Buildings account for a huge percentage of our economic and environmental resources. If you’re interested in finding out about conserving energy, reducing waste and being more environmentally responsible in the building and remodeling industry, we can provide you with the knowledge that will allow you to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Whether it’s planning new construction or retrofitting existing buildings with more energy-efficient systems, the Residential Building Performance Technology program can lay a solid, green foundation for your career, or for your home or business.
The program offers an associate degree program and two certificates. After the first seven consecutive courses, you’ll have the background necessary to take the nationally recognized Home Energy Rater System (HERS) certification, a home energy analysis index administered by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code.
After the second year in the program, you’ll have the background necessary to take the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for the design and construction of high-performance green homes, administered by the U.S. Green Building Council.
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 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
- make recommendations and verify the improvement
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Emphasis is on
- site location and preservation
- neighborhood sustainability
- conservation of non-renewable resources
- waste management
- water quality
- indoor air quality
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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
- health
- safety
- comfort
- durability
- environmental quality
- energy efficiency
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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 36 academic degrees. For more information, see a chart of our degree plans by location.