Reference and Education – Scoop Central

More people are becoming aware of the harmful effects that carbon dioxide emissions and excess water use can have on the environment. As a result, many are beginning to incorporate sustainable practices into their daily lives. These practices can more often be found in the workplace, as well as in college, university and technical school courses that are part of campus and distance learning programs.　

This increased attention to the environment affects job responsibilities, as well as educational programs to prepare workers for them. Degree programs offered by colleges, universities and technical schools as a result are more often related to the environment. Some institutions are adding new degree programs in the environment and sustainability; others are changing existing programs to keep students current. Among the programs that have been taking on a sustainability focus are those related to technology. Unlimited amounts of information about online degrees are available on the web. 　

At Rainy River Community College in Minnesota, for example, an associate degree program in Green and Sustainable Construction Technology offers students opportunities to learn how technologies can decrease a building’s waste and increase its efficiency when it comes to energy and water resources. New York City College of Technology offers a Sustainable Technology certificate program where students can analyze the life cycle costs of new high-tech materials, alternative energy systems and new construction methods. Central Carolina Community College this year is planning a new associate’s degree in Sustainable Technology, with focuses on alternative energy and green building.　

At the Oregon Institute of Technology, even an Environmental Sciences bachelor’s degree program has transitioned to an Environmental Sciences/Sustainable Technology program. Students who participate in the program study civil engineering, business management, mechanical engineering technologies and renewable energy engineering, according to an article in The Oregonian. The non-profit National Center for Appropriate Technology works to promote sustainable technology systems and on its website lists an array of partners – including Salish Kootenai College in Montana and a University of Idaho Biodiesel Fuel Education program. Keeping abreast of all the lastest information about on line degrees may mean quicker success.　

In addition to helping students gain a competitive advantage, with workplace settings that are more often taking concerns about the environment into account, courses in sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of companies involved in the field of environmentally-friendly systems, the New York City College of Technology notes. One of these systems has made news in the Nantucket, Mass., area. The Boston Globe recently reported that officials in the region gave the go-ahead to a controversial alternative energy project known as Cape Wind.　

More than 100 wind turbines expected to rise along the Massachusetts coast as part of Cape Wind could promote green energy and decrease the area’s reliance on fossil fuels, proponents said. The project could also help Massachusetts become a pioneer in green energy technology and create many jobs, according to The Boston Globe article. Even with these positives, however, the project is said to have drawn the ire of people concerned that views from Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard would be obstructed.　

While wind turbines might not be seen on the average college, university and technical school campus, institutions throughout the country are going green. Some 166 green campus structures last year alone either opened or received environmental certifications and awards, according to a June Association for the Advancement of Sustainability report. Northern California’s Butte College recently announced that, by May 2011, it anticipates becoming the only U.S. Institution producing more solar power than it uses. Looking into more information about environmental science masters degree will work in your favor.　

Studies in the area of sustainable technology might lead to careers in renewable energy, biofuels, green construction or consulting, the Central Carolina Community College website suggests. Working adults with technology degrees might consider satisfying lifelong learning needs through sustainability courses that might help them update their skills or knowledge.　

Adult learners who are planning or hoping to work at the forefront of new systems that take concerns about the environment into account might consider online school so that they might more easily schedule studies between outside responsibilities. Students are extending their personal passion for the planet by getting environmental degrees online and then putting into practice what they’ve learned.