Pennsylvania College of Technology’s architecture majors are among the recipients of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Design Designation in the department’s 2024 cohort.
“Penn College’s programs have always focused on sustainability, especially from a zero-energy design perspective. Thus, we’re both excited and honored to be recognized as part of this year’s ZEDD cohort,” said Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies.
Recipients of the designation are chosen for going above and beyond basic building science education and preparing students to design and construct sustainable, energy-efficient buildings through exemplary zero-energy design curricula and practicums. Fourteen programs from nine colleges were selected by DOE for the designation this year, joining 39 programs from 26 institutions that earned the three-year designation in 2022 or 2023.
“Our climate conditions are worsening year by year; we need schools to prepare the next generation to design for future conditions, not the past,” said Holly Jamesen Carr, Solar Decathlon director at the Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office. “The programs recognized in this year’s ZEDD cohort are doing just that and should be commended for being on the forefront of tackling climate change.”
Penn College’s Bachelor of Architecture and its Bachelor of Science in architecture & sustainable design received the designation.
“We are very excited to have our architecture bachelor’s programs recognized through the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Design Designation,” said Dorothy J. Gerring, associate professor of architecture and department head. “This endorsement highlights our focus on and commitment to sustainability and high-performance design.
“The coursework our students complete prepares them for bringing positive change to the architectural field,” Gerring continued. “Students study and apply concepts about the use of materials, envelope performance, daylighting and renewable energy to their design studio projects. This type of design reduces the stress on our natural environment, resources and energy grid.”
Penn College’s architecture majors promote a healthier, more efficient way to build, which reduces negative environmental impacts and slows the depletion of natural resources. Students study sustainable approaches to materials, construction, site design, building design, and the generation and conservation of energy. In addition, they receive training in building science fundamentals and are introduced to historic preservation and the renovation and reuse of existing buildings.
“We’re very lucky to have faculty that consistently review the curriculum and reach beyond the status quo by incorporating new materials and research to achieve new goals,” Lester said.
In addition to two bachelor’s degree options, the college’s architecture program offers an associate degree in architecture. To learn more, call 570-327-4520.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.