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Training Tools     Click to Print Page

  • GreenBuilt Tours: How To Organize a Successful Tour of Sustainable Architecture (.pdf file) A very detailed manual on how to run a home tour from getting sponsors, choosing homes and organizing volunteers to advertising and making effective directional signs.

  • City of Santa Rosa Green Building Program Conceptual Plan and Implementation Plan (.doc file) Two planning documents from the City of Santa Rosa are available for use as models in developing a local government education and outreach program for the residential sector. The documents were developed in 2003 through a City-organized program development team and advisory task force. Both committees included extensive participation from a diverse set of stakeholders within the community.

The following presentations are available to download in Adobe Acrobat Reader or PowerPoint:

National Green Building Training Opportunities

Green Building Training for Building Professionals

  • American Lung Association - Health House (various US locations)
    www.healthhouse.org/build/builder/training.asp
    Health House offers nation-wide builder training programs that provide classroom training on all aspects of building to Health House Standards. (Applicable to: Builders)

  • Arcosanti (near Cordes Junction, AZ)
    www.arcosanti.org/expArcosanti/workshops/Programs/main.html
    Arcosanti offers one-week seminars, five-week workshops, internships and specialized workshops throughout the year. The five-week workshop program is a hands-on learning experience that teaches building techniques and arcological philosophy, while continuing the city's construction. (Applicable to: Everyone)

  • Austin Energy Green Building Program (Austin, TX)
    www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/sustainability/cv5_scc.htm
    The program offers monthly seminars on various green building topics for building professionals as well as an all-day "Green by Design" training for homeowners. (Applicable to: Homebuyers, Builders, and Industry Professionals)

  • Building Education Center (Berkeley, CA)
    www.bldgeductr.org
    The Center offers seminars, short classes, hands-on workshops, homeowner's courses, and summer intensive workshops on building and remodeling. (Applicable to: Homeowners, Owner/Builders, Builders)

  • California Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) - (various CA locations)
    www.chps.net/events/index.htm
    CHPS Workshops - free all-day workshops educate about the benefits of high performance school construction and share tools and resources to deliver educational facilities that are safe, healthy, efficient, and conducive to the learning process (Applicable to: Project Managers, Architects, Engineers and General Public)
    School District Officials CHPS Seminars - Two-hour seminars to provide decision-makers with the tools and knowledge necessary to approve, build and maintain high performance schools (Applicable to: California Commercial Building Professionals and California school district officials)

  • City of Portland's Office of Sustainable Development - Green Building Division (Portland, OR)
    www.green-rated.org/g_rated/grated.html
    The office offers a number of continuing education classes on energy and green building topics each month. (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • Daylighting Collaborative (various WI locations)
    www.daylighting.org/training.htm
    Offers training in appropriate daylighting design (Continuing Education Units and AIA HSW Learning Units are available) (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)
    Professional Education

    www.pe.gatech.edu/conted/servlet/CEHome
    Architectural courses include: Construction Documents for Sustainable Projects, Secure and Sustainable Public Buildings, The Sustainable Project from Interior Design to Successful Occupancy, High-Performance Building Envelopes, A Primer on Sustainable Building Practices, Building Sustainability: The Construction Process, IEDC Course: Real Estate Development and Reuse (Economic Development), Sustainability Strategy 101: An Organized Perspective
    Continuing Education
    Courses include: Assessment Tools and Techniques for Sustainable Facilities and Infrastructure, Economics of Sustainable Facilities and Infrastructure, Sustainable Design and Construction Practices, Sustainable Real Estate Development, Sustainable Facilities Management, Operations, and Maintenance (Certification available) (Applicable to: Building Professionals)
    Sustainable Facilities & Infrastructure
    http://maven.gtri.gatech.edu/sfi
    Offers customized, interactive contract courses on sustainable facilities and infrastructure. (Applicable to: Building Professionals).

  • Green Building Alliance (Pittsburgh, PA)
    www.gbapgh.org/WhatWeDo_Education.asp
    Offers a variety of green building workshops, breakfasts, tours, and vision lectures (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • National Institute of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) - (San Francisco Bay Area as well as various US locations)
    Certified Green Building Professional Certificate Class
    www.sfbanari.com/seminar.htm
    NARI organizes a 2 day or 4 evening (16 hour) class covering all aspects of green building: energy, water, materials, indoor air quality, and implementing green in your company's operations and marketing. (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company Pacific Energy Center (PEC) - (San Francisco, CA)
    www.pge.com/pec
    The PEC provides numerous continuing education classes on energy and green building topics. (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • Portland General Electric (Portland, OR)
    www.earthadvantage.com/homes/classesevents/classesevents.asp
    Offers classes to acquaint participants with the aspects of the Earth Advantage Program. No certification available. (Applicable to: Homebuyers, Builders, and Industry Professionals)

  • Residential New Construction Workshop Series
    www.energydesignworkshops.com
    These classes are brought to you by Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission as part of the statewide California ENERGY STAR® New Homes Program

  • San Francisco Institute of Architecture (SFIA) - (Alameda, CA)
    www.sfia.net
    Eco Distance Learning
    www.sfia.net/EcoDist.asp
    Open enrollment. Options allow completion of one course or an entire certificate or degree program. (Offers an Associate Degree and a Technical Certificate, a Bachelor of Science in Ecological Design, and a Master of Ecological Design) (Applicable for technical, undergraduate, and postgraduate home study)
    A/E University for Continuing Education
    www.sfia.net/aeuniversity5_24.asp
    Self-study courses focus on the latest and best tools of design practice and project management. (AIA CEUs including HSW credits available) (Applicable to: Design Professionals)

  • San Mateo County Green Building Program (San Carlos ,CA)
    www.recycleworks.org/greenbuilding
    This city's green building program provides monthly educational seminars (Applicable to: Building Professionals and the General Public)

  • Scottsdale Green Building Program (Scottsdale, AZ)
    www.ci.scottsdale.az.us/greenbuilding
    This city's green building program provides monthly training classes. (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • Seattle City Light (Seattle, WA)
    The Sustainable Building Advisor Certificate Program
    www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/sustainability/cv5_scc.htm
    This nine-month (one weekend per month) specialized training program teaches graduates to advise employers or clients on strategies and tools for implementing sustainable building. (Applicable to: Working Professionals)

  • Sonoma State University - Environmental Studies and Planning (Rohnert Park, CA)
    Green Building Professional Certification Program
    www.sonoma.edu/ensp/etc/default.html
    This yearlong Certificate program is designed with the working professional and focuses on developing the understanding necessary to enable sustainable building decision making within a corporate, institutional, non-profit, municipal, multi-family or single-family residential setting. The program consists of six core curriculum sections that will delve with great depth into a variety of relevant topics in both classroom and field trip settings. (Applicable to: Building Professionals and Owner/Builders)

  • Southface Energy Institute (Atlanta, GA)
    Homebuilding School
    www.southface.org/home/hbs/hbs.html
    This is a hands-on weekend or nine-day course focusing on construction financing, scheduling, managing subs, building material performance and durability, and guidelines to achieve energy savings through special construction and design techniques. (Applicable to: Everyone)
    EarthCraft House
    www.southface.org/home/ech/earthcraft_home.htm
    This program provides builders in the Atlanta area a sign of quality and commitment to homebuyers and their surrounding community. (Training is available to EarthCraft Builders)

  • Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (various US locations)
    www.sbicouncil.org/workshops/index.html
    Training courses include: "High Performance School Buildings," "Design Strategies for Low-Energy, Sustainable, Secure Buildings," and "Green Building Guidelines." (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • University of Florida (various FL locations)
    M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction
    Professional and Distance Learning
    http://classes.bcn.ufl.edu/
    This is the oldest continuing construction program in the country. Distance learning courses are available for Professional Education including beginning and advanced classes in Creating a Healthy, Green, High Performance Built Environment (Applicable to: Building Professionals)
    Energy Extension Service
    www.energy.ufl.edu/
    Provides programs and classes in various topics including: energy code, ecological landscaping, HVAC and indoor air quality, and build green and profit. (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • United States Green Building Council (USGBC) (various US locations)
    www.usgbc.org
    Northern California Chapter (http://www.usgbc.org/Chapters/northerncalifornia/)
    Redwood Empire Chapter (under development, contact Bruce Hammond, Hamds490@pacbell.net)
    Local chapters offer meetings, seminars and tours as well as training classes in implementing their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification.

  • University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
    College of Engineering
    Institute for Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology
    http://www.engin.umich.edu/research/ieset/about_institute.htm
    Offers a Graduate Program in Engineering and Environmental Sustainability, an Undergraduate Engineering for Sustainability Program, as well as Continuing Education courses including: Design and Use of Pervious Concrete Pavements for Stormwater Run-off and Land Development, Introduction to Indoor Environmental Quality Management, Energy Savings in HVAC Systems, Energy Savings in Energy Efficient Motors/VSDs, Team-Based Project Management, (Applicable to: Building Professionals, Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
    College of Architecture and Urban Planning
    Professional Continuing Education Program
    http://depts.washington.edu/archdept/programs_courses/nonmajors_minors.html
    The program offers focused seminars on topics of specific interest to practicing professionals in Architecture, Construction Management, and Landscape Architecture. Some of these courses have an emphasis on sustainability. (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • University of Wisconsin - Madison (Madison, WI)
    Department of Engineering Professional Development
    http://epdwww.engr.wisc.edu
    Continuing Education for Engineers, Architects, Contractors, Consultants, Managers, and other Technical Professionals (Continuing Education Units and AIA Learning Units available) (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • Yestermorrow Design/Build School (Warren, VT)
    http://www.yestermorrow.org
    Offers a wide variety of professional level courses that teach the concepts and methods of "green" architecture and ecological design/build with a focus on problem-solving and hands-on experience (AIA CEUs are available) (Applicable to: Design and Building Professionals)

Green Building Training for the General Public

  • Arcosanti (near Cordes Junction, AZ
    hwww.arcosanti.org/expArcosanti/workshops/Programs/main.html
    Arcosanti offers one-week seminars, five-week workshops, internships and specialized workshops throughout the year. The five-week workshop program is a hands-on learning experience that teaches building techniques and arcological philosophy, while continuing the city's construction. (Applicable to: Everyone)

  • Austin Energy Green Building Program (Austin, TX)
    www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/sustainability/cv5_scc.htm
    The program offers on a quarterly basis an all-day "Green by Design" training for homeowners. (Applicable to: Homebuyers, Builders, and Industry Professionals)

  • Building Education Center (Berkeley, CA)
    www.bldgeductr.org>/a>
    The Center offers seminars, short classes, hands-on workshops, homeowner's courses, and summer intensive workshops on building and remodeling. (Applicable to: Homeowners, Owner/Builders, Builders)

  • Portland General Electric (Portland, OR)
    www.earthadvantage.com/homes/classesevents/classesevents.asp
    Offers classes to acquaint participants with the aspects of the Earth Advantage Program. No certification available. (Applicable to: Homebuyers, Builders, and Industry Professionals)

  • San Francisco Institute of Architecture (SFIA) - (Alameda, CA)
    www.sfia.net
    Eco Distance Learning
    www.sfia.net/EcoDist.asp
    Open enrollment. Options allow completion of one course or an entire certificate or degree program. (Offers an Associate Degree and a Technical Certificate, a Bachelor of Science in Ecological Design, and a Master of Ecological Design) (Applicable for technical, undergraduate, and postgraduate home study)

  • San Mateo County Green Building Program (San Carlos ,CA)
    www.recycleworks.org/greenbuilding
    This city's green building program provides monthly educational seminars (Applicable to: Building Professionals and the General Public)

  • Sonoma State University - Environmental Studies and Planning (Rohnert Park, CA)
    Green Building Professional Certification Program
    www.sonoma.edu/ensp/etc/default.html
    This yearlong Certificate program is designed with the working professional and focuses on developing the understanding necessary to enable sustainable building decision making within a corporate, institutional, non-profit, municipal, multi-family or single-family residential setting. The program consists of six core curriculum sections that will delve with great depth into a variety of relevant topics in both classroom and field trip settings. (Applicable to: Building Professionals and Owner/Builders)

  • Southface Energy Institute (Atlanta, GA)
    Homebuilding School
    www.southface.org/home/hbs/hbs.html
    This is a hands-on weekend or nine-day course focusing on construction financing, scheduling, managing subs, building material performance and durability, and guidelines to achieve energy savings through special construction and design techniques. (Applicable to: Everyone)

Green Building University Programs

  • Boston Architecture Center (Boston, MA)
    www.the-bac.edu/ce/cecertificate/cesust/cesust.html
    Participants learn about designing spaces that minimize energy use, make wise use of resources, and reduce waste. (Certificate of Sustainable Design is available) (Applicable to: Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA)
    College of Architecture and Environmental Design
    www.caed.calpoly.edu/index.html
    Degree programs include Bachelors and Masters of Science in Architecture. The non-profit organization, Renewable Energy Institute promotes renewable energy technologies and sustainable community infrastructure enriches sustainable design studies. A minor in Sustainable Environments is offered to students in these departments: Architecture, City and Regional Planning, and Landscape Architecture (Applicable to: Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • ECOSA Institute (Prescott, AZ)
    www.ecosainstitute.org
    Ecosa professional and pre-professional semester design programs are an in-depth experience that immerses each student in the issues, solutions and implementation of strategies in sustainable systems, ecological design and whole-system thinking. (College level undergraduate credit may be obtained) (Applicable to: Undergraduate and Graduate Studies)

  • Florida A & M University (Tallahassee, FL)
    School of Architecture, Institute for Building Science
    www.famu.edu/acad/centers
    The School of Architecture offers Bachelor and Master degree programs. The Institute for Building Sciences supports coursework, research, and outreach activities. (Applicable to: Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • Frank Lloyd Wright School (Spring Green, WI and Scottsdale, AZ)
    www.taliesin.edu
    In this hands-on environment, students are apprentices becoming part of the design team for new designs based on organic architectural principles, a philosophy that buildings should be integrated into their surroundings while providing an ideal environment for working and living. (Bachelor of Architectural Science and Master of Architecture degrees available) (Applicable to: Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)
    Building Construction Program
    www.coa.gatech.edu/bc
    The program includes a focus on the Indoor Environment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis in their Ph.D. program.
    Sustainable Facilities & Infrastructure
    http://maven.gtri.gatech.edu/sfi
    The program's mission furthers the goal of a sustainable built environment through basic and applied research, teaching and continuing education, and technical assistance and outreach. It offers customized, interactive contract courses on sustainable facilities and infrastructure. Courses for undergraduate and graduate students include:
    Sustainable Problem Solving Lab, Green Building, and Environmentally Conscious Design and Construction. (Certification available) (Applicable to: Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • New College of California North Bay (Santa Rosa, CA)
    EcoDWELLING
    http://newcollege.edu/northbay/ma_conc.html#ecodw
    A three-semester course offers accredited BA and MA degrees through the Culture, Ecology, and Sustainable Community program focusing on a holistic approach to dwelling in the broadest sense. Students learn through lecture, discussion, design and hands-on building. (Applicable to: Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • San Francisco Institute of Architecture (SFIA) - (Alameda, CA)
    Master of Ecological Design Degree Program
    www.sfia.net/EcoDes.asp
    The program offers a balanced curriculum including ecological and architectural design, media, construction technology, and project management courses. (Master of Ecological Design degree available) (Applicable to: Graduate Students)
    Eco Distance Learning
    www.sfia.net/EcoDist.asp
    Classes are open enrollment. Students may complete one course or an entire certificate or degree program. Applicable for technical, undergraduate, and postgraduate home-study. (Associates Degree and a Technical Certificate, a Bachelor of Science in Ecological Design, and a Master of Ecological Design are available) (Applicable to: Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • Sonoma State University - Environment & Engineering Group (Rohnert Park, CA)
    Environmental Studies and Planning
    www.sonoma.edu/ensp
    Bachelor of Arts and Science degree programs are offered in Energy Management & Design, Conservation & Restoration, Hazardous Materials & Water Technology, Environmental Education, and Planning (Applicable to: Undergraduate Students)

  • University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
    College of Environmental Design
    http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/programs/index.htm
    Offers Master of Science in Architecture degree programs, including an area of study in Building Science. (Applicable to: Graduate Students)

  • University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
    M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction
    www.bcn.ufl.edu/index.shtml
    This is the oldest continuing construction program in the country. The four main research centers that support academics at the School are the Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing, Powell Center for Construction and the Environment, Fluor Program for Construction Safety, and Center for Collective Protection in the Built Environment. (Bachelor and Master degree programs available) (Applicable to: Construction, Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • University of Michigan
    Center for Sustainable Systems (Ann Arbor, MI)
    http://css.snre.umich.edu/index.html
    CSS contributes to interdisciplinary education at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels at UM through curriculum development, internships, research opportunities and special workshops in the areas of industrial ecology and sustainability. Research highlights include Buildings, Renewable Energy, Transportation, Packaging, and Agriculture. (Applicable to: All Students)
    College of Engineering (Ann Arbor, MI)
    Institute for Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology

    www.engin.umich.edu/research/ieset/about_institute.htm
    Offers a Graduate Program in Engineering and Environmental Sustainability, an Undergraduate Engineering for Sustainability Program, as well as Continuing Education courses including: Design and Use of Pervious Concrete Pavements for Stormwater Run-off and Land Development, Introduction to Indoor Environmental Quality Management, Energy Savings in HVAC Systems, Energy Savings in Energy Efficient Motors/VSDs, Team-Based Project Management, (Applicable to: Building Professionals, Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • University of Oregon, Eugene (Eugene, OR)
    Department of Architecture

    Architecture and Interior Architecture programs supported by resources including:
    Energy Studies in Building Laboratory
    http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/%7Eesbl
    This research program focuses on understanding how building systems use energy and resources.
    Ecological Design Center
    http://edc.uoregon.edu
    This student organization promotes sustainable design solutions. (Bachelors of Architecture and Masters of Architecture Degrees) (Applicable to: Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)
    School of Architecture, Sustainable Design Program

    http://wnt.utexas.edu/architecture/academic/architecture/grad/climate.html
    The program focuses on three main areas of study: natural systems, building systems, and cultural systems. The curriculum also offers the Summer Institute, an intensive program that mixes graduate students with continuing education professionals and nationally recognized experts in fields related to the topics of sustainable technology, regenerative design, and sustainable design. (Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Architectural Studies) (Applicable to: Graduate Students)

  • The Wallace Research Group (on the web)
    www.wallaceresearch.net/educationNorthAmerica.html
    A clearinghouse of international Architectural Degree programs with an emphasis on sustainability. (Applicable to: Everyone interested in sustainable Architectural degree programs)

Green Building and Related Energy Professional Conferences

  • Affordable Comfort Conference (various US locations)
    www.affordablecomfort.org
    This two-and-a-half day training conference features nearly 100 workshops and a trade show with a mission to advance the performance of residential buildings. (Applicable to: Residential Building Professionals)

  • Building Energy (Boston, MA)
    www.nesea.org/buildings/be
    Building Energy is a professional conference bringing together the worlds of Renewable Energy and High-Performance, Green Building. It is comprised of two conferences that once happened separately: the Quality Building Council conference and the RENEW conference. (Applicable to: Renewable Energy, Green Building Professionals)

  • Energy and Environmental Building Association (EEBA) – (various US locations)
    Annual Conference

    www.eeba.org/conference/default.htm
    This well-known conference highlights workshops and a trade show relevant to energy conservation and building science solutions.

  • "ENVIRON Design" Annual Conference (various US locations)
    www.environdesign.org
    This national conference reviews key green building strategies that affect interior designers. Issues such as indoor air quality, material choices, specifications, and remodeling are highlited. (Learning Units and CEU Credits are available) (Applicable to: Interior Designers, Architects, Designers, Lighting Designers, Manufacturers, Suppliers, Specifiers)

  • GE Lighting Institute (Cleveland, OH)
    Sustainable Design for Architects and Interior Designers Conference

    www.gelighting.com/na/institute/index.html
    This conference reviews key lighting design strategies that can contribute to the sustainability of buildings. Energy-efficient lighting systems and lighting techniques that can create high quality lighting applications will be reviewed, discussed and demonstrated. (Learning Units and CEU Credits are available) (Applicable to: Architects, Designers, Interior Designers, Lighting Designers)

  • National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
    National Green Building Conference (various US locations)

    www.nahbrc.org/conferencesseminarsgreen.asp?CategoryID=1676
    This conference specializes in residential green building education for the mainstream marketplace. (Applicable to: Residential Building Professionals)

  • Society of Building Science Educators (various international locations)
    www.sbse.org/calendar/index.htm
    This site lists events including conferences and workshops offered by SBSE and other organizations on building science topics. (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • Southface Energy Institute
    GreenPrints Annual Conference (Atlanta, GA)

    www.southface.org
    This extensive green building conference brings together nationally known speakers and educators to conduct training and peer exchange over three days. A green building tour showcases local examples. Renewable energy and alternative fuel vehicle modules are often included. (LEED training workshops are offered, as well as several opportunities for CEUs) (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • United States Green Building Council
    GreenBuild Annual Conference (various US locations)

    www.greenbuildexpo.org
    A five-day conference that brings together industry professionals to learn about advancements in green building design, construction, project financing, and building management. (LEED training workshops are offered, as well as several opportunities for CEUs) (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • Wisconsin Green Building Alliance (Milwaukee, WI)
    "Greening of the Built Environment" Annual Conference
    br> www.wgba.org/artman/publish/cat_index_10.shtml
    The conference consists of four tracks of technical sessions: Residential Green Building, Commercial Green Building, Institutional Green Building and Business Benefits of Green Building. (Applicable to: Building Owners, Building Professionals, Developers, Facilities Managers, and Real Estate Professionals)

Building Science / Building Performance Training

  • Advanced Energy (Raleigh and other NC locations)
    www.advancedenergy.org/general/training/index.html
    Offers a wide range of training for professionals in the building, industry, and utility fields. Training for building professionals includes courses on whole-house diagnostics and repair, HVAC system installation and maintenance, and new house construction and renovation to ensure healthy, safe, comfortable, durable, and affordable. Training for utilities include topics such as electrotechnologies, motors and drives, HVAC equipment and building construction. (Applicable to: Building Professionals, Utilities)

  • Alaska Building Science Network (various AK locations)
    www.absn.com/education/index.cfm
    Offers residential building science-based training for home performance. ASBN trains for Alaska Building Energy Efficiency Standard (BEES), as well as to meet the requirements for state residential contractors, mechanical contractors, energy raters, and ICBO inspectors. Areas of training include: Auditing, HERS, House diagnostics, HVAC, IAQ/mold, Insulation, Lighting, New Construction, Rehab/remodeling, Software/modeling, Weatherization, Windows, Cold-climate home building, BEES.
    (Applicable to: Designers, Builders, Realtors, Building Diagnostics Professionals, Weatherization Technicians)

  • Auburn University (Auburn, AL)
    Department of Building Science

    www.bsci.auburn.edu
    As a part of the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, the program offers an engaging discovery of science, techniques and management principles of construction. (Bachelor of Building Science & Master of Building Construction degrees offered) (Applicable to: Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

  • Building Performance and Comfort, Inc. (various US locations)
    www.bldgperformance.com/services.html
    Specializes in the diagnosis of sick buildings and whole-house building science. Courses cover a wide variety of topics including HVAC system sizing, Duct design, Indoor Air Quality, International Energy Conservation Code Compliance, Building Commissioning, and more. (Applicable to: Building Diagnostic Professionals)

  • Building Science Corporation (various US locations)
    www.buildingscience.com
    This well-respected organization specializes in diagnosing building failures and researching whole-building systems. They publish their research as papers and field guides and regularly conduct seminars on moisture, mold, building science and indoor air quality. (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • Energy and Environmental Building Association (EEBA) - (various US locations)
    Houses that Work

    www.eeba.org/events/buildingamerica/default.htm
    Taught by national building science experts who work with thousands of builders each year, participants see product application demonstrations for improved building performance and learn practical strategies that can be applied for immediate results. (CEUs available) (Applicable to: Building Professionals)
    EEBA Institute of Building Technology
    www.eeba.org/institute
    The Institute features a building science and practice based professional development curriculum specifically designed for the quickly changing building industry. The curriculum consists of a 12-module/100 credit hour format and optional Master Work Project. (CEUs and Certification available) (Applicable to: All trades within the construction industry)

  • Florida Solar Energy Center (Clearwater, FL)
    www.fsec.ucf.edu/ed/index.htm
    Ongoing courses are offered for continuing education units (CEUs) and many are approved for Florida professional license renewals. One- and two-day courses are offered on such subjects as photovoltaics, solar water heating, home energy rating certification, energy-efficient building strategies, duct leak diagnosis and repair, and alternative fuel vehicles. (CEUs available) (Applicable to: Florida Building Science & Energy Professionals)

  • Home Energy's list of Training Programs for Home Performance Professionals:
    http://homeenergy.org/hewebsite/contraininguide/index.html
    Home Energy magazine updates its list of training available throughout the country that focus on the whole-house approach to homebuilding and renovation

  • Kansas Building Science Institute (Manhattan, KS)
    www.kansasbuildingscience.com/schedule.htm
    KBSI conducts accredited energy rater certification training for the Energy and Environmental Ratings Alliance and operates the Inspector Training and Certification program for the Kansas Weatherization Assistance Program. Courses include:
    Home Energy Rater Training and Certification, Weatherization Inspector/Auditor Training, Designing Residential HVAC Systems with Right Suite Residential. (Certification available) (Applicable to: Building Professionals, HERS Specialists)

  • National Comfort Institute (various US locations)
    www.ncinstitute.com/Seminars.htm
    Seminar programs are offered on mechanical system balancing and diagnostics, and indoor air quality topics. NCI also has Interactive Training Modules available on their web site. (Certification available) (Applicable to: HVAC diagnostics / IEQ)

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company
    Pacific Energy Center (PEC) - (San Francisco, CA)

    www.pge.com/pec
    The PEC provides continuing education in an incredibly wide array of energy conservation and green building techniques, systems, and materials. (Applicable to: Businesses, Building Professionals)
    Energy Training Center (ETC) - (Stockton, CA)
    www.pge.com/003_save_energy/003c_edu_train/stockton/index.shtml
    The ETC provides continuing education including hands-on training about HVAC systems and technology, windows, and insulation; as well as evaluation and measurement techniques to support potential energy efficiency projects for facilities and support for completion of incentive program applications. (Applicable to: Businesses, Building Professionals, and Participants of energy-efficiency education programs)

  • Performance Systems Development (various US locations)
    www.psdconsulting.com
    This organization specializes in training building performance contractors. They have an on-line building performance resource library at www.buildingperformance.net. (Applicable to: Building Diagnostic Professionals)

  • Society of Building Science Educators (various international locations)
    www.sbse.org/calendar/index.htm
    This site lists events including conferences and workshops offered by SBSE and other organizations on building science topics. (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • Southern California Edison (SCE) - (Irwindale, CA)
    Customer Technology Application Center (CTAC)

    www.sce.com/sc3/002_save_energy/002f_ctac/002f3_work_classes/default.htm
    Southern California Edison operates the CTAC to provide education to customers about energy-related issues, with an emphasis on energy-efficient equipment and technologies, and the application of those technologies, to reduce customer's energy costs or improve their operational efficiency. (Applicable to: Southern California Edison customers)

  • Southface Energy Institute
    www.southface.org/home/courses/HERS/hers.html
    Offers Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Training. (Certification available) (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • Southern California Gas Company (Downey, CA)
    Energy Resource Center

    www.socalgas.com/business/resource_center/erc_home.shtml
    Offers a wide array of energy efficiency trainings including the Building Operator Certification (BOC). Training topics include building systems overview, energy conservation, HVAC systems and controls, IAQ, electrical, and codes. Certification is competency-based and offered at two levels. BOC Level I emphasizes energy efficient building operation and maintenance practices, while BOC Level II emphasizes equipment preventive maintenance and troubleshooting. (Building Operator Certification (BOC) available) (Applicable to: Building operators of medium- to large-sized businesses)
    Builder Services
    www.socalgas.com/construction
    Offers training seminars to residential builders who are interested in building energy-efficient homes. (Applicable to: Residential Builders)

  • Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (various US locations)
    www.sbicouncil.org/workshops/index.html
    Training courses include: "High Performance School Buildings," "Design Strategies for Low-Energy, Sustainable, Secure Buildings," and "Green Building Guidelines" (Applicable to: Building Professionals)

  • University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
    College of Environmental Design
    http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/programs/index.htm
    Offers Master of Science in Architecture degree programs, including an area of study in Building Science. (Applicable to: Graduate Students)

Natural Building Education

  • Arcosanti (near Cordes Junction, AZ)
    www.arcosanti.org/expArcosanti/workshops/Programs/main.html
    Arcosanti offers one-week seminars, five-week workshops, internships and specialized workshops throughout the year. The five-week workshop program is a hands-on learning experience that teaches building techniques and arcological philosophy, while continuing the city's construction. (Applicable to: Everyone)

  • California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture (Cal-Earth Institute) - (Hesperia, CA)
    Apprenticeship Program

    www.calearth.org/apprent.htm
    Offers hands-on programs for people who want to learn to build their own home or participate in building a community from Earth and the elements. Students learn about traditional earth building techniques, as well as Earth (Superadobe) and Ceramic Architecture. (Applicable to: Everyone and Owner Builders)

  • The Cob Cottage Company (various OR and international locations)
    www.cobcottage.com/#learn
    Offers one- to six-week workshops, teaching practical skills in Natural Building and Cob. An apprenticeship program is also available. (Applicable to: Natural Builders)

  • DAWN (Tucson, AZ and various locations)
    www.caneloproject.com/dawn/dawn%20pages/workshoplist.html
    Offers a variety of courses on natural building on topics including Building with Natural Materials, Straw Bale Construction, Cob Construction, Earthen Floors, and Permaculture. (Applicable to: Natural Builders)

  • Fox Maple School of Traditional Building (Brownfield, ME; Kauai, HI; Grand Junction, IA and Costa Rica)
    www.foxmaple.com/workshops.html
    Offers several one- to six-day courses on timber framing and one course on natural clay building. Each course is hands-on and includes a design seminar. (Applicable to: Builders)

  • Kleiwerks (various international locations)
    www.kleiwerks.com
    Several hands-on intensive courses are offered covering natural building topics, from 10 days to 10 weeks in length. (Applicable to: Natural Building)

  • Lama Foundation (San Cristobal, NM)
    www.lamafoundation.org
    Natural Building Internships provides in-depth hands-on building experience for four to five weeks in the summer. Other natural building and permaculture training is available including "Build Here Now," a weeklong course in the summer. (Applicable to: Builders and Owner Builders)

  • Natural Building Colloquium (Kingston, NM)
    www.strawbalecentral.com
    The Colloquium is seven-days of workshops, presentations and discussions exploring the renaissance of traditional natural building techniques and modern innovations. (Applicable to: Builders, Designers, Architects, Owner/Builders, Educators and anyone with the desire to create a sustainable built environment.)

  • The Solar Living Institute (Hopland, CA)
    www.solarliving.org
    Courses offered on a variety of topics including Solar, Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, Natural Building & Design, Solar Living, Women Building Skills, and Art & Spirit. (Applicable to: Solar, Home Owners, Natural Building)

  • Southwest Solaradobe School (various locations in the southwestern US)
    www.adobebuilder.com/southwest-solaradobe-school-1.html
    Education in adobe construction, adobe building, adobe home building, green building, rammed earth construction, passive solar homes, solaradobe, and pressed block. (Applicable to: Builders & Owner/Builders)

Renewable Energy Training

  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (various US locations)
    www.nrel.gov/education
    NREL's Office of Education Programs serves the education and research mission through their Student Programs & Competitions, Undergraduate Programs (Internships and Mentorships), Teachers Programs, and University Partnerships.

  • North American Board of Certified Energy Practioners (nation-wide)
    www.nabcep.org/nabcep/www/pages/pvinstaller/default.asp
    Offers Photovoltaic System Installer Certification (Applicable to: Solar System Installers)

  • Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA– (various New England locations)
    www.nesea.org/buildings/workshops
    NESEA organizes a series of workshops focused on the topics of green building and renewable energy. (AIA CEUs available) (Applicable to: Everyone, especially Building Professionals)

  • Solar Energy International (Carbondale, CO and various US locations)
    www.solarenergy.org
    Offers hands-on workshops and online courses in solar, wind, and water power as well as natural building technologies (Applicable to: Everyone)

  • The Solar Living Institute (Hopland, CA)
    www.solarliving.org
    Courses offered on a variety of topics including Solar, Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, Natural Building & Design, Solar Living, Women Building Skills, and Art & Spirit. (Applicable to: Solar, Home Owners, Natural Building)

Other Green Building Education Resources

  • Agents of Change (nation-wide)
    http://aoc.uoregon.edu
    Agents of Change is a three-year project, begun in 2003, funded by the U.S. Department of Education to better prepare students as future teachers, Architects, and stewards of the built environment. Faculty and teaching assistants from accredited architecture programs are trained to investigate actual buildings, conduct post-occupancy surveys, and develop exercises to implement at their home institutions. (Applicable to: Post-secondary Architectural Design and Building Science educators)

  • Ecological Design Education Network (EDEN) (on the web)
    Eco-Schools Directory

    www.ecodesign.org/edi/eden/ecoschools-map.html
    Establishes an interactive transfer of ecological design knowledge between design schools and the design profession.

  • Educating Architects for a Sustainable Environment (EASE) (on the web)
    www.bsu.edu/cap/ease
    This web site hosts recommendations, strategies, and models curricula for sustainably oriented approaches to architectural education. (Applicable to: Architectural Design Faculty)

  • Green Design Education Initiative (on the web)
    www.idec.org/greendesign/home.html
    The Initiative is a strategic partnership comprised of the Interior Design Educators Council, the International Interior Design Association, the International Facilities Management Association, and Metropolis Magazine. It offers course modules about Interior Design and Facilities Management including: Ecology and the Environment,
    Environmental Attitudes and Sustainability, Environmental Technologies for Interiors,
    Interior Materials, Introduction to Sustainable Interior Design Methodology, MEPS: Material Performance Evaluation System, (Applicable to: Interior Designers, Facilities Managers)

  • Home Energy Magazine (on the web)
    Guide to Training Programs for Home Performance Professionals

    http://homeenergy.org/hewebsite/contraininguide/index.html
    A list of training programs that focus on the whole house approach to house construction and renovation. List is state-by-state and easy to use. (Applicable to: Home Performance Professionals)

  • Metropolis Magazine Teaching Green Links (on the web)
    www.metropolismag.com/html/conferences/icff_2002/teachinggreen.html#teachinggreen_links
    A resource list of links to associations, sustainable design organizations, university programs, and other links offering educational resources or courses. (Applicable to: Facilities Managers, Designers, and Students)

  • Smart Communities Network (on the web)
    A Project of the US Department of Energy

    www.sustainable.doe.gov/buildings/gbedtoc.shtml
    A clearinghouse of sustainable education links and resources, most of which are also listed on this site.

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