Energy & Society (ELA 1123)
Societies throughout history have harnessed different forms of energy for survival and expansion. Today, hundreds of millions of people in the developing world continue to struggle to obtain adequate energy sources to meet basic needs. At the same time, affluent societies consume enormous amounts of energy. The US, for example, with just 5% of the global population consumes 25% of the total global energy supplies each year. Furthermore, the combustion of carbon-based energy sources is leading to rapid global climate change, arguably the most critical environmental issue of our times. This course provides students with an historical understanding of energy use over time to better understand our current energy use patterns nationally and globally, the critical cultural and economic issues linked to the energy-environment crisis, and what can be done to create a sustainable energy future. This course serves as a foundation for additional courses at Green Mountain focusing on energy studies and sustainable design.
3 credits.
The Nature of Design (ELA 1135)
If design is aesthetically inferior, it will simply be discarded as another obsolete and poorly designed object entering the waste stream. Beauty is an essential element in the pursuit of sustainability. In this course, students will learn how to observe the designed world through freehand sketching. They will apply their aesthetic sensibilities to real world hands-on design/build projects. Infused into the design/build process will be a critical understanding of core ecological design principles. 3 credits.
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (ENV 2010)
A geographic information system is a computer-based system that stores, retrieves, visualizes, queries, and analyzes digital data. This data can represent such actualities as topography, soils, population, infectious disease outbreaks, areas of pollution, town zoning, rivers, town boundaries, and protected environments. GIS is used to address numerous areas of inquiry, including: (1) natural and social sciences, (2) community planning, (3) resource management, (4) habitat assessment & ecological monitoring, (5) environmental modeling, and many others. This class will introduce you to the fundamental theories and concepts of a GIS, cartographic design, database management, spatial analysis, and provide hands on experience through a service-learning project. 4 credits.
Renewable Energy Technology & Applications
(ENV 2100)
Most of us are aware that society’s current energy systems are unsustainable, but few of us can clearly articulate why or what the alternatives may be. This course begins with an assessment of the energy problem and then provides an overview of various renewable energy technologies and their applications. Students will learn about the latest developments in solar energy technology, wind power, geothermal, ocean energy and hydroelectric power production. This course emphasizes a quantitative assessment of the resource potential for each form of renewable energy and the challenges associated with large-scale deployment of these systems. Finally, the course highlights the different policy and regulatory approaches to promote greater energy efficiency and increased use of clean, renewable forms of energy. 3 credits.
Nonprofits Management & Policy (ENV 3012)
This class is an introduction to the world of nonprofit organizations. Covering the business, legal, management, planning, funding, and organizational challenges of nonprofit organizations, students learn the basics of this unique business model. Students then delve into the culture of nonprofit by profiling Vermont nonprofit organizations, creating their own models, and reviewing national and international case studies of nonprofits and NGOs. Through this work, students are exposed to the wide array of career opportunities in the nonprofit sector and are given the opportunity to network with nonprofit organizers and leaders. 3 credits.
REED External Practicum (ENV 3100)
The external practicum allows students to enroll in skills-based courses offered by external institutions related to renewable energy and ecological design. Possible schools include Solar Energy International, Yestermorrow Design/Build School, Ecosa, and others pending faculty approval. 3 credits.
Ecological Design (ENV 3125)
Students in Ecological Design will apply their knowledge of ecological design principles and their skills in drawing and design to a real-world design problem. Through research, field study, site analysis, drawing and modeling, students will work through a sustainable building design process from start to finish. Prerequisite: ELA 1135 The Nature of Design. 3 credit.
Topics in Energy and the Environment (ENV 4000)
This course provides students with the opportunity to explore in great detail emerging issues in energy policy and markets. The transition to a sustainable energy future requires innovative approaches to policy and rules governing energy market operations. Topics may include peak oil and the global petroleum market, or emerging federal policy to combat global climate change. The topics for this course will be selected based on current events and student interests. 3 credits.
Environmental Design/Build (ENV 4025)
Design/Build offers students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world, hands-on projects aimed at benefitting their community. Students will learn about greenbuilding materials and methods, construction tools and techniques, and the design/build process. As a group, students will analyze a site, interview the client, craft a program, collectively work toward an appropriate design solution and work as a team bringing it to life. Prerequisite: ELA 1135 The Nature of Design. 3 credits.
New Venture Creation & Entrepreneurship (BUS 4051)
Entrepreneurship is the creation of a new venture as well as a growing trend in existing organizations both nationally and internationally. This course will explore the key drivers in the growth of entrepreneurship and the factors that contribute to entrepreneurial success and failure. Students will have the opportunity to explore these concepts through the creation of their own new venture concept, and engage in the self-reflection necessary to determine whether they are willing to do what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Prerequisites: BUS 1073 Contemporary Business and BUS 1125 Marketing, or the consent of the instructor. 3 credit.
LEED Certification Exam Preparation (ENV 4100)
This course is designed to prepare students for success when taking the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design New Construction (LEED-NC) Professional Accreditation (AP) Exam. The LEED AP serves to strengthen your green building qualifications and allows you to market your green building knowledge to potential employers and clients through this widely recognized credential. This course will be offered on an as needed basis and graded on a pass/fail basis. 1 credit.
