Class meeting day is Thursday at 10am.
The student will be introduced to the concepts of energy usage and the terms, organizations, equipment ratings and sustainable technologies being used to replace older equipment. Water conservation and how it interacts with other sustainable strategies to make buildings and homes more energy efficient will be discussed as they relate to promoting long-term sustainable goals. A third-party Green Awareness assessment exam will be administered at the end of the course.
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Responsibility
The student will be introduced to the concepts of energy usage and the terms, organizations, equipment ratings and sustainable technologies being used to replace older equipment. Water conservation and how it interacts with other sustainable strategies to make buildings and homes more energy efficient will be discussed as they relate to promoting long-term sustainable goals. A third-party Green Awareness assessment exam will be administered at the end of the course.
Goals and Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will:
- Explain the principles of energy flow, conservation, and efficiency in residential and commercial buildings.
- Identify key components of building systems that impact energy use, including HVAC, lighting, insulation, and appliances.
- Describe common energy losses and factors affecting building performance.
- Recognize relevant industry standards, codes, and certifications related to energy auditing.
- Demonstrate proper use of diagnostic instruments such as blower doors, duct testers, thermometers, and moisture meters.
- Measure and analyze building envelope characteristics, including air infiltration/exfiltration, insulation quality, and thermal bridging
Faculty Contact Information
Monday Through Friday by appointment.
Faculty
Bryon Meyer
815-802-8872
bmeyer@kcc.edu
ENGY/AIRC
Office Location/Office hours
MT04 @ MITC
Monday through Friday by appointment
Associate Dean
Paul Carlson
V105
(815) 802-8858
Division Office
W102
(815) 802-8854
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify the difference between customer needs and desires
- Communicate goals and objectives of various tasks within the energy auditing field
- Assist customers is selection of various strategies in energy efficient changes to structures
- Identify customer dissatisfaction and develop various strategies to communicate solutions and maintain professional and civil communication
eText ISBN:9788770223164
Residential Energy Auditing and Improvement
eText ISBN:9788770223034
Handbook of Energy Audits
Student competencies will be measured using various methods. These may include: quizzes, examinations, written assignments, lab demonstrations, oral presentations, attendance (class & lab) and participation in classroom discussions.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in all measurable performance objectives. The final grade will be determined by calculating the percentage of all accumulated points. Percentages required per letter grade are:
A = 100 - 90 B = 89 - 80
C = 79 - 70 D = 69 - 60 F < 60
Any tests/quizzes/assignments/etc., not taken during normally scheduled times will be accessed a 10% penalty if instructor is not notified in advance of absence or tardiness due to work/childcare/illness, etc. Lab work may be made up, but no student(s) shall be allowed to work in lab areas outside of class time without instructor permission and appropriate supervision. All electronic communication devices, i.e. cell phones, etc., shall be silenced during class and lab time. No phone calls, texting, etc., during class/lab time. Exceptions granted with permission of instructor.
Basic assignments may include, but not be limited to:
Quizzes Class Attendance
Mid-Term/Review Test Lab Attendance
Lab Final Final
I do not give grades; I record points which result in grades.
Business, Technology & Human Services
Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650
Course Policies
Regular attendance at all scheduled class sessions is expected. If student has missed more class hours than the number of credit hours to be earned in the class, instructor may record the grade of “F” for the course. Failure of the student to attend class does not constitute withdrawal. The student must make a formal written withdrawal through the Office of Admissions and Records.
College Policies
Withdrawals
When it is necessary to withdraw from a course or from the college, a student may do so on or before the withdrawal date without receiving a punitive final grade. Students should use Change of Schedule forms which are available in Student Services. Students may submit Change of Schedule forms to Student Services or through the mail, but they must be postmarked no later than the withdrawal date. No withdrawals are allowed by phone. To determine the last date to withdraw with a grade of “W” in this course, log into KCConnect and click on “my registration statement” under Academic Profile. Final withdraw date is September 22nd 2026
Code of Conduct
Students need to adhere to the Code of Conduct located in the college catalog.
Email Policy
To ensure a student's privacy under all applicable education laws and to facilitate timely interactions, two College-authorized methods of electronic communication exist: KCC-issued student email accounts (using the domain name of .student.kcc.edu) and the Canvas Learning Management System. Students are expected to regularly check their KCC email accounts and Canvas for important incoming communication from the college or from individual instructors. Students understand that emails they send from personal email accounts (other than those listed above) may not be delivered to the KCC recipient, and students should have no expectation that such messages will be answered.
Non-Attendance/Non-Participation
KCC complies with state law and federal financial aid policy. If you receive an attendance grade of F or are institutionally withdrawn from a course, it will affect your eligibility for financial aid. (1) You must attend at least one class, or participate at least once for an online course (logging in without participation is not attending), by the 10th day of 16 week courses or within the first 10% of shorter term classes. Non-attendance will result in an attendance grade of F. (2) If you have excessive absences and no reasonable chance of passing the course at midterm (or after), your instructor may give you a WX grade and have you institutionally withdrawn from the course.
College Resources
Academic Success Center
Math/Science Tutoring Center – The center offers free tutorial services on a walk-in basis to support students enrolled at KCC in a wide range of math and science courses, excluding Biology, and individual skill development activities. The Math/Science Tutoring Center, L335/L339, is the location of most tutorial services. For a current tutoring schedule, go to http://www.kcc.edu/tutoring.
Biology Tutor Lab – The schedule is posted outside of R204.
Writing Lab – KCC’s Writing Lab is now paired with the English Department. Tutors have been trained by English faculty in an attempt to better align classroom instruction with tutor advice. The lab is free and available on a walk-in basis to support students of all levels and at all points throughout the writing process. Location: L341. For a current tutoring schedule, go to http://www.kcc.edu/tutoring.
Office of Disability Services – KCC offers advisement and special instructional support for students who are physically and learning disabled, as well as those with academic deficiencies. Students will receive appropriate academic instructional support, including preparatory courses, tutorial assistance, study skills assistance, and self-instructional programs. For disability services, go to room D234, Tel: 815-802-8632.
Miner Memorial Library
The Miner Memorial Library provides a variety of services free to students, including books, computer access, Wi-Fi access, and numerous research databases available online. Reference librarians are also available to assist in locating information. The library is open Monday through Saturday and online resources are available 24/7. For additional information go to http://www.kcc.edu/library.
Syllabus disclaimer
Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.
Syllabus disclaimer
Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.
GENERAL CLASS/LAB RULES
Attendance: Should it be necessary for you to miss class due to illness, childcare issues, failure in mode of transportation, etc., you will notify ithe instructorpreferably prior to class or at least prior to the end of that class. Notification may be voice mail, e-mail at bmeyer@kcc.edu (or through Canvas) or leaving a message with the Division office. Failure to notify of absence, combined with the failure to take quizzes, tests, etc., on time when scheduled, will result in a 10% reduction in the grade for that evening's work. Should students need to miss class for any reason, it is expected that students will participate in the next class activities which could include quizzes, tests, lab exercises, lab tests, written exams, etc. Exceptions may be granted for extraordinary circumstances such as military service, hospitalization, etc.
Since tests/quizzes are scheduled online and accessible over a 1-week period, there will be limited make up opportunities should you fail to take the test in the allotted time period. I will allow exceptions for extraordinary circumstances as listed in the previous paragraph. But any make up tests will be done in person and on paper.
Lab participation; Labs are where you get to put into practice the things you learn in class lectures. It’s where the theory will make sense. Watching someone do the work won’t teach you as much as you doing it. Lab Time Cards will be required of each participating student. See attached.
LAB RULES: If you take it out, please put it away. If you plug it in, please unplug it. I have found tools, torches, insulated coffee cups, half empty/full pop bottles, wire, sheet metal shards, copper pipe, etc., strewn about when I come in, return, etc. We are all adults! Please clean up after yourself. This includes putting things away, sweeping floors, etc. Pitch in and help even if you don’t make the mess. Thank you in advance! ☺
During general lab exercises we are to assist one another, if possible, available or as it pertains to the overall exercise. WE ARE A TEAM. The only time you are on your own is test time.
There are labels on the tool caddy drawers. PLEASE PUT IT BACK TO where you find it or where it goes. If you find it in a place you know it doesn’t belong, put it back where it belongs. If you don’t know where it belongs, please ask. Thank you in advance! ☺
LAB SAFETY: Safety is everyone's responsibility. You are REQUIRED to wear safety glasses/goggles while in the lab performing tasks. Failure to comply with this requirement may get you removed from lab and forfeiture of lab credit/points.
I do not generally grade for penmanship, language skills such as grammar, punctuation and spelling. HOWEVER, if I cannot read your writing, or if I cannot figure out what you are trying to tell me in your written work, then I have no alternative but to reserve rewarding points for that particular assignment, question, etc., as applicable.
Profanity should not be used as a matter of respect for those that find it offensive. Employers prefer employees that can speak to a wide variety of customers without the use of profanity. It is what is known as “professionalism.”
Should a student consistently violate this policy, the instructor reserves the right to have the student removed from class/lab and the student will forfeit points/assignment(s) for that session.
One of the 5 core values of KCC is “Respect.” Show others respect during class, labs, breaks, etc. You may disagree with someone’s answer, position, etc., but do so with courtesy and respect. Show respect for others and the instructor by being ready and on time for class.
*Instructor reserves the right to revise and/or change schedule/content as needed to adjust for interruptions caused by weather, power loss or other unforeseen circumstances.
Appendix B
OFFICE HOURS
Professor Bryon Meyer
Office Hours: Fall 2026
Office: MT-04
Monday: By Appointment
Tuesday: By Appointment
Wednesday: By Appointment
Thursday: By Appointment
Friday: By Appointment
If you need to see me, please notify me in advance so we can make arrangements. If you cannot come in during regular office hours, please contact me and I will make arrangements to see you either in person, through Canvas Chats or similar live format. I can be contacted at 815-802-8872, bmeyer@kcc.edu or through Canvas.
Week 1 – Foundations of Energy & Sustainability
- Course orientation and expectations
- Overview of energy use in society
- Energy units (kWh, BTU, therms)
- Why energy efficiency matters
- Introduction to sustainability concepts
- Environmental and economic impacts of energy use
- Long-term sustainability goals
- Discussion: energy use in homes vs. buildings
Week 2 – Energy Usage in Buildings
- Residential and light-commercial building energy profiles
- Major energy loads (HVAC, lighting, appliances)
- Base load vs. peak demand
- Utility bills and rate structures
- Reading electric, gas, and water bills
- Identifying usage patterns and seasonal trends
- Activity: sample utility bill review
Week 3 – Energy Efficiency Terminology & Metrics
- Energy efficiency vs. conservation
- Common industry terms and definitions
- Introduction to building envelopes
- Equipment ratings and labels:
- SEER, AFUE, ENERGY STAR®
- Insulation basics (R-values, U-factors)
- Comparing older vs. high-efficiency equipment
Week 4 – Organizations, Standards, and Programs
- Role of government and standards organizations
- Overview of DOE, EPA, and ASHRAE
- Why standards and guidelines exist
- Voluntary programs and incentives
- Utility efficiency programs
- Green awareness initiatives
- Mid-course review and discussion
Week 5 – Sustainable Technologies
- High-efficiency HVAC systems
- Lighting technologies (LEDs, controls)
- Smart thermostats and automation basics
- Renewable energy overview:
- Solar PV and solar thermal
- Energy storage basics
- How new technologies replace legacy systems
Week 6 – Water Conservation & Energy Interaction
- The water–energy nexus
- Hot water systems and energy demand
- Water use in buildings
- Water-efficient fixtures and appliances
- Leak detection and water loss
- Integrated water and energy-saving strategies
Week 7 – Introduction to Energy Auditing
- What is an energy audit?
- Types of audits (walk-through, basic, comprehensive)
- Role and responsibilities of an energy auditor
- Common audit tools and methods (overview level)
- Typical audit findings and recommendations
- Behavioral vs. equipment-based solutions
Week 8 – Review & Green Awareness Assessment
- Comprehensive review of key concepts
- Practice questions and terminology
- Exam preparation strategies
- Third-Party Green Awareness Assessment Exam
- Course wrap-up
- Career pathways and next steps
- Syllabus disclaimer
Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.