Below is a list of events going on in the green building community that are not directly associated with NEXUS and The Green Roundtable. To post an event, email Aaron Desatnik at aaron@greenroundtable.org. Please make sure to include "Community events" in the subject line of the email.

July

Working low-impact development methods into your site-selection, design, installation and maintenance
July 30, 8:30-10:30 am (2 LU/HSW)
$65 ($52 for BSA Members)
Tracks: Codes/regulations, Residential Design, LEED/Environment/Green and Building Science

National and state trends for greener construction and more comprehensive stormwater quality management are resulting in changes in the design and implementation of site layouts and stormwater BMPs. Practices such as porous pavement/pavers, bioretention areas and rainwater recovery are becoming more common on sites across the country. Examples from multiple VHB Low Impact Development Jobs and a discussion of how the change towards low impact development stormwater management site features impact current practices for architects, developers, engineers, contractors and agencies. Focus points for discussion will be maintaining site features for sustainability, new engineering designs as well as long term operation and maintenance of LID practices.
Bethany Eisenberg, Director of Stormwater Servives and Thomas Benjamin, Senior Landscape Architect; VHB Land Development, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., Watertown MA

August

Green roofs-practice and reality
August 1, 8:30-10:30 am (2 LU/HSW)
$65 ($52 for BSA Members)
Tracks: Codes/regulations, LEED/Environment/Green and Building Science

As clients and communities become more aware of the need for sustainable design, green roofs are becoming more and more common. This presentation, based on case studies, is useful for any designer contemplating a green roof. We address the pros and cons of this seemingly simple sustainable design approach, review the current state of the art in green roof design, and discuss the reality of built systems and their real impacts and benefits.
Kaki Martin (moderator), Klopfer Martin Design Group, Cambridge
William F. Foley, Enviro-Plane Consulting, Glenside PA
Shauna Gillies-Smith, Ground, Arlington MA
Jeff Licht, Botanicals Nursery, Wayland MA
Christian Werthmann, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge MA

Community Design/Build
Yestermorrow Design/Build School, Warren, VT
Dates: August 3-15

Guided by Jersey Devil co-founder Steve Badanes, students will engage in a hands-on process of designing and building a full-scale public project. Past projects have included public playground structures, village green bandshells, park pavilions, and bus stops. The class will meet with the client, establish the program, work within a budget, propose and develop the design, schedule the work, and construct the project. Each phase is explored as a means of making the architecture more expressive, and sustainable building practices are emphasized throughout the process. Students will explore how this community-based, consensus approach to a project can build a sense of community as it creates a work of architecture. Evening lectures will focus on examples of individual and team processes as illustrated by Jersey Devil projects. Intermediate to Professional. 80 AIA Learning Units

Instructors: Jim Adamson, Steve Badanes, Bill Bialosky
Tuition: $1400
888-496-5541, www.yestermorrow.org, designbuild@yestermorrow.org for more information

Chapter 13: Energy conservation
August 4, 8:00-10:00 am (2 LU/HSW)
$65 ($52 for BSA Members)
Tracks: Codes/regulations, Residential Design, LEED/Environment/Green and Building Science

Massachusetts energy requirements include air barriers and underslab insulation, and allow for either a prescriptive or performance-based approach to compliance. This seminar will include a discussion of likely changes to this chapter during the jurisdiction of the 7th edition.
A. Vernon Woodworth AIA, R. W. Sullivan Engineering
Ware E. Cady P.E., R. W. Sullivan Engineering

Energy code and beyond
August 8, 8:30 am-5:00 pm (8 LU/HSW)
$275 ($220 for BSA Members)
Tracks: Codes/regulations, Residential Design and Building Science

These workshops are designed to inform architects, engineers, builders, code officials, and other building professionals about the fundamental aspects of building energy codes. Participants will learn how to achieve and demonstrate compliance with the local energy code. The workshop will also include specific instructions and demonstrations of the available tools and energy-related software used for energy code verification and compliance. The presentation will be supplemented with numerous discussions that address "beyond code" energy efficiency and building science concepts.
David Weitz, Conservation Services Group, Inc.

Boston GreenFest 2008

Boston Greenfest is a "wake-up" call to help our neighborhoods recognize the reality of global warming, and stir everyone to positive actions that can make a difference. We are beyond light bulbs and replacing shower heads. We have the ability to find solutions together. This festival is an opportunity to present an array of options in terms of resources, tools, networking possibilities, sustainable products and ideas to our culturally diverse Boston community. The Foundation for a Green Future, Inc. is hosting this festival to give people the chance to proactively seek doable projects and approaches for their neighborhoods, connect with each other and celebrate together. There will be interactive exhibits that make it fun to learn to eat and grow organic food, improve nutrition and healthcare, green our city, build healthy communities, take political action, create green jobs and a green economy, and focus on youth. We will also have lots of music, entertainment, art, good food, and fun kids' activities.

The planning meetings are scheduled as follows:

Every Wednesday morning at Boston City Hall from 10-11:30 am at the Piemonte Room on 5th floor.

On August 13th and September 10th we will be meeting in the Curley Room, also from 10-11:30 am.

Solar- and wind-powered buildings
August 11, 8:30 am-12:30 pm (4 LU/HSW)
$250 ($200 for BSA Members)
Tracks: Residential Design, LEED/Environment/Green, BIM/Technology and Building Science

Architects and engineers with vision have come to understand that the goal of good design is no longer solely to create an aesthetically pleasing building -buildings must be environmentally responsive as well. Rather than slightly cutting back on non-renewable fuels and generating less pollution, buildings of the 21st century will rely on using renewable resources to produce some, and eventually all, of their own energy. We explore renewable energy technology and design options for creating energy autonomous residences and commercial buildings in all climates. This session is for professionals at all levels with a basic awareness of green design. Our nationally recognized expert in the field presents case studies of cutting-edge projects that demonstrate the process of integrated design where design strategies and technology options are considered together.
Steven Strong, Solar Design Associates, Harvard MA

Advanced buildings
August 13, 8:30 am-12:30 pm (4 LU/HSW)
$110 ($88for BSA Members)
Tracks: LEED/Environment/Green and Building Science

We describe the national Advanced Building program's detailed, step-by-step process for designing energy efficient commercial buildings that have superior air quality. Our tiered approach is ideal both for teams first venturing into higher performing energy efficiency and for seasoned sustainable design teams looking for more LEED points with less effort. For 20,000 to 80,000-sf buildings, our program achieves defensible 20% to 39% energy savings on the first pass, without energy simulation. Leave workshop ready to apply these techniques for "beyond code" energy efficiency to lighting, envelope and HVAC designs.
Fran Boucher, National Grid USA

BIM/performance analysis
August 15, 8:30-10:30 am (2 LU)
$65 ($52 for BSA Members)
Tracks: LEED/Environment/Green and BIM/Technology

The objective for this session is to rise awareness on the linkages between Sustainable Movement, Process and Metrics as well as add insight to mapping analysis to an integrated design process and into the current state and direction of BIM + Performance Analysis. The instructors will also review information to increase understanding of the global challenges for the Design and Construction Industry and the future trends that effect the HVAC Industry. This will help to prepare firms for the decisions faced as they evolve and grow in response to the Challenges and Changes.
Robert Middlebrooks, AIA & Kevin Settlemyre, LEED AP

Mattapan Energy Fair

August 16, 10:00am to 2:00pm
Free!
Mattapan Family Service Center, 535 River St., Mattapan- Take the T to Mattapan Square stop on the Red line extension

Description: With global warming and record costs for gas, oil and electricity, do you sometimes wonder if we are all going to sin? Then you need to RIDE THE GREEN WAVE to the Mattapan Energy Fair. Join us for food, fun, music, free stuff and great energy saving ideas and devices. Sponsored by ACORN, BostonCAN, Mattapan Family Service Center & Mattapan Board of Trade.
For more information call ACORN at 617-436-7100. Go green to save $green$!

LEED AP training
August 18 and August 25, 1:00-5:00 pm (8 LU/HSW)
$110 ($88 for BSA Members)
Tracks: LEED/Environment/Green, Building Science and Practice/Career

This session helps attendees prepare for the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC's) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Accredited Professional (AP) examination for LEED NC version 2.2. The presenter will introduce and explain the Rating System, demonstrate its application, walk participants through the certification process, suggest topics for further study, provide study materials, and offer multiple practice quizzes and exams. Though much of the studying recommended to prepare for the exam will need to be self-motivated and take place outside of these sessions, a thorough understanding of the LEED Rating System and the LEED AP exam should be translated into a passing score when testing. The presenter has been part of the project team of more than 40 LEED Registered or Certified projects and prepared hundreds of AEC professionals for the LEED AP exam.
Nathan Gauthier, Harvard University

Home health opportunities in energy-efficient construction: If it isn't healthy, it isn't green
August 21, 8:00 am-12:00 pm (4 LU/HSW)
$105 ($84 for BSA Members)
Tracks: Residential Design, LEED/Environment/Green and Building Science

Indoor air quality and healthier indoor environments are looming larger and larger in the public consciousness-and giving your clients what they want can increase your bottom line while it decreases your risk. Explore the seven major components of healthier home design. Learn some of the real world practices and available products that you can use to reduce the risk of IAQ problems.
Mark Hutchins, Conservation Services Group, Inc.

The best HVAC system money can buy
August 21, 1:00-5:00 pm (4 LU/HSW)
$105 ($84 for BSA Members)
Tracks: Residential Design, LEED/Environment/Green and Building Science

People often ask what type of heating system is best. This workshop promotes the idea that an exceptional building envelope is an important part of the answer, helping to save money and improve comfort. Participants will also be provided with an overview of some of our favorite types of high-performance mechanical systems. We'll include case studies of optimized, integrated envelope and mechanical system designs, and discuss installation-related considerations as well.
Mark Hutchins, Conservation Services Group, Inc.

Hot Water with the Sun at the 21st Century Foods with Rudy Canale
Jamaica Plain, Mass 10AM-12:30PM , Saturday, August 23 New Date
Learn how to pre-heat your hot water using copper or plastic solar heaters. Save money, save polar bears, save the planet!
NOFA Members: $27 Non-members: $32

Yoga for Farmers and Gardeners with Marie Marchand at Green River Yoga,
Greenfield, Mass 3PM-5PM, Sunday, August 24
Learn how to move so farming and gardening doesn't hurt so much. Practice breathing, and relaxing stretches that can make your active life less painful and more complete. Make friends with your body! Apprentices encouraged to attend-scholarships!
NOFA Members: $14 Non-members: $18

Sign up early as many workshops do fill up to capacity. When you have registered you will receive directions and other relevant information closer to the date. To register visit www.nofamass.org or contact Practical Skills Coordinator Tom Szekely at 781-894-4358 or seedpotato@yahoo.com. Donations are always welcome as they help fund scholarships for folks who might otherwise be left out. That said: scholarships are available!
They make great gifts! Ask about gift certificates made by a local artist!

September

Green Roof Infrastructure Waterproofing & Drainage 301
When: Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Where: Boston Public Library, Lower Level A Conference Room, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02108
Tuition: $399

This is GRHC's third course in the Green Roof Accreditation Program. This new course will provide participants with an overview of waterproofing and drainage construction and maintenance for green roof assemblies. It lays out technical vocabulary and materials and presents detailed design solutions and implementation best management practices for waterproofing and drainage in green roofs.

Green Wall Design 101 Introductory Course
When: Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Where: Boston Public Library, Lower Level A Conference Room, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02108
Tuition: $399

Through a series of case studies, this course familiarizes participants with existing green wall technologies, their environmental benefits and issues related to their design and construction. This course provides information that you can put to work immediately.

Biomimicry
September 24, 6:00-7:30 pm (1.5 LU/HSW)
FREE - The lecture will take place at the Boston Public Library

September 25 and 26, 9:00 am-5:00 pm at BSA (14 LU/HSW)
$330 ($264 for BSA Members)
The seminar will take place at The Architects Building,
52 Broad Street, Boston
Tracks: LEED/Environment/Green and Building Science

This two-day workshop is based upon a new discipline that studies nature's best ideas and imitates them to solve human problems. Based upon Janine Benyus's book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, this new science is now being applied to architecture, product design, engineering, software development, communication systems and organizational evolution.
The BioMimicry Guild

Putting Food By with Many Hands Organic Farmʼs Jack Kittredge and Julie Rawson
Barre, Mass 9AM-4PM Saturday, September 27
See their root cellar and learn to can, freeze, ferment, dry and lacto-ferment, jam, and wine various fruits and vegetables. They will also discuss pork and chicken products and share their experience with season extension with hoop houses.
NOFA Members: $50 Non-members: $56

Creating School Gardens and Composting Systems with Karen DiFranza
Hubbardston, Mass 10AM-2 PM, Sunday, September 28
The Hubbardston Center School's garden program was developed using grant money, and is student- maintained. Learn how a student-powered composting program that recycles cafeteria leftovers and schoolyard organic materials works. Learn how to start, run, fund and also curriculum lessons that use both the garden and the school composting system.
NOFA Members: $46 Non-members: $51

October

Green Roof Infrastructure: Plants and Growing Medium 401
When: Thursday, October 23, 2008
Where: Boston Public Library, Lower Level A Conference Room, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02108
Tuition: $499

This course will provide participants with an overview of plants and growing medium design considerations and maintenance for green roof assemblies. It establishes design and implementation best management practices for plants and growing medium in green roofs.

Living in the Balance at Seeds of Solidarity with Ricky Baruc and Deb Habib
Orange, Mass 9AM-3 PM, Saturday, October 25
How do we farm, raise families, engage in our communities and "stay present" when society says stay busy? The day will include a discussion of community building and dialogue among workshop participants will focus on creating balance, community and contentment within full lives and good work. Some techniques for finding balance, including yoga, and walking and sitting meditation will be incorporated.
NOFA Members: $44 Non-members: $50

NESEA trainings

NESEA Presents: Sustainability Workshops
Serving Professionals, Building Knowledge

Space is limited, register now and stay at the forefront of your profession!

Toward Zero Energy Homes-
Marc Rosenbaum

April 21- Jamestown, NY
April 22- Rochester,NY
April 23- Binghamton, NY
April 24- Lake George, NY

Wind and Solar Powered Buildings-
Steven Strong
April 29- Berlin, CT
April 30- New Haven, CT
May 1- Newark, NJ
May 2- Philadelphia, PA

Managing the Integrative Design Process-
Bill Reed

May 7- Portland, ME
May 9- Concord, NH

Solar Sales and Marketing: Making the Financial Case-
Andy Black

May 14- Philadelphia, PA
May 16- Hartford, CT

Click here to register or call 413-774-6051 x 30.

NESEA - The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
50 Miles Street, Greenfield, MA 01301
www.nesea.org

NEXUS Green Building Resource Center

July

August

September

October

NESEA trainings