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Fall courses, workshops teach green practices

Interested in going green at home or at your business? The College of Lake County is offering several opportunities to learn green practices during the fall 2009 semester. Formats include both one-day seminars and semester-long credit courses, and topics range from green construction to locally grown sustainable food production.

One-Day Seminars

For more information on these seminars and how to register, visit http://wpdi.clcillinois.edu/professional. Instructors and course materials are provided by the Wisconsin-based Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA).

Basic Photovoltaics--Learn the basics of photovoltaic systems that are able to convert light directly into electrical energy. You will understand how photovoltaic systems work, identify the four system types, describe and identify components, understand the best application and limitations of each system type and define the solar window. Learn to make energy efficiency and load estimates, identify photovoltaic mounting types and understand the basics of site assessment tools. Bring a calculator to class.

Class #: 4541
Name: PTEC 20-001
Location: Grayslake campus, Room T326
Time: 8:30-4:30 Friday, Nov. 13
Credits: 0.5
Cost: $179, includes materials and lunch
For help with the registration process, call (847) 543-2615.

Introduction to Wind Systems--Discover how to harness the energy of the wind. Learn the basics of wind energy, wind resources, basic system components, system types, turbine applications and tower types. This course is a perquisite to MREA wind systems workshops and for people who have an interest in residential size wind systems for their home or business. Bring a calculator to class.

Class #: 4542
Name: PTEC 22-001
Location: Grayslake campus, Room T326
Time: 8:30-4:30 Friday, Oct. 9
Credits: 0.5 credit hours
Cost: $179, includes materials and lunch
For help with the registration process, call (847) 543-2615.

Energy Efficient, Environmentally Friendly Construction--

Save money and help the environment by learning the basics of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly construction. This course will cover site analysis, passive solar design strategies, super-insulated frame construction techniques, sustainable building materials, renewable heating systems and mechanical systems.

Class Number: 4550
Course Number: PTEC 26-001
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 20
Room: T326
Credits: 0.5 credit hours
Cost: $179, includes materials and lunch
For help with the registration process, call (847) 543-2615.

College-Level Credit Courses

To register (after completing the admission process), visit www.clcillinois.edu/selfserv.asp For help with the admission process, call (847)543-2090.

Living Sustainably (HRT 299-001): Interested learning how to be "greener" in your daily life, from energy conservation and trash reduction to alternative transportation? Looking for ways to eat healthier for yourself, your loved ones, the local economy and the planet? If your answers are "yes," this course, taught by Horticulture Department chair Rory Klick, is for you.

The course will use two workbooks published by the Portland, Ore.-based Northwest Earth Institute: "Choices for Sustainable Living" and "Menu for the Future." Other readings will include current works from author Michael Pollan ("Omnivore's Dilemma," "Botany of Desire") and other related articles. Activities will include a field trip to a local organic farm and a course project that involves taking on a personal sustainability challenge in one of several categories-- water conservation, saving electricity, alternative transportation, sustainable eating or trash reduction.

Class Number: 3058
Course Number: HRT 299-001
Prerequisite: None
Time: Mondays, 6-8:50 p.m.
Dates: Aug. 24 to Dec. 14
Room: H107
Credits: 3.0 credit hours
Cost: $243 plus books

Green Technology and Energy Efficiency (RAC 172): Designed for facilities managers and construction professionals, this four-credit course provides an overview of the certification process known as LEED (Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design). Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification provides third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across critical areas-energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality and stewardship of resources.

Two sections of this course are available, both offered on Tuesdays:
Morning section:
Class Number: 2956
Course Number: RAC 173-001
Time: 8 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.
Location: Grayslake campus
Room: T012
Dates: Tuesdays, Aug. 25 to Dec. 15
Credit: 4.0 credit hours
Prerequisites: Theory of Refrigeration (RAC 110) and Residential Air Conditioning (RAC 112)
Cost: $324 plus books and a $45 course fee

Evening section
Class Number: 2957
Course Number: RAC 173-002
Time: 6-10:40 p.m.
Location: Grayslake campus
Room: T012
Dates: Tuesdays, Aug. 25 to Dec. 15
Credit: 4.0 credit hours
Prerequisites: Theory of Refrigeration (RAC 110) and Residential Air Conditioning (RAC 112)
Cost: $324 plus books and a $45 course fee