Conservation of energy for campus buildings: Design, communication and environmentalem through project based learning

A project designed to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from operation of campus buildings has been developed and is being taught at Rowan University as part of Sophomore Engineering Clinic. The goals of Sophomore Clinic are to develop design and communication skills. This paper will discuss the framework of the class, with specific emphasis on how the project fits into the objectives of Sophomore Clinic, and disclose details to allow implementation of the project in similar project-based courses at other institutions. The technical aspects of conserving energy are well suited for introducing design. Introducing ethics and professionalism are also goals of the clinic sequence and a project on reducing greenhouse gas emissions is compatible with these goals.