“Build Smart, Build Green” – a comprehensive overview of Green Building: Save money and make a better house or commercial building when you build or remodel

Building smarter, “greener” and more energy efficient buildings is easier than you may think. This class provides an overview of green building concepts and methodology for owners, builders and designers who want to improve the quality of their homes or commercial buildings and achieve higher energy efficiency while reducing their impact on our the environment. The class reviews current issues, concepts, strategies, techniques and goals in the field, including: “Carbon Neutral” and “Zero Energy” homes and commercial buildings, LEED and “Build Green” programs, “Architecture 2030”, HERS ratings (Home Energy Rating System), and energy efficiency strategies.

We discuss financial incentives, tax credits and regulations. We review the six key components of most green building programs: Site Design / Development & Plan Implementation; Resource Efficiency; Energy Efficiency; Water Efficiency; Indoor Environmental Quality; and Homeowner Education, Operation, Maintenance & Practices. We emphasize smart design and planning to achieve a “greener”, smarter, more comfortable and energy efficient home or commercial building that saves you money. We show that “green” homes and buildings are not more expensive or “eccentric”

Instructor: Robin Dorrell and / or Daniel Buck