Back to school, back to school. . .

I have fond memories of this time of year. . . stocking up on [post-consumer] notebooks and new pens. . . maybe even being treated to new sneakers in the back-to-school spirit. . .

It seems like just yesterday schools were introducing efforts to maintain cleaner, greener campuses and practices; implementing recycling programs with paper and in cafeterias; asking students to pay to print documents to minimize waste; purchasing only recycled and post-consumer paper in bulk stock.

Now, as the face of education continues to evolve in a global arena, the green concept is being applied not only in the way schools manage waste, but as a course of study — as a requirement in curriculum.

The American Institute of Architects recently announced a change in their prerequisites this year, requiring a minimum of four hours of continuing education courses in sustainable design every year for members.

The new requirement extends through 2012, and is a response to the demand for architects to sharpen their specific knowledge in ever-changing sustainable construction methods and building materials. Part of an 18-hour annual requirement, these courses are intertwined in continuing education in health, safety, and welfare. 

"This should be part of what all architects ought to know about," said Fredric M. Bell, the executive director of the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects. "Education doesn't stop at architecture school. How do you ensure people stay abreast of changes in the profession?"

A.I.A. believes architecture is no longer simply about design. Their new requirements will arm architects with expertise to apply to every aspect of building: transportation of materials, waste management, construction materials and machinery used, and the life of the building are all things to consider. . . as are how all of these elements impact the environment and the community in which buildings are being constructed.

What kind of courses can architects in programs like A.I.A.'s expect?  To name a few, "Ground Source Heating & Cooling for Commercial & Residential Properties," "How to Install - Successfully - New Wood Windows in Traditional Settings" and "Factory Preblended Mortar for Masonry Concrete." 

And they shouldn't be surprised to find mechanical and electrical engineers at the chalk board for these courses, as the programs look to integrate professors from outside the architecture field.

Sustainability is becoming a field of study in its own right — and not just at architecture schools.  Harvard, Berkeley, and a growing number of colleges are placing greater importance and curriculum focus in green leadership and sustainability. Duquesne University's business school (Pittsburgh) and City University of Seattle (come September), both offer M.B.A.'s in sustainability.

In just two years, enrollment in environmental courses has increased by more than 70 percent at Harvard, according to the university.  The university's response to this growing interest?  Add more courses, and course-diversity.

Berkeley's student population for sustainability is experiencing a similar spark. Three years ago, Berkeley offered five courses as part of their Sustainability Studies office.  Today, 60 courses are offered, and the number of students joining the program each semester has skyrocketed by six times its original enrollment.

So as the school year starts this fall, it's interesting to see the evolution from district-implemented recycling programs to higher education curriculum in the green sector. . . and that sustainability is a real, tangible area of focus — one that you can enroll in this September.

Brigid