Ecological home construction

Purpose of this course

To help participants understand the concepts and techniques for building efficient and healthy homes. Green homes don’t have to cost more, but will definitely save you money and reduce your carbon output. Whether you are building a home yourself or hiring a contractor, this course will help you understand the fundamentals of green home construction.

Intended audience

Owner-builders, designers, contractors, or the endlessly curious.  No building experience is necessary, just a desire to learn the concepts of green building.

Course outline:

• The principles of sustainable building: energy, resources and health
• How to finance a building project
• Design ideas: comfortable, sustainable and affordable
• Re-using materials
• Choosing a site
• The concepts of passive solar – free heating
• Windows and doors
• Foundation choices
• Different wall systems
• Proper roof ventilation and insulation
• Heating: radiant floors, masonry heaters, solar
• Mechanical:  water, electricity, ventilation etc.
• Typical home energy consumption
• Thermal mass
• Rainwater harvesting
• Finishing
• Landscaping
• Eliminating radon gas