Vermont Technical College

Program Description

Graduates of this program will be prepared to work in technical fields related to their associate’s degree and to work with newer sustainable technologies as applications engineers, project managers, or technical staff. Sustainable Design Technology graduates will also be prepared to pursue post-baccalaureate education in business, environmental law, or related technical fields and graduates will provide businesses with highly valued employees with a blend of technical and communication skills and knowledge of business.

This is a cross-disciplinary program grounded in the belief that students who understand the fundamentals of technology, business, and the regulations that govern both can be effective agents for sustainable change. The program creates graduates committed to using technology to grow a sustainable economy, act as stewards of our environment and resources, and educate others about the benefits of a more sustainable college and community.

The +2 SDT curriculum emphasizes application of technology in service of sustainable goals and an understanding of the fundamentals of business, regulation, and permitting as well as sustainable application of technologies. The curriculum is organized into four areas: sustainability core, green technical tracks, business electives, and general education. Students select one of three technical tracks: Green Buildings, Green Sites, or Renewable Energy.

The Green Buildings track focuses on conserving energy and resources in new and renovated residential and commercial buildings without sacrificing function and design. This track includes all aspects of sustainable design, from green materials and construction to efficient selection and operation of complex mechanical systems. Students learn to evaluate building designs on the basis of natural energy efficiency standards and how to integrate renewable energy systems into buildings. Students enter this track from the Architectural & Building Engineering Technology (ABT) and Construction Management (CPM) programs.

The Green Sites track focuses upon the art of responsible, inspired design and engineering for residential, agricultural, and commercial sites in order to enhance the quality, sustainability, and integrity of our built environment. Within this track, special emphasis is placed upon the design of the landscape, including structures, plantings, roads, and water systems, in order to minimize environmental impact; meet and create legislative standards; and promote an ethic of stewardship of the land and our natural resources. Students enter this track from the Civil & Environmental Engineering Technology (CET), Dairy Farm Management Technology (DFM), and Landscape Development & Sustainable Horticulture (LAH) programs.

The Renewable Energy track focuses on renewable energy technology and systems for efficient energy conversion and use. The technical curriculum includes courses in mechanical and electrical engineering that cover topics such as materials and structures; circuits and electronics; sensors and instrumentation; and electromechanical power systems. Energy systems courses address the use of solar, wind, alternative fuels, and other renewable technologies for electricity, heating, and other power uses. Students enter this track from Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) or Mechanical Engineering Technology (MEC) programs.

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