Sustainable Agriculture and Construction Certificate

Sustainable Agriculture and Construction Certificate Hero
Program Code: C35190L6

Sustainable Agriculture and Construction Certificate

Apply Today!   How much will it cost? 

A-B Tech Construction Management Logo

This certificate introduces students to permaculture concepts and hands-on carpentry, two essential skill sets for anyone interested in homesteading and self-sufficiency.

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: AGR, ALT, CST and SST

Courses in this program

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course introduces the design of sustainable human habitats as part of a sustainable system, with emphasis placed on living systems of the temperate region. Topics include fundamentals of permaculture system design for farms, including gardens, fields, water, animals, buildings, economics, and society. Upon completion, students should be able to design a functional holistic farm system.

View course details for Permaculture ‌‌

This course provides an introduction to multiple technologies that allow for the production and conservation of energy from renewable sources. Topics include hydroelectric, wind power, passive and active solar energy, tidal energy, appropriate building techniques, and energy conservation methods. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of renewable energy production and its impact on humans and their environment.

View course details for Renewable Energy Tech ‌‌

This course covers standard and alternative building methods to include wall framing. Topics include safety and footings, foundations, floor framing systems, and wall framing systems commonly used in the construction industry. Upon completion, students should be able to safely erect all framing necessary to begin roof framing.

View course details for Construction I ‌‌
Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course introduces sustainability issues and individual contributions toward environmental sustainability.  Topics include management processes needed to maximize renewable/non-renewable energy resources, economics of sustainability, and reduction of environmental impacts. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss sustainability practices and demonstrate an understanding of their effectiveness and impacts.

View course details for Intro to Sustainability ‌‌

This course introduces the principles of analyzing energy use, energy auditing tools and techniques, conservation techniques, and calculating energy savings. Topics include building system control theory, calibrating digital controls, energy loss calculations, and applicable conservation techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of energy use, audits, and controls in the analysis of energy consumption

View course details for Energy Use Analysis ‌‌
Total Credit Hours Required:
16

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Good To Know

Alumni with this credential could apply for jobs with local sustainable farms, non-profit organizations, construction companies, and/or energy auditing firms.

Alumni with this credential could expect to make $20-$25/hour with a local farm. $20-$40/hour range depending on skill level. As of Jun 29, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Carpenter in Asheville is $25.45 an hour.

If you see the same class in multiple programs, the class can be applied to multiple programs. Many students have multiple programs in their program of study list. Often, a certificate or other credential may have an overlap with classes. Often, students can pick up other credentials w/ just one more class. Having more credentials is a great way to enhance your resume and may allow you to explore other skills and areas of interest. Some may even cross over to other programs so ask your advisor about your options.

Heath Moody, Chair, Construction Management

Maggie M. Shoup, FT Faculty - Construction Management & Building Science