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The West Virginia University Division of Design and Merchandising offerings in green design will expand this fall with a new course in “Designing for Energy Efficiency.”

Developed by Chris Haddox, visiting assistant professor of design studies, the course will offer an overview of energy efficiency in residential and small commercial settings.

“The objectives of this course are to present the principles of heat, air and moisture movement, to demonstrate how these impact designs of structures and spaces and to use specialized energy testing equipment to demonstrate and reinforce the lecture materials,” Haddox explained.

Students in the course will learn about the design factors impacting energy usage in residential and commercial settings. They’ll get hands-on experience in the use of specialized energy testing equipment including blower doors, duct blasters, infrared cameras, carbon monoxide and dioxide detectors, point-source temperature devices, manometers and hygrometers. Most importantly, they’ll learn to interpret the data provided by those devices and use it to evaluate existing structures and building designs for energy inefficiencies.
The three-credit-hour course will be offered as DSGN 293B (CRN 87888) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 3:15 p.m.

Haddox will also teach “Sustainable Design and Development,” which provides an overview of social, environmental and economic aspects of the built environment. These aspects include site considerations, infrastructure, green buildings, marketing, financing, and community issues.

“The objective of this course is to present a framework for a sustainable approach to the design and development of the built environment,” said Haddox, who is Green Advantage Certified and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Both Green Advantage and LEED promote sustainability, green building practices and principles. Haddox hopes to inspire students to increase their knowledge of sustainability and green design. “There isn’t a right or a wrong way to use green design because it will vary from project to project,” Haddox stressed. However, he wants to make sure students have a full pallet of tools enabling them to make informed decisions.

The three-credit-hour course will be offered as ID 293P (CRN 85582) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11-12:15.

For more information on either course, contact Haddox.