Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Workforce Development and Continuing Education

Building Energy Technologies
Certificate Program

Total Credit Hours:
Eighteen (18) credits
Program Length:
Six (6) courses
Check Schedule for Availability

Program Description: This is a program of study that will be examining concepts and theory, and providing experiential application of energy efficiency and renewable energy systems in the building construction and retrofit industry, leading to more energy efficient and lower cost operations of structures and facilities.

Program Clientele: Building owners and operators, construction tradesmen and contractors, engineering and environmental consultants, building inspectors, real estate agents and architects.

Program Objective: The participant will receive the background, skill, and knowledge to review, assess, implement, audit, optimize, and operate energy efficiency and alternative energy systems within a wide range of facility types, in both new construction and retrofit situations. With an emphasis on integration of these systems into basic building functions and construction management, the participant obtains the expertise to coordinate and work effectively with architects, engineers, planners, and contractors on the installation and operation of the energy systems, and to promote those skills in the construction trades job marketplace.

BET 200: Green Building Systems Fundamentals: Basic Sustainable Design and Operation

Description: This three (3) credit course covers the basics of building envelopes, HVAC, lighting, installation, glazing, plumbing and electrical systems, construction materials, and the surrounding environment. The course incorporates blueprint reading, design fundamentals and focuses on construction engineering concepts. It introduces LEED and ENERGY STAR programs, relevant environmental, health, and safety principles, impacts, and regulatory implications. This course provides a broad overview of energy use and efficiency in structures.

BET 205: Technical Aspects of Renewable and Alternative Energy

Description: This three (3) credit course is an introductory work-skills course on the principles, concepts, applications, and installation of renewable and alternative energy technologies as applied at the individual structure level. The course covers the utilization of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, etc) as well as alternative technologies utilized for building operations (micro-turbines, fuel cells, combined heat and power). It is designed to highlight the installation of various technologies. There will be visits to alternative energy installations and sites.

BET 210: Residential Building Energy and Environmental Systems

Description: This three (3) credit course details energy systems and energy efficiency technologies utilized in single and multi-family residential building types. It covers systems design and installation in both new construction and retrofit projects. It introduces field auditing techniques, environmental impacts (indoor air quality, asbestos, lead, voc’s, radon, waste disposal issues, etc.), worker health & safety considerations, Energy Starcertification, building commissioning procedures, and local regulatory requirements. An off-site visit to a residential “green” building/construction site will be scheduled as part of this course. Writing assignments, as appropriate for the discipline, are part of the course.

BET 215: BPI Home Performance Energy Evaluations
Description: This thirty (30) hour course will emphasize the fundamentals of building science, energy use, and occupant behavior. The guiding document for the course structure is the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Standards. At the completion of the instruction, the student may take two tests – one test is taken online, and the second test is a field test. Each of these tests is two hours long, and will be scheduled through the instructor.

BET 220: Commercial and Industrial Building Energy & Environmental Systems
Description: This three (3) credit course covers the types of energy systems and energy efficiency technologies in use in commercial, industrial, and high-rise buildings. It includes design, installation, testing, assessment, and operation of technologies in these structures, and details the integration of system control components. It also encompasses a synopsis of environmental, health & safety for construction and post-construction activities, Energy Star and LEED certification, other pertinent programs and regulatory aspects. An off-site visit to an institutional “green” building/construction site will be scheduled as part of this course. Writing assignments, as appropriate for the discipline, are part of the course.

BET 225: Building Systems Maintenance

Description: This three (3) credit course is comprised of the following seven (7) energy efficiency topics in building operations and maintenance: Building Systems Overview, Energy Conservation Techniques, Facility Electrical Systems, Efficient Lighting Fundamentals, HVAC Systems and Controls, Indoor Air Quality, and Environmental Health and Safety Regulations.

Department of Workforce Development and Continuing Education
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
750 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-391-3543
wdce@stevenscollege.edu