Sustainability Technologies
The Sustainability Technologies curriculum prepares individuals for employment in solar energy installation and design, renewable energy, energy management, sustainable construction, corporate sustainability, environmental monitoring, and related industries. Major emphasis is placed on minimizing the impact on the natural environment while increasing social capital and promoting sustainable economics.
Course work includes environmental monitoring, solar technologies, green building practices, energy auditing and management, safety, problem-solving, and landscape analysis. Computer application addresses the construction, modeling, and analysis of specific scenarios relating to creating a sustainable environment.
Graduates should qualify for employment within solar energy, renewable energy, green building, energy management, design, and engineering. Employment opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following: solar energy technicians, solar energy designers, sustainability technicians, energy auditors, environmental engineering technicians, construction management, and renewable energy specialists.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in sustainability technologies employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Sustainability Technologies (A40370)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science degree – Sustainability Technologies is awarded by the college upon completing this program.
Admissions
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Central Piedmont placement tests are required in English and mathematics. Developmental classes in mathematics and English courses are available for students to build basic skills and knowledge.
- Counseling and orientation appointments follow placement testing.
- Students should see a faculty advisor before registration.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Note
Students who do not take program-related courses for a one-year period must re-enter the program under the college catalog requirements in effect at the time of re-entry.
Contact Information
Sustainability Technologies is in the Engineering Technologies Division. For more information, contact the Program Chair at 704.330.6836 or visit the Sustainability Technologies page.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Select 3 credits from the following courses: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Algebra/Trigonometry I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following courses: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| ENV 110 | Environmental Science | 3.0 |
| SST 110 | Introduction to Sustainability | 3.0 |
| SST 120 | Energy Use Analysis | 3.0 |
| SST 210 | Issues in Sustainability | 3.0 |
| ENV 110A | Environmental Science Laboratory | 1.0 |
| ENV 226 | Environmental Law | 3.0 |
| ARC 114 | Architectural CAD | 2.0 |
| SST 250 | Sustainability Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| ARC 225 | Architectural Building Information Modeling I | 2.0 |
| PHY 110 | Conceptual Physics | 3.0 |
| PHY 110A | Conceptual Physics Lab | 1.0 |
| LID 111 | Low Impact Development Design Principles | 3.0 |
| or ELC 111 | Introduction to Electricity | |
| Energy/Bldng Track | ||
| Complete one of two groups (See below) | 12.0 | |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select 7 credits from the following: | 7.0 | |
| Green Building and Design Concepts | ||
| Introduction to Architectural Technology | ||
| Entrepreneurship I | ||
| Small Business Management | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning II | ||
| Earth Science | ||
| Physical Geography I | ||
| World Regional Geography | ||
| Physical Geology | ||
| Environmental Geology | ||
| Biofuels I | ||
| Construction Materials & Methods | ||
| Construction Estimating | ||
| Sustainable Development | ||
| Introduction to Landscape Architecture Technology | ||
| Residential Landscape Design | ||
| Engineering and Design Graphics | ||
| Machine Processes I | ||
| Manufacturing Processes I | ||
| Engineering Materials | ||
| Environmental Biology | ||
| Environmental Biology Lab | ||
| Introduction to Chemistry | ||
| Introduction to Chemistry Lab | ||
| Organic and Biochemistry | ||
| Surveying II | ||
| HVACR Electricity | ||
| Heating Technology | ||
| Comfort Cooling | ||
| DC/AC Electricity | ||
| Residential Wiring | ||
| National Electrical Code | ||
| Print Reading-Construction | ||
| Planning and Scheduling | ||
| Costs and Productivity | ||
| Introduction to Architectural Technology | ||
| Intro to Sustain Design | ||
| Environmental Systems | ||
| Introduction to Carpentry | ||
| Residential Building Codes | ||
| Soils and Foundations | ||
| Database Concepts | ||
| Environmental Health | ||
| Land Resource Management | ||
| Georeferencing & Mapping | ||
| Engineering Mechanisms | ||
| Physics-Mechanics | ||
| Physics-Electricity & Magnetism | ||
| Surveying I | ||
| Construction Management Fundamentals | ||
| Print Reading-Construction | ||
| Surveying III | ||
| Advanced Photovoltaic System Designs | ||
| Construction Materials & Methods | ||
| Subdivision Planning & Design | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Technology | ||
| Photovoltaic System Technology | ||
| Wind and Hydro Power Systems | ||
| Statics/Strength of Mater | ||
| Hydrology & Erosion Control | ||
| Engineering Mechanisms | ||
| Introduction to GIS | ||
| Air Photo Interpretation | ||
| Remote Sensing | ||
| CAD for GIS | ||
| General Biology I | ||
| Total Credits | 65 | |
Energy/Bldng Tracks
Group 1
| ALT 120 | Renewable Energy Technologies | 3.0 |
| SST 130 | Modeling Renewable Energy | 3.0 |
| ALT 250 | Thermal Systems | 3.0 |
| ELC 220 | Photovoltaic System Technology | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Group 2
| CST 111 | Construction I | 4.0 |
| CST 150 | Building Science | 3.0 |
| CMT 120 | Codes and Inspections | 3.0 |
| SST 140 | Green Building and Design Concepts | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Sustainability Technology Certificates (C40370)
- Sustainability Technologies Certificate – Specialization in Renewable Energy (C40370-C1)
- Sustainability Technologies Certificate – Specialization in Energy and the Environment (C40370-C5)
- Sustainability Technologies Certificate - Specialization in Design and Modeling (C40370-C6)
Sustainability Technologies Certificate – Specialization in Renewable Energy (C40370-C1)
| Major Requirements | ||
| SST 110 | Introduction to Sustainability | 3.0 |
| SST 120 | Energy Use Analysis | 3.0 |
| SST 130 | Modeling Renewable Energy | 3.0 |
| ELC 220 | Photovoltaic System Technology | 3.0 |
| ALT 120 | Renewable Energy Technologies | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Sustainability Technologies Certificate – Specialization in Energy and the Environment (C40370-C5)
| Major Requirements | ||
| SST 110 | Introduction to Sustainability | 3.0 |
| SST 120 | Energy Use Analysis | 3.0 |
| ALT 120 | Renewable Energy Technologies | 3.0 |
| ENV 110 | Environmental Science | 3.0 |
| ENV 110A | Environmental Science Laboratory | 1.0 |
| ENV 226 | Environmental Law | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Sustainability Technologies Certificate - Specialization in Design and Modeling (C40370-C6)
| Major Requirements | ||
| SST 130 | Modeling Renewable Energy | 3.0 |
| ARC 114 | Architectural CAD | 2.0 |
| GIS 111 | Introduction to GIS | 3.0 |
| GIS 121 | Georeferencing & Mapping | 3.0 |
| SST 110 | Introduction to Sustainability | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2023-2024 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
Renewable Energy Track
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| SST 110 | Introduction to Sustainability | 3.0 |
| ELC 220 | Photovoltaic System Technology | 3.0 |
| ENV 110 | Environmental Science | 3.0 |
| ENV 110A | Environmental Science Laboratory | 1.0 |
| SST 120 | Energy Use Analysis | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term II | ||
| ALT 250 | Thermal Systems | 3.0 |
| PHY 110 | Conceptual Physics | 3.0 |
| PHY 110A | Conceptual Physics Lab | 1.0 |
| Behavioral/Social Science | 3.0 | |
| ARC 114 | Architectural CAD | 2.0 |
| LID 111 or ELC 111 | Low Impact Development Design Principles or Introduction to Electricity | 3.0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term III | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| MAT 121 | Algebra/Trigonometry I | 3.0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Term IV | ||
| English/Communication | 3.0 | |
| ENV 226 | Environmental Law | 3.0 |
| ARC 225 | Architectural Building Information Modeling I | 2.0 |
| ALT 120 | Renewable Energy Technologies | 3.0 |
| Technical Elective | 4.0 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term V | ||
| SST 130 | Modeling Renewable Energy | 3.0 |
| SST 250 | Sustainability Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| SST 210 | Issues in Sustainability | 3.0 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| Technical Elective | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 65 | |
Green Building Track
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| SST 110 | Introduction to Sustainability | 3.0 |
| CST 111 | Construction I | 4.0 |
| ENV 110 | Environmental Science | 3.0 |
| ENV 110A | Environmental Science Laboratory | 1.0 |
| SST 120 | Energy Use Analysis | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| CST 150 | Building Science | 3.0 |
| PHY 110 | Conceptual Physics | 3.0 |
| PHY 110A | Conceptual Physics Lab | 1.0 |
| Behavioral/Social Science | 3.0 | |
| ARC 114 | Architectural CAD | 2.0 |
| LID 111 or ELC 111 | Low Impact Development Design Principles or Introduction to Electricity | 3.0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term III | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| MAT 121 | Algebra/Trigonometry I | 3.0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Term IV | ||
| English/Communication | 3.0 | |
| ENV 226 | Environmental Law | 3.0 |
| ARC 225 | Architectural Building Information Modeling I | 2.0 |
| CMT 120 | Codes and Inspections | 3.0 |
| Technical Elective | 4.0 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term V | ||
| SST 140 | Green Building and Design Concepts | 3.0 |
| SST 250 | Sustainability Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| SST 210 | Issues in Sustainability | 3.0 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| Technical Elective | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 66 | |
Courses
SST 110. Introduction to Sustainability. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces sustainability issues and individual contributions toward environmental sustainability. Topics include management processes needed to maximize renewable/non-renewable energy resources, economics of sustainability, and reduction of environmental impacts. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss sustainability practices and demonstrate an understanding of their effectiveness and impacts.
SST 120. Energy Use Analysis. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the principles of analyzing energy use, energy auditing tools and techniques, conservation techniques, and calculating energy savings. Topics include building system control theory, calibrating digital controls, energy loss calculations, and applicable conservation techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of energy use, audits, and controls in the analysis of energy consumption.
SST 130. Modeling Renewable Energy. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces software and other technologies used for modeling renewable energy systems. Topics include renewable energy modeling software applications, data analysis, renewable energy sources, and cost of renewable energy systems. Upon completion, students should be able to use appropriate technology to model the effectiveness of renewable energy systems.
SST 140. Green Building and Design Concepts. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course is designed to introduce the student to sustainable building design and construction principles and practices. Topics include sustainable building rating systems and certifications, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, sustainable building materials and water use. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the principles and practices of sustainable building design and construction.
SST 210. Issues in Sustainability. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the long-term impacts and difficulties of applying sustainability concepts in an organization, business, or society. Topics include the application of sustainable technologies and the analysis of affordability, efficiencies, recycling, and small and large-scale design. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize the possible limitations of sustainable technologies and be prepared to reconcile such conflicts.
SST 250. Sustainability Capstone Project. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces an integrated team approach to a sustainability topic of interest to students, faculty, or professional community. Topics include problem identification, proposal preparation, conceptual design, and an effective project work schedule. Upon completion, students should be able to integrate the many facets of a topic based on environmental sustainability into a completed project.