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Sustainable Energy SolutionsCertificate in Sustainable Energy Solutions

For more information on this program, contact Aly Tibbetts at 206.780.6232.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Whether providing electricity or fuel, there are few sectors as complex, and dynamic, as energy. Understanding the current state of the art of fossil fuels, the promise and pitfalls of emerging renewable sources of energy, and how energy is consumed is a necessity to manage and innovate in this sector. This  four-quarter, one-year, graduate certification is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their career path in the sustainable energy solution management arena. The course series provides an overview of the terms, concepts, the technologies and the framework needed to take a concept or idea for a new venture through the final steps to making the “pitch” in the sustainable energy marketplace.

BGI has teamed a noteworthy academic and spirited entrepreneur to lead the sustainable energy program. Dr. Bryan Willson is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU) and has worked for over 25 years to develop large-scale solutions for global energy needs. He serves as Director of CSUs Clean Energy Supercluster, a co-founder of Solix Biofuels, and Envirofit International, a global company distributing clean energy solutions in the developing world. Bryan will team with Jimmy Jia, CEO of Distributed Energy Management in the Puget Sound. Jimmy is an engineer with degrees from MIT and his MBA from Oxford’s Said Business School. Jimmy is also an MIT Energy Ambassador. Together they’ll share their experience and passion for the next era of energy solutions.

Program FORMAT

This course is taught in a hybrid format, using monthly face-to-face “intensive” experiences, combined with both synchronous and asynchronous distance learning between sessions incorporating a variety of learning methodologies. A prerequisite for the course is a demonstrated interest in sustainable energy solutions.

Courses

Q1    Understanding the Context for Change

An integrated exploration of sustainable energy solutions. The first course introduces the basic science and vocabulary of electricity, fossil fuels and renewable energy. In addition, it presents the economics of alternative energy systems from four perspectives: utility, consumer, nation and new venture. (3 credits)

What you will learn:
  • Converse intelligently with others working in this field on key basic concepts
  • Be able to do a key cursory evaluation of new energy ideas in terms of their technical and economic feasibility
  • Evaluate sustainable energy solutions in terms of available subsidies incentives, tax breaks and regulatory requirements
  • Evaluate sustainable energy solutions in terms of understanding the dynamics of public and private utilities

Q2    Identifying Opportunities

A survey of the major new developments in both conventional and emerging energy resources, by looking at technology, economics, market trends and the regulatory environment. This overview provides a platform for the selection of student projects in quarters three and four. (3 credits)

What you will learn:
  • Have a sufficient grasp of renewable energy alternatives and be able to converse intelligently with others in the field
  • Understand power generation, transmission and distribution systems (i.e. the grid) and be able to converse intelligently with others working in the field
  • Identify opportunities of personal interest in the energy solutions sector
  • Evaluate the potential of smart grid components
  • Use common metrics to measure energy efficiency

Q3    Creating New Ventures

A framework within which students may take a new venture concept through business modeling, prototyping, customer validation and finally, to making the “pitch.” Students will draw from the various technologies and associated issues and opportunities surveyed in the second quarter. (3 credits)

What you will learn:
  • Be able to use the new business model generation approach to conceptualize a new venture
  • Develop a low-budget “quick and dirty” prototype to communicate a business or product
  • Concept to potential customers, partners or investors
  • Evaluate business opportunities through industry and competitive analysis
  • Develop a simple financial model of the business and understand what would be required to develop a more comprehensive model
  • Provide a presentation and case for a sustainable energy venture

Q4    Action Learning Practicum

Apply the concepts and tools learned during quarters one, two and three in an integrated real world project. This project may be a continuation of the project outlined in the third quarter, or it may be a more implementation-oriented project for a client outside the school. (3 credits)

What you will learn:
  • Speak with confidence and present graphically on quantitative topics related to energy and resource use in buildings and by people
  • Make a presentation and case for a sustainable energy project
  • Apply systems thinking to a sustainable energy project