Pre-Conference Workshops
- Green Building Made Easy
- Building Healthy in Today's World
- Biomimicry: Nature as Model,
Measure, and Mentor - Investing in Renewable Energy
- Grid-Tied PV for Professionals
- Solar For Real Estate Professionals
- Making Solar Affordable: A Guide to
Rebates and Incentives - LEED for Homes Program Review
- LEED-EB Technical Review
- LEED-NC Exam Prep
Green Building Made Easy
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 9:30 – 5:30 pm
In Partnership with: Build It Green
Fee: $175
A green rating program is an ideal system to identify best green building practices and target practices that can be easily incorporated into current construction methods. Rating systems are quickly being adopted by local jurisdictions throughout the state to target goals for green building. This workshop is tailored to builders, designers and local officials wishing to understand the ease of green building. Participants in this session will learn about:
- Commonly used green building practices in new construction and remodeling
- The GreenPoint Rated New Home system
- The GreenPoint Rated Existing Home system; the first rating system for existing and
remodeled homes in the nation - California and local jurisdiction trends in green building and green building ordinances
- LEED for Homes and other California green building rating systems; a short comparison
Building Healthy in Today's World
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 9:00-5:00
In Partnership with: Bau-Biologie Principles in Practice – Going Beyond Green
Fee: $175
Building a healthy home or office in today's world of prolific toxins may appear to be insurmountable. Join us as we discuss a well-tested approach to building using "Healthy & Green" products and methods. This seminar introduces the Principles of Bau-Biologie, that is building using both biologically compatible and ecologically sound products and processes – Going Beyond Green. Seven myths regarding current construction practices will be debunked to demonstrate the need for a new approach. Students will learn what kinds of health hazards a house may contain and how during the design and construction phases to avoid them. Topics include:
- Bau-Biologie principles and building culture
- Biologically-sound building materials and methods
- Pollutant source identification & avoidance – air, water and electromagnetics
This session will include demonstrations and exercises using Bau-Biologie evaluation protocols and scientific instrumentation to assess products and processes. This seminar benefits home dwellers, architects, interior designers and other building professionals.
This seminar meets the requirements for a Level 100 seminar for the Building Biology Practitioner Certification. Additional requirement is the successful completion of the IBE 101 self-study course.
Biomimicry: Nature as Model, Measure, and Mentor
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 9:00-10:00 AM Introductory Biomimicry Presentation; 10:00 AM-4:30 PM Introductory Biomimicry Workshop (limited to 35 people)
In Partnership with: Biomimicry Guild
Fee: $275
Participants will experience a visual journey of the world of Biomimicry with intriguing and real world case studies exemplifying the practice of learning from nature in the realm of architecture. The dynamic workshop is designed to allow participants to explore, and subsequently reinforce, the concepts introduced in the lecture. Attendees will also be introduced to Life's Principles and will learn how to begin incorporating these principles of sustainability into their practice.
Investing in Renewable Energy
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 9:30-5:30 pm
In Partnership with: The Solar Living Institute
Fee: $175
Learn how to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in the hot solar industry which is currently seeing 25% annual growth. The combination of new financing models and innovative technologies are driving exponential growth with ample investment opportunities for small and large investors alike.
In this unique and informative workshop you will learn about:
- U.S. and global market forecasts
- How the solar industry works
- Project relationships and deal structures
- Role of debt and equity financing
Grid-Tied PV for Professionals
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 9:30-5:30
In Partnership with: Solar Living Institute
Fee: $175
If you are a contractor, electrician or architect, this one-day is for you. This class is geared to those with previous construction and/or electrical experience who are interested in grid-tied PV applications. In addition to exploring basic PV concepts, you will also learn about:
- Site analysis
- Component selection
- Performance calculations
- Special wiring considerations
- Compliance with federal, state, and local codes
- Utility interconnection
- Rebates and tax incentives
Note: This class will not cover the basics of electricity.
Solar For Real Estate Professionals
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 9:00-12:30 pm
In Partnership with: Solar Living Institute
Fee: $125
This course is designed to provide real estate industry professionals with a basic understanding of solar electric systems (photovoltaic systems). Participants will first learn the basics of PV, including the importance of energy efficiency, the components of a PV system, installation practices, incentives for installing PV, and financing PV. Then professionals will learn about the value added to energy efficient properties and how to market them, financing energy efficient properties and finding professionals that can help you pursue energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Making Solar Affordable: A Guide to Rebates and Incentives
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 1:30-5:00 pm
In Partnership with: Solar Living Institute
Fee: $125
Most customers know that solar electric is a good environmental choice, but few are aware that it can also be a remarkably sound investment. In this workshop designed for dealers, installers and salespeople, you will learn about the different programs available that make solar affordable today, including:
- State incentives for solar energy development
- Solar renewable energy credits
- California Solar Initiative
- Federal tax credit
With an understanding of how these rebates and incentives pay back a solar system over time and make solar an attractive and sound financial investment, you will be able to create a compelling case for the value of PV systems. This workshop is also a must for those interested in the future of solar, or who want to enter the booming solar industry.
LEED for Homes Program Review
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 9:00-5:00
In Partnership with: USGBC - Northern California
Fee: $225 USGBC members/$275 non-members/$150 Full-Time Students
Registration details not yet available
Attend the LEED® for Homes Program Review presented by the U.S. Green Building Council. Gain the knowledge needed for successful participation in the LEED for Homes initiative.
LEED-EB Technical Review
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 9:00-5:00
In Partnership with: USGBC - Northern California
Fee: $345 USGBC members/$445 non-members/$150 Full-Time Students
Registration details not yet available
Attend the LEED® for Existing Buildings Technical Review Workshop presented by the U.S. Green Building Council. Gain the knowledge needed to maximize building performance, achieve LEED certification and take the LEED Professional Accreditation Exam.
LEED-NC Exam Prep
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 9:00-5:00
In Partnership with: USGBC - Northern California
Fee: $345 USGBC members/$445 non-members/$150 Full-Time Students
Click to register for the LEED-NC Examp Prep.
Become a LEED-Accredited Professional! Brightworks, a leading green building and sustainability consulting firm, will be conducting a full-day workshop to prepare participants for the LEED NC 2.2 accreditation exam. Brightworks manages over 75 LEED projects in 5 states comprising over 20 million square feet of space in construction and with construction value of over $4 billion.