Sustainable Communities Institute: A Blueprint for Green Services for the Future
The Residential Building Performance Technology program falls under the umbrella of the Sustainable Communities Institute based at Cedar Valley College.
- The Sustainable Communities Institute (SCI) (PDF - 98KB) is in the planning stages as a complex of buildings on the Cedar Valley campus. The SCI will develop training and educational programs, awareness activities and resources. These programs will promote the growth of sustainable communities through environmentally responsible technologies, leading to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Residential Building Performance Technology program offers an associate degree and technical certificates for aspiring building performance specialists who want to perform inspections, ratings and prescriptive counseling on how to improve residential buildings’ energy efficiency.
- Programs to be developed in building energy performance technology through an associate degree, a pre-engineering degree and technical certificates: Students will learn energy management, commercial building energy auditing, building energy commissioning, retro-commissioning, continuous commissioning and green and sustainable building.
Currently in the feasibility study phase, we are conducting needs research and exploring partnerships with institutions of higher education and local community partners.
- Campus recycling and sustainability efforts: The Cedar Valley College campus, one of the signatories to the American College and University Presidents Commitment, has a recycling program and other initiatives to help keep the campus green.
As part of these efforts, sustainability modules will be included in the syllabus and lesson plan in every core class.
Residential Building Performance Technology Degree and Certificate Options
Residential Building Performance Technology offers an associate degree and two certificates:
Residential Building Performance Technology Associate in Applied Sciences Degree
Learn how to use diagnostic tools to:
- identify home energy use deficiencies and waste
- make recommendations and verify the improvement
Emphasis is on:
- building science
- energy rating
- alternative energy
- mechanical systems
- site location and preservation
- neighborhood sustainability
- conservation of non-renewable resources
- waste management
- water quality
- indoor air quality
Learn how to make sound economic recommendations combining building technologies, energy loads and on-site power generation to meet the qualifications of a net-zero-energy home.
Rater Certificate
The Rater Certificate prepares students for careers as residential energy conservation code officials, home energy raters and residential green raters and verifiers.
The program uses a systems approach to evaluate and score a home’s:
- construction plans
- energy usage
- building material
- health
- safety
- comfort
- durability
- environmental quality
- energy efficiency
Specialist Certificate
The Specialist Certificate prepares students for careers as consultants using a variety of diagnostic tools.
Emphasis is on making sound economic recommendations combining building technologies, energy loads and onsite power generation to meet the qualifications of a net-zero energy home.
Other Degree and Certificate Options
The Dallas County Community College District offers nearly 350 career and technical degrees and certificates, plus more than 50 academic degrees. For more information, see a chart of our degree plans by location or visit our credit programs home page.