AASHE Campus Sustainability Hub

The Bachelor of Science degree in Building Science and Sustainable Design promotes a healthier, more energy efficient way to build which reduces negative environmental impacts and slows the depletion of natural resources. Students study sustainable approaches to materials, construction, site design, building design, and the generation of energy. In addition, students receive training in building science fundamentals related to the measurement of building performance. Students also learn skills vital to historic preservation and the renovation and re-use of existing buildings. Graduates should be equipped with the knowledge to design and/or construct buildings that make positive contributions to their communities.

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• make sustainable decisions for buildings and communities based on energy conservation, resource efficiency and lifestyle choices.

• assess building performance and evaluate solutions for improvement.

• evaluate the financial and environmental impacts of buildings and design decisions.

• apply sustainable design practices to existing and new construction to promote occupant health and wellbeing.

• create and communicate sustainable solutions to real-world problems by communicating effectively in a collaborative environment.

• synthesize knowledge of building science to prevent and solve building performance problems.

• evaluate and apply appropriate passive and active design strategies.

• assess design performance in relation to industry sustainability standards.

• defend the preservation and continued use of historic structures and identify the challenges involved.

• design and specify renewable energy systems.

• assess the lifecycle and embodied energy of materials and systems.

• critique the sustainability of neighborhood and community designs.

• assess the impact of governmental policy on sustainable design.

• compile project-related information by employing appropriate methods of inquiry.

• Link: Course catalog listing
• Link: Building Science & Sustainable Design program homepage