Topic outline

  • EPA Reducing GHG Emissions in Construction

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This online engineering PDH course presents an overview of current knowledge about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the construction industry. If a large number of small emissions sources within the construction industry were to adopt energy- and climate-conscious practices, aggregate emissions could be reduced substantially. This course describes opportunities for reducing emissions, including practical and low-cost changes in operations. Because consistency and clarity in calculating emissions are important for comparing emissions within and across sectors and for companies to plan and assess progress, the course describes approaches to calculating company-specific gas emissions. Finally the course presents information on GHG inventory protocols that are publicly available and frequently used, and examines the attributes of a protocol that would be useful for companies in the construction sector.

    Topics:

    • Breakdown of emissions sources
    • Comparing emissions estimates
    • Subsector emissions
    • Emissions intensity
    • Reducing emissions through reducing fuel use
    • Reducing emissions through conserving electricity
    • Reducing emissions through reducing impacts of construction materials
    • Calculating company-specific greenhouse gas emissions

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil and construction engineers concerned with the environmental impact of construction activities.

    Publication Source: This course is based on the Environmental Protection Agency document, “Potential for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Construction Sector,” as part of the EPA’s Sector Strategies Program, February, 2009.

    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)
    • Topic 1