have provided supportive quotes about the ECC Undergraduate Certificate Program. They have noted that the program provides students with the technical expertise and experience needed to create eco-friendly buildings that work well with their surroundings. The program is seen as an important step towards creating a sustainable built environment and addressing the challenges of climate change.