Green Construction Associate 

Green Construction Associate

140 Hours/12 Months/Instructor Supported

Course Overview:

What does a "green" home look like? What are its characteristics, and how can you ensure that you meet the highest green standards within a given budget? The answers to these questions and more are found in Green Building for Contractors – Level 1, a course dedicated to teaching builders and homeowners alike about environmentally-friendly residential construction.

This course is a highly practical resource and explores the very latest construction techniques, materials, processes, and green practices that will reduce the environmental impact of the building itself. Coverage ranges from air sealing measures and energy efficient practices to water conservation and the usage of natural materials, with a special focus on complying with zoning ordinances and building codes. With thorough explanations of the many benefits of green building, this course is the perfect "nuts and bolts" guide to environmentally-sound homes.

Finally, a course that bridges the gap between the worlds of green building and residential building codes – Green Building for Contractors – Level 2 with the International Residential Code®. One of the first courses of its kind on the market, this indispensable course takes green building concepts one step further and addresses them as they specifically relate to building codes, and in particular, how they relate to the International Residential Code® (IRC). Because the code books themselves do not directly address green construction issues, this course will help the student make green decisions about construction methods and materials while staying code compliant.

Coverage begins with a "Building Code Primer" that explores basic permitting and regulatory processes. This fundamental knowledge sets the stage for students to be better able to successfully incorporate green principles into construction projects and avoid costly mistakes that can occur when key processes are not established and followed beforehand. The course then moves to a review of the IRC identifying areas where provisions of the code will affect a green construction project and where in a project there are green options, as well. Using tried-and-true real-life examples of green construction techniques throughout, this course is the perfect guide to understanding building codes in today's quest to go green.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be equipped for an entry-level position in their field and will be prepared to sit for the NCCB national certification exam.

The Green Construction Associate program includes 2 courses:

• Green Building for Contractors – Level 1
• Green Building for Contractors – Level 2

Course Outline:

Green Building for Contractors – Level 1

Green Building for Contractors Module 1
Green Home Building

• What is Sustainable Design?
• Shades of Green
• Planning & Design
• Green Home Lot Shopping
• Site Work & Landscaping Considerations
• Safety Considerations
• Alternative Materials & Methods of Construction
• Modifications to the Building Code
• Manufactured Alternative Methods
• Non-manufactured Alternative Methods
• Talk to Your Inspector
• Evolving Green Building Code

Green Building for Contractors Module 2
Efficient Design & Material Usage

• Small Is Better
• Conservation of Materials
• Controlling Job Waste
• Conventional Building Materials
• Used, Recycled, or Reclaimed
• Natural or Renewable Materials
• Modern Innovations
• Durability & Cost
• Indoor Air Quality
• Healthy Houses
• Equipment & Materials

Green Building for Contractors Module 3
Energy Conservation & Efficiency

• Energy Conservation Basics
• Exceeding the Code
• Controlling Heat Loss through Air Sealing Measures
• Lighting: Daylight & Design Elements
• Energy Efficient Appliances
• Behavioral Changes
• Waste Management
• Job Site Organization
• Framing Plan & Drywall
• Recycling Plan

Green Building for Contractors Module 4
Renewable Energy & Maintaining a Green Home

• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Water Usage
• Outdoor Water Usage
• Alternative Energy Sources
• Active Energy Production Systems
• Homeowner Operation
• Green Home Recycling Center
• Energy Usage Feedback
• Sample Homeowners Operation Manual
• Reflections & Considerations

Green Building for Contractors – Level 2

Green Building for Contractors Module 1
Green Construction Materials, Methods, & the ICR

• Why Do We Need a Building Code Anyway?
• The Role of the Building Official
• The Role of the Plans Examiner
• The Role of the Inspector
• Building Code Fundamentals
• Construction Materials & the IRC
• Building Product Evaluation Reports
• The Interface Between Green & the IRC
• Standards for Green Construction
• Sustainable Attributes Verification
• Alternative Materials & Methods (AMM)
• Approval of AMM
• Trade-Off Approach
• Making an AMM Request

Green Building for Contractors Module 2
Green Site & Building Planning

• Design Criteria
• Green Options
• Site Planning
• Building Planning
• Fire-resistant Construction
• Minimum Room Area
• Sanitation
• Emergency Escapes
• Protection Against Decay & Termites
• Design Philosophy
• Green Foundation Options
• Excavation & Grading
• Drainage
• Footings On or Adjacent to Slopes
• Site Considerations

Green Building for Contractors Module 3
Green Floors & Walls

• Green Floor Framing
• Wood Frame Floors
• Steel Framed Floors
• Green Wall Options
• Wood Frame Walls
• Steel Frame Walls
• Insulating Concrete Forms
• Interior Wall Coverings
• Interior Plaster
• Gypsum Wallboard
• Exterior Wall Coverings
• Wood, Hardboard & Panel Siding
• Green Decisions & Limitations

Green Building for Contractors Module 4
Green Roofing & Ceilings

• Green Roofing & Ceiling Options
• Wood Frame Roofs & Ceilings
• Steel Frame Roofs & Ceilings
• Roof Ventilations
• HVAC Location Option
• Green Roof Coverings
• Roof Coverings of Natural Materials
• Man-Made Roof Coverings
• Chimneys, Fireplaces, & Masonry Heaters
• Alternative Wood-Burning Fireplaces
• Energy Conservation Measures
• Building Thermal Envelope
• Fenestrations
• Building Considerations

Green Building for Contractors Module 5
Mechanical Equipment, Electrical & Plumbing Systems

• A Brief Lesson in Thermodynamics
• Green Mechanical Systems & the IRC
• Improving HVAC Performance
• Alternative Heating Systems
• Green Energy Sources
• Green Plumbing Systems & the IRC
• Improving Plumbing Systems Performance
• Water Conservation
• Gray Water Recycling Systems
• Rainwater Harvesting Systems
• Green Electrical Systems & the IRC
• Improving Electrical Performance
• Energy Conserving Fixtures & Appliances
• Electrical Energy Generating Equipment

All necessary materials included.

System Requirements:

Internet Access

• Broadband or high-speed internet access is required. Broadband includes DSL, cable, and wireless connections.
• Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Moodle pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.

Hardware & Software

• Windows hardware configurations and processors are acceptable.
• Mac computers MUST have Microsoft Window Operating Systems.
• 1 GB RAM recommended
• Software
• Operating Systems
• Windows XP, Vista or 7 and Mac OS X 10 and higher with Windows
• Web Browsers
• Google Chrome
• Safari, Internet Explorer & FireFox are not currently recommended as they cannot display certain Moodle editing menus for both students and instructors
• Adobe PDF Reader
• Media Plug-ins (These may be required depending on your course media-click on the links below to download the latest versions)
• Adobe Flash Player
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Apple Quicktime
• Windows Media Player
• Real Player
• PowerPoint Viewer (use this if you don't have PowerPoint)

**Outlines are subject to change, as courses are always under improvement for your benefit.**