Green Building Events Sprout in Spring

by Beth Johnson, REALTOR®, EcoBroker Certified™

Events for those interested in learning about various aspects of residential “green” building have blossomed like redbuds in Spring! 

• April 20 and 27. “Green Interiors” class at Energy Efficient Green Building Institute (EEGBI), Cedar Valley College, Cedar Hill, southern Dallas County.  $40. For all classes see: http://www.cedarvalleycollege.edu/CommunityMembers/EnergyEfficientGreenBuildingInstitute/ContinuingEducationCourses.html
• April 22. Fairview. Earth Day tour of the Westbrook House (south of McKinney), an award-winning energy efficient 1996 home. Tours 11am - 2pm. will cover passive solar design, SIP panels, low-E windows, active solar water heating, geothermal heat pumps, enthalpy wheel, fresh air units, rainwater collection, 2004 and 2006 Prius cars.  Enjoy 2.2 acres of native trees and grass including low maintenance buffalo grass lawn. The 2,700 sq. ft. all-electric home has averaged about $70/month utility bill, average water use under 3,000 gallons / month. http://www.enerjazz.com/house/whouse.html
• May 6, Austin. "Green by Design" Workshop, sponsored by Austin Energy's Green Building Program. $35. http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy Efficiency/Tools and Tips/greenBuildingWorkshop.htm
• May 18. “High Efficiency Residential Building Products” class at EEGBI (see above). $20.
• May 21, Austin. "Cool House Tour." $10. http://txses.org/coolhousetour/coolhouse_2006_brochure.html
  Co-produced by:
  - Texas Solar Energy Society: http://www.txses.org/
  - Austin Energy Green Building Program: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/greenbuilder/
• May 22-26, Austin. "Home Performance Conference," sponsored by Affordable Comfort, Inc. $545-plus. http://www.affordablecomfort.org/events.php?EventID=15
  About the organization: http://www.affordablecomfort.org/about.php
• June 24, Dallas. Dallas Sierra Club presents a tour of a green, sustainable, passive solar home designed by Architect, Gary Olp.  Tour features: durable/sustainable materials, passive solar design, structural insulated panels (SIPs), and native landscaping.   More details later. 
• Aug. 24-25, Plano. (Sign up early as it may fill.) "Green  Building for Building Professionals", 2-day course by National Association of Home Builders, $345 plus. This is to obtain NAHB's Green Building certification. Realtors and other associated non-builders in the building industry can attend: http://www.nahb.org/meeting_details.aspx?meetingID=8322

"Green built" homes are built better for people and planet:

• energy efficient (lower utility bills)
• comfortable and quiet
• lower maintenance, durable
• healthier indoor air
• reduced water usage
• conserving of resources
• less utility air pollution
• improved resale value.

It’s important to remember that homes use more energy than vehicles. 

For questions, carpooling, or further info on these and additional events including some outside Texas, www.BethJohnson.com or contact Beth Johnson at 214.902.9260 or 214.415.5089 or Beth@BethJohnson.comom