Elective Course
Credits: 3-0-3 (3 semester hours)
Type of Course: Lecture
Instructor: Russell Gentry
Prerequisites None
Course Overview: Green Construction focuses on strategies and technologies to improve the energy efficiency and performance of buildings, and to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. The course emphasizes technical aspects of building design, materials selection, construction processes, and building operations. The use of objective criteria for assessing building “green-ness”, from meta issues such as building location and site – to operational details such as the selection of cleaning chemicals, is stressed throughout the course. The course will provide detailed information on and a critique of green rating systems and design methodologies. The course is taught jointly by Professor Russell Gentry and Marisa Wilson of the Southface Energy Institute.
Learning Objectives: The course is primarily a lecture course. Many of the lectures will be given by outside subject-matter experts from Southface. Panel discussions by area architects and contractors will explore the practical aspects of designing and building green. Site visits to “green” buildings, on the Georgia Tech and/or Emory campuses, and to the Southface headquarters building are anticipated.
Course Requirements:Attendance: This course meets once weekly. After the first absence, it will be necessary to speak with Professor Gentry beforehand and to explain the reasons for any subsequent absences. More than one absence will result in a reduction of the “participation” component of the final grade. Class will start promptly at 6:05 p.m., usually with a discussion of the previous week’s lecture and students reporting out on the weekly assignments. It is imperative that you come to class on time.
Students with needs that are administered by the ADAPTS office are asked to meet with Professor Gentry at the start of the term.
Course Assignments and Grading: The course will be graded based on written assignments and projects completed outside of class. There will be no in-class exams or final exam. Assignments will consist of:
1. Individual weekly assignments: readings, web research, short "position" papers, calculations, take-offs, cost estimates, drawings, or sketches as required by the assignment. Weekly assignments will be assigned less frequently during the later part of the term when students are working on other longer-term assignments. Due at the start of the next class. (30%)
2. Short Research Assignment: research and reporting assignment based on a topic of your choice. Assigned and due per syllabus. (30%)
3. Group Research Project: group-based research project with a field component. Oral report to the class. Hard copy of presentation, abstract, and list of resources to Professor Gentry. Assigned and due per syllabus. (30%)
4. Participation (10%)