In a photo taken before the pandemic, NDSU students work together on their LEED Lab engineering project.
NDSU develops innovative problem solvers and leaders ready to take on some of the world’s greatest challenges.
In construction management and engineering, a sustainable design and construction course prepares students to be green-building leaders and sustainability-focused citizens. Students learn how to reduce the carbon footprint and implement cost-saving efforts on building projects.
“Opportunities like this allow students to get the most out of their education and be prepared for what the industry is like,” said senior construction management major Nicholas Jensen.
The highlight of the course is a project that asks students to make a large campus building more efficient and environmentally friendly. Activities and homework are focused on increasing water and energy efficiency, indoor environment quality and understanding how students and faculty use the building. The students’ end goal is to have the building certified by the U.S. Green Building Council as a Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design building project.
“Pursuing a LEED certification for a building is usually the job for building professionals,” said Yao Yu, assistant professor of engineering. “In this course, all the work is done by students.”
Successful completion of the course prepares students for specialty LEED exams that many other recent college graduates aren’t ready for because of inexperience.
“This course will help students stand out to employers.” Yu said.
The course is just one of the ways NDSU sets students up for successful careers in engineering. Each of the 11 majors in the College of Engineering engage students with hands-on learning, real-world projects and student-focused faculty and staff. Students also have opportunities to be part of research in state-of-the-art facilities.
“My experience in the College of Engineering has been a huge part of my development and guided me towards lifelong relationships with my classmates,” Jensen said.
Learn more about the NDSU College of Engineering and apply today.
