Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
This course presents the latest empirical findings from research on strawbale retrofitting methods in climates that deal with humidity, which may be a barrier to using this application. The goal is to introduce the audience to the straw bale wrap method as a viable means of performing a deep energy retrofit without disrupting occupants or posing health risks.
Bonus - We will also discuss blown in hemp in retrofit briefly
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI 0.5 hour)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)**
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• GHI Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Place
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier,
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC),
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
**State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
Lessons Learned
1. Understand that the straw bale wrap method minimizes health risks associated with energy retrofits by ensuring a safe environment for occupants during the process.
2. Analyze the long-term durability of straw bale retrofitting in humid climates to enhance safety and structural integrity in construction practices.
3. Introduce the benefits of straw bale construction as an innovative approach that supports welfare through sustainable building practices in climates with humidity challenges.
4. Articulate the findings from blown-in hemp insulation trials to promote economical and efficient insulation solutions that contribute to the overall well-being of residents.
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/exploring-humidity-resilient-strawbale-retrofitting
Speaker
Ondrej Pekarovic, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, is a Research and Development Engineer at the WMU Bronco Construction Research Center. Ondrej has over 16 years of diverse engineering experience across mechanical, civil, energy systems, automation fields, and natural building. In the R&D Engineering role, Ondrej focuses on designing and developing large and small-scale testing programs, advancing research on structural resilience, natural building practices and improving energy-efficient building solutions. He collaborates with faculty and Ph.D. students to explore cutting-edge methods for enhancing building envelope performance and creating beyond-code construction solutions.
This course presents the latest empirical findings from research on strawbale retrofitting methods in climates that deal with humidity, which may be a barrier to using this application. The goal is to introduce the audience to the straw bale wrap method as a viable means of performing a deep energy retrofit without disrupting occupants or posing health risks.
Bonus - We will also discuss blown in hemp in retrofit briefly
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI 0.5 hour)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)**
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• GHI Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Place
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier,
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC),
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
**State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
Lessons Learned
1. Understand that the straw bale wrap method minimizes health risks associated with energy retrofits by ensuring a safe environment for occupants during the process.
2. Analyze the long-term durability of straw bale retrofitting in humid climates to enhance safety and structural integrity in construction practices.
3. Introduce the benefits of straw bale construction as an innovative approach that supports welfare through sustainable building practices in climates with humidity challenges.
4. Articulate the findings from blown-in hemp insulation trials to promote economical and efficient insulation solutions that contribute to the overall well-being of residents.
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/exploring-humidity-resilient-strawbale-retrofitting
Speaker
Ondrej Pekarovic, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, is a Research and Development Engineer at the WMU Bronco Construction Research Center. Ondrej has over 16 years of diverse engineering experience across mechanical, civil, energy systems, automation fields, and natural building. In the R&D Engineering role, Ondrej focuses on designing and developing large and small-scale testing programs, advancing research on structural resilience, natural building practices and improving energy-efficient building solutions. He collaborates with faculty and Ph.D. students to explore cutting-edge methods for enhancing building envelope performance and creating beyond-code construction solutions.
