Certificate in Energy and Environment

Summer: Energy Policy and Politics (ENRG 350)

Understand the history of energy policy within the U.S.; gain an understanding of the major actors in energy policy; and explore the implications for energy policy from local to global levels. A specific focus will be placed on energy issues as they pertain to the Pacific Northwest.

Summer or Fall: Energy and Environment (ENRG 380/ESCI 380)

How do our choices in energy production impact the global and local environment? What does the future hold in terms of human use of energy? This class emphasizes the physical principles behind energy and the effects of energy on the environment. We will explore the interdependence of world economies and environment as well as look at individual opinions and choices on energy related issues.

Fall: Energy Efficient Design (ENRG 360)

Introduction to energy use in buildings and the concept of energy efficiency as a resource. Provides a quantitative but accessible approach to the analysis, design and evaluation of measures to improve energy efficiency and pursue net-zero and/or carbon neutral design. Topics covered include building heating and cooling loads, HVAC system efficiency, solar energy resources and sun angles, passive solar design and rooftop photovoltaic sizing, energy efficient and zero-carbon design for buildings, vehicles, appliances, hot water and HVAC.

Spring: Greenhouse Gas Mitigation (ENRG 482)

Learn the full range of technology options and implementation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We will introduce the basic concepts behind GHG emissions measurement and management, and explore the main mitigation options for achieving large-scale emission reductions and/or sequestration of carbon dioxide, explicitly addressing the links between energy and land-use sectors. The course is organized around the key sectors for GHG mitigation: transportation, industry, buildings, power utilities, forestry and land use, and agriculture and livestock.