Rice University
EN-11: Continuing Education

Sustainability focused: (1) Sustainable Houston and You (Fall): Sustainability continues to grow as a popular topic and issue in Houston and around the world. Instructor Lester King, PhD, describes sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability o future generations to meet their own needs. In this course, Dr. King will discuss how residents and professionals are affected by sustainable development perspectives and introduce concepts for making a difference in the workplace and at home. You will learn and have the opportunity to discuss behaviors, operations, policies and practices that may enhance sustainability in their business, homes and neighborhoods. This course will provide a solid fundamental understanding of sustainable development and how the precepts of sustainable development can be applied to practical scenarios. The course meets twice for 2 hours. The topics of discussion during these two classes are as follows: “Sustainability and Houston: Professional class, urbanism vs. sub-urbanism in Houston, transportation,” and “Sustainability and You: Affordability, quality of life, social capital, energy consumption.” (2) The History of the Earth’s Climate and its Societal Effects (Spring): Climate has changed throughout Earth’s history on a variety of time scales. Rocks, ice, and fossils provide clues about the paleoclimate of the Earth, which can lead to a better understanding of modern climate issues. In this course, Instructor Alison Henning, Ph.D., will examine some of the major changes in our planet’s climate and their effect on the Earth’s physical and biological development, including the life of its many species and human society. While global warming has been big news in recent years, patterns of warming and cooling have played significant roles in the lives of Earth’s inhabitants for billions of years. (3) Sustainable Landscaping (Spring): Sustainability is defined as the capacity to endure. In a biological sense it means that an ecosystem has diversity of species and is dynamic, productive and long lived. A historically thriving, healthy forest is an example of a sustainable ecosystem. The ocean is another prime example. In this course, participants will learn and apply the principles of this natural process coupled with key concepts from organic gardening, permaculture and natural landscaping to explore the potential of long-term maintenance and well-being of our yards, gardens and lives. Includes Sustainability: (1) Your Dream Home: A Guide to the Design, Building and Remodeling Process (Fall/Spring): A homeowner considering building a new home or undertaking a remodeling project faces a daunting number of decisions, from establishing a budget to selecting interior finishes. In this guide to design, new construction and remodeling, registered architect and interior designer Brent Nyquist will lead you through the process. You will acquire the tools necessary to manage your project successfully and to assess the role, value and quality of the professionals involved. You will also learn about new concepts in design and home building as well as practical solutions that will define living in the 21st century, including green design and construction, and the components required to create a healthful and energy-efficient home environment. (2) Spotlight on Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research (Spring): More than thirty years ago, the Houston Area Survey began as an undergraduate research course conducted in Rice University’s sociology department. Originally designed simply to measure the experiences, attitudes and demographic trends of the city and its residents, the survey has since grown not only to measure but also to interact with the city in numerous ways to help make it a better place to live and work. In 2012 the Kinder Institute for Urban Research was established to further this growth. Today the institute conducts scientific research, sponsors educational programs, and engages in public outreach that advances understanding of pressing urban issues and fosters the development of more humane and sustainable cities. In this course, members of the research faculty at the institute will discuss this organization’s various programs and accomplishments. This course will culminate in a presentation of the central findings from the new 2014 Kinder Institute Houston Area Survey by its founder and co-director of the institute, Dr. Stephen Klineberg.

Sustainability Facility Professional Credential: Earning the Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) credential will give students a competitive advantage by demonstrating that they meet industry-wide standards for sustainability planning and administration that can impact an organizations economic, ecological, and social bottom lines, not just at one point in time, but continually. Using the learning system designed by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), this program will prepare students to pass the three final assessments required to earn the SFP credential. Students will learn how to make sound decisions about business activities and policy practices and discover how to use knowledge-based and data-driven methods to develop solutions that provide the highest value for your building, organization and community in a sustainable manner.