Boulder Green Building Guild Events

FREE SmartRegs Energy Inspector Training/Certification (Fri, February 03, 2012)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The City of Boulder is offering trainings on the technical aspects of the SmartRegs prescriptive pathway for professionals interested in providing inspections.
This training is required for city certification and the Class G license needed to complete these inspections.

**Lunch will not be included, please plan accordingly
Details:
A SmartRegs Inspector Exam (lasting 1 hour) will be administered at the conclusion of the SmartRegs Inspector Training, beginning at 3:30pm. The exam will cover critical material in the SmartRegs Technical User’s Guide and Inspector Training. Building science principles will also be covered in the exam; inspectors not familiar with these principles are encouraged to study building science basics prior to attending this training.

Staff from Populus Sustainable Design will conduct the training. The training will include:

Overview of approach and implementation;
Detailed description of how to perform assessment of existing conditions using SmartRegs prescriptive checklist;
Address issues of rounding and building conditions that fall in-between checklist’s prescriptive options;
Guidelines and best practices for determining baseline conditions (for example, wall insulation, Furnace efficiency);
Guidelines for performance of blower door air infiltration testing and duct leakage testing;
Prioritization of improvement measures and how to use checklist decision-making tool; resources for energy efficiency information;
Overview of likely energy efficiency improvement measures and best practices for achieving measurable results; and
Overview of health and safety building science issues, including carbon monoxide testing, adequate combustion air supply, soil gases, ventilation and moisture best practices.

Recommended Reading:

SmartRegs Guidebook
Saturn Energy Auditor Field Guide by John Krigger and Chris Dorsi
available for purchase at Saturn Bookstore

To obtain a Class G license, inspectors must have one of the following in addition to passing the SmartRegs exam:

New licensed contractors will be required to:

Complete a City of Boulder Contractor Licensing Application.
Provide a copy of A, B or C Contractors certificate issued by the International Code Council (ICC).
Provide a current copy of a 'Certificate of Insurance' as required by BRC 4-1-8. City of Boulder as 'Certificate Holder' and 'Additional Insured.'
Pay the annual licensing fees as required by BRC 4-20-4.
D-9 contractors must provide one of the following:
- ICC or ICBO certification, RESNET certification, ASHI registration, A, B or C city contractor license, Architect or Engineer registration.

If already licensed with the City of Boulder:

Provide a copy of current City of Boulder license certificate.
Pay the Class G license fee: $15

Contact: CuzzolinoM@bouldercolorado.gov with questions

Energy Star® for Homes Version 3 (Tue, February 07, 2012)

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Energy Star® for Homes Version 3

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.

Version 3 takes the Energy Star program to a full implementation of systems thinking and applied building science. The programs realization that a well performing home must be able to control thermal flow, air flow, and moisture flow has lead to a programmatic balance between mandatory measures and performance benchmarks.

This course outlines the structure of Energy Star version 3, the building science fundamentals at its backbone, and the mandatory thermal envelope, water management, and HVAC aspects that are wrapped into its core. Energy Star’s new program continues in the tradition of market transformation and is leading builders to the next level of performance.

Outline of class:
Energy Star now and then
Intro to systems thinking and applied building science

Air flow, Moisture flow, Thermal Flow

Compliance pathways

Prescriptive
Performance

Size adjustment factor

Mandatory Checklist

Thermal Enclosure checklist
- Air barriers
- Vapor barriers
- Insulation
- Windows
HVAC Contractor and Rater Checklists
- Proper HVAC Design
- Proper Installation
- Commissioning
- Ventilation
- - ASHRAE 62.2
Water Management Checklist
- Site drainage, drainage plane
- Water managed building materials

Builder and rater partners are required to complete mandatory training in addition to this class. Come learn the basics and what more you need to do to become an EnergyStar partner!

Builders must complete the online ENERGY STAR Orientation Training to be eligible to build homes qualified under Version 3.

To be eligible to install HVAC equipment in homes qualified under Version 3, HVAC contractors must complete ENERGY STAR Version 3 Training and be credentialed through an EPA–recognized industry organization.

Verification partners, including HERS raters and Field Inspectors, must complete ENERGY STAR Version 3 Rater Training through an Accredited Training Provider

Presenter:
Robby Schwarz is a principal of energyLogic, Colorado’s leading provider of home energy efficiency and conservation services. Working in partnership with builders and homeowners, energyLogic has had a role in improving over 10,000 homes in Colorado.

Mandatory Contractor Orientation for Boulder County Residential EnergySmart (Thu, February 09, 2012)

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Please visit our contractor main page for other trainings

This is an orientation session for contractors regarding the Boulder County Residential EnergySmart service. This session is required for any contractors that are participating in the EnergySmart service or who would like to participate in the future. Contractors need attend only one orientation. Past sessions have been held on 1/13/2011, 2/15/201, 4/5/11, 6/2/11, 9/8/11, and 11/10/11

The first hour and a half of this session is for all contractors and will cover information regarding program design, implementation, reporting and work standards and how to get involved.

The second part of this session is for insulation and air-sealing contractors only and will provide in-depth information regarding insulation/air-sealing job standards and quality control measures.

Who Should Attend: This orientation / information session is mandatory for all contractors that want to receive leads from, or have work qualify for financing from, the Residential EnergySmart service. This includes insulation/air-sealing contractors, mechanical contractors, solar PV companies, window companies, plumbers, electricians and other home retrofit contractors.

Before the class, please review program requirements and come prepared with any questions. Requirements and materials are available at: http://www.energysmartyes.com/home/contractor-information/enrolled-contractor-resources

At least one manager from each participating contracting company must attend the orientation, however, it is strongly recommended that contractors send all employees who will be interacting with customers through the EnergySmart service, including installers and customer service representatives.

NOTE: The Utility Operations Building can be hard to find if you are unfamiliar with Bowen Street. PLEASE note that the address is on SOUTH BOWEN!

From Boulder Turn right onto S Bowen St. Go 0.5 mi
Destination will be on the right. Parking is behind the building to the right.

Google map for Directions

View Larger Map

Brown Bag Series: Case Studies on Commercial Building Energy Retrofits: Bundling Energysmart & Xcel Rebates With Tax Incentives (Tue, February 14, 2012)

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMT

CEU's for this course:

Our first speaker will present a case study on a local commercial building demonstrating the assessment process and strategic decision making on cost effective retrofit strategies that bundle Federal Tax Deductions (Section 179D) with EnergySmart and Xcel Rebates. The presentation will include energy saving strategies for lighting, HVAC replacement, and PV potential including financial analysis and payback calculations.

You will also learn about HVAC retrofit strategies using a host of HVAC technologies that promise higher efficiencies. Our speaker will discuss how to size units correctly, ECM Fan Motors, Direct Drive Plenum Fans, Digital Unloading Compressors, Single Zone VAV applications, and Water Cooled and GSHP applications. A case study will also demonstrate how local rebates, incentives and federal tax credits helped make this project more affordable with a great ROI.

About our Presenters

Bob Padgett, President and founder, Engineered Mechanical Systems, LLC., started with the Trane Company in 1987 then moved to Denver in 1992 where he has been active in the HVAC industry ever since. Bob is a recognized leader in Engineered Systems and Sustainable Design and has been involved in a number of LEED projects.

R.J. Mastic, Founder and CEO of Ecosystems, helps businesses throughout Colorado assess, implement, and manage sustainability projects. R.J. is a CU alum, active in many sustainability focused boards, and has been passionately driving change for dozens of organizations including the City of Boulder.

RETool: Clean Energy for the 21st Century (Fri, February 24, 2012)

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Contact: Frances Mahoney

(303) 492-4578 or frances.mahoney@colorado.edu

CLEANTECH EXECUTIVE COURSES TO BE OFFERED BY CU-BOULDER

This intensive four-day certificate program focused on renewable energy

begins January 20, 2012 and is open to the public

The University of Colorado-Boulder is offering an intensive, four-day course that provides the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed in the renewable energy field. Taught by CU faculty, this focused course covers the present and future of clean energy electric generation including wind, solar, geothermal, oceanic, and other renewable energy sources. Each topic is covered from a technical, policy, and business perspective; and is supplemented with a panel discussion led by leaders from industry and government.

This pragmatic, nuts-and-bolts course teaches the technologies, policies and regulations, economic, and systems issues that drive the adoption and diffusion of renewable energy in the U.S. and around the world. No technical background is required, but students should be prepared for an intensive, information-rich experience.

The spring program of RETool: Clean Energy for the 21^st Century begins January 20^th in downtown Denver at Deloitte Consulting. Participants may take all four courses to earn a RETool Renewable Energy Certificate, or may take courses individually. Topics for the Spring 2012 program include:

• Clean Energy Technologies – January 20

• Clean Energy Policies – February 24

• The Business of Clean Energy – March 23

• Clean Energy Integration & the Future – April 13

RETool is hosted by Leeds School of Business Executive Education department and the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI).

Event location: All sessions will take place in downtown Denver at Deloitte Consulting.

For more information, please visit http://leeds.colorado.edu/retool

To register, please visit http://www.regonline.com/RETool_2012. Register by December 1st to take advantage of the early-bird pricing.

[1][1] The American Solar Energy Society and Management Information Services, Inc., “Defining, Estimating, and Forecasting the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Industries in the U.S. and in Colorado,” report prepared for the Governor’s Energy Office, December 2008. 2030 data are for the moderate scenario.

Commercial EnergySmart: Advanced Evaporative Cooling (Tue, February 28, 2012)

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Evaporative Cooling takes advantage of our unique climate here in Colorado, and can be used in most commercial cooling applications with tremendous energy savings. Evaporative Cooling has been used successfully in a wide array of applications including: Office Buildings, Under floor Air Distribution Systems, Laboratories, Libraries, University Facilities, and Data Facilities.

We will look at Direct Evaporative Cooling, Indirect Evaporative Cooling Strategies, Hybrid DX and Evaporative Cooling Systems, Psychrometric Analysis and Energy Analysis.

Presenter
Bob Padgett, President and founder, Engineered Mechanical Systems, LLC., started with the Trane Company in 1987 then moved to Denver in 1992 where he has been active in the HVAC industry ever since. Bob is a recognized leader in Engineered Systems and Sustainable Design and has been involved in a number of LEED projects.

NOTE: The location is the Westminster Recreation Center not the Fitness Center! Use the google map below to zoom in to get more details.

The physical address is on W 105th Ave! If headed north, We recommend turning left from Sheridan Blvd to W 105th. Then Go straight! Do not turn right onto N Sheridan Blvd.
Parking for the Recreation Center is behind the building.

Detailed information on the Westminster Recreation Center including directions

View Larger Map

Advanced Green Building Seminar Six-Pack (Wed, March 07, 2012)

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Advanced Green Building Seminar Six-Pack

Ready for the next level? If you already have a strong knowledge of green building and are looking to become an expert then these two hour lunch-time seminars are designed for you. You will not be bored.

The classes are divided into discrete topics, which will permit you to sign up only for those topics that are of greatest interest and usefulness to you. You can register for each class a la carte or save $$ with 4 or 6- packs.

The topics are:

§ Mechanical Systems – March 7^th

§ Building Envelope – March 14^th

§ Indoor Air Quality – March 21^st

§ Resource Conservation – March 28^th

§ Passive Solar – April 4^th

§ How to design for a changing climate – April 11th

We will delve deeply into each subject, looking at specific real-world applications, discussing theory, and analyzing comparative strategies. The classes will be highly interactive with round-table discussions, mini-presentations by participants and frequent Q&A.. The classes will be customized to respond to the specific interests of the attendees.

The seminars are taught by one of Colorado’s most respected green building lecturers, Ron Flax, RESNET, BPI, LEED AP. Ron is an Associate at Rodwin Architecture/Skycastle Homes, where he brings more than 14 years of field experience in both architecture and construction to real Boulder County projects every day.

About the Trainer:
Ron Flax, RESNET, BPI, LEED AP, is a Project Manager at Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes, and has been a member of the sustainable building community for the past 15 years. Ron has extensive experience in both the design and construction world, and is one of Boulder's leaders in Building Science. Ron has a Masters in Architecture, is a certified HERS rater and has worked as a green building consultant for homeowners, architects, and custom and production builders. He has recently completed a deep green retrofit of his own home, and exploring how to make sustainability truly affordable for everyone.

Training Partners:

RETool: Clean Energy for the 21st Century (Fri, March 23, 2012)

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Contact: Frances Mahoney

(303) 492-4578 or frances.mahoney@colorado.edu

CLEANTECH EXECUTIVE COURSES TO BE OFFERED BY CU-BOULDER

This intensive four-day certificate program focused on renewable energy

begins January 20, 2012 and is open to the public

• Clean Energy Technologies – January 20

• Clean Energy Policies – February 24

• The Business of Clean Energy – March 23

• Clean Energy Integration & the Future – April 13

RETool is hosted by Leeds School of Business Executive Education department and the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI).

Event location: All sessions will take place in downtown Denver at Deloitte Consulting.

For more information, please visit http://leeds.colorado.edu/retool

To register, please visit http://www.regonline.com/RETool_2012. Register by December 1st to take advantage of the early-bird pricing.

RETool: Clean Energy for the 21st Century (Fri, April 13, 2012)

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Contact: Frances Mahoney

(303) 492-4578 or frances.mahoney@colorado.edu

CLEANTECH EXECUTIVE COURSES TO BE OFFERED BY CU-BOULDER

This intensive four-day certificate program focused on renewable energy

begins January 20, 2012 and is open to the public

• Clean Energy Technologies – January 20

• Clean Energy Policies – February 24

• The Business of Clean Energy – March 23

• Clean Energy Integration & the Future – April 13

RETool is hosted by Leeds School of Business Executive Education department and the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI).

Event location: All sessions will take place in downtown Denver at Deloitte Consulting.

For more information, please visit http://leeds.colorado.edu/retool

To register, please visit http://www.regonline.com/RETool_2012. Register by December 1st to take advantage of the early-bird pricing.

How to Create Green Value from Green Investments (Thu, May 10, 2012)

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:30:00 GMT

CEU Credit:

2 CE hour credit for real estate agents and broker

Green building professionals, suppliers and realtors are the key to getting green investments turned into economic value recognized by appraisers and the financial institutions. Today the financial community provides little or no values for green/sustainable features in residential property. We need to work together to change this and your understanding of how you can play a key role is critical.

Learn what has been done in other parts of the country to gain value for green investments and what is happening locally with the MLS and Appraiser forms that you need to leverage to help push this effort forward.

Also find out how realtors sold “green homes” for 15% more than similar non green homes in the North West and where can you get the most value for your investment and improve your ROI when building more energy efficient homes.

Finally, financial assistance is available for green/sustainable home improvements, learn how and where to find it.

Trainers:

Elizabeth Million
Elizabeth grew up in Boulder and worked as a real estate appraiser owning and managing her own appraisal company Million & Associates Appraisal Service before starting her career as a mortgage loan branch manager. She brings an extensive appraisal background to the mortgage sales world. Prior to joining Bank of America as a home loan manager Elizabeth joined Washington Mutual as a regional appraisal manager and then eventually fell into mortgage sales and became a branch manager for Washington Mutual managing multiple mortgage loan offices throughout the state of Colorado. Elizabeth is a member of the State of Colorado Governors Energy Office - Working Retrofit Group sitting on both the Finance and Appraisal/Greening the MLS committees, a board member of CHFA State Lender Advisory Board and the Boulder Board of Realtors Government Affairs Board.

David W. Scott, Colorado Landmark, David Scott is an EcoBroker® and a Green Realtor®, with Colorado Landmark Realty. Prior to joining Colorado Landmark, David worked internationally in multiple facets of the ski and sport industry both in the United States and in Europe. He was part of management at Head Ski, Koflach/Blizzard USA, Nevica USA and Snowell North America. As a consultant he was a key member of the planning, development and management team that brought the Tamarack Resort in Idaho from a dream to a reality.