As professionals prepare themselves to meet the requirements of California’s green building code that goes into effect next year for all new construction statewide, Santiago Canyon College (SCC) has launched a Green-Sustainable Building Code certificate program.
The program will provide the training needed by contractors, architects, building inspectors, project managers, city inspectors, building energy modelers/consultants as well as the general public interested in sustainable building design.
“Our Green Building Program will focus on the new California regulations, specifically California Title 24 Energy Code, the CALGreen building code, and other green building programs, including Build It Green and LEED,” said David Khorram, P.E., Chief Building Official with the City of Orange and the International Code Council Orange Empire Chapter (ICCOEC) president. Khorram is the program’s instructor/coordinator at SCC.
The new CALGreen code sets targets for energy efficiency, water consumption, dual plumbing systems for potable and irrigation water, diversion of construction waste from landfills and use of environmentally sensitive materials in construction and design, including eco-friendly flooring, carpeting, paint, coatings, thermal insulation and acoustical wall and ceiling panels. It is the first-in-the-nation mandatory green building standards code. Voluntary for the time being, it will become mandatory on January 1, 2011. According to the California Air Resources Board, the mandatory provisions will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3,000,000 metric tons by 2020.
To complete the college’s new certificate program, students are required to complete 16 units of coursework (1 unit is approximately 16 classroom hours with additional outside of class assignments). The coursework is complimented by a "Capstone" project course, where students put what they have learned to use in a project that essentially should create a portfolio of how they can apply skills, or as another line on their resume. Students are encouraged to use the Green-Sustainable Building Code program to enhance existing skills and prepare for new or additional career responsibilites or even a new job.
“SCC’s new program will provide people from many professions with needed work skills,” said Khorram. “Not only will those with jobs be better prepared to adhere to the new state requirements, but those seeking employment will be better poised to find a good job. Many future jobs in California, nationwide, and even worldwide will be based on efficiency and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels to preserve and protect the planet and the environment we live in.”
For more information, contact us at careereducation@sccollege.edu, or call (714) 628-4883.