This core course introduces students to the historical, philosophical, political, ethical, scientific, economic and social issues involved with sustainable design and development. Emphasis is upon the fundamental concept of the interdependence of the built environment and the natural world and the implications of this relationship in shaping design decisions. This course will examine how the traditional methods commonly used to design and build structures and plan communities have contributed to far reaching environmental and social problems and degradation and loss of natural systems. The Cradle to Cradle, Triple Bottom Line and Natural Step frameworks for sustainable thinking provide foundations upon which students build their environmental awareness; and the concept of integrated design is introduced as the most effective way to accomplish sustainable design and development.

Through readings, discussions, and assignments, students are encouraged to critically examine the interrelated, whole-systems aspects of the economic, environmental, health and social benefits of sustainable design and construction as well as what these benefits mean to each student personally and professionally.

The course also introduces students to the resources for information and the terms, phrases and definitions commonly used in the practice of sustainable design. Sustainable building and product certification, standards, evaluation methods and rating systems for sustainable design are introduced and discussed for their applicability and effects upon design decisions, exploring the question: "What makes a building or a product or a process sustainable?" The codes, standards, systems and programs that serve to quantify and qualify sustainable design will be examined in detail including:

• Building Codes
• LEED
• Life-cycle Assessment
• Cradle to Cradle
• Building Green's EBN checklist
• Green Guard
• Green Seal
• Bees
• Green Guide for Healthcare
• Green building guidelines and programs of various cities (Denver, Boulder, Austin, and others)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• Be aware of the impacts of the built environment upon the health of the planet and all species
• Understand the primary issues involved creating an ethic of sustainability
• Understand the environmental, economic, social and health benefits of sustainable design and development
• Have a working knowledge of the terms, phrases and definitions commonly used in the practice of sustainable design
• Understand how products, processes and structures may be evaluated for sustainability
• Have a working knowledge of resources for information on sustainable products and design strategies

Prerequisites: none

This course defines and explores sustainable sites, landscaping and the materials and construction methods used in high performance commercial and residential buildings. Emphasis is upon systems-thinking and integrated design in relation to choosing and applying appropriate strategies, materials and processes according to their energy, resource and environmental impacts and benefits.

Through readings, discussions, guest speakers, videos, site visits, and studio projects, students examine strategies for sustainable sites and landscaping and the properties and technologies of green building products and construction methods from multiple perspectives, including: the LEED for New Construction, LEED Core and Shell, and LEED for Homes Rating Systems; Building Green's EBN Green Products Standards; the Green Building Materials Guide to Product Selection and Specification; alternative, contemporary natural building methods such as straw bale, adobe, rammed earth, cob, and others; new technologies; reused and recycled products; and specialized strategies such as xeriscaping and green roofs.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• Understand the properties, qualities, benefits and challenges of sustainable building products and materials and how to analyze for appropriate application
• Understand the primary considerations for sustainable site selection, development and landscaping
• Understand the properties, qualities, benefits and challenges of the primary alternative, sustainable construction methods and how to analyze for appropriate application
• Have a working knowledge of sources for sustainable building materials
• Apply their knowledge and skills in sustainable sites, building materials and construction methods to an integrated design team project utilizing the appropriate LEED rating system

Prerequisites:  Sustainability and the Built Environment

A whole-systems approach to building design and construction is central to this study of sustainable alternatives to traditional heating, cooling, electrical and water systems including:

• Passive and active solar
• Wind power
• Geothermal power
• Daylighting and energy efficient lighting
• Natural ventilation and cooling systems
• Water conservation strategies

Each of these sustainable systems is defined, discussed and demonstrated via case studies and/or site visits to provide students with an understanding of these technologies and applications.

Discussions explore how a site’s climatic and environmental features directly influence building orientation, form and indoor spaces and how these decisions in turn provide opportunities for integration of multiple sustainable systems. Strategies for appropriate integration of these systems into new and existing structures are examined in relation to their economic and environmental benefits as well as quality of life benefits. The LEED rating systems serve as guidelines and standards for integration of these strategies in new and existing buildings.

The concept of the zero energy building (ZEB) is introduced as an approach in which life-cycle analysis of the building as a whole is used to evaluate every decision about a building's systems to determine of its future impact on energy use. The process of building commissioning is also introduced as a strategy to ensure that all systems perform as intended.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• Understand how each system within a sustainable building works with and affects the other systems
• Understand the relationship between an buildings' geographical location and orientation and the opportunities to utilize natural energy sources and climatic features
• Understand the properties, qualities, benefits and challenges of the primary alternative, sustainable systems used in high performance buildings, and how to analyze for appropriate application
• Have a working knowedge of sources for information, products and technologies associated with sustainable systems

Prerequisites: Sustainability and the Built Environment, Principles and Strategies 1

Sustainable design does not end with a building's structure and systems; to be fully sustainable, the interior environment must be equally considered as part of the whole-systems approach to sustainable design. The goal of sustainable interior design is to integrate considerations and strategies for sustainability with principles of aesthetics, function and comfort to create spaces that are healthy, energy and resource efficient, functional and aesthetically pleasing. This studio course explores sustainable commercial and residential interior design strategies, materials, and products for optimum energy and resource efficiency, healthy indoor environmental and air quality and appropriate application.

This course utilizes case studies and field trips to local commercial and residential interior spaces to explore best practices in sustainable interiors. Students examine LEED for Homes, LEED for Commercial Interiors, and local community green rating systems such as Built Green and Boulder's Green Points programs as guidelines and standards for sustainable interiors.

Students in this course combine their knowledge and skills in all previous courses to the application of innovative sustainable design solutions for residential and commercial interiors. Assignments and projects challenge students to utilize integrated design strategies to apply their knowledge in a variety of interior environments.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• Understand the issues, ethics and challenges involved with designing sustainable interiors
• Understand the relationship between sustainable buildings and their interiors and the importance of creating a totally sustainable building both inside and outside
• Understand the properties, qualities, benefits and challenges of sustainable interior materials, products and furnishings and how to analyze for appropriate application
• Have a working knowledge of sources for information and manufacturers of sustainable interior materials, products and furnishings
• Apply their knowledge and skills in sustainable interior design to an individual and/or team project using LEED CI, LEED H and/or other rating system

Prerequisite: Sustainability and the Built Environment, Principles and Strategies 1, Sustainable Systems

Sustainable design professionals come from diverse educational and experiential backgrounds to work together as part of an integrated design team to create high performance buildings that improve quality of life and reduce significantly their impact upon the Earth. This design process is changing not only the way buildings are designed and built but also how design and construction professionals define themselves and their work and how they are perceived. Many clients desire or require of their design professionals not only education and experience in sustainable design, but also enhanced credentials in sustainability.

This course examines how sustainable designers can enhance their credentials through the process of becoming a LEED Accredited Professional: the current most recognized benchmark for sustainable design professionals. Students form study groups and utilize study tips and materials for the LEED AP examination to prepare for a mock LEED exam given at the end of this course.

Because it is important to not only have the credentials, education and experience to provide sustainable design services but to also demonstrate professional ethics and environmental responsibility as a core principle of business, this course provides tips on how to reduce the environmental impact of running a design firm.

Strategies for marketing sustainable design services for an individual designer desiring a position with a firm, a sole proprietor of a firm providing sustainable design services, or as a larger firm specializing in sustainable design services are explored in this course.

Case studies of sustainable designers and firms and guest lectures by local sustainable design professionals provide students with applicable examples from which to develop their own strategies.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• Understand the process and strategies of preparing for and taking the LEED AP examination
• Have an awareness of the current and future perceptions, status and opportunities of the sustainable design profession
• Understand how to minimize the environmental impact of running a design firm
• Understand and apply successful strategies for marketing sustainable design services

Prerequisites: Sustainability and the Built Environment, Principles and Strategies 1, Sustainable Systems, Principles and Strategies 2

This capstone course explores the issues of sustainability as a rigorous inquiry process involving multidisciplinary participation and collaboration. Students develop their individual professional areas of expertise to contribute to the integrated design process in a semester-long studio project that applies the knowledge and skills of all previous courses to all phases of the design of a sustainable building and interiors.

Students participate in multiple activities including research, collaborative teamwork, charettes, and application of the LEED rating system to the process of developing an innovative sustainable design. The process and techniques of Building Information Modeling will be discussed and demonstrated as the class project develops.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will

• Have demonstrated their competencies and ability to apply sustainable principles and strategies
• Have demonstrated their ability for leadership, collaboration, teamwork, and project management as part of an integrated design team
• Have developed their individual professional areas of expertise to include an understanding of their responsibilities, roles and strategies as sustainable design professionals