Sustainable living is a vital issue on many people’s minds today. Mainstream public and politicians alike have resolved to reduce pollution and waste and slow down global warming. This is particularly true for those in the building industry, whose daily decisions have a critical impact on the health and well-being of the community and the environment.

Building accounts for approximately 40% of U.S. primary energy consumption
(USDOE)

Green Building is a world-wide movement to create cleaner and more energy efficient buildings. From energy and water sustainability to recycling of dumpster debris, the potential impact of providing higher education in this field is tremendous.

The Building Science and Green Building specialization in the Sustainable Building Systems graduate concentration in Environmental Conservation provides the practitioner or returning student with a platform for acquiring training in environmentally responsible building practices. Depending on your needs, choose between these graduate programs:

  • Thesis/Dissertation-based M.S. or Ph.D. program – This research-based graduate program allows students to pursue a directed research project and requires completion of a thesis/dissertation in addition to coursework. Interested students need to contact a potential faculty advisor (see list below) before applying.
  • Professional M.S. program. This 1-2 year program does not require a research-based thesis. Students complete a number of courses, which can include a practicum. Interested students can find out more about this option on the Professional Master’s page.

Fields of Study

  • Building energy modeling
  • Efficiency of building energy systems
  • Clean energy systems
  • Building analysis and forensics
  • Energy retrofitting
  • Urban impacts of buildings
  • Occupant comfort

Who should enroll?

  • Architects, Engineers, Builders and Building Officials who wish to enhance their knowledge of sustainable building methods and materials.
  • Design and construction professionals who desire a deeper understanding of the environmental impact of construction and ways to mitigate it.
  • Students in the building field seeking a focused, non-thesis graduate program that allows for interdisciplinary study and practical training.

Faculty Advisors (Thesis and Dissertations)

L. Carl Fiocchi – Energy modeling and building performance diagnostics

Ho-Sung Kim – Energy modeling, construction cost estimating, and sustainable construction

Ben Weil – Building analysis and retrofitting

Peggi Clouston – Sustainable building materials and bio-based composites

Alex Schreyer – Building materials, building information modeling, and digital solutions

To Learn More and Apply

Follow the links on our Graduate Studies page.