sustainable design, architecture technology. The architecture program at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College has implemented sustainable design principles and materials into its degree and certificate courses. Green- and sustainability-related topics, materials, and methods have been incorporated in courses such as Environmental Design (ARCH 101), Materials of Construction (ARCH 151), Equipment of Building (ARCH 152), Architectural Interiors (ARCH 200), and Basic Architectural Design II (ARCH 202). In it's design courses, the architecture program utilizes REVIT CAD application software that enables students to identify and use sustainable products and procedures in the design of residential and commercial structures. And most recently, the program developed and is offering a new course in "CADD for Sustainable Landscape Design".
green construction. The construction technology-related programs at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College have been using and teaching green/sustainable construction methods and materials for over a decade, such as using manufactured beams constructed of recycled materials. The department continuously updates its curriculum to expand the number and type of green/sustainable building materials and practices that are in the program. Currently green construction topics, materials and methods have been incorporated in courses such as Construction Materials (CPNTRY 117), Materials (CPNTRY 118), Basic House Construction (CPNTRY 123), Construction II (CPNTRY 126), Residential Exterior Finish (CPNTRY 144), and Building Construction Specialities (CPNTRY 240).
renewable energy
Solar Design, Installation, and Maintenance Course Series. Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offers a series of 4 courses for individuals interested in working in the new, emerging field of solar energy. The courses enable individuals to be prepared to become certified by NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) and the two core solar courses have obtained NABCEP approval. In addition, the Fundamentals of Solar Electricity course (ECONMT 105, 54 hours) prepares individuals to be able to take the NABCEP Photovoltaic (PV) Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge test. For more information on the solar series click here.
Solar Thermal. The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program offers a thermal heat storage course/training program (REF A/C 165; 54 hours).
Renewable Energy Courses. Beginning fall, 2008 the College offers renewable energy courses for current students and for incumbent workers, contractors, and business owners who are interested in renewable energy technologies. This includes a Renewable Energy course, which includes modules on active and passive solar, solar-thermal and solar-electric; wind; water (hydropower, wave and tidal power); biofuel and biomass resources; geothermal power; energy storage and hydrogen fuel cells (ECONMT 110) and an Alternative Energy Principles and Practices course. Also, the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) certificate and degree program at the College is currently developing a solar/environmental air course related to heating and cooling systems.
Sustainable Energy Center. The Sustainable Energy Center, a dedicated laboratory which serves as the hub for courses, activities, and programs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies at the College was established May 2008.
energy management. The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program is currently designing an energy management system and laboratory. It is anticipated this program will be launched in spring, 2009. In addition, the Operations Management program currently offers two courses that focus on energy management namely: (1) Refrigeration and A/C Controls for Apprentices (OPMA APPR 744) which covers the fundamentals of energy conservation as applied to commercial, residential, institutional and industrial buildings; the optimal operation of these systems to conserve energy are reviewed--the emphasis of the course is on the changes that an operating engineer can make to conserve energy and protect the environment; and (2) Computers In Energy Management For Apprentices (OPMA APP 703) which introduces the apprentice building engineer to the computer as it is used to control the environment in modern buildings--particularly energy usage in industrial and institutional buildings. Lastly, the HVAC program recently developed a new green course entitled "Refrigeration System Efficiency Factors".
contact information. William Elarton, Chair Construction, Design, and Manufacturing Department 213.763.3701 ElartoWD@lattc.edu