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Building for the Future: Sustainable Home Design Online Workshop Sessions Feb. 1 - March 14 SEI online courses cover the same topics as the face-to-face workshops of the similar name, but do not include a hands-on component. Curriculum materials are available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the full duration of the specified course. Students can access the course anytime, from any computer with an internet connection. See www.solarenergy.org to register |
Renewable Energy for the Developing World - Online This workshop explores different applications for renewable energy technologies in developing countries. Participants will learn how to successfully accomplish sustainable development projects with renewable energy. Effective technology transfer methods will be presented, as well as setting up infrastructure and the economics and financing of renewable energy projects. Case studies will be presented on solar cooking, rural household electrification, appropriate building technologies, rural health care and micro-enterprises utilizing renewable energy. See www.solarenergy.org to register |
Enviro Build Expo10 - 11 Feb
See www.envirobuildexpo.com for more information. |
Hands-on PV Training Solar Energy International (SEI) hosts this training for PV installers or designers, homeowners, and people wanting to join the renewable energy industry. SEI believes people learn by doing. SEI's six-day, hands-on solar electricity courses provide the knowledge and skills to design and install a code-compliant grid-direct system and the opportunity to participate in a real installation. This provides an overview of the three basic PV system applications, primarily focusing on grid-direct systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including: system components, site analysis, PV module criteria, mounting solutions, safety, and commissioning. Students install a PV system in the field for up to two days of the workshop. Participants will work in groups on different parts of an installation, to get a glimpse into real-world challenges commonly encountered on the jobsite. |
Hands-on PV Training Solar Energy International (SEI) hosts this training for PV installers or designers, homeowners, and people wanting to join the renewable energy industry. SEI believes people learn by doing. SEI's six-day, hands-on solar electricity courses provide the knowledge and skills to design and install a code-compliant grid-direct system and the opportunity to participate in a real installation. This provides an overview of the three basic PV system applications, primarily focusing on grid-direct systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including: system components, site analysis, PV module criteria, mounting solutions, safety, and commissioning. Students install a PV system in the field for up to two days of the workshop. Participants will work in groups on different parts of an installation, to get a glimpse into real-world challenges commonly encountered on the jobsite. |
Cordwood Building Workshop Cordwood masonry is an old building technique whereby walls are constructed of short logs (log-ends) laid up widthwise in the wall within a special mortar matrix. The wall derives excellent insulation and thermal mass characteristics from insulation sandwiched between the inner and outer mortar joints. Cordwood houses are low in cost, use indigenous materials, and are easy and fun to build.... Tutor: Rob Roy, Author of "Cordwood Building" and other titles- stopping off for a special treat for New Zealand!
see www.ecoshow.co.nz for more information. |
Earth Sheltered Houses with Rob and Jaki Roy from Earthwood Building School New York. see www.ecoshow.co.nz for more information. |
NATURALLY BUILDING FOR FIRE Come see how little wood it takes to warm your home while creating a lovely hearth. Join us in building a multi-functional and beautiful masonry heater using natural building techniques. Masonry heaters are highly efficient fireplaces which are designed to burn cleanly and and maintain much more of the heat inside your home. They provide a comfortable and environmentally-sound way to heat your home. Our project will use affordable earthen materials while also incorporating traditional European stove design and modern methods used in the United States. Cost : $400 Check out www.firespeaking.com for more information on instructors for this course... |
NATURAL FINISHES: PLASTERS, PAINTS, FRESCOES , ETC. Come join us as we make and apply a plaster coat on our new community kitchen. Learn how to use local, natural materials to craft many types of beautiful finishes. This course will include information about various interior and exterior treatments as well as tool and application techniques. Check out www.firespeaking.com for more information on instructors for this course... |
Earthbag Building Hands-on workshopSolscape, RAGLAN, New Zealand Come and experience the design and construction of an earth building. Combine resource-consciousness, creativity and construction skills. Learn to build quickly. All you need to know for building a structurally sound building using local materials for a fraction of the cost of conventional building.
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Earthbag Construction Workshop Participants will learn the basics of earthbag building. We will inspect existing buildings, do hands-on demonstrations on how to fill bags, how to lay them, and how to tamp them, and engage in Q & A sessions. Supplemental slide shows and film screenings will complete this full-immersion experience. To see what has already been built on the property see http://picasaweb.google.com/phanganearthworks Dr. Owen Geiger is the teacher. Contact phanganearthworks AT gmail.com for more information. |
Green California Summit and Exposition Discover hundreds of green products and services all in one place. Talk to experts and get intensive, hands-on education that's not available anywhere else! See www.green-technology.org for more information. |
Appropriate Technology for the Developing World This workshop provides an overview of technologies that promote small scale renewable energy and resource management systems in the developing world. With an emphasis on the unique challenges presented by international project work, the workshop is ideal for people wanting to get involved in sustainable development work, organizations working in rural areas, and those who wish to reduce their own ecological impact. See www.solarenergy.org for more information. |
| Spring 2010 Internship in Natural Building & Sustainable Systems Planned as the final stages in the construction of a timberframe strawbale house, we'll be focusing on many of the finishing touches of the home. Areas of focus will include interior cob and light clay straw walls, finish plasters, earthen floors, cabinetry, an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor hot tub, greywater system installation, landscaping, organic garden design, deck construction, and other such sundry items. We'll also be focusing a lot of attention on adding artistic beauty to the home in a variety of ways. A two month minimum commitment is required. Instructor: Jennifer Martin of Dreams to Reality Sustainable Building and Design. For more information see naturallybuilt.blogspot.com or contact Jennifer Martin at: timberhomeATgmail.com |
| Building with Earthbags Building Earthen dome structures for emergency and sustainable living. Starting to build a small dome made out of earth filled bags, some plastering, hands-on and theory. Taught by Paulina See www.earthhandsandhouses.org for more ionformation. |
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Cuba See www.solarenergy.org for more information |
Intro to Solar Hot Water Systems In this one-day course, taught by veteran solar installer Henry Rentz at TEI's educational center in east-central Missouri, you'll learn the basics of domestic solar hot water systems from an expert in the field. You'll learn about the types of solar hot water systems that are commonly installed, their main components, how the sytems function, ways to assess your solar resource, installation options, and the best locations for mounting a solar hot water system. Students may want to attend Intermediate Solar Hot Water on either April 10 and 11 or September 12 and 13 and Solar Hot Water System Installation on September 14-17. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Residential Renewable Energy In this two-day introductory course, students will explore energy efficiency and renewable energy options for new and existing homes with internationally renowned renewable energy consultant Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, The Solar House, Power from the Sun , and Power from the Wind and numerous books on green building. Participants will study cutting-edge ways to make new and existing buildings more energy efficient, reducing energy demand by 50 to 75% while improving comfort. Students will then explore ways to meet their needs for space heat, hot water, electricity, and summertime cooling through clean, affordable, renewable energy technologies. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Intermediate Solar Hot Water Systems Who Should Attend?
Instructor: Henry Rentz, Missouri Valley Renewable Energy See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Puerto Rico Earthbag Dome intensiveApril 10th-20th, 2010 In cooperation with Eye On The Rain Forest www.eyeontherainforest.org Learn about earthbag dome design and construction, earthen plasters, and methods of roofing using locally available plants. Complete a 13 x 13 foot earthbag dome that will be a bedroom. While you are there, learn about the local rainforest ecology and demonstrations of sustainable agriculture and forestry. Gain the skills you need to build your own Earthbag dome: Dome design, Permaculture Design (as it applies to buildings), Earthbag and Gravel Foundations, Earthbag and Cob Wall systems, Passive Solar, Window placement, Earthen floors, Earthen plasters. |
| Strawbale Workshop If you want to learn the techniques of straw bale construction you have come to the right place. My name is Andrew Morrison and I have been a professional straw bale builder for over 12 years and am a co-founder of Straw Bale Innovations, LLC (www.StrawBale.com ). In just seven days, I will teach you the tips and techniques I have developed over my years building custom straw bale homes. We will cover everything from the basics of purchasing bales to the techniques of applying plaster. The hands on activities, constant reflection and "on the fly" discussions, will allow you to leave the workshop fully equipped and confident with the construction of your own straw bale building. In addition to the work, friendships with like minded folks help enhance the overall experience. Participants are encouraged to bring musical instruments and those perfect jokes for long lasting evening fun. See www.strawbaleworkshops.com to register. |
Home Energy Efficiency In this one-day free course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Green Home Improvement and numerous other books on home energy and energy efficiency, participants will learn many ways they can slash their or a client's home energy consumption, reducing energy bills and improving comfort of their homes. Students will view numerous energy-efficiency upgrades implemented at The Evergreen Institute and will develop a ten-point plan to implement at home with the goal of cutting energy bills by 25 to 50%. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Basic Photovoltaics In this one-day course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Power from the Sun, Wind Energy Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, students will explore solar electric systems for homes, farms, and businesses. Topics include: Basics of electricity See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Renewable Energy Stampede and Green Living Fair17 Apr More details at Renewable Energy Stampede and Green Living Fair |
Intermediate Photovoltaics In this two-day course, taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Power from the Sun, Solar Electricity Basics , and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, students will explore in detail residential and small business solar electric systems. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
PV Site Assessment and Practicum In this two -day course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., solar energy expert and author of numerous books on the subject, including The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, Power from the Sun, Solar Electricity Basics , and Power from the Wind, participants will learn how to perform a PV site assessment. Participants will learn how to (1) assess a site for solar, (2) determine the type of system, (3) determine the best location for a PV array, and (4) determine the size and type of system a client should install. During this class, students will learn how to use solar site assessment software and tools, including Solar Pathfinder and Solar Pathfinder Assistant. Students will perform initial work for one practice PV site assessment, either a grid-connected PV system and an off-grid PV system, which helps apply information learned in the class. Three practice site assessments are required to become a certified site assessor through the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Earthbag Roundhouse Workshop Round earthbag office: 15' interior diameter, 18 walls, earthbag foundation; Wood doors and windows, small bathroom, earthbag benches; 16 sided wood bond beam, steel compression ring; 16 sided roof is framed with 8 wood poles and milled lumber, plus terra cotta tile; Exposed wood ceiling with peeled eucalyptus saplings; Cupola with vents for natural convection cooling. General building plan: Build walls and roof in one week (some parts won't be completely finished, such as the plaster and roof tiles, but we will do as much as we can so you get at least some experience on each step of construction). Hard, dirty work will be completed before the workshop (earthwork, digging trenches, peeling poles, etc.) so the focus can remain on learning. Workshop participants can assist with any or all building activities as they choose (ex: you may or may not want to climb on the roof, that's okay) Cost: $500 includes excellent hotel, shuttle van, breakfasts, dinners, snacks Instructor: Owen Geiger Sign-up procedure: For more information see earthbagplans.wordpress.com/workshops |
PV System Design and Installation In this two-day course, taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Power from the Sun, Solar Electricity Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, students will size, site, and design two PV systems, a grid-connected system and a grid-connected system with battery backup, using electrical consumption data from two real life customers. Students will view slides of -- or visit -- similar installations (time permitting) once their design work is complete. Participants will assess the solar resource and then size and site arrays and battery banks. Students will also size other components, including conductors, fuses, breakers, inverters, and charge controllers. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Intro to Straw Bale Design and Construction This one-day workshop taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of The Natural House and The Natural Plaster Book , provides an overview of straw bale design and construction. While the majority of the day will be spent in lecture, we'll also take a break to work with straw bales and study straw bale foundation and building at The Evergreen Institute's Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
| Permaculture Design Certificate Course Tutors: Jo Pearsall and Bryan Innes and friends. See www.ecoshow.co.nz for more information. |
Hands-on Straw Bale Construction In this two-day hands-on workshop taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of The Natural House and The Natural Plaster Book , students will build a small straw bale structure from scratch, including the bottom plate, top plate, window and door bucks, and roof. Students will stack the bales of this load-bearing structure and install windows as well. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Hands-on Natural Plaster In this two-day hands-on course, participants will learn how to make and apply two ypes of natural plasters, earthen and lime plasters, both used on natural homes made from straw bales, adobe, cob, and other natural materials with internationally renowned author and green building expert, Dan Chiras, author of The Natural Plaster Book and The Natural House. Students will work with base coat and finish coat plasters and pigments and will have plenty of opportunities to learn to apply plasters by hand and with a trowel. We will plaster a straw bale building erected at The Evergreen Institute's educational center in Gerald, MO. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Hands-on Earthen Floors In this one-day hands-on course, participants will learn how to prepare and "install an earthen floor in a straw bale cottage at The Evergreen Institute's Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building. This class is taught by internationally renowned author and green building expert, Dan Chiras, author of The Natural Plaster Book and The Natural House . See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Intro to Small Wind Energy Systems In this one-day introductory course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D. , certified wind site assessor and author of Power from the Wind, Wind Energy Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy , you will explore small wind electric systems suitable for homes, farms, and businesses. Students taking the class in Missouri will view wind turbines and towers installed at this facility. This course is a prerequisite for Intermediate Wind Energy and Wind Site Assessment. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Intermediate Small Wind Systems In this two-day course, taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D ., certified wind site assessor and author of Power from the Wind and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, students will explore in detail small wind electric systems that is, 1 to 100 kW wind-electric systems suitable for homes, farms, and businesses. Students will view wind systems installed at The Evergreen Institute. This course will greatly expand on the topics covered in the introductory course. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
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Strawbale Workshop If you want to learn the techniques of straw bale construction you have come to the right place. My name is Andrew Morrison and I have been a professional straw bale builder for over 12 years and am a co-founder of Straw Bale Innovations, LLC (www.StrawBale.com ). In just seven days, I will teach you the tips and techniques I have developed over my years building custom straw bale homes. We will cover everything from the basics of purchasing bales to the techniques of applying plaster. The hands on activities, constant reflection and "on the fly" discussions, will allow you to leave the workshop fully equipped and confident with the construction of your own straw bale building. In addition to the work, friendships with like minded folks help enhance the overall experience. Participants are encouraged to bring musical instruments and those perfect jokes for long lasting evening fun. See www.strawbaleworkshops.com to register. |
Wind Site Assessment In this two-day course, taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D ., certified wind site assessor and author of Power from the Wind, Wind Energy Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy , students will learn techniques required to assess the suitability of sites for small wind systems. Students will obtain hands-on experience in estimating average annual wind site and estiminating wind direction. Students will also spend time assessing a site and will begin work on a wind site assessment report. Students completing the prerequisites to this course (Intro to Wind) and Wind Turbine Design Considerations (offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association) who pass a qualifying exam can become nationally certified wind site assessors (a program administered by MREA). See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Design and Build Your Own Wind Tower In this four-day course , taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D ., certified wind site assessor and author of Power from the Wind, Wind Energy Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy and electrical engineer and TEI Instructor Fred Stuart, students will build a 120-foot tilt-up tower or guyed lattice tower at The Evergreen Institute's educational facility in east-central Missouri. Students will assemble the tower on site and participate in construction of steel-reinforced anchors and tower base. Prerequisite: Students must take Intro to Wind (May 8, June 25, or July 25) prior to this class or equivalent courses through other institutions such as Solar Energy International or the Midwest Renewable Energy Association or exhibit a good understanding of wind systems and wind turbine towers. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
| Cordwood Workshop A Cordwood Workshop will be held at the home building site of Nick & Anne Hylla in Custer , Wisconsin. This cordwood home project is "under construction" and the cordwood infill is half completed. The home is timberframe construction (Hall & Parlor style). The cordwood infill is 18" Northern White Cedar and the mortar being used is Lime Putty Mortar. The morning Power Point Presentations will be held at the new Midwest Renewable Energy Association classroom (2 miles west of the building site) and the hands on portion will be on the building site. The Hylla homestead boasts Photovoltaic power and a large solar in-floor-radiant-heat system. Nick works for the MREA and will do a brief presentation explaining the timberframe, PV and solar in floor heat installation (all of which were part of workshops run from the MREA.) Nick, Anne & Oliver (their 4 year old son) are wonderful, gracious hosts. This workshop will be an excellent alternative building and alternative energy experience and with White Feather Organic Farm across the road, a veritable feast of organic fare for lunches. Richard & Becky Flatau |
ASES National Solar Conference The National Solar Conference is America's leading conference on the emerging trends, technology, and opportunities shaping the new energy economy. Join as at SOLAR 2010 for the nation's best educational opportunity for solar energy professionals! See ases.org for more information |
Solar Heating and Natural Building Design - 4 day Workshop Crestone Solar School, Crestone, Colorado Learn innovative 21st century Solar and Natural Building technologies. Fee includes workshop materials, all meals, and outdoor camping at the Crestone Solar School home site. Taught by Paul Shippee. Contact www.crestonesolarschool.com for details. |
Designing and Building a Net Zero Energy Home In this three-day course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., green building and renewable energy expert and author of numerous books on these subjects, including The New Ecological Home , The Natural House, The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, The Solar House , Power from the Sun , and Power from the Wind and others, participants will explore what a net zero energy home is, how to design, and build one. Topics include: What net zero energy means; Basic strategies for achieving net zero energy in new and existing homes; Detailed strategies for reducing energy demand; Air sealing and insulation; Residential renewable energy option; The Passive House Design and Construction; Case studies; Costs of net zero energy construction; Key resources See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Alternative Energy & Building Efficiency Conference & Exhibition25 May Alternative Energy & Building Efficiency West is a completely unique event because we are bringing the Alternative Energy industry together and integrating it with the Energy Efficient Building industry.These events (Boston, Santa Clara, Chicago) will draw Attendees from throughout North America. AE&BE is the Show for promoting Alternative Energy technologies along with products for constructing energy efficient buildings. Energy efficiency and sustainability is a major part of any alternative energy design and thus these two industries complement each other. More details at Alternative Energy & Building Efficiency East |
Building with Earthbags...Domes and arches Hands-on', led by Jarema. Located in a forest with existing structures that include a small load bearing straw bale house and an earthbag dome covered in shingles. The site also has a camping field. See www.earthhandsandhouses.org for more information. |
Clay and Straw Clay plastering, sculpting, clay paints, straw/clay as insulation, making 1cm thin partition walls. Hands-on', led by Jarema. Located in a forest with existing structures that include a small load bearing straw bale house and an earthbag dome covered in shingles. The site also has a camping field. See www.earthhandsandhouses.org for more information. |
| Earthbags Building a root cellar, learning to build earthen dome structures for emergency and sustainable living. Building an arch and a very small dome made out of earth filled bags, and plastering/sculpting the dome with an earthen plaster. Hands-on and some theory. Taught by Paulina. See www.earthhandsandhouses.org for more information. |
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Strawbale Workshop If you want to learn the techniques of straw bale construction you have come to the right place. My name is Andrew Morrison and I have been a professional straw bale builder for over 12 years and am a co-founder of Straw Bale Innovations, LLC (www.StrawBale.com ). In just seven days, I will teach you the tips and techniques I have developed over my years building custom straw bale homes. We will cover everything from the basics of purchasing bales to the techniques of applying plaster. The hands on activities, constant reflection and "on the fly" discussions, will allow you to leave the workshop fully equipped and confident with the construction of your own straw bale building. In addition to the work, friendships with like minded folks help enhance the overall experience. Participants are encouraged to bring musical instruments and those perfect jokes for long lasting evening fun. See www.strawbaleworkshops.com to register. |
Clay Plastering Plastering and sculpting with clay on an earthbag dome. Taught by Paulina. See www.earthhandsandhouses.org for more information. |
Home Energy Efficiency In this one-day free course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Green Home Improvement and numerous other books on home energy and energy efficiency, participants will learn many ways they can slash their or a client's home energy consumption, reducing energy bills and improving comfort of their homes. Students will view numerous energy-saving measures implemented at The Evergreen Institute. Students will develop a ten-point plan to implement at home with the goal of cutting energy bills by 25 to 50%. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Basic Photovoltaics In this one-day course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Power from the Sun, Wind Energy Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy , students will explore solar electric systems for homes, farms, and businesses. Topics include: Basics of electricity See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Intermediate Photovoltaics In this two-day course, taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D ., author of Power from the Sun, Solar Electricity Basics , and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy , students will explore in detail residential and small business solar electric systems. This course will greatly expand on the topics covered in the introductory course. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
PV Site Assessment and Practicum In this two -day course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., solar energy expert and author of numerous books on the subject, including The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, Power from the Sun, Solar Electricity Basics , and Power from the Wind , participants will learn how to perform a PV site assessment. Participants will learn how to (1) assess a site for solar, (2) determine the type of system, (3) determine the best location for a PV array, and (4) provide clients with basic information on the size and type of system they will require. During this class, students will learn how to use solar site assessment software and tools, including Solar Pathfinder and Solar Pathfinder Assistant. Students will perform initial work for one practice PV site assessment, either a grid-connected PV system and an off-grid PV system, which helps apply information learned in the class. Three practice site assessments are required to become a certified PV site assessor through the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Solar Heating and Natural Building Design - 4 day Workshop Crestone Solar School, Crestone, Colorado Learn innovative 21st century Solar and Natural Building technologies. Fee includes workshop materials, all meals, and outdoor camping at the Crestone Solar School home site. Taught by Paul Shippee. Contact www.crestonesolarschool.com for details. |
PV System Design and Installation In this two-day course, taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Power from the Sun, Solar Electricity Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, students will size, site, and design two PV systems, a grid-connected system and a grid-connected system with battery backup, using electrical consumption data from two real life customers. Students will view slides of -- or visit -- similar installations (time permitting) once their design work is complete. Participants will assess the solar resource and then size and site arrays and battery banks. Students will also size other components, including conductors, fuses, breakers, inverters, and charge controllers. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
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Strawbale Workshop If you want to learn the techniques of straw bale construction you have come to the right place. My name is Andrew Morrison and I have been a professional straw bale builder for over 12 years and am a co-founder of Straw Bale Innovations, LLC (www.StrawBale.com ). In just seven days, I will teach you the tips and techniques I have developed over my years building custom straw bale homes. We will cover everything from the basics of purchasing bales to the techniques of applying plaster. The hands on activities, constant reflection and "on the fly" discussions, will allow you to leave the workshop fully equipped and confident with the construction of your own straw bale building. In addition to the work, friendships with like minded folks help enhance the overall experience. Participants are encouraged to bring musical instruments and those perfect jokes for long lasting evening fun. See www.strawbaleworkshops.com to register. |
Small Wind Conference 2010 The 6 th annual Small Wind Conference is the premier event for small wind-electric system designers and installers, and for those involved in sales, specification, management, funding, and permitting of small wind systems. More than 300 small wind professionals and industry representatives from across the United States and nine countries attended the 2009 conference, a key opportunity for open and honest dialogue, networking and education within the industry. See www.smallwindconference.com for more information. |
Hands-on Green Building In this intensive five-day course, participants will explore green building for new and existing homes and businesses with internationally renowned green building and renewable energy expert Dan Chiras, author of The New Ecological Home, The Natural House, The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, and numerous other books. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about green building materials, technologies, and techniques to create safe, healthy, resource-efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly homes. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
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Sustainable Architecture Design/Build Practicum Intended for designers, builders, skilled artists, and laborers as well as anyone looking to enhance their holistic design & building knowledge and skills, this program is envisioned as a Start to Finish Design/Build Practicum. Set up in three parts; development, design, and built, this five month program will enhance the capacity for participants to develop appropriate design. Working as part of a team, interns will develop a comprehensive sustainable design plan and then implement that plan by constructing the project using local, natural, and reclaimed materials available on-hand. Instructor: Jennifer Martin of Dreams to Reality Sustainable Building and Design. Program fees are determined by scaling scale, according to ability to pay. Applications will be accepted through May 2010. Scholarships may be available. Contact Jennifer Martin at: timberhomeATgmail.com for more information or see dreamsrealitybuildingdesign.blogspot.com |
| Earthbag foundations with straw bale wall Raising Building one wall in an existing barn structure. A hands-on course led by Jarema Dubiel. See www.earthhandsandhouses.org for more information. |
Intro to Small Wind Energy Systems In this one-day introductory course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D. , certified wind site assessor and author of Power from the Wind, Wind Energy Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy , you will explore small wind electric systems suitable for homes, farms, and businesses. Students taking the class in Missouri will view wind turbines and towers installed at this facility. This course is a prerequisite for Intermediate Wind Energy and Wind Site Assessment. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Wind Turbine Installation In this four-day course , taught by veteran PV and wind system installer Bob Solger of The Envergy Saving Store and Dan Chiras, Ph.D., certified wind site assessor and author of Power from the Wind, Wind Energy Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy , students will install a 2.5 kW Skystream turbine on a 120-foot tilt-up tower at The Evergreen Institute's educational facility in east-central Missouri. Students will assemble the turbine and tower, guy cables, run wires, and erect the tower. Prerequisite: Students must take Intro to Wind (May 8, June 25, or July 25) and Intermediate Wind (January 16 and 17, May 9 and 10) or equivalent courses through other institutions such as Solar Energy International or the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Building with Earthbags Domes and arches. Building a root cellar; learning to build earthen dome structures for emergency and sustainable living. Building an arch and a very small dome made out of earth filled bags and plastering/sculpting the dome with an earthen plaster. Hands-on and some theory. Taught by Paulina & Jarema See www.earthhandsandhouses.org for more information. |
Clay Plasters Plastering and sculpting the dome with clay plasters. (date to be confirmed). Taught by Paulina & Jarema. See www.earthhandsandhouses.org for more information. |
Building a Low Impact Round House with Reciprocal living Green Roof Tony Wrench will be building a cordwood round house with reciprocal roof at Green Hamlet. Tony is an experienced low-impact round house builder and author of Building a Low Impact Round House. Tony has built about twenty round houses around Europe using either cordwood or straw bale each with reciprocal roofs. Tony lives in Wales with his partner Faith in their own low-impact round house. You can read all about their house, and how they live, on his web site thatroundhouse.info . You can also read an article by Tony, ' Planning for a Low Impact Society ' Part 1: Build a straw bale shelter, measure and erect the timber henge, prepare materials for the roof. From 5th-9th July. The workshops are divided into four sessions each of five days starting on Mondays at 10am and finishing Fridays at about 6pm. The cost of one five day session is £150 which includes a light vegetarian or vegan lunch. If you join for more than one session the cost of each subsequent sessions is £40 less. See naturalhomes.org for more information. Contact: oliverATgreenhamlet.com for more details |
Hands-on Straw Bale Construction In this workshop in St. Louis, Missouri taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of The Natural House and The Natural Plaster Book, students will build a small straw bale structure (to be determined) from scratch. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Homebrew Wind Turbine Design and Construction In this four-day hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to make a relatively quiet and durable wind turbine from scratch. Students will develop knowledge and skills in basic electricity, wood working, metal working, resin casting, and a variety of other skills. During this workshop attendees will complete at least one 10' diameter wind turbine and work towards the completion of a second unit, if time permits. These turbines are designed for battery-charging systems. The design is similar to, and inspired by the work of, Hugh Piggott and modified by Dan Bartmann and his colleagues at otherpower.com. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn a variety of skills. The turbines we will build are ideal for those who are interested in building their own wind power systems from scratch for fun, to save money, or for generating power in the developing world. Some time will be spent each day in lecture learning about electricity, homebrew wind turbines, wind energy, wind turbine design, towers, wind site assessment, and wind systems. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Solar Hot Water Site Assessment Who Should Attend?
Instructor: Henry Rentz, Missouri Valley Renewable Energy See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Hands-on Natural Building In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore natural materials are used to build safe, healthy, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly homes. Participants will explore pros and cons of numerous natural building materials and learn which materials will work best in their location. This workshop is taught by green building expert, Dan Chiras, author of The Natural Plaster Book, The Natural House, and The New Ecological Home. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Southeast Building Conference and Green Building Show22 Jul More details at Southeast Building Conference and Green Building Show |
Solar Heating and Natural Building Design - 4 day Workshop Crestone Solar School, Crestone, Colorado Learn innovative 21st century Solar and Natural Building technologies. Fee includes workshop materials, all meals, and outdoor camping at the Crestone Solar School home site. Taught by Paul Shippee. Contact www.crestonesolarschool.com for details. |
Home Energy Efficiency In this free one-day course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Green Home Improvement and numerous other books on home energy and energy efficiency, participants will learn many ways they can slash their or a client's home energy consumption, reducing energy bills and improving comfort of their homes. Students will view numerous energy-saving measures implemented at The Evergreen Institute. Students will develop a ten-point plan to implement at home with the goal of cutting energy bills by 25 to 50%. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Intro to Small Wind Energy Systems In this one-day introductory course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D. , certified wind site assessor and author of Power from the Wind, Wind Energy Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy , you will explore small wind electric systems suitable for homes, farms, and businesses. Students taking the class in Missouri will view wind turbines and towers installed at this facility. This course is a prerequisite for Intermediate Wind Energy and Wind Site Assessment. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Homebrew Wind Turbine Design and Construction In this four-day hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to make a relatively quiet and durable wind turbine from scratch. Students will develop knowledge and skills in basic electricity, wood working, metal working, resin casting, and a variety of other skills. During this workshop attendees will complete at least one 10' diameter wind turbine and work towards the completion of a second unit, if time permits. These turbines are designed for battery-charging systems. The design is similar to, and inspired by the work of, Hugh Piggott and modified by Dan Bartmann and his colleagues at otherpower.com. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn a variety of skills. The turbines we will build are ideal for those who are interested in building their own wind power systems from scratch for fun, to save money, or for generating power in the developing world. Some time will be spent each day in lecture learning about electricity, homebrew wind turbines, wind energy, wind turbine design, towers, wind site assessment, and wind systems. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Building with Earthbags Domes and arches. Building a root cellar. Learning to build earthen dome structures for emergency and sustainable living. Building an arch and a very small dome made out of earth filled bags and plastering/sculpting the dome with an earthen plaster. Hands-on and some theory. Taught by Paulina & Jarema. See www.earthhandsandhouses.org for more information |
Earthen Plasters Plastering, sculpting and carving earthen plasters. All the plastering workshop participants are invited to stay on as volunteers for more plastering/sculpting/carving experience. Taught by Paulina & Jarema. See www.earthhandsandhouses.org for more information |
Design and Build Your Own Wind Tower In this four-day course , taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D ., certified wind site assessor and author of Power from the Wind, Wind Energy Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy and electrical engineer and TEI Instructor Fred Stuart, students will build a 120-foot tilt-up tower or guyed lattice tower at The Evergreen Institute's educational facility in east-central Missouri. Students will assemble the tower on site and participate in construction of steel-reinforced anchors and tower base. Prerequisite: Students must take Intro to Wind (May 8, June 25, or July 25) prior to this class or equivalent courses through other institutions such as Solar Energy International or the Midwest Renewable Energy Association or exhibit a good understanding of wind systems and wind turbine towers. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Wind Turbine Installation In this four-day course , taught by veteran PV and wind system installer Bob Solger of The Envergy Saving Store and Dan Chiras, Ph.D., certified wind site assessor and author of Power from the Wind, Wind Energy Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy , students will install a 2.5 kW Skystream turbine on a 120-foot tilt-up tower at The Evergreen Institute's educational facility in east-central Missouri. Students will assemble the turbine and tower, guy cables, run wires, and erect the tower. Prerequisite: Students must take Intro to Wind (May 8, June 25, or July 25) and Intermediate Wind (January 16 and 17, May 9 and 10) or equivalent courses through other institutions such as Solar Energy International or the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Solar Heating and Natural Building Design - 4 day Workshop Crestone Solar School, Crestone, Colorado Learn innovative 21st century Solar and Natural Building technologies. Fee includes workshop materials, all meals, and outdoor camping at the Crestone Solar School home site. Taught by Paul Shippee. Contact www.crestonesolarschool.com for details. |
PV Design and Installation Lab In this three-day hands-on course , taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Power from the Sun, Solar Electricity Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, students will size, design, and install a 1- to 2- kW grid-connected system with battery backup. Students will install the ground-mounted rack, mount the modules, and install a grounding system and all conductors. Students install also a charge controller and an inverter. Students will build and install a battery box and will wire batteries and make all connections. Time permitting, students will view slides and visit other other PV installations in the area. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Green Your Home In this one-day free workshops taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Green Home Improvement and numerous other books on green building, participants will learn many ways to make their homes more energy efficient, healthier, better for the environment, and more economical to operate. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Passive Solar Heating and Cooling In this two-day course, participants will explore passive solar design and construction with internationally renowned passive solar design consultant Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy. This course will focus on new construction specifically homes and small businesses. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition and 5th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion6 - 10 Sep The 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (25th EU PVSEC) and 5th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion will once again be the world's leading business-to-business and science-to-science forum for the PV solar sector. This joint World Conference will unite the three most important scientific and strategic conferences for the global PV solar sector: the 25th European Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, the 36th US IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference and the 20th Asia/Pacific PV Science and Engineering Conference. This will be a truly global event which uniquely combines scientific and technological issues from the perspective of research and development, industry, utilities, politics, architecture and end-users. More details at 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition and 5th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion |
Home Energy Efficiency In this one-day course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Green Home Improvement and numerous other books on home energy and energy efficiency, participants will learn many ways they can slash their or a client's home energy consumption, reducing energy bills and improving comfort of their homes. Students will view numerous energy-saving measures implemented at The Evergreen Institute. Students will develop a ten-point plan to implement at home with the goal of cutting energy bills by 25 to 50%. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Intro to Solar Hot Water Systems In this one-day course, taught by veteran solar installer Henry Rentz at TEI's educational center in east-central Missouri, you'll learn the basics of domestic solar hot water systems from an expert in the field. You'll learn about the types of solar hot water systems that are commonly installed, their main components, how the sytems function, ways to assess your solar resource, installation options, and the best locations for mounting a solar hot water system. Students may want to attend Intermediate Solar Hot Water on either April 10 and 11 or September 12 and 13 and Solar Hot Water System Installation on September 14-17. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
| 2-day Cordwood Workshop This 1,400 acre site is owned by the University of Wisconsin and it is their outdoor classroom for students from all over the Midwest. If you are interested in this workshop, please let me know via email and you can also go to http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/treehaven/publicPrograms.aspx to view the buildings and grounds. Richard & Becky Flatau |
Hands-on Straw Bale Design and Construction In this two-day hands-on workshop taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of The Natural House and The Natural Plaster Book , students will build a small straw bale structure from scratch, including the bottom plate, top plate, window and door bucks, and roof. Students will stack the bales of this load-bearing structure and install windows as well. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Intermediate Solar Hot Water Systems Who Should Attend?
Instructor: Henry Rentz, Missouri Valley Renewable Energy See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Solar Hot Water System Installation In this four-day course, taught by veteran solar installer Henry Rentz of TEI's educational center in east-central Missouri, you'll learn how to install a solar hot water system deisgned for domestic hot water and space heating. This system will be installed on a ground-mounted rack and will supply our educational center in east-central Missouri. Pre-requisite: Students are required to attend the Intro to Solar Hot Water and Intermediate Solar Hot Water classes. Instructor: Henry Rentz, Missouri Valley Renewable Energy, and Dan Chiras, The Evergreen Institute See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Alternative Energy & Building Efficiency Conference & Exhibition23 Sep Alternative Energy & Building Efficiency West is a completely unique event because we are bringing the Alternative Energy industry together and integrating it with the Energy Efficient Building industry.These events (Boston, Santa Clara, Chicago) will draw Attendees from throughout North America. AE&BE is the Show for promoting Alternative Energy technologies along with products for constructing energy efficient buildings. Energy efficiency and sustainability is a major part of any alternative energy design and thus these two industries complement each other. More details at Alternative Energy & Building Efficiency - Chicago |
Solar Power International 201012 Oct With an industry growth rate of more than 40% per year, there was a need for a single event where industry could come together with potential customers, policymakers, investors, and other parties necessary for continued rapid growth. It didn't take long for the event to establish itself as the premiere solar event in the US, growing from 1,100 attendees to over 22,500 in just 5 years! More details at Solar Power 09 |
Basic Photovoltaics In this one-day course taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D ., author of Power from the Sun, Wind Energy Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy , students will explore solar electric systems for homes, farms, and businesses. Topics include: Basics of electricity See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
Intermediate Photovoltaics In this two-day course, taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D ., author of Power from the Sun, Solar Electricity Basics , and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy , students will explore in detail residential and small business solar electric systems. This course will greatly expand on the topics covered in the introductory course. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
PV Design and Installation Lab In this three-day hands-on course , taught by Dan Chiras, Ph.D., author of Power from the Sun, Solar Electricity Basics, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy, students will size, design, and install a 1 to 2 kW grid-connected system with battery backup. Students will install the rack, mount the modules, and install a grounding system and conductors. Students install also a charge controller and inverter. Students will build and install a battery box. Time permitting, students will view slides and visit other other PV installations in the area. See Dan Chiras' The Evergreen Institute, Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building for more information. |
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Classes and Workshops offered by Eco
Versity |
| bluerockstation.com of Ohio sponsors many wonderful workshops related to skills for building earthships. |
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cobworkshops.org
lists many workshops featuring cob in North America.
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EcoDwelling: A New College of California
- North Bay
BA and MA Program Concentration EcoDwelling is a 3-semester Concentration offered through New College of California North Bay Campus’s (Santa Rosa) Culture, Ecology and Sustainable Community program. New College offers accredited BA completion and MA degrees, with additional concentrations in Ecological Agriculture, Painting in the Landscape, and Consciousness, Healing, and Ecology. The EcoDwelling Concentration is a holistic approach to dwelling in the broadest sense – encompassing the very nature of existence and being – and the entire process by which we inhabit our ecosystems and the planet. It is concerned with the causes of our current dwelling process failure, the principles of success, and the application of principles in the design of equitable, sustainable, universally affordable alternatives. The Concentration provides students with an opportunity to implement vision, theory and design for radically affordable, sustainable means of dwelling, through lecture, discussion, design projects, and hands-on building with cob, strawbales, and other natural materials. The EcoDwelling Concentration is intended for anyone with an interest in any aspect of the dwelling process and its relationship to the whole. It is intended for anyone interested in discovering how to make their own way and means of dwelling more affordable, sustainable and liberating – thereby being able to help others do the same. As awareness of our collective crisis increases, the need for those who can recognize, understand, and implement sustainable alternatives will be substantial. New College Northbay: www.newcollege.edu/northbay |
| lowimpact.org
the Low-Impact Linging Initiative in England provides information and courses
related to such topics as: eco-paints, lime, rammed earth building, strawbale
building, solar electricity, solar hot water, wind generators, wood stoves,
beekeeping, poultry, organic gardening, wild food, compost toilets, rain
water harvesting, biodiesel, etc. |
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Of Liability And Warranty
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