SDSU Develops Online Green Construction Certificate Program

Contact:
Steve Dolan
College of Extended Studies
San Diego State University
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO (Wednesday, February 27, 2008) — Creating a sustainable future is an important commitment at San Diego State University. In addition to research, academic, and other green initiatives occurring throughout the university, the SDSU College of Extended Studies (CES) is implementing a new online certificate program in green building construction that will enable experienced, new, and potential construction industry personnel to learn about green, sustainable construction and design.

The market for "Green" building construction is growing rapidly.

“Many companies in diverse industries are now examining how they can conduct their normal business activities in an environmentally friendly fashion,” said Joe Shapiro, dean of CES.

“Here in San Diego there is a burgeoning industry in green construction that utilizes sustainable building tools and strategies. Our new certificate program focuses on developing the skills to implement such strategies.”

Students who enroll in SDSU’s Professional Certificate in Green Building Construction online program will:

• Learn about environmentally sustainable construction in construction management education
• Expand their existing knowledge base to assist in preparation for the US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation exam
• Learn how to combine environmental concerns with career knowledge
• Benefit from the expertise of faculty who are experts in the industry
• Be able to enhance their careers in a convenient online environment

Among those who could benefit from attending this program are design professionals; contractors, sub-contractors, and builders; planners and commissioners; facilities managers and stakeholders; and environmental engineers.

“Construction professionals dealing with commercial building projects simply must know about green building and the LEED-NC certifications,” said Bob George, certified professional estimator and instructor in the new program. “The market for green buildings is projected to continue its rapid growth in all areas of the country. You can make a construction career move now by learning about green building and LEED.”

The first class in this innovative online program begins April 7. Industry professionals from around the world have shown interest in the program because of the opportunity to complete course work at their convenience.
For more information, call (619) 594-7078, email wevers@mail.sdsu.edu or visit www.ces.sdsu.edu/cg.html.

SDSU's College of Extended Studies engages the community with a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 35 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. To register or for more information, call (619) 265-SDSU (7378) or log on to www.neverstoplearning.net.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 74 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s approximately 36,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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