Renewable Energy Certificates For Green Building Explained GreenHome Institute 2026-09-23 | Renewable Energy Certificates For Green Building Explained
Becoming a Green Associate - What you need to know GreenHome Institute 2023-06-15 | The Green Associate (GA) Credential is the globally recognized foundational sustainability credential. Whether you plan to be involved directly or indirectly in LEED, this credential is carried out by many sustainability professionals. It communicates that you are continually learning sustainability in your profession. The GA is the first step to getting your LEED Accredited Professional (AP) and then your LEED Green Rater or LEED Fellow if you wish to continue to advance.This session will be the introductory part 1 session to an additional seven parts that will introduce you to green associates, sustainable business, and green building and see if you are interested in joining the study group to prepare you for the GA exam.Once we determine interest in the course, we will determine what weeks, days, and times we will host the remaining sessions. These includeLOCATION AND TRANSPORTATIONSUSTAINABLE SITESWATER EFFICIENCYENERGY & ATMOSPHEREMATERIALS & RESOURCESINDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITYINNOVATION IN DESIGN | Summary | Next StepsDuring the entire 8-part series, we will go over the seven aspects of sustainability in the built environment, what you need to know about these for LEED, what new technology and ideas are being implemented, and take the practice exams to prepare you for your Green Associate exam.Student SupportStudents in the USGBCWM region on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of 5 will get $100 back for successful exam completion from the chapter.PresenterBrett Little, LEED AP Homes, and Green Rater have been instructing, learning, engaging, consulting, and rating LEED projects for over a decade. While traditional Green Associate courses often focus on the commercial sector, Brett will bring a unique perspective from his career in residential green building to this class as the places we live become more important to the business sector with work from home and buildings being converted to living spaces as we face a major housing shortage.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLinks references in this video Drivers of Green Building usgbc.org/resources/green-building-trends-and-sentimentsWhen can you do you want to take the course survey https://forms.gle/smoZiUsNfF8mkYxF6usgbc.org/resources/leed-v4-green-associate-candidate-handbookStudent Exam Scholarship wmusgbc.wufoo.com/forms/sustainable-spotlight-scholarshipgbes.com/leed-green-associate-exam-prephttp://www.usgbc.org/credentials.greenhomeinstitute.org/leed-for-homes-virtual-green-rater-trainingWhat is the mission of USGBC? Branding Guidelines support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/11941118063891-USGBC-Trademark-Policy-and-Branding-Guidelinesusgbc.org/leed/v41LEED v5youtube.com/watch?v=6pP-5XacJOMhttp://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction/v4/minimum-program-requirementsgbci.org/aboutusgbc.org/credits?Version=%22v4%22&Rating+System=%22Homes%22http://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v4-building-design-and-construction-checklisthttp://www.usgbc.org/articles/new-alternative-compliance-paths-now-available-international-leed-projects
Equitable Building Decarbonization 101 GreenHome Institute 2023-06-12 | Curious about building decarbonization? Want to see what an equitable, coalition-led method of organizing looks like? Join us!Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (LU)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Articulate the benefits and barriers to equitable decarbonization.2. Review what is going on in the space of electrification and energy efficiency for those typically not present in these spaces.3. Understand where to go to get more information and join a group to continue the equitable decarbonization work in the Midwest.4. Discuss what is equitable decarbonization and efforts around it.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/equitable-building-decarbonization-101Speakers:Marnese JacksonMarnese Jackson is an Environmental and Climate Justice activist, advocate, trainer and educator from Pontiac, Michigan where she is a mother of two children London and Dawson. Marnese was previously with the Mothers Out Front in December 2018 as the Frontline Organizing Program Manager where she focused on building the base of Mothers in Frontline communities. During this time, Marnese was the staff liaison to US Climate Action Network, staff Equity Team and BIPOC Affinity Team member. Marnese also managed the Youth Global Climate Strike (2019) and Earth Day Live (2020). She is the former Midwest and Great Plain States Regional Organizer for the NAACP’s Environmental and Climate Justice Program. She was the Weatherization Coordinator for Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency and Energy Outreach Specialist for the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.Marnese holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism and African American Studies from Eastern Michigan University and Masters of Arts Degree from Marygrove College in Social Justice specializing in Environmental, Economic and Racial Justice. Marnese is a board member of the USCAN, she is the membership chairperson of the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, a Environmental and Climate Justice chairperson of the NAACP Northern Oakland County Branch. Marnese is a 2020 Michigan Clean Energy Leaders Cohort member and a 350.org BIPOC Cohort member. Marnese was appointed in 2021 to the Governor Whitmer’s Michigan Council on Climate Solutions.Jacob SerflingJacob joined the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition in the fall of 2021 after 8 years working as a commercial building energy efficiency program implementer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Iowa. Jacob serves as the Vice-Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Iowa Market Leadership Advisory Board and has previously been a member of the City of Des Moines Energy Benchmarking Task Force and the Iowa Association for Energy Efficiency’s planning committee. Jacob resides in Des Moines, Iowa with his wife and two children. In his spare time he enjoys reading, pretending he knows how to garden, and getting out for long walks with the family dogs.
The future of HVAC Commissioning: Direct Measurement Capture is Here GreenHome Institute 2023-06-01 | The industry has moved from gauges to Smart Probes and Intelligent Apps that go beyond the measurements to providing system targets and in-depth diagnostics.Multiple studies have found that 70-90% of Residential cooling systems have at least one fault, add duct leakage increases, this increases to 90–100%. This poor performance creates comfort issues, wasted energy (including water as an energy source) and cost society billions each year. Are techs finding the issues and correcting them and leaving them?These faults can be significantly reduced and eliminated with prober design and commissioning and confirming the actual measurements - not pencil whipping!This session will cover the tools, apps and standards for proper compliance including ACCA Quality Installation (QI), Energy Star Verified Installation (ESVI), and the similar pathways for Energy Star, DOE Zero Energy Ready Certification which may net Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits.Bonus - We will discuss how this fits in with the LEED for Homes Rating Systems requirements and align with the 310 standard.Join us for a conversation on the new path for compliance as we cover the options from verifying the HVAC operation to full system commissioning.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) & LEED AP Homes• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)Lessons Learned1. Explain that existing gauges to measure refrigerants are outdated, they release global warming refrigerants, and cause cross contamination in units. How does this comply LEED V4BD+C & V4.1 Residential EA Prereq Minumum Energy Performance?2. Identify that Smart Probes are only a smart as the Intelligent Apps that interpret the measurements3. Name 2 standards for compliance and how to implement them and how it will comply LEED V4BD+C & V4.1 Residential EA Prereq Minumum Energy Performance?4. Review are the only adjustable parameters or settings in a standard AC system? How does it align LEED V4BD+C & V4.1 Residential EA Prereq Minumum Energy Performance?Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/the-future-of-HVAC-commissioning-direct-measurement-capture-is-hereSpeakerJoe Medosch {med-osh} - Client Success Manager for measureQuick, Owner of Energy & Environmental Consulting. He is an Industry Master Trainer, national presenter, and his diverse background in multiple trades provides a unique understanding of “The House and occupants as a System.” Joe has been evaluating homes for 20+ years and has been a Comfort Consultant /Trainer for over 15+ years providing solutions on Healthier/Energy Efficient Home Performance and co-creator of Retrotec rCloud app.Certifications / knowledge base and committees include: Board Member on Healthy Air Research and Certification Authority (HARCA), ACCA, IAQ/IEQ assessments, ICC, BPI, RESNET, SMACNA, ASTM …
Great Data, Great Decisions: From Energy to Carbon Ratings, and the IRA GreenHome Institute 2023-05-25 | Let's talk about tools and processes to design, build and rate new homes, multifamily buildings, and gut renovations to meet, beat codes, achieve the Inflation Reduction Act 45L tax credits, and obtain green building certifications. We will also discuss the ANSI CO2e Rating Index, which is of growing importance to stakeholders wanting to understand their direct operational carbon emissions impact.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) & LEED AP Homes• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)• Building Science Institute (BSI) CULessons Learned1. Review the process and tools to verify energy savings in housing and meet the LEED BD+C V4(.1) Residential EA Minimum Energy Performance.2. Discuss the Inflation Reduction Act 45L Requirements and how to verify better-built homes to achieve tax credits and supersede LEED BD+C V4(.1) Residential EA Minimum Energy Performance.3. Know where to get more information to find help becoming or hiring a verifier who assists a project in meeting IRA 45L and LEED BD+C V4(.1) Residential EA Credit Annual Energy Performance.4. Articulate the benefits understand and reducing operational carbon in design when using the ANSI CO2e Rating IndexNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/great-data-great-decisions-from-energy-to-carbon-ratings-and-the-iraSpeakerConnor Dillon, BSI, strives to help his clients build better businesses so they can lead better lives. In his chosen profession, this relies on verifying conformity to ISO and ANSI Standards, in order to certify projects under above-code programs such as ENERGY STAR®. This helps ensure that the end-user, the homebuyer, gets the house promised to them by the builder. One that is energy efficient, resilient, and comfortable to live in. Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co., (BSI) is a nationally recognized ENERGY STAR Home Certification Organization (HCO), partnered with HouseRater, to provide oversight, training, and business improvement support to energy rating companies.
Using Green Benefits to Sell Homes and Projects GreenHome Institute 2023-05-18 | Green, energy-efficient, high performance, sustainable … whatever we call it, we are talking about healthier, better homes that focus more on the living experience in a home, as well as the home itself.You understand the practices and features to build, remodel, or sell these better homes, yet do you know how to better position, value, and sell them?This workshop focuses on the benefits of healthier, green, and energy-efficient homes and features and how to use these benefits to up-level your marketing and sales. The emotional pull created by the benefits of your homes and projects is how you differentiate your work. Relating their value to your clients to help them live healthier and more comfortably in their homes helps seal the deal.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects – AIA • Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned1. Know which components in a home may be healthier, more efficient and/or green.2. Review how to spot and sell the added value of healthier, more efficient features in a home.3. Understand how to sell the emotional value to help sell homes and projects.4. Discuss 3 maintenance resources to distinguish you and your business.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/using-green-benefits-to-sell-homes-and-projectsSpeakerMarla Esser Cloos, GHI Member, is the principal of Green Home Coach with 15+ years working with green certified homes and projects. Through Green Home Coach programs and partnerships, she helps businesses and people discover and create better homes to live in or work on for healthier, more comfortable lives. She is an NGBS Verifier, NAR Green and Wellness Within Your Walls certified pro.She also is the founder and host of the Everyday Green Home podcast and author of Living Green Effortlessly: Simple Choices for a Better Home.Marla is a member of the GreenHome Institute, The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Climate Risk Committee, NAHB Sustainability and Green Building Subcommittee, NAHB Healthier Homes and Communities Subcommittee and the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association, as well as an affiliate member of the Edmond Board of Realtors.
Radon & air monitoring across your projects GreenHome Institute 2023-05-12 | Builders, property managers, and home inspectors can all find value in monitoring radon and air quality in multiple homes or units. This can help them make informed decisions and convey needed information to protect the health of their clients. Join us and learn about monitoring opportunities across project portfolios, whether new or existing housing, single or multifamily. Let's help people be healthier.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)Lessons Learned1. Understand the types of air pollutants we can measure in homes to make informed decisions to make clients healthier.2. Articulate benefits of measuring air quality across multiple buildings to determine strategies for improvements.3. Review the concerns of radon and how it gets into housing.4. Know where to go to get more information to determine air quality risks.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/radon-air-monitoring-across-your-projectsSpeakerDr. Kai Wundke, CEO of SunRADON"Our mission is to reduce the number of cases of Radon-induced lung cancer worldwide. To do that, we aim to provide the most reliable, innovative, and easy to use products to accurately measure Radon,"
Overview of GreenStar Homes Certification for renovations & new builds GreenHome Institute 2023-05-04 | The GreenStar Homes Certification program is a resource to help you and your clients achieve and communicate sustainability goals for continuous home improvement, renovations, and new construction projects across single-family, townhomes, multifamily, and mixed-use buildings.The program is used by remodelers, custom home builders, developers and affordable housing agencies and is codified in some incentive programs as well.During this course, we will guide you through our open source free online workbook and manual that you may use to make more informed decisions and certify in the GreenStar Homes program if you wish. We will review the GreenStar Homes Process, costs, and how to work with and become a GreenHome Inspector.This is not necessarily a technical course, and so before taking this or after, you may wish to go through our Basics of Residential Green Building which goes into the technical details of the GreenStar Homes requirements.You may access the handouts and reference links here greenhomeinstitute.org/HandoutsgreenstaroverviewContinuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)Lessons Learned:1. Know more about the basic level of GreenStar Homes Certification to improve home health.2. Articulate sustainable design features of a basic green home to improve occupant welfare.3. Understand where to go to get more information about GreenStar home requirements and trade offs.4. Review details for the basics of a greener home and further resources.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/overview-of-Greenstar-homes-certification-for-renovations-new-buildsSpeakerBrett Little is the Education Manager at the GreenHome Institute. He has helped lead training, consulting, and verification of 1000's green-certified units and is currently overseeing quality assurance for the GreenStar Homes Certification program. Brett certified an old, nearly 100-year-old home to GreenStar, which he sold for increased value, and is currently working on GreenStar Homes Certification for his next home and GHI Zero Carbon Certified. Brett wishes to help everyone make all homes, BETTER.
Using EPAs National Stormwater Calculator GreenHome Institute 2023-04-27 | EPA’s National Stormwater Calculator (SWC) is a software application tool that estimates the annual amount of rainwater and frequency of runoff from a specific site using green infrastructure as low impact development controls. The SWC is designed for use by anyone interested in reducing runoff from a property, including site developers, landscape architects, urban planners, and homeowners.Whether you want to protect against more planned rain events from climate change, comply with city laws and incentives, or meet LEED or green building goals, the EPA National Storm Calc is here to help you!Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI): LEED APH Homes and BD+C• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP): Place• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Review the EPA's National Stormwater Calculator (SWC) and how it may assist you in achieving LEED BD+C V4 Homes and New Construction SS Rain Water Management2. Summarize the of computational methods used by the SWC and how it assists in achieving LEED BD+C V4 Homes and New Construction SS Rain Water Management3. Understand how to run the calculator to quantify storm water reductions and achieving LEED BD+C V4 Homes and New Construction SS Rain Water Management4. Begin Interpreting the calculator results and Applying Low Impact Development (LID) controlsNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/using-epas-national-stormwater-calculatorSpeaker:Dr. Corinne Wiesner-Friedman is a Physical Scientist with the U.S. EPA in the Office of Research and Development in the Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response working in the Integrated Water Resources Branch. Her background is in GIS and network-based approaches to predicting microbial loads in surface water, sediment, and wastewater. She currently manages EPA's National Stormwater Calculator and does research to improve the SWC as well as EPA's Stormwater Management Model.
PREFAB For All GreenHome Institute 2023-04-27 | Smaller houses with quality amenities are trending. Koones’s latest features a variety of prefab homes from small to large, luxurious to modest, and includes modular, structural insulated panels, panelized, and kit built. The houses are from a range of locations across the United States and Canada. Prefabricated housing is a practical solution since it is faster to build, less expensive than site-built houses, and potentially more energy efficient—all aspects that are attractive to homeowners.Bonus - One Lucky Attendee will win a free copy of the book!Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 0.5 hour in • Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Review the sustainable design benefits and limitations of prefab housing. 2. Understand the possibility of prefabricated design and construction in regard to housing type, cost, size and location. 3. Articulate sustainable technologies like heatpumps, energy recovery ventilators, SIPS, Insulated Concrete Forms and more. 4. Overview of embodied carbon and other need to know sustainability terms in regard to prefab.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/prefab-for-allSpeaker:Sheri Koones is a bestselling author and expert on small houses, energy efficiency, and prefabrication whose previous books include Prefabulous, Prefabulous Small Houses, Prefabulous + Sustainable, Prefabulous + Almost Off the Grid, and Prefabulous World. She won the prestigious Robert Bruss Real Estate Book Award from NAREE in 2008, 2011, 2013, and 2017. Koones is also a journalist and speaker.
The State of Net Zero Housing 2023: Inventory of Zero Report GreenHome Institute 2023-04-14 | EEBA Team Zero started tracking the proliferation of U.S. and Canadian ZE homes in 2015. Since then, the yearly report has shown a consistent upward trend. In the past, the multifamily sector led the pack. In the 2022 report, we see single family homes making up the majority for the first time. The report tracks Zero Energy single and multifamily home trends and leaders across the U.S. and Canada, and shows 190% in growth in total projects as well as 440% growth in single family houses.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)Lessons Learned:1. Review the growth and expansion of net zero housing for welfare of society.2. Know the top reported high-performance technologies used for healthier low carbon homes.3. Articulate the top reported net zero rating systems used for better home design.4. Identify the major players who are adopting ZE design and construction as a profitable business model.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/the-state-of-net-zero-housing2023-inventory-of-zero-reportSpeaker:Aaron Smith is the CEO of the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) which represents a community of over 50,000 builders and their stakeholders across North America that are truly the early adopters and innovators in driving sustainable transformation of the homebuilding industry.Aaron has over 25 years of experience in home construction, building products, sustainability and non-profit board leadership. He has worked for companies including Kohler, Uponor and ASSA ABLOY as well as startups in Silicon Valley and his own building and remodeling company. Aaron previously served on non-profit Boards for Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Health Product Declaration Collaborative (HPDC), CT Sustainable Business Council, and co-founded the CT Collaborative - Living Building Challenge.Aaron completed his undergraduate studies at West Point and St. Cloud State University and is a 2016 graduate of the Yale University MBA program with a focus on Sustainability. He loves green building and sustainability as well as hockey, hiking, skiing, gardening, and spending time with his wife, Jennifer, 3 boys and 4 cats and chickens at their home in Minneapolis.
Tour the Miner Residence LEED Gold Zero Carbon Certified Home GreenHome Institute 2023-04-05 | Come and meet the Miners who invited GHI education manager Brett Little to take a film tour of their home during the 2022 solar decathlon. They will give an update on what they've done to improve sustainability despite receiving LEED Gold certification over a decade ago. The Miners show that even when achieving high-level green building standards, more can be done to the house to improve sustainability, and we want to invite you in to learn about what they did to achieve the GreenHome Institute Zero Carbon Certification from 2020 through 2022 and how you can learn more about this and do it too.greenhomeinstitute.org/ghi-zero-carbon-certifiedWe will also discuss what they did when building their home and how it’s still above the energy code for homes built today in most of the United States and other countries. Join us for this quick video and learn more about the project heregreenhomeinstitute.org/miner-residents-goes-beyond-leed-gold-to-all-electric-zero-carbon-certified
All about DOE Zero Energy Ready v2 GreenHome Institute 2023-03-31 | DOE Zero Energy Ready Version 2 is here! Are you ready?Armando, a residential designer with deep experience with this program, wants to help you understand how to get ready to implement version 2 whether you have used v1 or are new to the program. Follow along and see how this program can benefit from 45L Tax credits when utilized.The DOE Zero Energy Ready Program comprises several stepping stones, including the HERS Index, Energy Star, and EPA Indoor Air Plus. Please understand these programs well to understand tDOE Zero Energy Ready better. Please watch previous sessions here if you are not familiar with those programs.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 2 hours in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI): LEED APH Homes• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP): Energy, Health and Materials• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House US Institute (PHIUS) CPHCLessons Learned1. Articulate the benefits to clients of building a zero energy-ready home which corresponds with LEED BD+C V4 Homes Credit EA Annual Energy use and energy savings2. Understand the health and comfort benefits required in the DOE Zero Energy Ready program and how it ties into LEED BD+C V4 Homes Requirement EQ Ventilation.3. Review the durability details of this program that benefits the occupant welfare and safety and how it connects to LEED BD+C V4 Homes MR Durability Management4. Know where to go to get more information to meet the Zero Energy Ready Certification Program5. While we will focus mostly on single family and townhomes, this program does apply to multifamily and this will be discussed.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/all-about-doe-zero-energy-ready-v2Speaker: Armando CoboArmando Cobo, owner of Armando Cobo, Designer, is an award winning zero energy home designer from Albuquerque, New Mexico and Fort Worth, Texas with over 37 years, 500 custom home designs and over 200 built homes under his belt, and the last 22+ years, with green building and zero energy home experience. We have designed must all traditional and contemporary residential design styles, allowing us to develop a great knowledge of the field techniques as well as the aesthetic perception of design.As a zero-energy custom home designer and building consultant, Armando can provide excellent recommendations on contractors, building practices and materials under the guidelines of the Zero Energy Ready Home, The Building America Program, Build Green New Mexico, National Home Builders Association’s Green Building Program, and LEED for Homes Program. Along detailed drawings and specifications will allow you for a better understanding of the home building process, better value for your money and make the building of your custom home go as smooth as possible.Armando has earned a very good reputation by providing a high degree of craftsmanship, detail and commitment to excellence in sustainable, green building and especially zero energy home design and building over the years, and in the future will continue to achieve the highest expectations form his clients.Armando Cobo, Designer has designed homes in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, IL, KS, LA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NM, NY, NV, OK, and TX in climate zones 2-5.EXPERIENCE:Armando Cobo, Designer has designed and built houses with traditional wall systems, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF’s), Prefabricated Wall Panels (PWP’s), Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s). Also, designed and built many homes with basements (Full, Cellar, View-outs, Walkouts and Pits), sealed and conditioned crawl spaces and pilings.All homes include Resilient and Universal Design principles.Nationally Approved trainer for DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Program.Builder and Sub-contractor online training included with all designs. On-site training available.
The Joys of Induction Cooking GreenHome Institute 2023-03-23 | Anyone who has followed the recent news knows that how we cook has suddenly become a popular topic! Recent clear studies show poor indoor air quality from fossil gas cooking with big links to childhood asthma.So how can we cook better?Induction cooking is the technology of the future. It's the most powerful, most precise, cleanest, and safest way to cook. As with any new technology, there is a bit of a learning curve. We will help people understand how induction cooking can improve their home, and how to easily get an induction range in their home or their client's home. We will discuss what tax credits are coming for these devices too.Bonus! A lucky member attendee will win a 1800 watt countertop induction burner courtesy of Redwood EnergyContinuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)Lessons Learned1. Understand the basics of induction technology for a healthy home2. Know three ways that induction can improve a kitchen and homeowner/renter welfare3. Understand the challenges that exist in home electrification and how battery-equipped appliances solve those problems4. Bust myths that exist around induction electric cooking.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/the-joys-of-induction-cookingSpeakerJosh Land started his career in food, including at the famed San Francisco bakery Tartine. He then trained as an engineer and is part of the founding team at Channing St Copper Co. Helping everyone get an induction range in their home.
Capturing real estate agent/buyer attention in high performance homes GreenHome Institute 2023-03-16 | A high-performing home is more healthy, comfortable, safe, and resource-efficient than an average home. These homes may generate and store their own energy and include a wide range of high-performing features such as air sealing, insulation, and energy efficient heating and cooling equipment.Given the benefits that high-performing homes and features provide and the opportunity to sell the homes for more money, what is stopping these homes from taking over the market?Through interviews, surveys, and a Midwest-focused appraiser-led analysis, Elevate has created a body of research that points to the market changes needed to fully engage all of the stakeholders in the real estate transaction to ensure fair and consistent value for these superheroes of the housing stock.After the formal CEU event concludes, we will be inviting all West Michigan based realtors to stay on for a meet and greet until 2 pm EST where we will discuss the formation of a green home realtor task force. Please plan to join us.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• CE Marketplace MI Realtor• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (LU)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLearning Objectives:1. List the marketplace changes real estate agents and homebuyers report needing in order to prioritize high-performing features and homes during the homebuying process. 2. Explain the importance of local appraiser-led analyses that investigate the potential of a high-performing premium.3. Develop a strategy for engaging with the local real estate community, to form a partnership that leads to the consistent and fair valuation of high-performing homes. 4. Describe the appraiser-led research from the Midwest that found high-performing home premiums and how the premium was determined. Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/capturing-real-estate-agent-buyer-attention-in-high-performance-homesSpeakersPamela Brookstein leads the market transformation and real estate engagement work for Elevate, a nonprofit dedicated to designing and implementing efficiency programs ensure the benefits of clean energy reach those who need them most. In her role, she works to ensure the value of high-performing homes are visible in real estate transactions. Pamela developed and teaches classes designed specifically for real estate professionals. Additionally, she researches and writes about consumer reactions to high-performance homes and works to learn what would motivate buyers to invest in energy efficiency upgrades.Brett Vredevoogd is a Residential Realtor in Grand Rapids Michigan focusing on helping eco-conscious homeowners increase energy efficiency and maximize home equity. Brett is also involved with educating the Real Estate industry on a local and national level about the importance of marketing energy efficiency and documenting high-performing features on the MLS.
Understanding the IRA Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit GreenHome Institute 2023-03-10 | Follow along with GHI Education Manager Brett Little as he takes you through the good, better, and best improvements that can be done to existing homes that line up with the new Inflation Reduction Act Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. We will discuss how to access these credits and review what we do not know yet. We will also briefly discuss the Residential Clean Energy Property Credit and where it fits in with this.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (LU)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)Lessons Learned1. Understand the benefits of energy-efficient and healthy home improvements and what tax credits may come.2. Know where to get more information to determine what products are eligible for tax credits3. Review the order of energy-saving home improvements which often happen over time4. Articulate the value of getting a GreenHome Inspection to determine the best way forward.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/understanding-the-ira-efficient-home-improvement-tax-creditSpeakerBrett Little is the Education Manager at the GreenHome Institute. He has personally used tax credits, rebates, and multiple financial resources to pull together Pearl Platinum & GreenStar Homes renovations on two homes he has owned. He hopes to help everyone to succeed in doing the same.
Real-world insights on the effect of electrification on energy burdens GreenHome Institute 2023-03-03 | Households considering transitioning their homes from fossil-fuel based heating to all-electric heat pumps in cold climates face a poor economic proposition. Home energy efficiency retrofits are posed as a prominent solution in lessening energy burden in US households, but a research gap remains in understanding the most advantageous weatherization investments considering housing quality and income, and in examining the energy insecurity implications of higher utility bills when switching to heat pumps from natural gas heating.This paper explores this gap by asking two questions: which energy efficiency retrofits are available to address high utility bills, and what are the energy cost burden impacts of air source heat pumps in existing homes across income groups? To answer these questions, I use empirical data from a pilot study of 50 homes in Michigan where higher than average energy cost burden rates, long heating season, and old housing stock pose concerning risks to human health and safety under this transition.Data collected from each home consists of daily gas and hourly electric consumption data for one year, information about housing characteristics (including the results of a blower door test to measure air infiltration rate and the on-label efficiency of all appliances), energy audit contractor recommendations and cost estimates for energy efficiency retrofits. I combine this information about the building envelope with household demographic characteristics. I estimate the intensity of energy use, and the energy burden based on self-reported income bands. Using the contractor’s estimates, I assess payback periods for energy retrofits. Finally, I assess how the energy burden would change if each household were to switch to all-electric heating using cold-climate air source heat pumps.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)Lessons Learned:1. Reflect on how home efficiency varies by income and other metrics of vulnerability2. Review how energy burden varies by income and other metrics of vulnerability and the welfare of those experiencing poverty3. Evaluate payback periods of home healthy and energy retrofits vary by income4. Understand how change in bills associated with a switch to electric heat pumps varies by income and housing characteristics and how that impacts home design for low income projects.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/real-world-insights-on-the-effect-of-electrification-on-energy-burdensSpeaker: Parth VaishnavParth is a GHI board member and Assistant Professor at the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan. My research aims to understand how technology can help solve social problems. Much of my work focuses on the environmental and human health consequences of energy production and use. Most projects focus on the consequences for the environment, human health, and justice of the electrification of buildings and transportation. I employ building energy models, physics-based models of energy systems, and reduced-complexity integrated air quality models, as well as qualitative methods such as interviews, to understand how economic, political, and operational realities constrain technology deployment. I am particularly interested in finding ways to deploy technologies in a way that promotes energy and environmental justice.
Can your roof tiles also generate solar power? GreenHome Institute 2023-02-24 | Imagine if all our roofing or more of it could also generate solar. Imagine if your roofer was also your solar contractor.Could a two-for-one approach to roofing reduce the costs of a separate roof and solar installation while reducing materials and applying the new IRA tax credits to the entire roofing system?What if we could design better areas with strict solar laws for aesthetics? Can it be done?This course will be aimed at builders, architects, and designers, and will focus on the convergence of the roofing and solar industries, how to incorporate solar into your construction scope, and the products that exist in the market. Building and roofing knowledge are a plus, but not required.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Materials• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)Lessons Learned:1. Understand the basics of integrated solar roofing design and install2. Review the benefits of solar power and the sustainability of incorporating it into the roofing system3. Know where to get more information when designing and specifying solar roofing4. Articulate the sustainable benefits of the solar roofing system which improves the welfare of the industryNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/can-your-roof-tiles-also-generate-solar-powerSpeakers:Main: Scott SumetzDiana BlankScott has over 13 years of experience as a solar leader with an extensive finance background. His passion is to change the way we use energy through education and deployment of solar across the US. His roots in finance started after college over 25 years ago by building a successful local Northwest Mortgage firm. In 2010 Scott moved his family to Phoenix Arizona utilizing his home-financing background to be a part of the solar industry, focusing on both commercial and residential. He has spent his last 8 years with SUNRUN successfully scaling the Direct and Retail Sales Teams throughout the Southwest. Thrilled to join the GAF Energy team, he is excited to be part of the next evolution in the solar-roofing space.
Real Time Energy Model to meet, beat code and get IRA 45L GreenHome Institute 2023-02-17 | Learn how builders are earning the new Inflation Reduction Act 45L Tax Credit (new in 2023) with real examples from Ekotrope's database of over 1 Million homes. This course will describe the changes to the 45L Tax Credit, and the Tax Credit's requirements, and show how Ekotrope supports their users to find new ways to earn this Tax Credit - notably how Scenario Modeling can be used to quickly develop and test new compliance pathways.We will also discuss using scenario modeling to achieve code and/or beat code to get to Net Zero energy and/or green building certification such as LEED for Homes.Why guess when you can know? Now we can get building performane figued out in design!Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) & LEED AP Homes Accredited Profesional (APH)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House US Institute (PHIUS) CPHCLessons Learned1. Understand what changed and the new requirements of the new 45L Tax Credit under the Inflation Reduction Act and how achieving helps you get LEED BD+C v4 & 4.1 Homes EA Annual Energy Use Points.2. Review the Common IRA 45L Tax Credit compliant building specifications and how they are in line with complying with LEED BD+C v43. Articulate How to use Scenario Modeling when designing residential buildings from existing to new, low to highrise buildings and how it can help you achieve code, net zero or LEED BD+C v4 & 4.1 Homes EA Annual Energy Use Points.4. Know where to go to get help from a certified HERS rater or bringing in scenario modeling into your work practices right away to build, BETTER.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/real-time-energy-model-to-meet-beat-code-get-IRA45LSpeaker - David PedrickDavid is a Product Manager at Ekotrope, a green-tech software company that’s on a mission to create awesome products that provide actionable energy and environmental data to all residential construction industry stakeholders. He leads Ekotrope’s work developing new products for their users. David was a QAD and HERS rater for 3 years at Southface Energy Institute before joining Ekotrope in 2020. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Luther College and a Master’s of City and Regional Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology.P S - This course is a prerequisite course to the upcoming DOE Zero Energy Ready v2 course we are hosting in March 2023 - Learn more and sign up herePPS - Please consult with your tax advisor to determine if you qualify for 45L Inflation Reduction Act Benefits*
There is no such thing as a free thermodynamic lunch GreenHome Institute 2023-02-10 | We have more building related issues in the last two decades than we have had in the previous century. What has changed? Materials and energy flow. We are no longer building out of thousand-year-old trees and rocks. We are building out of moisture sensitive materials. We have significantly reduced the energy flow across the building enclosure. This has reduced drying potentials. It is ok to get wet if you can dry. Drying is an energy exchange. Less energy flow, lower drying potentials. To stay in moisture or hydric balance if you reduce drying potentials, you must reduce wetting potentials. This course deals with approaches to reduce wetting potentials while still being ultra-energy efficient.Bonus - A lucky attendee will win a signed copy of Dr Joe's updated version of A Builders Guide to Cold Climates.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) (PENDING)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House US Institute (PHIUS) CPHCLessons Learned:1. Identify the primary damage functions: water, heat, and ultra-violet radiation.2. Provide recommendations on how to control the primary damage functions in residential construction ensuring that the buildings are safe, healthy, durable and energy efficient.3. Provide recommendations on dealing with wildfire and sustainability.4. Discuss the appropriate levels of airtightness and relative humidity to assure health and safety.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-free-thermodynamic-lunchSpeaker:Joseph Lstiburek is the founding principal of Building Science Corporation. Dr. Lstiburek’s work ranges widely, from providing expert witness testimony to overseeing research and development projects, to writing for the ASHRAE Journal and buildingscience.com. Dr. Lstiburek’s commitment to advancing the building industry has had a lasting impact on building codes and practices throughout the world, particularly in the areas of air barriers, vapor barriers, and vented and unvented roof assemblies.
Hemp Insulation 101 GreenHome Institute 2023-02-03 | An overview of the history of U.S. grown industrial hemp and new U.S. manufactured hemp fiber insulation. Participants will learn how this zero V.O.C. and negative embodied carbon product can create local jobs, clean the environment, and shorten supply chains.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) & LEED Accredited Professional AP Homes (APH)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP): Energy, Materials & Health• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House US Institute (PHIUS) Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) Lessons Learned:1. Review the History of Hemp and how it can be designed and spec'd in your project in the US and in many parts of the world2. Understand the Embodied Carbon of Hemp wool and how it can be leveraged in LEED BD+C V4 MR Credits Environmental Building Declarations & HOMES environmentally preferable products3. Perform aa Comparative Analysis of Insulations and their connections to energy savings for HEMP in LEED BD+C V4 EA Homes Annual Energy Use4. Understand the Installation Recommendations of Hemp Wool and how it benefits LEED BD+C V4 EA Homes Annual Energy UseNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/hemp-insulation-101Instructor: Shawn TorbertAfter studying molecular & cell biology, philosophy, and writing at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, Shawn spent a decade in the medical device industry as a top-performing salesperson in the NYC and Philadelphia markets. Ultimately disenfranchised by the corruption and waste of the industry at that time; he left in 2007 to start up Philadelphia’s first green building material supply company, Greenable, Inc. Since then, he has maintained a strong focus on sustainable building materials, energy-efficient design & construction, Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Carbon buildings, building energy policy, climate action plans, and circular economy strategy in North America for multiple global and domestic corporations. He regularly lectures as a subject matter expert for municipal, state, & federal agencies, NGOs, academia, trade organizations, and community stakeholders. Shawn has published several articles on the built environment as the main driver to minimize the effects of climate change.Shawn served on the Board of Directors of New York Passive House (NYPH) from 2014 to 2016 and co-founded the New Jersey Passive House (NJPH) Chapter of the Passive House Network (PHN). He is a Passive House Instructor at the Building Energy Exchange NYC and Passive House Trainer for the PHN.Shawn holds a Master of Science degree in Sustainability Management from Columbia University in the City of New York, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Lehigh University. He is a LEED AP and a Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer (CPHC/D) accredited through the Passivhaus Institute in Darmstadt, Germany.
Enhancing energy equity in green building practices GreenHome Institute 2023-01-27 | The Energy Equity Project, housed at University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, was launched in May 2021 to support BIPOC, frontline, and low-income communities in securing maximum benefits from the clean energy transition and having a prominent voice in how energy planning, investments, and decision-making.After 15 months of collaborative research by more than 45 energy leaders from across the country, we released the Energy Equity Framework in August 2022. Schott will present the Energy Equity Interactive Map and the Framework for Measuring and Advancing Energy Equity, which provides comprehensive guidance on how to adopt metrics and qualitative best practices. The interactive map uses 26 census-tract level datasets to illuminate existing inequities, while the framework report emphasizes strategies for reversing these inequities.Explore the map and download the report at:www.energyequityproject.comIn this session, you'll see a live demo of the interactive map and how you can use the Framework for Measuring and Advancing Energy Equity, whether you represent a frontline community or play a role in energy policy, regulation, research, or programming.This is referenced during the webinar: https://eep.earthrise.media/mapContinuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Understand four dimensions of energy equity and how they are measured and practiced2. Learn about available energy equity data and data gaps3. Learn best practices of how energy equity is applied in local contexts4. Plan 2-3 concrete energy equity practices to adopt in 2023Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/enhancing-energy-equity-in-green-building-practicesInstructor: Justin SchottJustin Schott serves as Director of the Energy Equity Project at University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), where he led the development and release of the Framework to Measure and Advance Energy Equity in 2022. Schott also taught a graduate level Energy Justice course in Fall 2022. He is honored to work in a field full of creative, savvy justice-minded colleagues and allies and is fascinated by conversations about how to drive and measure equity in clean energy investments.Prior to coming to EEP, Schott was Executive Director of EcoWorks, a Detroit non-profit, from 2015-2020. He is an avid social entrepreneur and a recognized sustainability leader in Detroit and MI. Prior to becoming Executive Director, Schott designed and managed the launch and operations of numerous community programs, including the Youth Energy Squad (founder), which grew from a summer pilot employing four students in 2009 to a city‐wide partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District. Schott holds an M.S. from U of M SEAS and has worked closely with the City of Detroit on the development of its sustainability and climate action plans.
Easy Building Spec Books for Passive House and Energy Efficient Projects GreenHome Institute 2023-01-20 | Source 2050 was built to address two of the challenges that project teams face when building to Passive House or other energy efficient standards - finding the best solutions for their project, and then sourcing them to the job site. We will demonstrate how Source 2050 - built in close consultation with architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, and other industry professionals - provides the tools to let you know specify and source the best solutions more efficiently.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted to American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House US Institute (PHIUS) CPHCLessons Learned:1. How to identify the relevant specification requirements for the products in each project detail.2. How to use the Source 2050 specification filters to find the products and systems that best meet those requirements.3. How to build a Spec List of solutions and share it directly with your build team.4. How to order and track shipment of products from the Spec List.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/easy-building-spec-books-for-passive-house-and-energy-efficient-projectsSpeakers:John C. Knapp, Co-Founder, Source 2050Startup, technology & IP attorney turned entrepreneur who has served as an advisor to the Passive House Accelerator since its initial conception and who renovated his home five years ago to become the first certified Passive Plus house in North America.Michael Ingui, Co-Founder, Source 2050Partner of Baxt Ingui Architects, Michael has designed of over a dozen certified Passive House projects over the past decade, has lectured on Passive House and high performance construction throughout the world, and is the Founder of the Passive House Accelerator.
If these ducts could talk - Active Air Quality Management GreenHome Institute 2023-01-13 | Consumer demand for healthy homes is at an all-time high, yet examples remain rare. Professional solutions are either expensive, complicated, or don't work as advertised. Having been involved in thousands of IAQ projects, HAVEN has seen a pattern of common issues that might be surprising until you've attempted a few yourself. We will share our learnings, and some repeatable methods to simplify IAQ projects that monitor air quality within the ducted system and automate it to ventilate or filter as needed. Show how this can be repeated successfully by contractors at a fraction of the price, and be setup and managed properly thereafter.Learning Objectives:1. Review the 3 pillars of IAQ, the biggest IAQ issues we see by climate zone and season and how it connects to LEED BD+C Homes V4 EQ Prereq Ventilation2. Know the types of mechanical equipment commonly used to address these pillars, which may help achieve LEED BD+C Homes V4 EQ credit enhanced Ventilation3. Articulate the common issues that arise when trying to sell, install, and manage IAQ in your customers' homes.4. Understand tried and true solutions that have been effective in simplifying IAQ projects so you can finally address your customers' requests for a healthy home without the headache and achieve LEED BD+C Homes V4 EQ Prereq Ventilation.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) & LEED Accrediated Professional in HOMES (APH)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable• Passive House US Institute (PHIUS) CPHCNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/if-these-ducts-could-talk-active-air-quality-managementSpeakers:Kevin R. Hart, CEO, HAVENKevin began his career in the trades as a Journeyman Redseal Electrician. Constructing buildings and coordinating with other trades such as refrigeration/HVAC ended up being critical experiences that informed Kevin’s worldview as he entered the world of entrepreneurship. Kevin founded HAVEN (originally TZOA) at the age of 23, after experiencing high levels of carcinogenic crystalline silica dust on industrial worksites. New regulatory changes in Canada proposed to enforce safety, but there existed no convenient or affordable way to monitor exposure levels. We care about our water & food quality, but lack a tangible way to see the impact the air we breathe has on our wellbeing.Thinking bigger impact, Kevin conceptualized a wearable air quality monitor for global citizens that could crowdsource outdoor pollution data from thousands of devices onto city-wide maps in real-time, a product that won 'best inventions of 2015' awards from Time Magazine and Popular Science. Eventually it became clear that air quality data and the identification of problems didn't create enough value, the problems needed solving, and without requiring changes in human behaviour. Our product line HAVEN emerged as a way to automatically improve indoor air quality (IAQ) with the insight that we can control our indoor environments in the same way we can control our indoor temperature through heating & cooling (HVAC) systems.Lucy Cameron, Product Lead, HAVENLucy’s number one passion is trying to understand people and how we can build stronger products that solve real problems for them. She was attracted to HAVEN’s vision and mission to help people live better, healthier lives almost 6 years ago. Since then, she has fallen in love with the way HVAC practices can have a profound impact on people’s health and the health and longevity of the building itself.In her role, Lucy continues to advocate for the needs of building science professionals and their customers while leading the design of the HAVEN product experience.
Pretty Good House GreenHome Institute 2023-01-06 | Pretty Good House provides a framework and set of guidelines for building or renovating a high-performance home that focuses on its inhabitants and the environment―but keeps in mind that few people have pockets deep enough to achieve a “perfect” solution. The essential idea is for homeowners to work within their financial and practical constraints both to meet their own needs and do as much for the planet as possible.A Pretty Good House is:· Simple and durable, but also well designed· Comfortable and energy efficient· Only as big as it needs to be· Healthy, responsible and resilient· Cost-consciousBonus - Attend the full session and you will have a chance to win a copy of the book, Pretty Good House.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Navigate the sometimes-overwhelming quantity of “things to think about when designing and building a house” and organize them into categories of importance that make sense for a high performance house on a realistic budget. (without the dependance on a rating system or certification) (though we will share with attendees who they can download their own certificate if they really feel they deserve it).2. Recognize the importance and relevance of the many issues of climate, health, and comfort, and address them through the implementation of proper design and detailing.3. Observe and appraise the implementation of building science concepts in Pretty Good House examples (case study excerpts).4. Become motivated to improve the quality of their own projects and bestow them with the tools and information to allow them to pass that knowledge on to others within the trade. We will then serve kool-aid and tell them about the new church we are starting.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/pretty-good-houseSpeakers:Michael Maines has worked as a furnituremaker, carpenter, building contractor, building science consultant and operations manager at a panelized building fabricator, but since founding Maines Design (https://www.maines.design/) in 2014 he has focused on working closely with clients to design homes and renovations that are healthy, efficient, resilient, and comfortable. He is a Certified Passive House Consultant, frequent contributor to Fine Homebuilding Magazine, Editorial Advisor for Green Building Advisor, co-founder and co-host of The BS*+Beer Show (*building science) and co-author of the book, Pretty Good House. He is based in Palermo, Maine.Emily Mottram, principal, Mottram ArchitectureEmily Mottram is the founder and principal of Mottram Architecture, a boutique practice specializing in new homes and renovations that are beautiful, functional, comfortable, healthy, and durable.Mottram received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Penn State University and is a Registered Architect in Maine, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.An educator at heart, Mottram also teaches building science and sustainable design at a local community college and has served as a consultant for projects in a secondary school trade program. She hosts the monthly podcast E3: Energy and Efficiency with Emily and co-hosts the live-streamed BS* + Beer Show, a monthly building science show, and is a co-author of the book, Pretty Good House.
Who is the GreenHome Institute and how can we assist you? GreenHome Institute 2022-12-16 | The GreenHome Institute is a nonprofit with a mission to empower people to make healthier and more sustainable choices in the renovation and construction of the places we live. Please take a moment to meet our staff and board members and learn about how we may assist you.Subscribe to us on youtube for weekly updates on all our residential green building educational content. You can join us live every Wednesday at 12pm EST to participate in our events live greenhomeinstitute.org/eventsCheck out our website to get your next project certified and learn more ways how to make your home greener and better! greenhomeinstitute.org
The Basics of Passive Solar Home Design GreenHome Institute 2022-12-16 | The sun is a natural and reliable source of energy. Solar Energy can be used to create electricity, heat buildings, heat water, distill water, cook food, dry food, dry clothes, and power electric vehicles. This course will focus on how the sun can heat homes by incorporating basic Passive Solar design strategies to provide from 20-90% of a home’s heating needs with little cooling penalties. Passive Solar energy can lower heating bills and allow PV (photovoltaic) systems to be downsized. Learn how the movement of the sun, siting, building shape, window placement, overhangs, porches, building mass, and insulation work together to warm and brighten homesThe course assumes that the attendee will have a grasp of basic building science such as the homes envelope, R-values, insulation, HVAC basics, and air tightness. If you do not, please complete the pt 1 - 3 of the Basics of Residential Green Building in Energy here youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtOuBSUfZX7oqfNAnKe9_JNg3HmfVkrZULearning Objectives:1. Be able to describe how the seasonal movement of the sun affects various building surfaces throughout the year to bring in natural heat and light to improve the physical and mental health of occupants2. Be able to use one web-based tools to quantify of Passive Solar energy for winter heat through south-facing windows to increase the well-being of occupants with a safer, more resilient home during extreme cold periods and how that ties into LEED BD+C V4 and v4.1 Residential Annual Energy Use 3. Be able to explain how siting, building shape, window placement, overhangs, porches, building mass, and insulation aids in cooling by minimizing summer solar gain while keeping the home safe during power outages and how that ties into LEED BD+C V4 and v4.1 Residential Annual Energy Use 4. Understand how the amount of insulation affects the percentage of a home’s heating load that can be provided from free, Passive Solar energy from the sun and how that ties into LEED BD+C V4 and v4.1 Residential Annual Energy UseContinuing Education Units (CEUS) 2 hours in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) (PENDING)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/the-basics-of-passive-solar-home-designSpeakers:Debbie Coleman, Architect, AIA: Debbie founded Sun Plans which provides passive solar home design throughout the U.S. She authored The Sun-Inspired House and has designed hundreds of homes incorporating passing heating and cooling strategies. Her work has been published in Fine Homebuilding, Mother Earth News, and Home Power. As a licensed architect for over 25 years, Debbie has designed hundreds of Passive Solar homes across the United States and Canada in many climate zones. She obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona, published a book on Passive Solar design - The Sun-Inspired House: home designs warmed and brightened by the sun. The book and her design philosophies incorporate Passive Solar Design Strategies; Guidelines for Home Building developed by NREL, and are continuously evolving to adapt to low-energy construction methods, climate changes, and housing technologies. Her work has been published in Fine Homebuilding, Home Energy, Mother Earth News, Solar Today and Home Power. Debbie serves on the board of directors for ASES (American Solar Energy Society), the ASES Solar Buildings Technical Division, and the steering committees for both the National Solar Tour and the National Solar Conference. She is a LEED GA and member of AIA. She loves the outdoors with the ever-changing skies and enjoys the challenges of bringing natural light into right-sized, practical, sun-inspired low-energy homesOrlo Stitt, Passive Solar Builder: Orlo founded The Stitt Group, a design/build company. He has built hundreds of passive solar homes and developed South Sun Estates on the Lake, an energy-planned passive solar subdivision. He is a Certified Green Professional, former HERS Rater, and author of the recent publication Holistically Green Homes.
Heat pump water heater - Install, Sales and 101 GreenHome Institute 2022-12-09 | Electrification, Decarbonization, Unitized, Split, UEF, CTA-2045, are all new terms that need to be understood as the country switches from both electric and gas water heaters to a new choice....Heat Pump Water Heaters! Why? Because Heat Pump Water Heaters are the only form of heating water that actually pays for itself through energy savings alone, while providing the same volume of hot water as a standard electric tank. Providing well over $3.00 in hot water for every $1.00 spent, heat pump water heaters make financial sense, especially given the large utility rebates and new 2023 Federal Tax Credit, both making the payback even faster.Bring your doubts, questions, past experience and get the answers you desperately need to move forward with confidence as the market changes both with, and without you.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) (PENDING)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableAttendees will learn1. How heatpump water heater work in residential settings2. Where they can be installed and design for residetial health and savings3. How to service heatpump water heaters for client well being4. How to proactively sell/install heatpump water heaters safetly before the old tank failsNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/heat-pump-water-heater-install-sales-101Speaker:Gregg Holladay is a Business Development Manager – Specialty Markets for Bradford White Water Heaters. In his role these past 5 ½ years, Gregg works to educate utilities, architects, builders, and the plumbing/HVAC trade on the benefits of Energy Star heat pump water heaters, including Bradford White’s own AeroTherm™.Before joining the Bradford White team, Gregg spent 32 years with General Electric (GE) where he introduced GeoSpring™, the first Energy Star electric heat pump water heater, to the US market. As a pioneer in this industry, Gregg is considered an expert speaker on this topic conducting countless numbers of webinars and advising utilities across the country on integration best practices and currently serves as a member of the Energy Star Manufacturers Action Couincil. With GE’s exit from the heat pump water heater market, their manufacturing assets were acquired by Bradford White and integrated into their own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Middleville, MI. Now, Bradford White’s engineers and manufacturing experts use these assets to produce the next generation AeroTherm, the only heat pump water heater with top connections to facilitate easy installation.Gregg lives on his Kentucky farm with Teresa, his wife of 40 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY.
Accessing National Existing Home Energy Efficiency Funding GreenHome Institute 2022-12-02 | Did you know that across the country, there are county or non-profit-run weatherization action agencies that bring funding to people who are in need by reducing their energy bills and improving their home health? Learn about these programs and how we need your help to expand them in your community and/or understand opportunities for how you can get involved in delivering these programs.Who should attend?Homeowners who need help, local agencies assisting communities, landlords, developers, property managers, and contractors who work or want to work in residential housing.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) (PENDING)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Understand the Weatherization Assistance funding available and what health, safety, and energy measures are involved2. Know where to get more resources locally to access this funding to design low-income housing improvement projects3. Articulate what a savings-to-investment ratio is and how it works with home energy upgrade measures4. Review training resources and opportunities to work in this industryNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/accessing-national-existing-home-energy-efficiency-funding Speakers: Aimee Gendusa-English and Jonathan BallewAimee is with the The National Community Action Partnership's Energy Partnerships Project is funded by the US DOE to foster better leveraging relationships and opportunities within the Weatherization Assistance Program at the subgrantee level. Shebegan as a LIHEAP intake worker and community organizer with a group called Affordable Power to the People in Chicago back in 2000. From there she worked at Community Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA), and then at the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) of Illinois where she participated in the development, launch and oversight of the IL LIHEAP Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). She also served on the state’s LIHEAP/WAP Policy Advisory Council as well as the Illinois Income Qualified Energy Efficiency Stakeholder Advisory Group, which oversaw the process of braiding utility EE funds into the IL WAP program. She has extensive experience speaking to and training various audiences. She is passionate about weatherization, community action, and energy justice. She lives in Chicago with three daughters, two cats and one dog.Jonathan Ballew (NASCSP, Sr. WAP Manager) has served the Weatherization industry in a variety of roles, including Grantee Monitor, Subgrantee WAP Director, and an independent consultant. This has offered him a depth of knowledge of all levels of the WAP network and has solidified his commitment to eliminating barriers and supporting WAP stakeholders. Jonathan has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Montana, QCI certification, and serves on the Boards of Directors for the Building Performance Association and Energy OutWest. When Jonathan is not sleuthing into the facets of Weatherization policy, you can find him chasing his three young boys, wife, and enormous dog through the mountains around Helena, MT.
Strategies for Community Residential Climate Resilience GreenHome Institute 2022-11-18 | Communities across the nation are regularly experiencing natural disasters or recovering from them. While all communities are at risk, low-income communities are disproportionately affected by climate events and often have limited resources to recover.We will review a guide that provides owners and operators of multifamily housing with practical guidance on re-designing and retrofitting their buildings to adapt to and provide protection from climate risks and other potential hazards.This webinar has no handouts but you may go to these links to follow along with the presenters climatesafehousing.orgenterprisecommunity.org/impact-areas/resilience/building-resilient-futures/portfolio-protectkeepsafeguide.enterprisecommunity.orgContinuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Know where to go to make informed climate risk assessments for existing, and new residential building2. Understand the changes needed to improve tenant welfare against future climate scenarios for residential living3. Discuss the 4 strategies of protection, adaptation, back up and community for climate resiliency in housing.4. Review resources for technical challenges and solutions to identify climate risks and note safer ways to improve buildings.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/strategies-for-community-residential-climate-resilienceMain Speaker: Laurie SchoemanLaurie Schoeman is the Director of Climate and Sustainable for Enterprise Community Partners Capital Division and sits in the Office of the President. Enterprise is the only national nonprofit that does it all – solutions, capital, and community development – under one roof. Laurie directs the efforts in the Capital division around ESG strategy development, finance, development, and management of climate risks for affordable housing across the nation.Schoeman is a deeply committed multi-sector climate risk reduction leader with 20 years of experience working in affordable housing, climate finance, community and economic development, equity and environmental justice, and federal and local policy to build the resilience of communities across the nation. Schoeman is a nationally known practitioner and intermediary recognized for her keen ability to drive complex problems into tangible outputs to accelerate climate-safe and adaptive communities. Laurie has led leading-edge local, state and federal efforts to promote climate risk reduction, including the passage of the nation’s first utility-sponsored environmental justice policy in San Francisco; the construction of the nation’s first off-grid environmental justice learning center in California; and the publication of a series on Climate Resilient Housing which has led to close to $250M of investment into housing resilience. Schoeman is the co-chair of the New York State Climate assessment buildings chapter and co-facilitates Resilience21, a network of practitioners across the U.S. advancing climate risk reduction and adaptation. Schoeman has an MUP. from Hunter College and a BA from Smith College.Mihir Parikh leads Enterprise’s Climate Resilience Academies, helping owners, operators and developers preserve and protect affordable homes across the nation from the risks and impacts of natural hazards and a changing climate. The academies are the latest Enterprise initiative launched to help communities develop homes that can sustain natural hazards and promote environmental justice, health and social cohesion through innovative ideas, technical assistance and advocacy support into post-event reconstruction. Mihir also develops guidance, tools, technical support and advocacy support in climate risk reduction. Prior to joining Enterprise, Mihir worked in the private sector focusing on resiliency and sustainability consulting and program development. His experience and expertise consist of a diverse background, including resiliency planning; energy assurance planning; CDBG-DR program management; climate policy development; sustainability strategies; energy audits; green infrastructure; and utility energy efficiency programs for numerous sectors, including municipal, airports, private and higher education. In 2020, Mihir served on President-Elect Biden’s campaign climate, energy and environmental policy committee focusing on resilience. Mihir is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and LEED Green Associate and holds a BA in environmental studies and policy from Ithaca College.
Why were getting pumped up for water heating GreenHome Institute 2022-11-11 | Slipstream conducted a detailed monitoring study and survey to research the applicability of heat pump water heaters (HPWH) in cold climates. The field monitoring research focuses on characterizing HPWH performance and quantifying the impact of an HPWH's "cooling effect" on the home's space heating load.In addition over 80 households who have installed HPWHs in Michigan, participated in a survey to shed light on the owner experience. Join us to see how the Slipstream team used innovative marketing direct to customers and contractors to increase adoption of this important technology for energy efficiency and decarbonization.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Quantify the energy savings potential of heat pump water heaters based on installation in MI compared to rated efficiency.2. Identify the settings that could lead to a lack of hot water and compressor shut down.3. Learn marketing and incentive strategies to increase adoption4. Identify purchasers’ motivations to purchase heat pump water heatersNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/why-were-getting-pumped-up-for-water-heatingPresenters:Dianna CackoDianna Cacko is a field outreach manager at Slipstream with over a decade of experience in energy efficiency. Dianna focus on working with contractors and homeowners to help increase understanding of of how our homes use energy and ways to reduce energy use. Heat pump technologies are one of the best climate solutions and she enjoys sharing all the value that heat pumps offer for your customers and your business.Kevin GriesKevin Gries is an analyst on Slipstream’s research team with a background in applied economics. Kevin focuses his research on decarbonization and electrification technologies in cold climates, with a particular interest in space and water heaters.
Inflation Reduction Act & Housing - Benefits - Concerns? GreenHome Institute 2022-10-27 | The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act has many benefits for those planning residential green building projects, from home improvements, gut renovations, new builds, and electrification projects. For single-family or multifamily, homeowners, renters, and developers alike, there are many benefits to help alleviate increasing labor and product inflation to improve the sustainability of the places we live.Join us as we take a high-level overview of these benefits, what to expect next, and discuss some of the concerns about content passed in the bill and the potential negative outcomes and/or the lack of access for BIPOC communities and those experiencing poverty.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (LU)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Understand the tax benefits available fund technology and certifiations that reduce energy use and improve home health2. Know where to go to get more information on funding, technolgy and who to engage with at state and federal agencies to implement IRA3. Articulate the concerns about IRA policies that may harm BIPOC communities and those experiencing poverty and where to get involved to assist and ensure they benefit4. Review existing tax credits for sustainable construction that have been expanded in the IRA and where to get more information to achieve these.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/inflation-reduction-act-housing-benefits-concernsPanelists:McKenna Dunbar acts as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Virginia Chapter and leads a team focused on building and home electrification developments through Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. Most of their work focuses on reducing dependence on fossil fuels in order to move the electric sector to clean energy. Dunbar is the Founder and President of Ecological Justice Initiative - an environmental advocacy non-profit organization focused on youth focused environmental research and engagement. Concerned Citizens of Charles City County, Bridging the Gap in Virginia, The North Face, Greening Youth Foundation, The Climate Reality Project, Stop the Abuse of Virginia Energy Coalition, DivestMVP, NASA SERVIR, and Mother’s Out Front are some of the organizations they have worked with in the past. Dunbar is passionate about energy policy, environmental law, and has a background in environmental justice, clean energy finance, and solar research. Dunbar enjoys hiking, listening to German rap, volunteering at her university’s Greenhouse, and listening to podcasts about sustainability and energy markets.Jamal Lewis is the Director of Policy Partnerships and Equitable Electrification for Rewiring America. Previously, he led the energy and climate initiatives at Green & Healthy Homes Initiative and worked with states and localities across the country to advance electrification, healthy housing, and energy efficiency programs and policies. He has multiple publications outlining pathways to promoting equity by retrofitting our existing housing stock to be healthy, energy-efficient, all-electric, and affordable. He is a Young, Gifted, & Green 40 under 40 award recipient for his leadership in Environmental Justice. Brandon Val Verde is a HERS rater within the Green Building Tax Incentives practice of KBKG. He has helped clients pursue and maximize various Green Building Tax Incentives by performing the necessary energy simulation modeling using various software packages that have been approved by the IRS and Department of Energy. His understanding of various energy standards and codes such as ASHRAE 90.1, IECC, and Title 24 allow him to properly identify all opportunities for Green Building Tax Incentives. Over the past several years, he has collaborated with architects, builders, and engineers to provide lighting, insulation, fenestration, and mechanical recommendations to achieve energy compliance. Additionally, he has trained and advised numerous energy consultants throughout the country and has prior experience as an energy and lighting auditor. Skip Wiltshire-Gordon is a Senior Policy Associate at the AnnDyl Policy Group, a Washington, DC-based policy strategy firm that focuses on Federal and State energy and environmental policy. Skip focuses on federal policy advocacy, appropriations, legislative research, and IIJA and IRA implementation. Prior to joining AnnDyl, Skip worked on Advocacy & Policy at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), focused on energy efficiency, resilience, state and federal climate goals, and green infrastructure. He also previously worked in the DC offices of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) and Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL-05).
A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It? GreenHome Institute 2022-10-23 | There's an old saying that, "It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so." Nowhere is that more true than in the world of home design, construction, renovation, maintenance, and operation. Having a house that creates the conditions for comfort, health, durability, and energy efficiency depends on a solid understanding of building science. In this session, we'll cover the fundamentals of heat, air, and moisture flows, the building enclosure, and the various mechanical systems needed to make it all work.By attending the full session you will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of this book if your GHI membership is in good standing by the end of day of this session!Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned1. After this session, the attendee will be able to explain why airtightness is important.2. After this session, the attendee will be able to define control layers and describe what it is they control.3. After this session, the attendee will be able to list the different levels of a building.4. After this session, the attendee will be able to discuss several ways to achieve good indoor air quality.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/a-house-needs-to-breatheSpeaker:Allison A. Bailes III is the founder, owner, and chief troublemaker at Energy Vanguard, a building science firm located in Decatur, Georgia. The company’s focus is on residential HVAC design, consulting, and training. Dr. Bailes has a PhD in physics from the University of Florida and has been involved with the field of building science since 2001, when he built a high-performance home out of structural insulated panels. He is well known for the popular Energy Vanguard Blog and his weekly newsletter. His book on the principles of building science is titled A House Needs to Breathe…Or Does It? and will be out in October 2022.
What are the benefits of becoming a GreenHome Institute Member? GreenHome Institute 2022-10-13 | Whether you are a new member, a long-time member, or on the fence about joining, this session is for you.We will go over the basics of GreenHome Institute membership benefits, get into details on each benefit, learn how to access and take advantage of these benefits, review costs and levels and then go over the sign-up and renewal process.Do you support our mission to empower people to make healthier and more sustainable choices in renovating and constructing the places we live?Then membership is for you!Learn more here greenhomeinstitute.org/becomeamember
Community Solar and Affordable Housing GreenHome Institute 2022-10-07 | Solar energy programs can be a solution to address both climate and housing disparities, but the benefits from traditional solar programs have difficulty reaching residents of subsidized affordable housing. Barriers to participation include the upfront costs for affordable housing owners, as well as the split incentives between building owners and renters, the latter of which lack the agency to install solar on their buildings. In most cases, access to community solar programs is the only way to make it possible for households with housing subsidies to participate in solar programs, and in turn support the necessary deployment of renewable energy to combat climate change.Recently, SAHF, along with National Housing Trust reviewed the challenges and opportunities to bringing community solar to affordable housing residents. In response to this overview and other advocacy efforts, HUD has released a series of guidance documents that begin to provide more equitable access to community solar.GHI Environmental Justice SeriesThis session is part of GHI's Green Homes for All where it is our understanding many BIPOC communities do not have accesses to green housing opportunities, are exposed to higher level pollution because of this and typically they can be better engaged on residential green building topics. Our goal is to help breakdown these barriers.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (LU)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP): Place• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Understand what community solar is and how programs are targeting affordable housing.2. Understand the barriers that affordable housing owners and residents face in accessing community solar.3. Review the recently released HUD guidance documents and identify the barriers they remove.4. Identify opportunities for accessing community solar in your location.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/community-solar-affordable-housingInstructors: Lauren Westmoreland, Lauren RossLauren Westmoreland leads SAHF’s environmental initiatives, including the Bringing Sustainability Home (BSH), a cross-cutting energy and health initiative that aims to ensure that low-income residents and communities have equal access to critical environmental and health benefits. In addition to BSH, Ms. Westmoreland is building upon the success of the Big Reach to support SAHF members in identifying scalable solutions for a low-carbon future that benefits low-income resident and communities and mitigates the impact of climate change.Prior to joining SAHF, Ms. Westmoreland led the Enterprise Green Communities state and local policy initiative at Enterprise Community Partners and developed and led the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance’s Built Environment portfolio. Ms. Westmoreland served as an AmeriCorps where she became a HERS Rater for SystemVision, an energy efficiency program serving the North Carolina single-family affordable housing sector.Ms. Westmoreland is a Registered Architect in North Carolina and a LEED AP. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master's degree in Architecture from North Carolina State University.Lauren Ross is the Senior Advisor for Housing and Sustainability in the Multifamily Office at HUD. She came to HUD from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) where she served as Senior Director of Policy, overseeing state and local policy work as well as utility regulation. Much of her career, she has worked to expand policies and programs to improve energy use in underserved communities, with an emphasis on advancing inclusive clean energy solutions in affordable housing. In her new role at HUD, she continues to promote clean energy as a tool to make communities more economically vibrant, healthier, and adaptable in the face of climate change. Lauren has a PhD in Urban Sociology from Temple University.
Health, Equity and Economic Growth for Energy Efficiency GreenHome Institute 2022-09-22 | Funding is on the rise for programs that aim to improve efficiency in residential, particularly affordable housing. However, fully realizing the benefits created through these programs involves looking beyond efficiency to include better health outcomes and economic growth opportunities for residents and communities. Selecting building products that are free from hazardous chemicals that can adversely impact resident and worker health, as well as products that are manufactured in the U.S., are ways to capture these additional benefits. This webinar looks to provide a general understanding of hazardous chemicals in building products, their health impacts, and healthier alternatives, as well as an overview of where these products are manufactured and the tools available to identify them. How certain communities have been disproportionately impacted by a lack of investment in affordable housing and the role product selection plays in improving health and economic outcomes for these communities will also be discussed.This session is part of GreenHome Institute DEI + Sustainability SeriesContinuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) (PENDING)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Review some of the most hazardous chemicals in building products and how they affect our health and environment.2. Understand how to identify less hazardous/healthier product options and the important role ingredient disclosures and third-party certifications have in that process.3. Learn about health disparities in the built environment how product choices can improve health and economic outcomes for people living in marginalized communities.4. Understand which building products are made in the U.S. and how to identify them.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/health-equity-economic-growth-for-energy-efficiencySpeakers: Dana Saylor is the National Program Manager for the BlueGreen Alliance Foundation. She brings 20 years in non-profit coalition building and issue advocacy experience to BGAF and has worked in a variety of capacities in the environmental, labor and manufacturing communities. Dana currently works as a part of BGAF’s Building Clean project team where she advocates for the use of healthier, U.S. made energy-efficient building products and works with building owners, contractors, architects and other housing stakeholders to specify these products for their projects. Prior to her current role, Dana was the Program Manager for BGAF’s Clean Economy Manufacturing Center (CEMC) where she worked with wind, solar, advanced transportation and other clean economy manufacturers to help build CEMC’s educational workshop and webinar content, which focused on educating potential suppliers about clean economy markets and supply chains. She helped deliver this content to a national audience made up of manufacturers, economic development professionals, elected leaders and others interested in learning more about the growing clean economy and the economic opportunities it can provide. Dana also spent three years working for the BlueGreen Alliance and Apollo Alliance in Michigan before the two organizations merged in 2011. During that time, she worked with the manufacturing community to support policies that could help grow Michigan’s overall clean energy economy and help make it easier for domestic suppliers to enter clean energy supply chains. Dana holds a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder. A Michigan native, she grew up in a family manufacturing business that supplied parts for the auto industry and believes in the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing to lead in the clean economy.Linnea Morgan serves as the Building Clean Program Associate and lives in Richmond, VA. Linnea works to advance the use of healthy and sustainable building products in housing, and contributes to Building Clean initiatives addressing housing inequities, green building, and contractor education. Prior to her role at BGAF, Linnea spent several years working as a carpenter while gaining hands-on experience in natural building, affordable housing, historic home remodeling, and youth education. What started as a passion to create beautiful spaces turned into a mission to make buildings healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable. Building science, innovative sustainable building materials, and the interdisciplinary nature of housing keeps her curious and excited about this work. She has a deep love for biophilic design and natural materials, and can’t wait to design and build her own healthy and sustainable home in the future.
Moving Modular Design Forward GreenHome Institute 2022-09-16 | We will hear from 5 speakers including 3 leading modular architects designing single family and multifamily projects. You will learn there is a difference from traditional design plans to then creating a functional modular design plan. Each element brings in site work details and factory engineered details in order to create a success onsite built product.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (PENDING)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. How is the architectural design of modular or offsite construction different from traditional design?2. How can a traditional architect design into modular architecture?3. What are the trends in modular architectural design for single family and multifamily projects?4. What improvements need to be made at the state and local level to acquire permits quicker?Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:Instructors: Audree Grubesic, Matt McMullen, Jeffrey Moreau, Jenna McGregor, Erika ChavarriaAudree M Grubesic is the owner of Modular Sure Site, an Off-Site Construction Company. Modular Sure Site collaborates with traditional builders and developers with offsite solutions for their next build project. She has first-hand experience of construction and project management incorporating on site pre-construction teams to build with confidence. Over the past 20+ years, she has excelled in marketing, sales, new business development, and homebuilding. OffsiteDirt.com is the brainchild of video interviews with the best in the business. The Offsite Construction Series creates discussions withs modular architectures, engineer solutions, panelization companies, community developers, technology improvements companies, container design, passive house organizations, building science opportunities, sustainability options, supply chain, distribution, ADU's and additional construction news events.Matt McMullen, Executive Director of Art of Construction has 35 years of experience in the design, real estate, modular and construction fields. Matt is a licensed Architect in California, Colorado, Nebraska and Texas, a licensed Real Estate Broker Associate in Colorado, and holds AIA, LEED-AP: BD+C and NCARB professional designations.Hailing from Fargo, North Dakota, Jeff started young in the trades at as a ditch-digger then eventually graduated to carpenter. Fourteen years of armed forces service culminated in his last post as a Navy Construction Battalion Sea-Bee unit commander. A college bet gone awry led him into architecture, then Jeff made himself eminently unemployable by founding Artekta Architects in 2006. He led the first Midwest mixed-use podium modular project in 2008, and today serves a broad base of modular multifamily clients and production plant designs across the US.Jenna McGregor of MCM Architecture brings a wealth of experience from over 20 years working with national firms and her own practice. Beginning in corporate commercial design, Jenna's familiarity with volumetric was instrumental as she was introduced to modular off-site construction. Since this introduction in 2017, Jenna’s firm, MCM Architecture, serves clients nationwide with modular projects including retail, hospitality, multi-family, duplex and single family homes.Erika Chavarria is an Architectural Project Manager for Art of Construction, based in Denver, Colorado. Erika studied Environmental Design, at CU Boulder with an emphasis in Architecture and Digital Fabrication. At AOC she works with clients to develop homes using modular construction methods.
Roundtable: Window Energy Savings: Myths, Policies, and Next Steps GreenHome Institute 2022-09-08 | New window replacements are marketed to consumers as a need to conserve energy, but is it true? Consumer education, changes in policy, affordability, and labor constraints are all driving the next steps on this important topic.During this session, we will have representatives from window preservation trades, manufacturing, and energy efficiency policy. We will discuss the changing landscape due to sustainability policies and consumer needs, and what is happening on a local level in response.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) LEED AP Homes• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Describe the window solutions and the barriers to entry for energy efficiency improvements and how it connects with LEED BD+C v4 Credit Materials and Resources Environmentally preferable products2. Discuss policy changes happening in cities and states that impact the demand for window modifications.3. Identify where designers, builders, and consumers can research their options for the various window categories and see performance impacts and how it helps LEED BD+C v4 Credit Materials and Resources Environmentally preferable products4. Explore what energy efficiency policies and programs are happening at a local level that could impact the demand for building envelope products and services. How does that tie into LEED BD+C v4 Credit Annual Energy Use?Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/roundtable-window-energy-savings-myths-policiesSpeakers: Sam Pardue, Scott Sidler, Katherine CortSam Pardue is a serial entrepreneur who has formed start-up ventures and social impact initiatives in Portland, Oregon. Indow, a company that manufactures and markets Pardue's invention, is a window insert which presses inside window frames without a mounting bracket to block drafts 100%, reduce noise 70%, and save 20% on energy bills. Sam has also formed the social impact ventures We Hire Refugees www.wehirerefugees.org) and Clean Practice (www.cleanpractice.org) in response to community challenges.Scott Sidler is the Founder & CEO of Austin Historical a 30-person historic window and door restoration company located in Orlando, FL. He is a graduate of Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Vermont where he studied historic preservation and has been restoring historic buildings since the late 1990s. He currently serves on the Window Preservation Alliance Board and is a third generation painter, plasterer, carpenter, master glazier and has a wide breadth of knowledge about historic design and construction techniques.Katherine Cort is a senior economist with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and team lead for multiple projects focused on high-performance windows, window attachments, and HVAC technologies. Ms. Cort has over 25 years of experience analyzing energy-efficiency programs, technologies, and research and provides technical support for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Program. She also has experience with analysis related to environmental, resilience, and economic impact assessments.
Practically Perfect Plumbing Part 2 GreenHome Institute 2022-09-01 | Following up on part 1, which you can catch here on the GHI youtube channel, Gary will continue with updates, and new things learned about how to right-size the plumbing system for saving energy, water, and cost, increasing system performance, and occupant comfort.During this session, we will go over a calculator tool for plumbing design and sizing, see a live demonstration, and ahead of time, GHI members and project teams may submit their project plumbing plans ahead time to get them graded on how perfect they are, and we will go over a few during the webinar.Bonus - How does all this help you do better in Green Building and LEED for Homes?Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• LEED AP HOMES and Green Associates• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) (PENDING)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Identify more design strategies you did not know about (hot) water and LEED V4 Homes BD+C EA efficient hot water distribution2. Understand the pressure drops, how and why they occur and how it connects with LEED V4 Homes BD+C EA efficient hot water distribution3. Verify that the amount of water, energy and time it takes for hot water to arrive at a fixture is significantly larger than the volume that is in the pipe and how this connects with LEED V4 Homes BD+C EA efficient hot water distribution4. Compare the pressure drop through modern fittings with the values in our engineering tables and how it releases to LEED V4 Homes BD+C EA efficient hot water distributionNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/practically-perfect-plumbing-part2Instructor: Gary KleinGary Klein, President of Gary Klein & Associates, Inc. has been intimately involved in energy efficiency and renewable energy since 1974. One fifth of his career was spent in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the rest in the United States. Mr. Klein has a passion for hot water: getting into it, getting out of it and efficiently delivering it to meet customer's needs. After serving 19 years with the California Energy Commission, he has provided consulting on sustainability since 2008, with an emphasis on the water-energy-carbon connection. Mr. Klein received a BA from Cornell University in 1975 with an Independent Major in Technology and Society with an emphasis on energy conservation and renewable energy.The International Association of Plumber and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) recognized his efforts in 2014 presenting him their Green Professional of the Year award. In 2015 the Department of Energy awarded him the Jeffrey A. Johnson Award for Excellence in in the Advancement of Building Energy Codes.
Energy Efficient Homes. Guaranteed. GreenHome Institute 2022-08-25 | Why guess when you can know?Builders! Give your homeowners peace of mind with a Residential Energy Guarantee.Energize your reputation: Having an energy guarantee validates your standing as a builder who is committed to high-efficiency homes that are as good for the planet as they are for the homeowner.Empower your home buyers: As a homebuilder, you tell your home buyers they will save money with an energy efficient home. Now prove it to them with a Residential Energy Guarantee.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) (PENDING)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Review how a home built to LEED BD+C V4 Homes EA Annual Energy Performance can have guaranteed energy use2. Articulate how builders and architects can communicate energy conservation to clients and home utility use and how it ties to LEED BD+C V4 Homes EA Annual Energy Performance can have guaranteed energy use3. Know how following LEED BD+C V4 Homes EA Annual Energy Performance can give owners more opportunities to reduce energy and improve welfare from reduced emissions.4. Go over stats on energy use in HERS and healthy homes.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/energy-efficient-homes-guaranteedInstructor: Lowell HaysLowell Hays is a driven, entrepreneurial leader with experience in both early-stage startups and established small businesses. Lowell has a passion for building businesses and loves fast-paced environments where he can utilize his problem-solving skills, proven leadership and culture-building skills, and ability to understand customers.
BEAM - What you need to know about DIY carbon material modeling GreenHome Institute 2022-08-19 | Getting our new and existing homes to net zero energy is now easier than ever, but what is the next frontier regarding carbon reduction?Those in the home construction industry haven't really considered the climate impacts of the materials used for building. This course will demonstrate the extent of these material-related emissions through a new tool you can use and share the results of five major studies of material emissions from new homes.Once we understand how to measure material emissions, we can also start finding pathways for reducing and eventually eliminating these emissions. From today's low-hanging fruit to tomorrow's carbon-storing buildings, the presentation will show homebuilders and designers the realistic and achievable steps to move toward real zero-emission homes.Bonus - One lucky GHI member attendee is going to win a copy of the speakers book Build Beyond Zero!Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Recognize the two types of GHG emissions from homes: operational and material-related and identify the measurements used to quantify both.2. Summarize the results of five studies of material emissions from new homes and extrapolate the results to the participant's current practice.3. Discover the strategies for reducing and eventually eliminating material emissions.4. Assess the most practical emission reduction strategies to apply to the participant's practice.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/beamInstructor: Chris MagwoodChris Magwood is obsessed with helping reverse climate change by making carbon-storing buildings that are also healthy, beautiful, efficient and inspiring and assisting others to do the same.In 2022, Chris joined the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Embodied Carbon initiative within RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings team.From 2011-2022, Chris was a director and teacher at The Endeavour Centre, a not-for-profit sustainable building school in Peterborough, Ontario.In 2019, he helped to establish Builders for Climate Action, and has been leading development of the BEAM carbon estimator tool for low- rise construction. He is working closely with many levels of government to develop embodied carbon benchmarks and regulatory programs, and helping developers and builders figure out how to reverse climate change with their buildings.Chris has authored seven books on sustainable building and is co- editor of the Sustainable Building Essentials series from New Society Publishers. His new book, Building Beyond Zero: New Ideas for Carbon-Smart Architecture, is co-authored with Bruce King and will be available in June, 2022 from Island Press.In 1998 he co-founded Camel’s Back Construction, a design-build firm focused on straw bale construction and renewable energy.Chris has completed an MA at Trent University. His thesis, Opportunities for Carbon Removal and Storage in Building Materials which was published in the fall of 2019.Chris is an active speaker and workshop instructor in Canada and internationally.
What is True Residential HVAC Design & Commissioning; What Standards Apply? GreenHome Institute 2022-08-12 | This course is designed to introduce the basics of residential hvac design and commissioning. It will highlight the importance of residential HVAC design that follows the ACCA Manual process and the commissioning process at a residential level. It will introduce standards already in place that can be referred to for best practices. The target audience is HVAC Designers, HVAC Contractors and Energy Raters. You must have a working knowledge of basic residential construction and HVAC to benefit from this course.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI: LEED AP HOMES, Green Assocaites)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Understand the basic ACCA Residential Design Process and why true HVAC Design is necessary for occupant and building health along with achieving LEED BD+C V4 Homes Prereq EA Minimum Energy Performance 2. Define Commissioning as it applies to Residential HVAC. Learn how a design that considers occupant and building safety can fail if a true commissioning process is not used.3. Get to know RESNET/ACCA Standard 210 and ASHRAE 221 and how they apply to better results in LEED BD+C V4 Homes credit EA Annual Energy Use 4. Learn How Standard 310 and Standard 221 work together to create a complete Residential HVAC Commissioning Process that will make sure the HVAC system acts as designed to maintain building and occupant safety. How does it benefit LEED BD+C V4 Homes credit EA Annual Energy Use?Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/what-is-true-residential-hvac-design-commissioning-standardsInstructors: Jeremy Begley & Paul YankieJeremy Begley has been in the high-performance buildings industry for over 10 years. He is currently a Founding Partner of HVAC Design Partners, a business that specializes in HVAC design, test, and balance and commissioning of custom residential and light commercial buildings.Paul Yankie, CEO of Green Building Design and Co Founder of HVAC DESIGN PARTNERSPaul manages the day-to-day operations of Green Building Consulting, an independent third party high performance building consulting, verification and education firm with over 400 certified projects and tens of thousands of living units performance tested across 13 states. Prior to taking on these roles, Paul’s thirteen year career as a licensed financial planner and small business consultant led his interest into green building with an eye towards Return on Investment and how it can drive the construction industry towards best practices. He holds or has held the following leadership roles within the industry: A founding USGBC Ohio Chapter Board Member, USGBC SW OH Regional Chapter Advocacy Chairperson, Residential Green Buildings Member Circle Chairperson, Board of Directors Member, and 2015’s Green Person of the Year. Current professional designations include: LEED AP Homes, LEED for Homes Green Rater, LEED for Homes Provider QAD, National Green Building Standard Verifier, Licensed Real Estate Agent in the State of Ohio and NAR’s REALTOR®, GREEN, City of Madeira Planning Commissioner.
Watt time is it? Shift energy use in low carbon times GreenHome Institute 2022-08-05 | Do you know where your electricity is coming from? A majority of people across the globe don't. But we have a choice when it comes to virtually everything else we spend our money on(i.e. food, clothes, cars, etc) but not electricity/energy. After years of research and improvements in econometric (statistical + economic) methods of analysis, organizations like WattTime have been able to measure the carbon emissions that result from everyday actions that increase our energy use. Whether it's flipping a light switch, doing a load of dishes, running your AC, or charging your EV, WattTime and other organizations have pioneered a way to help companies, individuals, and governments understand where there energy is coming from and how much carbon emissions that energy use causes in real-time. This data helps smart device companies like Google Nest give consumers the ability to use greener electricity by automatically adjusting when their thermostats use energy, informs where companies like Salesforce build new renewable energy projects, and also helps architects and building engineers implement design strategies that will maximize carbon reductions pre-build. Join this course to learn about how emissions data can bolster the emissions reduction potential of policy, technology, and architecture.GHI environmental justice seriesThis session is also part of our on going Environmental Justice Series, where we discuss the impacts on low income and communities of color from an air quality standpoint that come from using energy on peak.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned1. Understand how you can use energy at different times to directly reduce emissions and benefit the welfare of society2. Understand how you can build a renewable energy project in different locations to drastically increase its emissions reduction potential3. Understand how health can be affected by not only emissions but also the proximity of power plants to hospitals, schools, and lakes4. Understand how to improve the safety and design of new buildings to reduce carbon emissions prior to constructionNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/watt-time-is-it-shift-energy-use-in-low-carbon-timesMain SpeakerChiel Chiel serves as Senior Partnerships Manager at WattTime. He provides consulting and solutions support to sustainability and energy teams at Fortune 500 companies to help them double the efficacy of their renewable energy procurement and rapidly cut the carbon footprints of their EVs, Energy Storage, and Buildings through WattTime’s Automated Emissions Reduction (AER) technology. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley’s Environmental Economics and Policy program.EJ SpeakerSeth Mullendore is president and executive director of Clean Energy Group (CEG), where he oversees the organization’s mission to advance energy justice and catalyze innovative energy strategies to address the climate crisis. He previously served as vice president and a project director for CEG, leading efforts to enable greater access to the benefits of solar PV and battery storage technologies for low-income communities and communities of color and working with community-based partners to phase out polluting power plants with clean alternatives. Seth is a contributing author to the 2022 book “Environmental Justice and Resiliency in an Age of Uncertainty,” which examines various current environmental issues including energy justice.
Healthy Indoor Air Guideline With Smart Strategies to do it GreenHome Institute 2022-07-27 | When designing or renovating buildings, it is relevant to have in mind healthy indoor air quality guidelines to select the proper heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems that will help us maintain a comfortable, safe and healthy environment.Indoor air quality monitors are becoming more affordable and accurate reporting levels of indoor pollutants in real time. During this course, we will highlight a human-centered design approach prioritizing health, reviewing the type of pollutants, leveraging the latest innovations in IAQ monitoring devices, providing research-based recommendations on pollutant levels that maintains a healthy environment, and describing effective strategies to reduce pollutants to reach healthy levels. Maintaining a healthy indoor environment requires energy. We will conclude the course with some remarks on smart systems, and balancing building sustainability while achieving healthy indoor environments.Bonus: We will cover some of the IAQ requirements and credits in LEED and GreenStar HomesContinuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• LEED AP Homes and O + M• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) (PENDING)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Know What we need to measure to assess indoor air quality in buildings and how it applies to LEED v4 BD+C Homes / v4.1 prereq ventilation2. Review recommendations on safe levels of pollutants we need to maintain to have a healthy environment. How does it apply to LEED V4 O+M Prereq Ventilation3. Articulate the mechanisms to effectively reduce indoor pollutants and how to get credits in LEED v4 BD+C Homes / v4.1 enhanced ventilation4. Discuss what is the current state of IAQ standards and how we manage energy to effectively maintain a healthy indoor air quality.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/healthy-indoor-air-guideline-with-smart-strategies-to-do-itInstructor: Victor G. NiñoVictor G. Niño, Ph.D. PE is the Director of Business Development for Build Equinox. He holds both a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Victor has more than 20 years of industrial experience in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) field. As a senior research engineer, he developed new heat exchanger technology for air-conditioning systems that use natural refrigerants. As an engineering manager, he led a global team of engineers using Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) software to speed up commercialization of heat transfer products. He is a member of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) and currently serving as the Government Affairs Committee Chair of the ASHRAE Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chapter. Victor also teaches HVAC Fundamentals at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Continuous Education program.
4th Annual Residential Net Zero Energy Conference - Builder Round Table GreenHome Institute 2022-07-21 | Join us for the 4th Annual Residential Net Zero Energy Conference. We will be meeting with a handful of net zero home builders to learn from them about the challenges and opportunities to build to net zero energy.Even if you cannot make it in person, sign up as there will be a virtual interactive component.Following the event, there will be an exhibiting opportunity at the Ann Arbor Home Electrification Expo later in the evening. Learn more and sign up here!Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 2 hours in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitting for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:SpeakersJamie Galimberti, VectorSourceMike Mahon, Adaptive Building SolutionsJake Lappan, Fire Side HomesAbby Langenberg, Habitat for HumanityOur speakers represent diverse building types from market rate, affordable housing, gut rehabs, new construction, net-zero ready, self-build/design to use of programs like LEED, Passive House Source Zero, and Living Building Challenge. Jake Lappan grew up in south-east metro Detroit area and graduated from the School of Architecture at the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree and started his career working for a south east Michigan Timber Framing Company designing energy efficient and sustainable custom timber frame homes. Since then Fireside Home Construction has built many high performance sustainable and energy efficient custom homes and renovations including additional LEED certified homes, 2nd in the world ever certified Living Building Challenge home located in south Ann Arbor, currently building the 1st pre-certified PHIUS + 2021 Passive House in Birmingham, and the general contractor in coordination with a team of architects and engineers for a new custom home in western Michigan with the goal of achieving a combined Living Building Challenge and PHIUS certification. Abby Langenberg has been in the construction industry since 2009. She began her career managing rental properties, and later moved on to residential and then commercial construction. Before joining the Habitat for Humanity team, she worked at Rockford Construction, where she began in the field as a carpenter, and quickly began to lead projects, before eventually elevating to the general foreman role, where she managed a team of 44 trades men and women. She is an advocate for training the next generation of construction professionals and opening construction up for women. She joined Habitat for Humanity Kent County in 2021 and manages a team of 9 as they utilize volunteer labor to build LEED certified homes for families in need of affordable housing. She helped them finish their first all-electric home with a commitment to do them all this way. Mike Mahon is the President of Adaptive Building Solutions, LLC. Adaptive Building Solutions specializes in Sustainable, High-Performance Custom Home Building, and Development in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mike started the company in 2007 with a vision to be one of the best residential green building companies in the state. His company built their first LEED Certified home in 2008. Since then, multiple LEED Platinum and LEED Gold Certified custom homes have been added to his list of accomplishments along with two Passive House (PHIUS) certified projects. Mike has been recognized for their success with a project profile in Custom Home Builder magazine, Michigan’s online SEEN magazine, and several trade articles featuring segments on the trombe wall application. Mike is an accomplished public speaker and Ironman triathlete. Mike is currently active with the design team working on his first Living Building Challenge (ILFI certified) project expected to start construction in the summer of 2023.Jamie Galimberti is founder and CEO of VectorSource LLC, a company specializing in design visualization located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He studied architecture at the University of Michigan and has been helping architects, developers, and homeowners visualize and refine their projects since 2010. Sustainability has been an important aspect of VectorSource’s business and Jamie’s personal life, and in 2020 he and his wife, Sarah, took it further by starting construction of their own Net Zero home. They are pursuing LEED certification for the new home, and through the process hope to demonstrate the affordability and practicality of sustainable living. In the next five years, they plan to build another Net Zero home and operate VectorSource with net zero carbon emissions.
Can we have compliant, carbon negative cement? GreenHome Institute 2022-07-21 | We will talk about how we are decarbonizing portland cement and possibly making it carbon negative. Is it possible?Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Show people where CO2 is produced in cement2. Review how can be decarbonized cement in a safe compliant way3. Articulate can do to reduce embodied carbon in cement4. teach people about embodied carbon which impacts global welafeNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/compliant-carbon-negative-cementInstructor: Cody FinkeCody Finke received his BA in Chemistry from Carleton College ('12) and PhD in Engineering and Applied Science from Caltech ('20). At Caltech Cody studied wastewater treatment for low-income countries and catalysts, process design, and technoeconomics for the production of low-CO2 commodity chemicals/materials. Cody is currently the CEO and co-founder of Brimstone Energy. Cody in the authors of four academic papers, and three granted patents. In his free time, Cody enjoys outdoor activities.
Home Energy 101 - How to win the A2 Resident Race to Zero GreenHome Institute 2022-07-01 | The City of Ann Arbor's Resident Race to Zero is here. You can win $500 by reducing your energy compared to the previous year and many other prizes, including water savings and improving home air quality.This kick-off session will discuss the program and go through all the ways you can reduce energy use in your home now and improve health and comfort.You don't have to attend this event. You can register now for the A2 Race to Zero here.This course is being offered in the afternoon and evening so you can attend whichever is best. You can register for the evening one here.Anyone can attend this session to learn how to make homes, BETTER.Instructor - Brett Little – Program Manager – Certified GreeHome ProfessionalBrett has served at GHI since 2011 and since then has helped oversee the LEED for Homes program ensuring certification over nearly 10,000 units across 100’s of projects and many certified GreenStar Homes. Brett helps to instruct and moderate education sessions that are both online and in-person, frequently conducting more than 50 per year. He serves as a LEED for Homes Green Rater on small, affordable housing projects in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Brett has certified 2 of his own homes under the GreenStar Homes Certification program and PEARL Platinum.Other guests involved locally in Ann Arbor may be joining us.
Rethinking Building Carbon Accounting GreenHome Institute 2022-06-24 | Are we addressing carbon emissions all wrong?Climate disruption represents the most significant challenge our generation must face. With global and national economic policies recognizing the magnitude of risk posed by climate disruption, meeting that challenge requires a focused, deliberate, and thorough effort to reduce and, if possible, eliminate the net carbon generated in the construction and operation of the buildings that we design.Scott Farbman with DataBased+ (dbHMS’s human-centered, research-driven design studio) will review the decisions faced by owners, developers, and designers in trying to achieve whole building carbon emission reduction.This webinar will explore in detail the impact both HVAC and Envelope design decisions have on the total carbon emissions of a building and answer the question, “Are the decisions we think support a low-carbon building really achieving that goal, and if not, can we do better?"Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Understand what role the built environment plays in total global greenhouse gas emissions2. Learn in more detail about the relationship between Embodied and Operational carbon emissions3. Recognize the impact refrigerant has on total carbon emissions4. Realize the role triple pane windows play in a Life Cycle AssessmentNeed CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/rethinking-building-carbon-accountingInstructor: Scott FarbmanScott is a registered licensed architect, Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC®), and LEED accredited professional who leads innovative research, provides sustainability consulting, and high-performance project management at Databased+, a studio within dbHMS. His recent research revolves around whole building carbon LCA and the impact early phase design decisions has on the total carbon footprint of a development.He assists project teams in developing sustainable strategies to reach low carbon goals, which includes consulting for both MEP, architectural design, and owner operations. Overseeing projects ranging from 50-story mixed-use developments to small-scale community forward libraries, Scott delivers a comprehensive green building knowledge base as well as a unique sustainability perspective, not only for the project, but also for all members of the team.Outside of Databased+, Scott is currently the chair for the AIA Chicago 2030 Commitment Group, an initiative that sets goals and measure industry progress towards net-zero energy and carbon performance by the year 2030. Scott is also an active participant in the City of Chicago’s Building Decarbonization Working Group, providing his professional insights to assist in the creation of a decarbonization plan for the city. Additionally, he also volunteers with the Illinois Green Alliance’s Energy Ambassador program, which focuses on community outreach to promote simple energy efficient measures that can be done at any home to save utility costs and improve carbon footprint.
How to achieve Gold/Platinum GreenStar Homes GreenHome Institute 2022-06-17 | GreenStar Homes Certification is here to help move your existing home project(s) to the next level.Each of the levels in GreenStar Homes builds up on one another. This course is the continuation of the certified and silver level courses which can be found here.This session will cover the requirements and alternative approaches to achieving Gold and Platinum certification and how each item fits in the five pillars of green building; energy, health, materials, water, and place.To better follow along in class you may wish to access the full manual and workbook heregreenhomeinstitute.org/greenstar-homes-certification-manual-2While GreenStar Homes is meant to address our existing housing stock, it can and has been used on new construction, and we will briefly cover this too.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) - LEED AP Homes• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• Submitted for American Institute of Architects• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons learned:1. Know more about the Gold and Platinum level of GreenStar Homes Certification to improve home health2. Articulate sustainable design features of a Gold or Platinum project to improve occupant welfare3. Understand where to go to get more information about silver greenstar home requirements and trade offs4. Review details for the next level of a greener home and further resources.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/how-to-achieve-gold-platinum-greenstar-homesInstructor - Brett Little – Program Manager – Certified GreeHome ProfessionalBrett has served at GHI since 2011 and since then has helped oversee the LEED for Homes program ensuring certification over nearly 10,000 units across 100’s of projects and many certified GreenStar Homes. Brett helps to instructor moderate education sessions that are both online and in-person, frequently conducting more than 50 per year. He serves as a LEED for Homes Green Rater on small, affordable housing projects in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Brett has certified 2 of his own homes under the GreenStar Homes Certification program.
The Breathe Easy Study: Impacts of Ventilation Retrofits on Air & Asthma GreenHome Institute 2022-06-10 | This webinar will present findings from the Breathe Easy Study, a 3-year study conducted in partnership between Elevate and Illinois Institute of Technology to evaluate the impacts of residential mechanical ventilation retrofits on indoor air quality and adult asthma in Chicago homes. The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with co-funding from ComEd. This study provides a holistic understanding of the costs and benefits of mechanical ventilation systems designed to provide minimum flow rates specified by ASHRAE Standard 62.2. The three types of systems investigated are: 1) continuous exhaust-only ventilation systems; 2) intermittent central-fan-integrated-supply (CFIS) ventilation systems with automatic fancycler timers integrated into the existing air handling units (i.e., with the air handler operating approximately 20 minutes out of every 60 minutes to meet 62.2 requirements); and 3) continuous balanced supply and exhaust ventilation systems with energy recovery ventilator (ERV) units. The study utilized a pseudo-randomized crossover study with quarterly periods of week-long data collection for one year pre-installation and one year post-installation, as well as monthly asthma symptom questionnaires throughout the two-year study time period. The findings provide guidance on cost effective ventilation upgrades for homes to improve indoor air quality and asthma outcomes.Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. What types of ventilation systems are available for use in residential retrofit applications, and what practical issues determine their use (e.g., costs, installation challenges, etc.).2. How different types of ventilation systems impact indoor air quality.3. How indoor air quality and ventilation retrofits impact adult asthma.4. What participants perceived the benefits and drawbacks of their systems were.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/the-breathe-easy-study-impacts-of-ventilation-retrofits-on-air-asthmaInstructors: Brent Stephens, Insung Kang, Anna McCreeryBrent Stephens is a Professor and Department Chair and Insung Kang is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL. Anna McCreery is Senior Manager for Research and Innovation at Elevate in Chicago, IL.Insung Kang, Ph.D. student, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering (CAEE), Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)Anna McCreery, Associate Director, Research and Innovation
Live demo: Everything to do with walls for higher performance GreenHome Institute 2022-05-26 | During this session, we will go back to discuss the five control layers in the wall assemblies from where we were to where we are going, including heat transfer, moisture, air, and bulk water. What do we do to improve these areas sustainably but cost-effectively?Everything is on the table, including discussion about framing type, structurally insulated framing systems, panelization, advanced framing, and more.Join us to learn, add to the discussion, and get your questions during this live wall assembly demonstration!Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 2 hours in• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)• AIBD• State Architect / Builder License may be applicableLessons Learned:1. Review the basics of wall assembly design for a healthier and more energy-efficient home in line LEED BD+C V4 Homes MR Credit advanced framing2. Understand all options for designing and building better framing systems and achieving LEED BD+C V4 Homes MR Credit advanced framing3. Articulate choices in framing systems and compare contrast systems that improve the walls and benefit LEED BD+C V4 Homes MR Credit advanced framing4. Know where to go to get more information to improve construction welfare for longer-lasting but efficient walls.Need CEUS?Take the Quiz here:greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/live-demo-everything-to-do-with-walls-for-higher-performanceInstructor: Brian IversonBrian is the CEO of US Engineered Wood, INC offering a disruptive lineup of products with a global environmental impact. US Engineered Wood now has all the solutions to reduce the operational carbon, aka reduction of heating and cooling costs, for every structure from RV’s to 10 story buildings. If you are seeking to gain a thermal break to minimize the transfer of outdoor climatic heat or cold from affecting the interior of a structures’ ambient room temperature, then they have it. Please head over to www.Tstud.com to learn more.
