Sustainable Green Building
Build for the future. Design for the planet.
Program Options
Sustainable Green Building AAS
The Associate of Applied Science in Sustainable Green Building is designed to educate students comprehensively on the many subjects related to green building categories and related environmental and occupant issues, energy efficiencies, and sustainable building design considerations. The program prepares students for employment in the construction industry specifically related to green building and its related categories.
- Credential: 61 Credit Hours
- Designed to be completed in two years
- Includes an internship experience component for real-world, hands-on training
Hands-On Learning and Internship Experience
Sustainable Green Building students learn through a combination of classroom instruction, applied projects, and hands-on technical experience. The program includes an internship component designed to help you build your resume, make professional connections, and apply your skills in a real-world setting before you graduate.
Whether you are designing a solar system, constructing a greenhouse model, or developing a rainwater harvesting plan, coursework is built around learning by doing.
What Can I Do within Construction Technology?
Graduates of the Sustainable Green Building program may pursue careers such as:
- Sustainable Building Specialist
- Green Building Inspector or Consultant
- Solar Energy Designer or Installer
- Wind Energy Technician
- Energy Efficiency Specialist
- Construction Project Manager (Green Building focus)
- Building Performance Analyst
- Environmental Building Technician
- Alternative Energy Technician
Career opportunities vary by education level, certifications earned, and employer requirements. The green building industry continues to grow as communities and employers prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency.
What Will I Learn?
As a Sustainable Green Building student, you will develop skills and knowledge across three interconnected areas:
Explore the Impacts of Sustainability
Understand core green building concepts and tackle real environmental challenges. Work with sustainable materials, from soil science and food production to eco-friendly construction practices, and develop a strong foundation in the environmental issues facing the construction industry today.
Design and Plan with Technology
Build skills in drafting, layout, and design while learning to use AutoCAD to bring sustainable ideas into professional building plans. You’ll develop the technical fluency needed to communicate and execute green building designs in real-world settings.
Apply Green Construction in the Field
Practice safe, effective building methods and experiment with innovative techniques through hands-on learning and applied projects. From solar systems and rainwater harvesting to alternative building technologies, you’ll gain experience that goes beyond the classroom.
Programs at a glance
- Length of Program
- Associate of Science (AS) Transfer Degree
- AGEC-S Certificate
- Individual AGEC courses
- Course Delivery:
- In-person and Online Classes
- Course Schedule:
- Day and Evening Classes Available
- Transferrability:
- All Courses transfer to NAU, ASU, and U of A as AGEC credit.
- Financial Aid Eligible
- Military/Veteran Benefits Available
- Location:
- Lone Tree Cmapus
- Page Campus
- Online
INdustry Certifications
Sustainable Green Building coursework may prepare students for industry-recognized credentials including:
OSHA 10 — construction safety certification
OSHA 30 — advanced construction safety certification
EPA 608 Certification (Environmental Protection Agency)
Certification opportunities vary based on coursework and program pathway. Speak with an advisor or program faculty for current certification preparation details.
Transfer option
The Sustainable Green Building AAS is primarily a workforce-focused credential designed to prepare you for employment in the construction and green building industries. Transfer options to a four-year university may be limited.
CCC participates in transfer partnerships with Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Grand Canyon University. Students interested in continuing their education toward a bachelor’s degree should meet with an academic advisor early to explore available pathways and ensure their coursework aligns with their goals.
Please meet with an Advisor to discuss options.
Career Outlook
Building the Human Environment
Explore how architecture and construction shape human psychology and community well-being. Learn from historical, modern, and future solutions to the human need for shelter and infrastructure, and examine how cultural, environmental, and physical forces shape the built environment.
Solar Greenhouse Design
Apply passive solar design principles to create efficient greenhouse models. Practice site evaluation, solar orientation, and energy-smart construction techniques that prepare you for careers in sustainable building and alternative energy systems. Rainwater Harvest Systems Design systems to capture, store, and reuse rainwater for homes and landscapes. Understand safe practices for converting rainwater into potable water, and explore how responsible water management connects to green building practices.
Solar Home Design
Learn the principles of passive solar design for residential applications and apply them through hands-on design projects. Students develop solar heating system plans and explore energy performance considerations for sustainable homes.
Photovoltaics and Wind Power
Explore solar photovoltaic and wind energy systems and how they are integrated into green building design. Develop practical knowledge of renewable energy technologies as they apply to residential and small commercial construction.
Innovative and Alternative Building Technologies
Examine emerging construction methods and materials that push the boundaries of traditional building. Explore how innovation in design, materials, and systems can support more sustainable, resilient communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need construction or building experience before I start?
No. The Sustainable Green Building program is designed for students who are new to the field as well as those who want to build on existing construction or environmental knowledge. You’ll develop foundational skills through coursework and hands-on projects.
- What makes Sustainable Green Building different from Construction Technology?
Construction Technology focuses broadly on building methods, project management, and construction trades. Sustainable Green Building specifically focuses on environmentally responsible design and construction practices, including solar energy, green materials, rainwater systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable building standards.
- What is green building and why does it matter?
Green building refers to construction practices that reduce environmental impact by improving energy efficiency, using sustainable materials, conserving water, and creating healthier indoor environments. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in the construction industry, driven by growing demand from employers, local governments, and communities for more sustainable infrastructure.
- Can I earn certifications while in this program?
Students may have opportunities to prepare for certifications such as OSHA 10, OSHA 30, and EPA 608 through program coursework. Speak with program faculty or an advisor for the most current certification preparation details.
Meet Your Faculty:
Next Steps:
- Apply for free
- Find ways to pay for college
- Meet with your Advisor
- Enroll in classes
