The renewable energy industry is growing three times as fast as the U.S. economy

Green Building

Green Building and Renewable Energy Courses Spring 2010

BPI Building Analyst Training
BPI Building Analyst course will teach you basic principles of building science to assess energy efficiency in a home while also monitoring conditions that have a direct impact on human health and safety. BPI Standards emphasize the 'house-as-a-system' approach to inspecting a home, meaning that all systems are interconnected from the HVAC equipment, to the envelope, the foundation, walls, roof, doors and windows. You will learn how to use diagnostic equipment such as the blower door and the combustion analyzer to ensure systems are functioning together correctly to maximize home performance, comfort, energy efficiency, safety and durability. An energy auditor with BPI certification gives homeowners peace of mind knowing the professional meets the national standards of the Building Performance Institute having passed both a written and a hands-on field exam. Taught by John Delafield. Text Required. Start * End Date: 04/12/10 * 04/17/10 Day: MTWThFSa 8-5 Cost: 121.25. If students sit for Building Analyst Certification Exam there is an additional $350 in test fees due at the end of the week.

Home Energy Rater HERS Training
Students assess and evaluate the energy use of an existing home or new construction, preparing the students for the energy consultant field and Energy Star certification. Includes RESNET National HERS Rater Examination. Taught by Mike Guy. The HERS training and exam are the first steps to becoming a Home Energy Rater for Energy Star in NC. For more information about the HERS requirements please see HERS Requirements PDF Start * End Date: 03/22/10 * 03/27/10, Start * End Date: 03/22/10 * 03/27/10, Time: 8:00A - 6:00P, Day: MTWThFSa, Cost: 1200.00

Introduction to Sustainable Communities
Is your community economically, environmentally and socially sustainable? What about your business? Your lifestyle? Why do politicians and citizens disagree about climate change? What exactly is a sustainable community or sustainability? How can you implement sustainability strategy in your local community or business? These are the type of questions you will be challenged to critically explore in both breadth and detail over eleven classes covering the following topics: water quantity and quality, sustainable values, sustainable agriculture, air quality, land use and smart growth, transportation, affordable housing, waste reduction and recycling, sewer, energy efficiency and alternative energy, economic development, citizen engagement, and environmental justice. There will also be an opportunity for a hands-on experience working on one of these topics. Start * End Date: 02/03/10 * 04/14/10, Day: W, Time: 6:00P - 9:00 Cost: 120.00 Instructor: Jeffrey Starkweather.

LEED Green Associate Program & Building Rating System
This course is designed to introduce students to the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Rating Building Rating System and the new professional designation, Green Associate. Employers are increasingly seeking staff with the LEED certification. Taught by Alicia Ravetto, AIA, LEED AP & LEED Faculty. Start * End Date: 03/09/10 * 03/30/10 Time: 6:00P - 9:00P Cost: 210.00

LEED Landscapes with Aesthetic Design
Understand the concepts of sustainable design while integrating aesthetic design skills. The LEED green building rating system awards points for site design, low impact development, water conservation and species selection. This course will walk students through these design elements as well as consideration for a beautiful landscape for homeowners and your client's needs. This course has a JOBS NOW designation, offering unemployed or underemployed students. An additional human resources class is required for JOBS NOW students. This course IS open to all registrants! Class Start * End Date: 02/04/10 * 03/25/10 Time: 6:00P - 9:00P Day: Th Cost: 65.00, Instructor: Kim Sevy, Owner Everythinggreen Resources, LEED AP.

Net Zero Energy Homes
Homeowners and builders are increasingly interested in residential energy conservation. If you are interested in sustainable, efficient building design this class will introduce efficiency standards from site selection to renewable energy installations. A Net Zero home starts with reduced energy demand and ends with renewable energy applications, resulting in a highly efficient, cost effective and sustainable home. Start * End Date: 03/03/10 * 05/05/10 Day: W, Time: 6:00P - 9:00P Cost: 120.00 Instructor: Ratnalee Patel.

Onsite Water Management
Plan your home's or client's rain water management system with this technical design class. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of rainwater harvesting principles and efficient indoor and outdoor water management. Course taught by Mike Ruck and Jennifer Platt of Rainwater Solutions. Instructors will explain LEED requirements in detail and with examples. CEU's and PDH credits pending. Start * End Date 2/02/10 * 04/06/10 Day: T Cost: 96.00, Time: 6-9pm

Residential Building Science
Building Science is the key to understanding sustainable design and energy efficiency. This course is intended to develop a fundamental understanding of these principles and applications, i.e. heat, air, moisture flow in buildings to optimize performance. Field trips to demonstrate design and construction principles. Taught by Dan McFarland, Southern Energy Management. Start * End Date: 02/15/10 * 04/26/10 Day: M Time: 6:30P - 9:30P Cost: 121.25 Text required.

Solar Water Heating; Principles and Installation Practices
Understand the concepts and applications of thermal solar water and space heating. This dynamic course will introduce students to the various applications and designs for water heating for home heating and domestic (hot water) uses. Students will participate in field applications. Course meets every other Saturday. Taught by Fred Stewart, Solar Consultants. Start * End Date: 02/06/10 * 04/10/10 (course meets every other Saturday) Cost: 121.25 Text required.

Case Studies for Sustainable Building Design
This course is a progression from Introduction to Sustainable Building Design (but not a pre-requisite). Students will engage in three studio design case studies based on the new LEED certified Chatham campus CCCC Library now under construction, the Living Well ecologically oriented community development plan in Randolph County NC, and a "green" addition being designed by Tim Watson for the Dyer residence in Hillsborough, NC. Relevant individual student project assignments will be encouraged. Taught by Tim Watson, eco-restorative architect. Start * End Date: 03/30/10 * 05/4/10 Day: T Time: 6-9pm (course meets for two, six hour field trips, Saturdays to be determined) Cost: 121.25

*Green Building Certificate Spring 2010

The certificate requires 18 hours of continuing education credit hours. Each class below earns 3 credit hours. Students must attend 70% of classes to earn the course credit. Some instructors may require field or project work to complete the course successfully. In addition to the required classes, numerous building and energy classes are offered each semester. These classes will provide industry professionals both novice (with adequate field experience) and experienced with sufficient training to add to their construction, planning, management, or design experience increasing their skills and marketability in the green building industry.

Required Classes (three hours each)

Residential Building Science, Spring 2010
Introduction to Renewable Energy, Spring 2010 (curriculum class, meets 16 weeks)
Introduction to Sustainable Design, Fall 2010
High Efficiency, Green Mechanical Systems, Fall 2010
Zero Energy Home Construction or Basic Residential Construction Techniques with an emphasis on Alternative Energy and "Green" Building, Spring 2010, Summer 2010

Optional Classes (these will change as we add more)

Sustainable Community Development Spring 2010
Weatherization Spring 2010
Building Performance Analyst Spring 2010
Water Management Spring 2010
LEED for Landscape Design Spring 2010
Sustainable Building and Renewable Energy; Overview and Tour, Summer 2010
Green Building-State and National Standards Overview, Summer 2010

See Classes Archive

Green Building and Renewable Energy Courses Fall 2009

Classes with an * are required to earn 18 credits toward the Green Building Certificate.

*Building Science - Develop a fundamental understanding of building science principles and applications, i.e. heat, air, moisture flow in buildings to optimize performance using the "systems approach" to residential building and design. Topics include fundamentals of air barriers and thermal boundaries for building envelopes, air leakage and building-envelope tightness, insulation, ventilation, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and comfort. Taught by Dan McFarland and Francis Conlin, P.E., offering decades of building science experience. Class dates, 09/14/09 - 11/09/09, Monday evenings 6:30 to 9:30.

Community Energy Assessment - The primary learning objectives for this 101 course will be to create an assessment system that can be applied to any community to evaluate, measure and improve its sustainability, impacts, and carbon footprint in terms of Energy Use, Water, Transportation, Social Sustainability and Land Management practices. Students will explore the definition of community, both social and geographic, and then apply priniciples learned to an existing community in Chatham County as part of a hands on class project. Taught by John Delafield, Green Builder and Renewable Energy Practitioner and Jamie Hager, Certified Energy Rater. Class dates 09/02/09 10/28/09, Wednesdays 6-9pm.

*Green Mechanical Systems - When it comes to mechanicals, (HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical) "Green" means maximizing the energy efficiency of existing equipment, specifying the most efficient systems available for the application and the available budget, using renewable and sustainable fuel sources, and conserving water. Students will review mechanical systems design, installation, maintenance and energy management and complete hands diagnostic, troubleshooting and installation of green mechanical systems. Taught by Patrick O'Brien, Certified Energy Manager and HVAC Contractor. Class dates 09/09/09 to 11/11/09, Wednesday evenings, 6-9pm.

Introduction to Sustainable Communities - This course is designed to help students understand the concept of sustainability, in general as it applies from global to local communities, as well as its value, justification, challenges and practical application to students' local community in particular. Students will explore the possibilities and limitations for promoting sustainable community practices in the private, non-profit and governmental sectors. Taught by Jeffery Starkweather, Community Activist, Journalist and Attorney. Class dates 09/17/09-11/19/09, Thursday evenings 6-9pm.

Living Roofs and Rain Gardens - Overview and Installation. Learn how to design and construct a green, living roof and rain water garden. Living roofs and rain water gardens slow down stormwater runoff and conserves water to promote soil conservation. Two classes will be followed by living roof and rain garden installation lab at Pittsboro Park. Taught by Rhonda Goolsby and Fred Royal. Class dates 10/07/09-10/28/09, Wednesday evenings 6-9pm.

*Introduction to Sustainable Building Design - This introductory level course presents basic concepts associated with energy and resource conservation and "green" building design theory. Topics include conceptualization and application of contemporary and future green building standards and technology, site analysis and building orientation, passive and active solar design elements, water conservation, day lighting, energy saving systems, and innovative design systems. Application of agrarian earth sciences will be included in this course. Taught by Tim Watson, Architect. Class dates 9/24/09-12/03/09, Thursday evenings6-9pm.

Carpentry, Electrical and Plumbing - This introductor course course most topics needed to understand the basic fundamentals of construction. Students will know what it takes to pass the building inspection schedule as well as have an understanding of Green Building methods.Emphasis on sustainable and low impact building techniques and materials. Two weekend field trips provide a hands on perspective to demonstrate what is taught in the classroom. Classroom work includes demonstrations of most phases of construction as well as tools used. Taught by Kevin Meehan, Construction Specialist and Farmer. Class dates 09/15/09-12/01/09, Tuesday evenings 7-9pm.

Residential Weatherization - This class will combine in class instruction with a field work to assess a building's energy efficiency. Students will learn basic theory behind weatherization, assessment and repair to increase energy efficiency. This course will prepare homeowners, and technicians to identify and properly seal thermal and air leakages. Taught by Cass Arble and Bob Arble, Weatherization Director, JOCCA. Class dates 09/15/09- 11/24/09, Tuesday evenings 6-8pm.

Solar PV Design and Installation - This class will describe the properties and uses of photovoltaic systems and components. Students will recognize and use various components required for completion of a photovoltaic system and perform site assessments for the proper installation of a photovoltaic system. Students will be eligible to complete and perform well on the NABCEP-Entry Level Certificate Exam and possess basic knowledge of photovoltaic systems, suitable for a supervised, entry level position with a dealer/installer or other PV industry company. Taught by David DelVecchio, NABCEP Certified Installer. Class dates 09/02/09-11/11/09, Wednesday evenings 6-9pm.

Wastewater Management - This course will cover the basics of municipal and industrial wastewater management, including the biological mechanisms used to treat wastewater. Field, lab and class work. Taught by Simon Lobdell, PE. Class dates 11/03/09-11/24/09, Tuesday evenings 6-9pm.

*Green Building Certificate Fall 2009

These classes will provide industry professionals both novice (with adequate field experience) and experienced with sufficient training to add to their construction, planning, management or design experience increasing their skills and marketability in the green building industry.