The BEST program prepares students for new “green-collar jobs” in sustainable building, energy efficiency auditing, and renewable energy. The marketplace for “green jobs” is expanding exponentially as states, municipalities, companies and homeowners adopt more sustainable technologies. McGraw Hill expects the building retrofit market to quadruple in five years.
The State of CT is poised to lead the nation in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The new created Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and the first comprehensive energy bill in CT in four years, set new goals to accelerate and expand energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in CT. Governor Malloy has said he wants CT to be #1 in the nation in energy efficiency. This is a key component of the Governor’s job-creation plan.
The BEST program prepares students for jobs in this expanding field.
Students in BEST study climate change, the latest sustainable building techniques, computer modeling, diagnosing and increasing the energy efficiency, health and safety of existing homes and buildings, and various new energy sources. Students conduct hands-on energy audits, and recommend measures to improve energy efficiency. Our Auditing course prepares students for the BPI Building Analyst Certification exams and the RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Certification exams, both nationally recognized accreditations.
The BEST certificate consists of 8 courses and 26 undergraduate credits. The entire program can be completed in as little as two semesters. Job placement assistance is included as students near completion of the program. Workforce Investment grants and other financial aid is available to qualified students. For more information contact Eric Gribin at egribin@ncc.commnet.edu or 203.857.7345.
Program OutcomesRequirements for the Certificate (26 credits) |
|||
Credits |
|||
| ENG | 101 | Composition | 3 |
| ARC | 106 | Building Technology | 4 |
| ARC | 240 | Environmental Systems | 3 |
| BIO | 181 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 4 |
| CTC | 106 | Blueprint Reading | 3 |
| CTC | 130 | Alternative and Renewable Energy | 3 |
| CTC | 131 | Building Efficiency Auditing | 3 |
| CTC | 132 | Sustainable Energy for Residences and Businesses |
3 |
| Recommended Sequence of Study | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
| ENG | 101 | Composition | 3 |
| CTC | 106 | Blueprint Reading | 3 |
| ARC | 106 | Building Technology | 4 |
| CTC | 130 | Alternative and Renewable Energy | 3 |
| Semester 2 | |||
| BIO | 181 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 4 |
| CTC | 131 | Building Efficiency Auditing | 3 |
| CTC | 132 | Sustainable Energy for Residences and Businesses |
3 |
| ARC | 240 | Environmental Systems | 3 |
ENG 101 Composition
3 credits
This course develops students’ abilities to write effective essays and to reason critically. A review of grammar and syntax, as needed, is included. The goals of unity, coherence and logical development are pursued through analysis of professional and student essays and through practice of prewriting, writing and revision techniques. Students learn various organizational patterns. Students will write and revise several essays.
CTC 106 Blueprint Reading
3 credits
formerly CIV 106
Fundamentals of blueprint reading with topics in basic construction of buildings, conversion, notations, and abbreviations used on plans and elevations.
ARC 106 Building Technology
4 credits
The study of materials, their origin, manufacture, use, limitations and application in construction. Areas of concentration include building systems, foundations, wood, heavy timber and light frame construction, masonry, steel, concrete, sitecast and precast concrete framing systems, roofing, glass and glazing, cladding and finishes.
CTC 130 Alternative and Renewable Energy
3 credits
An introduction to the study of energy for electrical power generation and transportation, including sustainable and non-sustainable energy sources. This course investigates the relationship between population and consequences of increased energy demand, reliance on fossil fuels, global warming and other impacts. Work in this class includes an examination of
energy types including fossil fuels and nuclear power, as well as sustainable and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, biofuels, fuel cells, and others. Electrical conservation and efficiency will be investigated. The social, economic and environmental impacts and effectiveness of these alternatives will be evaluated.
BIO 181 Environmental Science
4 credits
This course is an introduction to environmental studies. It includes the study of ecology which describes the relationships that exist between all parts of our environment, both living and non-living. The course then focuses on environmental science which studies the impact of human intervention on our environment and addresses the problems posed and their possible solutions. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary study that encompasses many other sciences and subjects such as biology, agriculture, chemistry, geology, politics, economics, ethics, sociology, public relations and many more. The course consists of lecture and lab. The lab component involves both laboratory and field activities.
CTC 131 Building Efficiency Auditing
3 credits
Building Efficiency Auditing covers the knowledge and skills required to perform energy audits of residential and small commercial buildings. Basic building science, energy efficiency, computer modeling, combustion safety testing, and Thermography are taught in the classroom and in the field. Students perform actual energy audits of a local home. This course prepares students for the BPI Building Analyst and the RESNET HERS rater exams, both nationally recognized certifications. Class: 4 hours per week. Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENG 101.
CTC 132 Sustainable Energy for Residences and Businesses
3 credits
An investigation of sustainable energy for residences and businesses through the use of energy conservation and renewable energy options. LEED Building standards and certification will be investigated. Energy options including hydroelectric, wind power, bio-fuels, passive solar, solar thermal, photo-voltaics, hydrogen fuel cells and others will be studied. Energy conservation and efficiency in the use of window, insulation, electrical equipment, lighting, heating and cooling will be investigated. Research and evaluation of renewable energy’s economic and social feasibilities, environmental benefits and impacts, as well as state and national energy policies, will be addressed. Cost-benefit analyses will be completed for the implementation of various systems.
ARC 240 Environmental Systems
3 credits
formerly ARC 220 Environmental Systems
This course imparts knowledge of the interior environment of structures large and small and the interrelationship of energy, climate, site and architectural design. Conservation of non-renewable energy sources is an intrinsic theme. A study of the design factors in heating, cooling, plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems is included. 2 hours lecture; 2 hours of laboratory.
This Program was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration. The information contained in this product was created by a grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. All references to non-governmental companies or organizations, their services, products, or resources are offered for information purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it and is intended for individual organizational, noncommercial use only.
News Channel 12 Feature, December 13, 2010
The Daily Norwalk, December 13, 2010
Norwalk Citizen, December 15, 2010
Building Performance Institute, Inc. bpi.org 
Residential Energy Services Network resnet.us/professional 
Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund ctsavesenergy.org 
Connecticut Clean Energy Fund ctcleanenergy.com 
State of Connecticut Public Act 11-80 http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/PA/2011PA-00080-R00SB-01243-PA.htm
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