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Sustainable Construction and Design

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Program Overview

The Sustainable Construction and Design program prepares you to design and construct sustainable and highly energy-efficient residences. Learn how to construct new homes that are durable; provide a healthy environment; and use very little energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. Utilizing a “whole systems approach”, you will understand the integral relationship between materials, building techniques, mechanical systems, and subcontractors in the production of energy-efficient and sustainable homes. Learn how to use green and renewable materials, properly install all components and subsystems, and reduce construction site waste.

The program follows the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) training, assessment, certification, and career development standards for residential construction professionals. Program concepts align with the U.S. Green Building Council's initiatives.

Hands-On Learning Experiences

  • Building Experiences: Put the theories and concepts you learn into practice with foundations, concrete work, framing, siding, roofing, thermal/moisture protection, drywall installation/finishing, stair construction, finishing, cabinet installation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, appliances, and landscaping.

  • Energy Audits: Perform energy audits on existing homes to identify problems, develop solutions, and retrofit solutions cost effectively.

  • Employment Experience: Gain 256 hours of real-world work experience ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in your future career.

Transfer Information

An articulation agreement allows you to transfer your Sustainable Construction and Design coursework to the Technology Management program at the University of Northern Iowa.

If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Last Dollar Scholarship

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

Courses

Core Courses

  • Introduction to Residential Construction
  • Construction Safety
  • Concrete Theory and Lab
  • Site Layout and Blueprint Reading
  • Construction Technology Labs
  • Framing Techniques and Lab
  • Building Sciences
  • Carpentry Fundamentals
  • Exterior Finishing
  • Introduction to Utility Equipment Operations
  • Employment Training Experience
  • CAD SoftPlan
  • Methods of Interior Finishing
  • Building Science 2 Sustainable Design
  • Commercial Estimating and Project Management
  • Residential Energy Auditing
  • Manual J and D HVAC Design

Program Details

Award: Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Required number of credits: 72
Program Start: Fall

View Suggested Sequence of Study & Course Cost

Careers

Positions

Graduates find jobs as building designers, sustainable construction professionals, carpenters, insulation workers, residential site supervisors, and energy auditors.

Graduates are also prepared to continue their education to become construction managers, building inspectors, commercial drafters, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC installers.

Example Careers and Average Wages
Entry Average Experienced
Carpenters $30,500 $43,000 $49,200
Construction Managers $53,300 $84,300 $99,800
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $24,200 $32,800 $37,200
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades $41,400 $61,300 $71,200

Source: 2018 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development

Employers

The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
Business Location
Builders Select Cedar Falls, IA
Dietz Construction L.L.C. Nashua, IA
Johnny B's Construction, Inc. Denver, IA
Peterson Contractors, Inc. Reinbeck, IA
Steve McDonald Construction Cedar Falls, IA
Woods Construction, Inc. Fairbank, IA

Contact Us
Admissions Email Admissions 319-296-4000 Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor Natasha Ceasar Email Natasha Ceasar
Schedule an appointment with Natasha Ceaser		 319-296-2329 ext.1062 Buchanan Hall 126
Program Advisor Craig Clark Email Craig Clark 319-296-2329 ext.1314 Butler Hall 128H
Program Advisor Ben Strickert Email Ben Strickert 319-296-2329 ext.1326 Butler Hall 123D
Administrative Assistant Connie Smith Email Connie Smith 319-296-4009 Buchanan Hall 128
Dean Dave Grunklee Email Dave Grunklee 319-296-4042 Butler Hall 131A

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