US DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy awards new Zero Energy Design Designation (ZEDD) seal to 17 leading educational programs
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Technical College’s Architectural Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science degree program received The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Zero Energy Design Designation (ZEDD) inaugural seal of recognition. ZEDD designation was awarded to 17 leading educational programs that are preparing tomorrow’s architectural and engineering leaders to design and build the most sustainable buildings possible. Vermont Technical College is the only Vermont program to be awarded the designation.
“Graduates of these programs will join the front lines of our fight against the climate crisis by designing sustainable buildings that bring the benefits of our clean energy future to all,” said Carolyn Snyder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency.
This new Zero Energy Design Designation Program designation distinguishes post-secondary academic programs that impart the best practices of zero-energy design on students and require them to apply those building science concepts in actual projects.
“Our fight against climate change runs straight through our nation’s buildings, and the forward-looking college and university programs we honored are paving the way for students to lead our net-zero greenhouse gas emissions future,” Snyder continued. “Graduates of these programs will join the front lines of our fight against the climate crisis by designing sustainable buildings that bring the benefits of our clean energy future to all.”
Vermont Technical College’s Architectural Engineering Technology program includes study in structural engineering, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and integrated sustainable design. Hands-on learning is offered in the lab and the field. Students test systems, observe construction projects and evaluate infrastructure design. Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide range of careers working with architects and engineers, including contractors, project managers, or junior engineers. Graduates are also allowed to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam in many states and, after meeting state requirements for appropriate work experience, may also take the Professional Engineer licensing exam.
“The Zero Energy Design Designation is important to our Architectural Engineering Technology program because it recognizes the achievements of our students and the breadth of what they learn. Throughout the history of our program, building science, energy efficiency and energy conservation have been emphasized. With a goal of a net-zero emissions economy by 2050, our students will become the building professionals who help meet that goal, as acknowledged by this designation,” said Chris Reilly, PE, Professor, Architectural Engineering Technology at Vermont Technical College.
ZEDD supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. With buildings being one of the main contributors to carbon emissions, building professionals must be trained to design and construct high-efficiency, low-carbon buildings powered by renewables to achieve this goal. DOE’s ZEDD designation, offered to qualifying programs of study for 3 years, requires graduating students to:
- Complete a Building Science Education Curriculum that uses DOE’s Solar Decathlon Building Science Education learning modules or otherwise meets ZEDD’s learning objectives; and,
- Participate in a Zero Energy Design Practicum, either by completing the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design and/or Build Challenge or by engaging in a real-world zero- energy design project that would earn the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certification or more stringent energy and environmental performance standard.
“This designation is important to us because it demonstrates our commitment to, and passion for, sustainable building design and interdisciplinary education. It is an honor to receive this designation as one of the first pilots, and we expect the designation to help more students to consider a career in this essential field with Vermont Technical College and Vermont State University serving as their educational institution of choice. Our program is uniquely qualified to train students effectively,” said Parwinder Grewal, PhD, president at Vermont Technical College and inaugural president of Vermont State University.
“As students, our education is geared towards integration of a wide base of disciplines with ample focus on the quantifiable aspects of design and analysis. The Architectural Engineering Technology program has given me the skillset to create the buildings and systems the world needs, this Zero Energy Design Designation helps recognize all that we have learned. Better quality of life, adaptability, and relationship with the environment are the fundamental goals, “ said Jeremy Hammond, ARE senior at Vermont Technical College.
Learn more about Vermont Technical College’s Architectural Engineering Technology program.
About Vermont Technical College
Vermont Technical College is a small public college with big outcomes. We offer technical education in a range of fields, including agriculture, computer sciences, engineering, health and life sciences, and professional studies. Students may earn bachelor's and associate degrees as well as certificates at any of our two residential campuses in Randolph Center and Williston, and 18 satellite campuses across the state. We rank #1 in Vermont and in the 96th percentile nationally for return on investment of tuition dollars. Graduates obtain careers in their field of study with an annual placement rate of 99-100%. On July 1, 2023, Vermont Technical College will join with Castleton University and Northern Vermont University to become Vermont State University, a reimagined higher education institution building on the strong legacies of its founding institutions. Learn more at VTC.edu.
10.5.2022. Randolph Center, VT – Vermont Technical College
