Riverland CC Offers Solar Installer Certificate
Riverland Community College (MN) has begun offering new classes for students interested in solar installation. The new solar installer certificate will train students in the electrician program to specialize in installing, repairing, and evaluating sights for solar panels.
Sweet Briar College Students Build Biodiesel Processing Plant
Two students from Sweet Briar College (CA) have designed and constructed a biodiesel processing plant for their senior capstone project. Dining Services donates approximately 50 gallons of used vegetable oil each month, 95 percent of which will become biodiesel. The 40 gallons of biodiesel produced each month will be mixed with the standard diesel used in physical plant vehicles at a ratio of approximately 20 percent biodiesel to 80 percent conventional diesel. The College is expected to save $120 per month in fuel costs.
U Buffalo Class Designs Local Walking & Biking Plan
A University at Buffalo (NY) graduate-level Urban and Regional Planning class has designed a safe walking and bicycling map and plan for the Williamsville Central School District (WCSD). The plan discusses the reasons for encouraging active commuting, cites existing barriers to walking and makes a series of policy, program and physical recommendations directed to the town and district to help get the students to walk to school. The report notes that at this time, only 7.8 percent of the 7,017 K-8 students in the WCSD walk or bike to school, although 48.8 percent live within a one-mile radius of their schools.
10 Los Angeles CCs Receive Green Training Scholarship Funds
The Los Angeles Times has published a blog post on the $1 million initiative launched by California community colleges to help train financially-needy students for green jobs. The funds, which were donated by Southern California Edison, a local utility company, will be segmented into $2,000 scholarships for students at 10 area colleges offering education and job training in solar panel installation, water and waste water management, transportation and alternative fuels, biofuels production and farming, green building and energy efficiency, and environmental compliance, such as air quality and pollution prevention. The 10 institutions that will provide the training include: Cerritos College, Cerro Coso Community College, El Camino College, Golden West College, Long Beach City College, Los Angeles Southwest College, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Rio Hondo College, San Bernardino Valley College, and Ventura College.
Dartmouth College to Offer Sustainability Minor
Dartmouth College (NH) will offer a new minor focused around sustainability starting fall 2010. The minor will include classes on the social, economic, and environmental sides of sustainability. Administrators want students that pursue the minor to participate in team inquiry and problem solving projects that require them to work with people from many different disciplines. The minor will incorporate contemporary issues by challenging students with real-world cases and encouraging them to interact with experts. Students involved in the minor will potentially meet with speakers and have the opportunity to travel outside the classroom as a component of their study.
Norwalk CC to Offer Green Building & Technology Certificate
Norwalk Community College (CT) has announced plans to offer a new Building Efficiency and Sustainable Technology (BEST) Certificate program beginning with the Spring 2010 semester. The BEST Certificate Course curriculum is designed for displaced workers and job-changers, as well as those looking to expand their knowledge and skills to become employable in the green energy field. Certificate program courses will include: Building Technology, Blueprint Reading, Alternative and Renewable Energy, Composition, Introduction to Environmental Science, Building Efficiency Auditing, and Sustainable Energy for Residences, Businesses and Environmental Systems. The program is being funded by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor that was given to Connecticut community colleges to prepare a green collar workforce. Eight sustainable operation certificates will be created as a result of the grant
2 North Carolina CCs Complete Weatherization Training Pilot Prgms
Central Carolina Community College and Wilson Community College have completed pilot programs to train weatherization crew members at the request of the Weatherization Office and the North Carolina Community College System. Results of the pilots were reviewed, and a draft outline of a new curriculum was developed. "Weatherization Assistance Program Crew Basics" will be offered through North Carolina community colleges' Continuing Education Departments. The program will consist of 24 hours of training over three days in areas such as duct sealing, installing insulation, base-load measurements of electricity and water usage, air sealing, and safety.
Boston Architectural College Expands Offerings in Sustainable Design
Boston Architectural College (MA) Sustainable Design program has announced plans to expand the number of graduate certificates it offers in 2010 in an effort to meet the needs of the groups responsible for planning, designing, creating, and operating the built environment. Four certificates will be available in: sustainable design, community planning and design, sustainable residential design, sustainable building design and construction. All certificates will required that students complete six courses with a minimum of B- cumulative average.
Johns Hopkins U Launches Major and Minor in Sustainability
The Johns Hopkins University (MD) School of Arts and Sciences has created an interdisciplinary major and minor in global environmental change and sustainability. Offered through the Morton K. Blaustein Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, the new course of study is part of the Global Change Science Initiative, founded in 2007 with a gift from trustee Lee Meyerhoff Hendler to advance teaching and research in areas of earth science that are pertinent to global environmental change. Though the program, which began with the fall 2009 semester, is based in Earth and Planetary Sciences, it incorporates classes offered through other Krieger School departments, the Whiting School of Engineering, and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Subjects include anthropology, biology, chemistry, economics, engineering, history, political science, psychology, physics and sociology, and students can choose one of two concentrations: natural science or social science.
Johns Hopkins U Offers Sustainability-Focused, Post Master's Certificate
Johns Hopkins University (MD) Engineering for Professionals, the part-time graduate program of the University’s Whiting School of Engineering, has begun offering a post-master's study in climate change, energy, and environmental sustainability. The six-course certificate program was developed to help engineers, scientists, and managers design and implement solutions to environmental challenges. The program consists of five core courses and several electives.
U California, Berkeley Extension Offers Sustainability Certificates
The University of California, Berkeley Extension has opened enrollment for its new programs in sustainability studies: leadership in sustainability and environmental management, and solar energy and green building. The programs are designed for professionals to receive certificates while not attending the University full time.
Montgomery County CC to Offer Sustainable Building Program
Montgomery County Community College (PA) has announced plans to launch the Sustainable Building Advisor Program in January 2010. The nine-month program was developed with help from the non-profit organization National Sustainable Building Advisor Program and will cover such sustainable building aspects as site assessment and location, land usage, green communities, renewable energy options, investment costs and savings, indoor environmental quality, and water conservation.
Acadia U Announces New Degree in Env'l & Sustainability Studies
Acadia University (NS) has announced a new program in environmental and sustainability studies beginning in the fall 2010 semester. The program will emphasize group hands-on and individual learning and will be limited to 30 students. Students can choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Recreation Management
Rochester Inst of Technology Announces B.S. in Env'l Sustainability
The College of Applied Science and Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology has launched a Bachelor of Science degree program in environmental sustainability, health, and safety. The program, which evolved from RIT's environmental management program that launched in 1991, will include courses that focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology is anticipated.
City College of New York to Offer MS in Sustainability in the Urban Env't
The City College of New York (CCNY) has announced plans to begin offering an interdisciplinary Master of Science graduate program in Sustainability in the Urban Environment starting in the spring of 2010. The program will incorporate emerging approaches from the disciplines of architecture, engineering and science. Students in the 30-credit program will be prepared to adapt old and advance new generations of buildings, urban infrastructure, and open spaces using approaches that take into account rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, peak oil, and climate change. The program’s core curriculum lays a foundation in sustainability values, strategies, and metrics through coursework in urban and natural systems, environmental economics, and industrial ecology. It draws upon approaches such as ”˜whole systems thinking’ and life cycle analysis to understand and evaluate complex urban eco-systems
Northwestern Michigan College Offers New Renewable Energy Degrees
Northwestern Michigan College has announced plans to begin offering two new degrees on renewable energy this spring: Renewable Energy Technology – Electrical and Renewable Energy Technology – HVAC. The Electrical version will focus on harnessing wind and solar energy and the HVAC version will emphasize using solar and geo-thermal energy for heating and cooling. Both will look at residential and light commercial scale. The two degrees will be offered as Associates of Applied Science.
Franklin Pierce U Announces MBA in Energy and Sustainability Studies
Franklin Pierce University (NH) has announced a new MBA in Energy and Sustainability Studies. The program will have a dual focus – developing advanced leadership and business management skills along with a strong knowledge base in global sustainability challenges and practices. Students in the program will focus on energy issues and resource management. Resources such as food, water, energy and raw materials will be examined in conjunction with issues of conservation and exploitation and their effect on business enterprises and communities.
U Illinois to Offer Grad Option in Energy & Sustainability Engineering
The University of Illinois, Urbana Champagne College of Engineering has announced plans to begin offering a Graduate Option Program in Energy and Sustainability Engineering (EASE) starting in spring 2010. The new program seeks to promote interdisciplinary research that joins the fields of science, engineering, environment, and policy; provide education and training for the global workforce; engage industrial partners in the research and educational missions of the University; and link efforts within the College to complementary programs on campus.
Wayne State U Creates Sustainable Eng Grad Certificate Prgm
Wayne State University (MI) has created a graduate-level sustainable engineering certificate. The program will require 13 credit hours of sustainable engineering and will offer classes such as "Water Supply and Wastewater Engineering," "Ethics in Engineering and Construction," and "Alternative Energy Technology System and Design.
Wayne State U Offers Grad Certificate in Sustainable Engineering
The Wayne State University (MI) College of Engineering has begun offering a graduate certificate program in sustainable engineering. The program is intended for both current graduate students as well as the technical and scientific workforce of the metro Detroit region. The new certificate requires 13 credit hours of sustainable engineering education in chosen courses from all of the engineering departments. Students can choose from such courses as "Water Supply and Wastewater Engineering," "Ethics in Engineering and Construction" and "Alternative Energy Technology System and Design.
East Arkansas CC Offers Renewable Energy Technology Programs
East Arkansas Community College has announced that it will offer three new programs in renewable energy starting this fall. The programs include a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree, a one-year Technical Certificate, and a one-semester Certificate of Proficiency. The program is currently being funded by a grant through the U.S. Department of Labor; this funding also helps provide scholarships to students in the program.
Point Park U Offers New Master's Program in Env'l Studies
Point Park University (PA) has launched a new Master of Science program in environmental studies. The 30-credit interdisciplinary program is intended to provide students with an understanding of the nature of environmental problems and their solutions. The goal of the program, which incorporates scientific, economic, political, legal and ethical points of view, is to train professionals who will be involved in seeking solutions to environmental problems.
Idaho State U to Offer 2 Associate Degrees in Renewable Energy
The Idaho State University Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC) has announced plans to begin offering two new Associate of Applied Science degree programs this fall — Energy Systems Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) and Energy Systems Wind Engineering Technology (WET). The Mechanical Engineering Technology program is a two-year program that will train engineering technicians to work in the mechanical portions of a power plant. Graduates will be able to work in fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy sources. The Wind Engineering Technology program, also a two-year program, will train technicians to install, maintain, and service wind turbines. The Wind Engineering Technology program provides coursework in electrical and mechanical engineering as well as necessary training to climb towers safely and develop the specialized skills and training needed for the growing wind industry.
Metropolitan CC Partners with IBM for Green Data Ctr Degree
Metropolitan Community College (NE) has partnered with IBM to develop a green data center management degree. The two-year, associate degree in Information Technology - Data Center Management includes courses to help students gain technical and business skills to prepare them for careers in the design and management of energy-efficient data centers. Students will have the opportunity to learn virtualization and server consolidation, energy efficiency, business resiliency, and security and compliance skills. The program will officially launch in the spring of 2010.
9 Minnesota Institutions Launch Energy Technician Degrees
Nine colleges in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system have announced plans to begin offering a two-year degree program this fall that aims to prepare students to work either in the renewable energy or traditional energy industries. Besides the energy technical specialist degree, students will be able to earn a 16-credit certificate in one of four specialties – ethanol production, biodiesel production, wind turbine maintenance, or solar energy assessment. The certificate programs, which can be completed in as little as one semester, will be available online. The colleges offering the new degree are Alexandria Technical College, Century College, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, South Central College, St. Cloud Technical College and four colleges of the Northeast Higher Education District – Hibbing Community College, Itasca Community College, Mesabi Range Community and Technical College and Vermilion Community College.
Central Piedmont CC Launches Sustainability Technologies Degree Prgm
The Central Piedmont Community College (NC) Center for Sustainability has added an Associate in Applied Science – Sustainability Technologies degree to its list of curricular programs for the fall semester. The 70 credit-hour degree program will include general education classes, core environmental courses, major courses, and technical electives. Students will have the option of selecting from program tracks in environmental engineering technology, sustainable manufacturing, and alternative energy.
MI, IN Colleges Awarded Funding for Electric Vehicle Dev & Training
The Obama Administration has announced more than $16 million in grants for electric vehicle development, degree, and training programs in Michigan and Indiana. Wayne State University; the University of Michigan; the University of Michigan, Dearborn; Kettering University; Michigan Technological University; and Macomb Community College have been awarded a total of more than $10 million for battery training and education for researchers, technicians, service providers, first responders, and the general public. Purdue University (IN), in partnership with the University of Notre Dame; Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; Ivy Tech Community College; Purdue University, Calumet; and Indiana University, Northwest, will receive a $6.1 million grant to develop degree and training programs for electric vehicles. The Indiana Advanced Electric Vehicle Training and Education Consortium will develop certificate and associate degree programs for vehicle technicians, bachelor's and master's degree programs for electric vehicle design and manufacturing engineers, and a certificate program in electric vehicle safety for emergency responders. It will also develop an outreach program to secondary schools and a website to provide information on electric vehicles to the general public. The funding is part of the Obama administration's $2.4 billion in grants to accelerate the development of next-generation batteries and electric vehicles.
3 Campuses to Launch Programs in Sustainable Development
Columbia University (NY), Emory University (GA), and the University of Florida have been selected by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation as three of 10 universities worldwide to receive $900,000 to create a new master’s in development practice (MDP) degree program. The MDP programs are designed to provide graduate students with training beyond the classroom study of economics and management that are the typical focus of most development studies programs. The program’s core curriculum bridges the natural sciences, health sciences, social sciences, and management. It combines classroom study with field experiences in a range of disciplines, including agriculture, policy, health, engineering, management, environmental science, education, and nutrition.
Goucher College Launches MA in Cultural Sustainability
Goucher College (MD) has begun accepting applicants to its new Master of Arts in Cultural Sustainability program. The 38-credit program brings together tools from anthropology, history, communications, business and management, linguistics, and activism. The program aims to teach students how to sustain cultural traditions in an era of increasing homogeneity and globalization. Coursework is conducted as a limited residency, distance-education program, meaning classes are primarily held online and are complemented with two one-week residencies on campus.
Johnson County CC to Offer 2 New Energy Programs
Johnson County Community College (KS) has announced plans to offer a new Residential Energy Auditing Certificate and an associate's degree in Energy Performance and Resource Management (EPRM) beginning in the fall of 2009. The 25-hour “fast track” certificate program can be completed in 12 weeks. The new program was developed in response to a need for professionals who are able to perform certified energy audits for homeowners in search of stimulus funds for weatherization. The 64-hour EPRM associate's degree program aims to prepare students for the alternative energy technology field. Upon completion of the EPRM coursework, students should be able to understand the science behind active and passive energy systems, analyze energy systems designs, and offer professional advice to consumers to improve energy systems.
Mid-State Technical College to Start Wind Energy Training Prgm
Mid-State Technical College (WI) has received $160,000 to start a customized training program in wind energy. The program will be an intensive, 12-week, 12-credit course. The 35 people who will receive training as a result of the grant are mostly displaced workers from other industries.
NY Times Publishes Article on Growing Interest in Sustainability Courses
The New York Times has published an article on the growing interest in sustainability in continuing education and extension program curriculum. The story mentions green coursework at University of California, Berkeley; Stanford University (CA); Harvard University (MA); University of Oregon; Duquesne University (PA); City University of Seattle (WA); California State University, Long Beach; and University of Colorado at Boulder.
Syracuse U, SUNY ESF Announce Joint Certif in Sustainable Enterprises
Syracuse University (NY) and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) have announced a joint graduate Certificate of Advanced Study in Sustainable Enterprise (CASSE). The certificate was developed to engage graduate students from a wide range of academic backgrounds in a trans-disciplinary program focused on sustainability strategies for organizations. The CASSE curriculum integrates business, science, engineering, and policy instruction with practical knowledge in sustainability. CASSE candidates will be required to complete three core courses and two electives. The core courses — “Managing Sustainability: Purpose, Principles and Practice,” “Strategic Management and the Natural Environment” and “Sustainability-Driven Enterprise” — are designed to be relevant and accessible to a wide range of disciplines.
Aims CC to Offer Certificate in Sustainable Building
Aims Community College (CO) has announced plans to launch a two-class certificate in Green/Sustainable Building. The courses will include Renewable Energy Construction and Green and Sustainable Buildings and will cover such topics as zero net (energy) building, passive thermal architecture, LEED criteria, and solar construction techniques.
U San Diego Announces Major in Environmental Studies
The University of San Diego (CA) Marine Science and Environmental Studies Department has added a major in Environmental Studies. The new program is designed as an interdisciplinary approach studying environmental issues from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities perspectives. The major is intended to provide students with a background in the natural sciences, balanced by breadth in the social sciences and humanities most directly connected to environmental issues facing the world today.
St. Petersburg College Partners to Offer LEED Training
St. Petersburg College’s (FL) Corporate Training Office has announced a partnership with the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council to provide a sustainable building operations training course based on the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance rating system. The collaboration will make the training available beyond the local area.
North Carolina State U Offers Concentration in Renewable Energy
North Carolina State University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has announced plans to offer a new undergraduate concentration in Renewable Electric Energy Systems within the Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering degree program starting this fall. The new concentration will offer coursework in electromechanical energy conversion, renewable electric power systems, power electronics, and power transmission and distribution systems.
York U Partners for Education Program in Green Building Design
York University (ON) has partnered with the World Green Building Council to develop an international education program in green building design. The program has been launched with a three-week design for sustainability in the built environment interactive workshop. The workshop will bring together 25 upper–level undergraduate students from around the world.
U Nevada Reno Announces New Energy Management Certificate
The University of Nevada, Reno has announced that it will launch an Energy Management Certificate program in the fall of 2009. The new 10-session, 30-hour certificate program, which will be offered by Extended Studies, will explore the essentials of building-energy management and examine methods for increasing efficiency and return on investment. The program was developed for building managers, facility/operations managers, construction planners, engineers, maintenance personnel, small business owners, entrepreneurs and others interested in energy resources.
Chatham U Establishes School of Sustainability, Master's of Food Studies
Chatham University (PA) has announced the creation of the School of Sustainability and the Environment (SSE). The new School will provide interdisciplinary education and research opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to better prepare them to identify and solve challenges related to the environment and sustainability. The first program offered through SSE will be the University’s newest graduate program, the Master of Arts in Food Studies. The program, which will begin in the spring of 2010, is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the issues surrounding food such as the environmental costs of food production and distribution, cultural issues, sustainability of communities, and safety of the food supply.
Chatham U Offers Env'l Track in Biology Program
Chatham University (PA) has announced plans to add a track in Environmental Biology to its Master of Science in Biology program this fall. The new track includes classroom, laboratory, and field work experiences designed for students who want to pursue careers in environmental services, research, education, or advocacy. Course topics will include Plant Development, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Soil Science, Field Ecology, Wetlands Ecology, and Biostatistics. Students will also participate in internships and field seminars.
Northeastern Junior College Announces Wind Training Program
Northeastern Junior College (CO) has announced plans to launch a Wind Technician Training Program this fall. The College is creating the new program to provide trained technicians for the local wind turbine farms. Between private industry contributions and a grant from the Department of Local Affairs, nearly $900,000 has been raised to help pay for the opening of this new program. The two-year associate of applied science degree will require completion of 60 credits and will offer technical electronics courses as well as training in programmable logic controllers, basic fluid power, airfoils and composites, power distribution and control systems, and maintenance welding and power mechanics.
U Missouri Kansas City, U Denver Launch Sustainability Minors
The University of Missouri, Kansas City and University of Denver (CO) have launched Sustainability Minors. At UMKC, the 18-hour program of study integrates geosciences, engineering, ethics, urban planning and design, economics, history, philosophy, political science, and public administration. To complete the minor, a student must complete an applied project or internship and take one three-hour course in each of the following areas: Earth Systems and Resources, Sustainable Thinking, Sustainable Planning and Policy, Sustainable Design, and Analytical Tools. At DU, undergraduates from most fields of study will be able to complement their major with a minor in sustainability tailored to work with their selected major. Students entering the program, which starts in fall 2009, will take a common “gateway” course then branch off to customize the degree with four courses selected from the three themes of sustainability. Students complete the program by taking a final capstone seminar that will bring them together to work as a team on a service-learning or research project focused on a problem related to sustainability.
Eastern Mennonite U Announces 2 Sustainability Majors
Eastern Mennonite University (VA) has announced two new majors: Peacebuilding and Development and Environmental Sustainability. The Peacebuilding and Development major is a study of intentional social change around issues of conflict, poverty, inequality, sustainability, and social justice. The Environmental Sustainability major focuses on forward-thinking sustainability practices. Students in this program will choose between two tracks of study: Environmental Science and Environmental and Social Sustainability.
Riverland CC to Launch Wind Turbine Program
Riverland Community College has received final approval from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to launch its new Wind Turbine Program in the fall. The Wind Turbine Technician program will explore design, operation, and maintenance theory and application of multi-industry turbine technology usage with an emphasis on wind turbine/renewable energy applications.
Morrisville State College Adds AAS in Renewable Energy Technology
Morrisville State College (NY) has added a new Associate's degree in Renewable Energy Technology. The new program will offer courses that focus on electrical power generation systems (wind, solar, and hydroelectric), heating and cooling (solar, geothermal), and biomass and biofuels.
City U Seattle Announces MBA, Grad Certif in Sustainable Business
The City University of Seattle (WA) has announced plans to offer a Masters of Business Administration degree in Sustainable Business and a Sustainable Business Graduate Certificate starting in the fall of 2009. Students who are enrolled in the MBA in Sustainable Business program will take the same core classes as the other CityU MBA programs that are available in the U.S., Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Students will have the opportunity to take their core classes at these international locations during the program, and once the core classes are completed, they can either stay and take their sustainability courses online or come back to the Seattle, Wash. area and take the courses in the classroom. Program emphasis areas are in social and environmental responsibility, marketing in a new economy, environmental accounting, and sustainability and business opportunity.
U Mass Online Announces 3 Sustainability-Related Academic Prgms
The University of Massachusetts Online has announced three new programs: a concentration in Sustainable Entrepreneurship, a graduate certificate Environmental Public Policy, and the Green Building Professional Development Series. The concentration in Sustainable Entrepreneurship will include courses on holistic health, sustainable food and farming, geothermal energy conservation, and green building. The Environmental Public Policy graduate certificate comprises two required and two elective courses, all of which are entirely online. The required courses are: Public Institutions and the Policy Process and Environmental Policy. Electives include Environmental Consequences of Globalization, Administrative Law, Environmental Law, and Ocean Policy and Law. Credits earned through the graduate certificate program will be transferable into the University's Master's degree in Public Policy anticipated for calendar year 2010. The Green Building Professional Development Series includes courses in Sustainable Building and LEED Certification, Energy Efficient Housing, The Built Environment, Green Building and Indoor Environmental Quality, and Sustainable Sites for Green Building.
