Join the Green Team! Be prepared for the future by learning green skills, technologies, methods, energy-efficiencies and conservation at Orleans Tech.

Orleans graduates may apply their skills to the green industry sector that provides services in energy efficiency, with almost 206,000 jobs statewide. Orleans Tech’s program offerings prepare students for careers that are in line with what the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has identified as “High Priority” green occupations. These occupations are in demand by employers and pay family-sustaining wages and include Carpenters; Electricians; Construction Laborers; Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers; General Maintenance & Repair Workers; Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters; and Weatherization Installers.

The list below highlights the ways in which each of our Building Trades training programs incorporates GREEN!

Green Training in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating
Motors and motor controllers; variable speed motors; soft start motors; refrigerant principles of retrofitting Green refrigerants; refrigerant recovery and refrigerant recycling; ice machines; economy of 3 phase motors; warm air heat; high efficiency units and variable speed fan motors; ignition sources standing pilot instillation banned after 2010; introduction to oil heat; bio fuel and liquid coal; hedonic heating; modular heating and outside thermostats; indoor air quality; high efficiency air cleaners; refrigeration process; blended refrigerants; unit location air distribution; zoning for AC and heat recovery; air source heat pumps; variable speed compressors and hybrid systems; EPA certification preparation. Introduction to the theory of solar hot water and solar energy.

Green Training in Building Maintenance
Low flow faucet aerators; low flow shower heads; low volume toilets; lead free solder recycling copper, 1.6 gallon toilets; temperature balancing tub fixtures; copper wire recycling; light sensitive switches; motion sensing switches; dimmer switches; fluorescent versus incandescent lighting; energy efficient heaters; water heater jackets; tankless water heaters; air conditioner evaporator coil cleaning for energy efficiency; refrigerant recovery; EPA standards, review for EPA certification; demolition and wood recycling; painting using latex paint; latex adhesive for wall tile, floor tile, and cove base. Introduction to the theory of solar energy.

Green Training in Carpentry
Dismantling houses and recycling wood; wood fasteners and tools using engineered lumber and manufactured wood; framing floors, walls, and insulation theory; double pane windows, caulking, and weatherstripping of doors; drywall insulation; water based adhesives on vinyl floors; the insolating value of fiber ceiling panels with acoustical ceilings; countertops and ceramic wall tile latex and low odor latex adhesives.

Green Training in Plumbing and Heating
Copper pipe and fittings; lead free solder; recycling copper; testing and rough in of plumbing; leak testing for code compliance and water conservation; installation of low flow toilets faucets and shower heads; gas and electric water heaters; electronic ignition of gas water heaters; electrical control systems; programmable thermostats; furnaces electronic ignitions; boilers electronic ignitions; layout and instillation of boilers. Introduction to the theory of solar hot water and solar energy.

Green Training in Residential and Commercial Electricity
Copper recycling; switch control of lighting; energy conserving lighting control and energy saving lighting; electronic ballasts; timers; photo cell controls for energy efficient fixtures and compact fluorescent lights; variable speed motors; programming PC controls for energy efficiency; base load measurements. Introduction to the theory of solar panel installation and solar energy.

Green Training in Telecommunications
Heat monitoring systems, sensor systems (light, motion), irrigation control systems, smart home technologies such as biosensors, lighting sensors, heat sensors, motion sensors, opening and closing drapes, monitoring solar panels, programmable thermostats for homes and businesses, reduced voltage
lighting displays.