Green Building

Green Building (also known as Sustainable Design and Construction) is a term that is universally used but not always understood. It seems that everyone wants to take advantage of business and career opportunities in this emerging Industry.

In brief, Green Building refers to the design, construction and renovation of residential and commercial structures in a cost effective manner that:

Reduces operation and maintenance costs
Uses energy, water and building materials more efficiently
Protects occupant health
Looks at the total lifecycle cost of a structure from its construction through its decommissioning

The key to effective Green Building is to use a systems approach early in the project planning process which brings together design and construction professionals as well as the project owner to insure that the completed structure operates as one system and incorporates Green Building technologies.

As you can see from the definition of Green Building, there is no single definition for a Green Building job. Green Building methods and materials are being infused into existing job classifications at the same time new jobs in emerging industries are being developed (think solar/wind power/electric vehicles). The successful and in demand career professional will be one who is knowledgeable of Green Technologies in their chosen profession and who understands how to apply that knowledge to bring value to his/her employer.

At CPCC, Green Building technologies are infused into existing courses as well as new course offerings:

In the OP and WT Crowder Construction Institute, students can learn the basics of Green Building and Remodeling in GRN7000. This course is offered at the Harper Campus and is available every spring and fall semester. The Construction Management program (offered at the Harper Campus) prepares students for careers as Construction Managers. Construction Managers oversee construction projects and are in a position to ensure that Green Building methods and materials are incorporated into all aspects of a construction project.
Our Center for Sustainability offers a number of courses that address elements of Green Design and it will soon have a 2 year AAS degree in Sustainable Technologies.

Check this website often for additional Green Building offerings and learning opportunities available at CPCC.