CSM-2550 Off-Grid Construction II

Credits 3
The construction of buildings that are completely independent of traditional utilities like the electric grid is a growing field, increasingly popular among populations who are committed to more sustainability and self-sufficiency. This course builds on the concepts of off-grid construction learned in the first course in this sequence (CSM-1550 Off-Grid Construction I). Students learn the principles of sustainable building design, focusing on building techniques and material selections that minimize consumption of resources. They also learn how to support their buildings off the grid with on-site power generation and storage and sewage disposal systems. Further, they explore the methods of integrating off-grid sources of energy with utilities.

Prerequisite(s): CSM-1550

Course Outcomes

Explain how off-grid construction may be applied to different building types.
Describe the principles of sustainable building design.
Identify building design elements and techniques suitable for off-grid construction.
Select materials for construction according to sustainable design methodologies.
Summarize the concepts of renewable energy generation, energy storage and back-up power generators.
Explain how off-grid sources of energy can be integrated back into utilities.
Create a set of plans and specifications for a complete off-grid residential construction project.