For 25 years Yestermorrow has been teaching ways to reduce global and local ecological impacts by creating environmentally responsive and sustainable architecture. Our new Certificate in Sustainable Design and Construction provides students with a solid grounding in sustainable design principles, along with hands-on experience in the design/build process.

Ranging from community-scale planning to the details of photovoltaic installation, the certificate covers a broad spectrum of topics from small to large scale. Balancing theory with hands-on practice, students have the opportunity to explore alternative, innovative, and experimental design and building methodologies and materials. Our Certificate in Sustainable Design and Construction is designed for those wishing to learn the art of design/build while developing a strong understanding of the concepts and methods of green design.

All courses in the Sustainable Design and Construction certificate program are approved for Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) continuing education learning units (LUs) for architectural registration requirements.

The certificate curriculum includes three weeks of core courses, two additional weeks of elective courses, four elective weekend workshops, and a Practicum presentation.

Core Courses (required)
Ecological Planning, Design, and Construction (1 week)
Permaculture Design Certification (2 weeks)

Elective Courses (choose 2 weeks)
EcoCommunity Planning

Super-Insulated Home

Strawbale Design/Build

Intro to Cob Building

Earth Structures

Timberframing

Sustainable Communities of the Future

Natural Building in Costa Rica (2 weeks)

Low-Cost Renewable Energy Systems

Weekend Workshops (choose 4)

Biofuels

Energy and Resource Efficiency

Permaculture for Home and Garden

Green Home Design

Solar Design

Solar Site Design

Green Remodeling

Microclimate Design

Integrated Design

Landscape Design

Designing High Performance Commercial Buildings

Deconstruction and Material Re-Use

Earthen Plasters

Natural Paints and Finishes

Additionally, students enrolled in the Certificate Program will be expected, with the support of an advisor, to participate in a Practicum project and presentation after finishing the full curriculum.  This culminating activity will provide the student with the opportunity to document his/her theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in the area of Sustainable Building and Design in a hands-on manner before a jury of professional architects and builders. 

The tuition cost for the Certificate program is $4000.  Students can also take classes individually, and pay an extra $275 fee for the certificate, which includes supervision of the practicum project.