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Available Courses
These are the available courses to obtain the Sustainable Energy Occupational Endorsement.
Required course - Offered in the fall
Transitioning to a sustainable energy system is one of the defining challenges of our time. Across the world, and especially in Alaska, we are experiencing increasing storm intensity, increasing wildfire frequency and warming temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions from combusting fossil fuels. Simultaneously, our energy systems produce social injustices, local area pollutants and environmental hazards. Our energy systems also provide food, transportation and shelter around the world and raise the standard of living for many global citizens. How do we evaluate the sustainability of our energy systems in this context and push forward healthier alternatives to the status quo?
This class investigates the impact of energy use in society including local area pollutants, climate change and social patterns. Through lecture, reading and discussion we will learn the principles of evaluating energy system sustainability. With that foundation we will explore various elements of an energy transition including renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency technologies, and policy. Topics include current energy use, principles of energy conservation and efficiency, sustainable energy resources, energy storage technologies, regulations, and career pathways. By course completion students will be prepared to engage in many energy issues and well prepared to pursue further study in specialized fields of sustainable energy.
Elective course - Offered in the spring
Exploring the concept of energy. Investigation of the sources, conversion, distribution and ultimate dispersion of energy, as well as the consequences of its use in the development and maintenance of modern society.
Elective course - Offered as demand warrants
In this course, students gain basic practical knowledge related to the process of designing energy efficient buildings, as applied to both new construction and retrofits. Main topics covered include basic building science, principles and techniques of energy efficient construction, and building energy simulations.