Sept. 14, 2009 – College of DuPage is one of three community and technical colleges nationwide to receive the 2009 Excellence in Green Building Curriculum Recognition Award from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The College earned this recognition for its new “Sustainable Design Initiative” course that involves a unique partnership between the College’s Architecture program, ComEd and DuPage Habitat for Humanity. The course curriculum focuses on residential sustainable design and implementation strategies, including the development of 11 homes in a three-acre, $3 million Habitat for Humanity subdivision in West Chicago.
“Naturally, it feels great to be recognized on a national level by the USGBC, the leader in setting the standards for sustainable building in the U.S.,” said C.O.D. Assistant Architecture Professor Mark Pearson, who developed the curriculum for the Sustainable Design Initiative course with C.O.D. Architecture Professor Jane Ostergaard. “I know our students already have a sense of satisfaction from being involved with a real-world project that benefits our local communities. The USGBC award provides additional recognition for all the hard work they put into this course.”
Both Construction Management and Architecture students participate in this class, which provides the added benefit of experience in balancing both design and construction considerations, Pearson said. Throughout the program, students work alongside industry professionals and technical experts to evaluate and incorporate LEED core concepts and EPA Energy Star building strategies into construction of the Habitat homes.
“We’re looking forward to working with the Habitat program again when we offer the second version of Architecture 2480, Sustainable Design Initiative, this spring, Pearson said.
A total of 13 Pre-K schools, community colleges and universities nationwide received the 2009 Excellence in Green Building Curriculum Recognition Awards. Winners were selected based on demonstrated program success, the ability for program replication, scope of influence, advancement of green principles within the educational community, and the fostering of a collaborative or interdisciplinary approach.
“Through this initiative, USGBC is recognizing those organizations that are taking the lead in the development of innovative green building knowledge and resources,” said Rebecca Flora, Senior Vice President for Education & Research, USGBC.
The Washington, D.C.-based USGBC is a non-profit organization comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 20,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 100,000 LEED Accredited Professionals.