BCCC's Sustainable Building Program Begins Oct. 21

With the push to go green lately, sustainable building is on the rise.

And local residents don’t have to travel far to gain training in this cutting-edge field.

For five years, Bucks County Community College has offered a Sustainable Building Advisor Institute certificate program. The program teaches environmentally friendly ways to minimize energy costs and conserve building materials.

The next Sustainable Building Advisor program will begin on Oct. 21 at the college’s Newtown campus. Classes meet Friday and Saturday, one weekend a month for nine months, through June 9. 

Just recently, the Sustainable Building Advisor Institute gained international status through a partnership with the Canadian Green Building Council, said Jean Dolan, BCCC's assistant director of public relations. The partnership means the Sustainable Building Advisor program will be offered in various Canadian provinces beginning in 2012.

Bucks County Community College was the first to offer the specialized training program on the East Coast, Dolan said.

The program teaches green building techniques, such as how to minimize energy costs and use materials wisely.  It teaches sustainable design – the practice of creating healthier and more efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition, Dolan added.

“The program is ideal for architects, engineers, project managers, developer representatives and other professionals in the building industry,” said a press release issued by the college. “Students learn how to save long-term costs for building owners, operators and tenants; improve the environmental, social and economic viability of the region; and reduce the environmental impact of development. As a result of participation, students will enhance their current professional background with extended knowledge and verified national certification.”

At the end of the program, students are eligible to take the National Sustainable Building Advisory Program certification examination. If they pass that exam, they will be entitled to use the term CSBA, or Certified Sustainable Building Advisor, on professional documents.

The Sustainable Building Advisory Program is approved by the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Green Building Council.

For more information, visit www.bucks.edu/sba or contact Joan Christianson at christia@bucks.edu or 215-258-7741. To register, visit www.bucks.edu/con-ed, or call 215-968-8409.