Green Building Practices Focus of Green Homes Certificate Program Offered by Colorado State’s Institute for the Built Environment

Green practices in residential building are the focus of the Green Homes Certificate Program offered by Colorado State University this fall at the CSU Loveland Learning Center. The accelerated evening program provides a comprehensive overview of green residential building, new construction and remodeling.

CSU’s Institute for the Built Environment created the certificate program in direct response to the growing need for specially trained professionals who can adapt to the changing industry. Courses for the same program offered in Denver quickly sell out, and these Northern Colorado courses have been added to meet demand.

Offered from 5:30-9 p.m. on 12 consecutive Wednesdays from Sept. 16- Dec. 9, the Green Building Certificate is specifically designed for those who work in the construction and design industries such as landscape, interior and architectural; contractors and builders; planners and commissioners; facility managers and stakeholders; and built environment engineers and decision-makers.

“Homeowners and homebuilders are realizing the significant quality of life opportunities that exist with the creation of healthy sustainable homes,” said Brian Dunbar, program director and instructor for the CSU Green Homes Certificate Program. “Residents benefit from lower utility bills and better indoor environmental quality, builders benefit from increased marketability and everyone benefits from improved environmental stewardship.”

The Green Home Certificate Program coursework focuses the green building topics of site and home design; energy-efficient envelope; high performance HVAC systems for new, remodeled and existing homes; indoor environmental quality; active renewable energy systems; home performance testing demonstrations; sustainable, healthy building and finish materials; natural home building techniques; construction waste recycling, deconstruction and remodeling; economics of green homes; and green rating systems including LEED Homes, Built Green and ENERGY STAR.

Colorado State’s Institute for the Built Environment is an interdisciplinary research and education center for environmentally responsible building design and construction. In addition to a graduate emphasis in sustainable building, IBE works with industry professionals to offer coursework, training and design charrettes in addition to conducting research.

Registration is underway but space is limited. Registration must be received by Sept. 2. For more information call (970) 491-3260, or register online at www.ibe.colostate.edu. Classes will be held at CSU’s Loveland Learning Center at 2915 Rocky Mountain Ave., Suite 240.

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