Sustainable Construction
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Program Description:
*New* The Sustainable Construction program now offers two different one year certificates designed for those who are eager to jump right in to entry level positions or as a direct pathway toward the Associate in Applied Science degree. Students may choose to earn either the certificate in Framing and Craftsmanship or the Carpentry and Building Science certificate.
The two-year Sustainable Construction program takes students from start to finish in the design/build process and combines conventional stick framing and the millennia-old craft of timber frame joinery with the latest in building systems technology. Valued skills in communication, applied math, and critical thinking are developed in tandem with practical introductions to trades like welding, plumbing, weatherization, and more. Students will take specialized courses during the second year in both finish carpentry and architectural restoration.
The coursework provides students with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to pursue employment across many areas of the construction industry including carpentry, project management, design, building inspection, and renewable energy installation. The two-year program is designed to fast track graduates to leadership positions from construction supervisor to business owner.
This program is funded by a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration. This is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action program, adaptive equipment will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.
More Information on Sustainable Construction
Mission & Outcomes
PROGRAM MISSION
To prepare students to be lifelong learners and help them achieve various professional and personal goals that may arise over a lifetime. Upon graduation, students will be poised to enter the workforce as entry-level craftsmen, builders, and technicians or transfer to other college and university programs. Our graduates will develop as skilled professionals who value both tradition and innovation at the heart of sustainable building practices today, and who actively participate in reinvigorating Maine’s construction industry.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the Sustainable Construction program, a graduate is expected to:
- Practice the skills of the profession in a conscientious, responsible, and accountable manner while recognizing the need to continue to expand their technical knowledge and skills.
- Communicate effectively while listening and responding appropriately to a variety of building construction situations.
- Think critically and use their acquired skills to solve problems encountered in a building construction environment.
Associate Degree
CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION
Year One |
Semester I (Fall) |
|||
Code |
Course |
Hours |
Total Hours |
|
MAT 114 | Technical Math |
3 |
15 |
|
SDB 101* | Tool Use, Maintenance, and Safety with OSHA 10 (MAT 114, SDB 102 or SDB 103) |
3 |
||
SDB 108* | CAD Drafting and Blueprint Reading (MAT 114, SDB 102 or SDB 103) |
3 |
||
SDB 102* | Timber Frame Craftsmanship I (MAT 114, SDB 101) |
3 |
||
SDB 103* | Stick Framing and Building Concepts I (MAT 114, SDB 101) |
3 |
||
Semester II (Spring) |
||||
ENG 108 | Technical Writing |
3 |
15 |
|
SDB 105* | 3D Modeling for Construction (SDB 102, SDB 103, SDB 106) |
3 |
||
HIS 205 | Architectural Style and Construction in New England |
3 |
||
SDB 104* | Timber Frame Craftsmanship II (SDB 102) |
3 |
||
SDB 107* | Stick Framing and Building Concepts II (SDB 103) |
3 |
||
Year Two |
Semester III (Fall) |
|||
SDB 202* | Residential Building Code (SDB 103, SDB 107, MAT 114) |
3 |
16 |
|
SDB 207 * | Finish Carpentry (SDB 107) |
2 |
||
SDB 211* | Restoration Carpentry (SDB 104) |
2 |
||
COM 105 | Interpersonal Communication |
3 |
||
XXX YYY | Social Science Elective |
3 |
||
WSC 110 | Wood Science |
3 |
||
Semester IV (Spring) |
||||
SDB 204* | Building Systems I (SDB 102, SDB 103) |
5 |
14 |
|
SDB 205* | Building Systems II (SDB 204) |
5 |
||
SDB 209* | Construction Supervisor and Business Basics |
3 |
||
SDB 210* | Green Building Codes, Standards and Certification Programs |
1 |
||
TOTAL HOURS |
60 |
(XXX YYY) indicates a pre or co-requisite
Criteria for Graduation
Students must complete 60 credits in the Sustainable Construction program and achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all core courses (*). Students must achieve a final GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Kennebec Valley Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer.
1-Year Certificate Programs
One Year Certificate in Framing and Craftsmanship Option
The certificate in Framing and Craftsmanship is designed to prepare students for entry level positions as a versatile carpenter in the residential stick framing and/or timber framing field. Fundamental skillsets are developed in tool use and safety along with introductions to drafting and modeling. An architectural history course will familiarize students with building types and materials typically encountered in New England.
Certificate |
Semester I (Fall) |
|||
Code |
Course |
Hours |
Total Hours |
|
MAT 114 | Technical Math |
3 |
15 |
|
SDB 101* | Tool Use, Maintenance, and Safety with OSHA 10 (MAT 114, SDB 102 or SDB 103) |
3 |
||
SDB 108* | CAD Drafting and Blueprint Reading (MAT 114, SDB 102 or SDB 103) |
3 |
||
SDB 102* | Timber Frame Craftsmanship I (MAT 114, SDB 101) |
3 |
||
SDB 103* | Stick Framing and Building Concepts I (MAT 114, SDB 101) |
3 |
||
Semester II (Spring) |
||||
ENG 108 | Technical Writing |
3 |
15 |
|
SDB 105* | 3D Modeling for Construction (SDB 102, SDB 103, SDB 108) |
3 |
||
HIS 205 | Architectural Style and Construction in New England |
3 |
||
SDB 104* | Timber Frame Craftsmanship II (SDB 102) |
3 |
||
SDB 107* | Stick Framing and Building Concepts II (SDB 103) |
3 |
||
TOTAL HOURS |
30 |
(XXX YYY) indicates a pre or co-requisite
Criteria for Graduation
Students must complete 30 credits in this Sustainable Construction certificate program and achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all core courses (*). Students must achieve a final GPA of 2.0 or higher.
One Year Certificate in Carpentry and Building Science Option
The Certificate in Carpentry and Building Science is designed to prepare students for positions of leadership in building construction with the choice to focus on stick building or timber framing in the second semester. Coursework will examine the various mechanical and renewable energy systems found in a building along with the latest materials and methods used in a high performance building envelope. Students also will receive training in project management and small business entrepreneurship.
Certificate |
Semester I (Fall) |
|||
Code |
Course |
Hours |
Total Hours |
|
MAT 114 | Technical Math |
3 |
15 |
|
SDB 101* | Tool Use, Maintenance, and Safety with OSHA 10 (MAT 114, SDB 102 or SDB 103) |
3 |
||
SDB 108* | CAD Drafting and Blueprint Reading (MAT 114, SDB 102 or SDB 103) |
3 |
||
SDB 102* | Timber Frame Craftsmanship I (MAT 114, SDB 101) |
3 |
||
SDB 103* | Stick Framing and Building Concepts I (MAT 114, SDB 101) |
3 |
||
Semester II (Spring) |
||||
SDB 104* | Timber Frame Craftsmanship II (SDB 102) |
3 |
16 |
|
OR | ||||
SDB 107* | Stick Framing and Building Concepts II (SDB 103) |
3 |
||
SDB 204* | Building Systems I (SDB 102 and SDB 103) |
5 |
||
SDB 205* | Building Systems II (SDB 204) |
5 |
||
SDB 209* | Construction Supervisor and Business Basics |
3 |
||
TOTAL HOURS |
31 |
(XXX YYY) indicates a pre or co-requisite
Criteria for Graduation
Students must complete 31 credits in this Sustainable Construction certificate program and achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all core courses (*). Students must achieve a final GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Kennebec Valley Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer
Tools List
The tool list below represents the minimum required tools for successfully participating in the Sustainable Construction Program. You will need your tools on the first day of class. Many students may decide to purchase additional tools as they progress through the program, and based upon their individual goals. Required tools will be discussed during accepted student night, please be sure to attend and bring any questions you have.
Tool | Recommended make/models for good quality and value | Rough Cost | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Tool belt | Home Depot link | $40 | |
Combination square | Home Depot link | $12 | |
16 oz finish hammer | $16 | ||
Framing square | $16 | Must have framing tables, 16ths, 10ths, and 12th of inch gradations. | |
Nail sets | $10 | small, medium, large | |
Box cutter style knife and replacement blades | $12 | ||
Tape measure | $10 | Non fractional read (easy read). Standard gradation. | |
3/4″ wood chisel | Lee Valley link | $15 | A single 3/4″ chisel is all you need. A set may be a good investment for some students. |
1.5″ timber framing framing chisel | Brands: Barr tools or Robert Sorbey | $100 | The Barr chisel is of higher quality, but the Sorbey is also good quality. |
Safety glasses | |||
Hand saw | Stanley Tools link | $25 | |
Drill/driver bits (2 of each): t-10, t-15, t-20, t-25, t-30, t-35, P2 |
$16 | Purchase the longer bits (about 1″ long), not the short (about 1/4″ long) bits. | |
Molding bar | Home Depot link | $16 | |
#2 round pencils | $5 | ||
Carpenter pencils | $5 | ||
Sharpies | $5 | ||
Timber framing mallet | Wood is Good Co. link | $40 | Purchase the heavier 30 oz. mallet. |
Chalk line | $5 | Minimum one blue line, better to own one blue and one red. | |
Calculator | $20 | Must have trigonometry functions, cell phone calculator is not allowed during testing. | |
Drill bit set | $20 | ||
Cordless drill (not an impact driver) | Home Depot link or Home Depot Link |
$150 | Impact drivers are not allowed during the lab due to the excessive noise interfering with student and instructor communication. |
Proper lab clothing |
Steel toe work boots and long pants are required during all construction labs. |
||
Approximate Total | $538 |
Advisory Committee
Made up of area employers, industry leaders, and community members, the Sustainable Construction Program Advisory Committee’s primary purpose is to help the College ensure that the program is relevant to the community, addresses current industry standards, meets workforce needs, and has appropriate resources to support high quality student outcomes. To accomplish this purpose, the advisory committee focuses on the specific functions of program development, curriculum review, program evaluation, instructor guidance, student recruitment, retention, and placement.
Below you will find:
- A list of current advisory committee members
- Agendas from current and past meetings
- Minutes from past meetings
- Advisory Committee By-Laws
Sustainable Construction Program
Advisory Committee
Bjarki Gunnarsson, Owner The Wood Mill of Maine 1386 Mercer Road Mercer, ME 04957 207.517.2145 contact@thewoodmillofmaine.com |
Dean Dolham, President Waterville Area Habitat for Humanity P.O. Box 1972 Waterville, ME 04903 207.465.7764 dean.Dolham@sappi.com |
Kim Lindlof, President and CEO Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce 50 Elm Street Waterville, ME 04901 207.873.3315 kimberly@midmainechamber.com |
Andrew Soule, Instructor Somerset Career and Technical Center 61 Academy Circle Skowhegan, ME 207.474.2151 ext. 4510 asoule@msad54.org |
Ashley Richards, Executive Officer Homebuilders and Remodelers Association P.O. Box 352 Brunswick, ME 04011 207.622.7792 ash@hbrame.org |
Matt Miller, Project Manager, Structural Engineer M2 Structural Engineering 23 Thornbury Way Windham, ME 207.892.0983 matt@m2se.com |
Hans Albee, Engineer and Solar Designer Revision Energy 91 West Main Street Liberty, ME 04949 207.589.4171 hans@revisionenergy.com |
Nicole Rogers, Architect SMRT Architects 144 Fore Street Portland, ME 877.700.7678 nrogers@smrtinc.com |
Ken Coville, President Good Will-Hinckley 16 Prescott Drive Hinckley, ME 04944 Office: 207-238-4001 Cell: 207-314-2601 kcoville@gwh.org |
Mark Champagne, Instructor Mid-Maine Technical Center 3 Brooklyn Avenue Waterville, ME 04901 207.649.0437 champagne@mmtc.me |
Christi Mitchell, Associate Director Maine Historic Preservation Commission 55 Capitol Street Augusta, ME 04333 207.287-3811 christi.mitchell@maine.gov |
Katherine Carlson, Owner Maine Mountain Timber Frames 1106 Rangeley Road Avon, ME 207.491-7203 mainemountainframes@gmail.com |
Ellen Gibson, Director Vaughan Woods and Historic Homestead 2 Litchfield Road Hallowell, ME 04347 207.622.9831 ellengibson@vaughanhomestead.org |
Tom Twist, Sustainability Manager Bates College 147 Russell Street Lewiston, ME 04240 207.786-8367 ttwist@bates.edu |
Amy Hinkley, Lecturer in Architecture Interim Program Co-Coordinator University of Maine at Augusta Handley Hall, 331 Water Street Augusta, Maine 04330 207.621-3095 Amy.hinkley.architect@gmail.com |
Beth Fisher Chair, Maine STEM Council President-Elect, Maine Administrators of Career & Technical Education Director, Mid-Coast School of Technology 1 Main St. Rockland, ME 04841 207.594.2161 bfisher@mcst8.org |
Dan Kolbert, Owner Kolbert Building 90 Gray Street Portland, ME 04102 207.799.8799 Dan@KolbertBuilding.com |
Sustainability Statement
A cornerstone of this curriculum is our emphasis on sustainability and the need to raise design/build standards throughout Maine and New England. Definitions of “sustainability” or “green,” however, are often broad and varied as they relate to building design and construction.
Our faculty do not prescribe any singular definition of “sustainability” or “green building,” nor do we push the highest possible standards of building performance. Our program simply reinforces the importance of considering a structure’s lifespan through smart design, structural integrity, and historic preservation or re-use.
Multiple standards and models exist in the building world in order to ensure occupant health and safety as well as the affordability and environmental impact of the structure itself. The most basic system is the building code, not universally enforced and with only two grades – it either passes or it doesn’t. Other rating systems and certifications are voluntary, and while they remind us of important design/build considerations, they are often too rigorous, complicated, and expensive for the general public to adopt.
Our students are challenged to think about how buildings in New England can be constructed at a higher but achievable level of quality and energy efficiency.
The value of sourcing materials locally, designing a tight, energy efficient building envelope, and generating renewable energy are all practically examined throughout the program. All of this is put into the context of the American building and carpentry tradition through the Architectural Style and Construction in New England course.
Career Opportunities & Information
What Sustainable Construction professionals do:
- Conventional construction, timber framing, or green building
- Finish carpentry and historic restoration carpentry
- Design and drafting in architecture or engineering firms
- Installation of renewable energy and weatherization
Students will learn about:
- Power/hand tool use and shop safety
- Building trades, systems, and the thermal envelope
- Architectural history and restoration
- Small business planning and project management
- Builder’s engineering, material technology, and green code
- Blueprint reading, drafting, and 3D modeling
Sustainable Construction graduates work in/on:
- Contracting firms on a project management or design path
- Small timber frame or conventional construction businesses
- Housing non-profits and building inspection agencies
- Renewable energy and weatherization services
Public Workshops for Professional Development or Personal Enrichment
In conjunction with KVCC’s Institute of Workforce Training and Professional Development, the Sustainable Construction program offers community workshops for professional development and personal enrichment.
Sign-up today or contact Karen Delile for more information:
Call 207.453.5083
Email workforce@kvcc.me.edu
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Soule
207-453-3813 (office)
207-380-6375 (cell, preferred)
ASoule@kvcc.me.edu