Knowledge is a Renewable Resource
Explore Our Training Courses
Classes can be taught individually or in suites.
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Hours: 2 | CEU’S: 2 | Level: Introductory
Course Description: This class is a prequel to Laying the Groundwork for Sustainable Housing, intended for students with little to no exposure to design or construction. The word “green” is often used to describe (or sell) something as better, environmentally responsible, healthy, or safe. But what does that really mean? We get specific about defining and exploring what “green” really means and why it’s important. We then look at how these concepts relate to housing, what makes a home green, and why it matters for everyone.
Readings:
It’s the Architecture, Stupid! by Edward Mazria
Green Building and Sustainability by John Straube
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Hours: 2 | CEU’S: 2 | Level: Introductory
Course description: “I’m tired. I don’t have any energy.” Energy is something we sometimes only recognize when we don’t have it. Our bodies require energy to function. So do our cars, phones, and so much more, including our buildings. This course introduces basic concepts of energy, including common terms used to define or measure energy. It also explores the importance of energy used in buildings, and considers the implications of how much energy we use and where it comes from.
Readings:
Introduction to Energy by The NEED Project
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Hours: 1.5 | CEU’S: Pending | Level: Introductory
Course description: What is design? How is it accomplished? This course offers an introduction to design thinking as a method of creative problem solving that produces tangible ideas and actionable solutions. Through design thinking, we can tackle anything, not just the built environment. It can be applied to public policy, criminal justice reform, educational strategy, environmental challenges, advocacy campaigns and more. Design thinking can be shared, taught, and transferred from person to person, or from one aspect of a project to a broader application. It can be a powerful personal force, helping individuals, organizations and communities when they are “stuck.” In this course, participants will begin to use the process of design thinking. This tool can guide effective change to help address pressing cultural, social, economic, and environmental issues.
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Hours: 2.5 | CEU’S: 2
Course description: The way we build matters. What and how we build directly impacts the people who construct the buildings, those who occupy buildings, and those who maintain and operate the buildings. It also impacts the collective health and welfare of the communities where we live and beyond. Houses are of particular importance, not least because many of us spend more time in our home than any other building. The societal, health-related, and environmental implications connected to housing point to a widespread need to change how we view and build housing.
Readings:
Why Don’t We Build Better Houses? by Kevin Ireton
Decarbonizing U.S. Buildings by Jessica Leung
Radon by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Radon Resistant New Construction by the Minnesota Department of Health
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Hours: 2.5 | CEU’S: 2
Course description: Building science draws upon physics, chemistry, engineering, architecture, and the life sciences. It is concerned with explaining and understanding the physical behavior of a building in response to the forces that act upon it. Central to this field is the study of heat, air, and moisture; in particular, the response to and interactions between these elements outside and within the building enclosure. These responses and interactions impact building durability, energy use, occupant comfort and indoor air quality. An understanding of building science is essential to creating high-performance green buildings.
Readings:
Air Leaks by John Straube
Drainage Plane/Water Resistive Barrier by Joseph Lstiburek
The Mold Explosion by Joseph Lstiburek
Secrets of Thermal Imaging by Randy Williams
The Trouble with Building Science by Kevin Ireton
Why You Need Blower Door Testing by Randy Williams
Understanding Vapor Diffusion and Condensation - The Basics by Lorne Ricketts and Marcus Dell
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Hours: 2.5 | CEU’S: 2
Course description: In design and construction, aspects of the whole are often considered and developed separately, without regard for the interdependent and interacting mechanisms between the separate parts of the whole. Systems Thinking describes the idea of seeing the “whole” as sets of things working together as parts of an interconnected network. Integrated Design is a process utilizing systems thinking. It requires thinking across disciplines and a constant consideration of the interactive nature of people, materials, spaces, systems, and forces on a site and a building during design, construction and operation throughout the life of the building. Done well, the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts; done poorly (or not considered), the whole can be far less than the sum of its parts.
Systems Thinking and Integrated Design connect theory and practice. Used together, they provide a fundamental paradigm and approach for better buildings.
Readings:
Comfort in a Very Cold Climate by Rachel Wagner
There is No Such Thing as a Free Thermodynamic Lunch by Joseph Lstiburek
Water Management Details by the Building Science Corporation
Why Use the House as a System Approach? by the Home Performance Stakeholder Council
7 Steps to Good Indoor Air Quality by Energy Vanguard
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Hours: 2.5 | CEU’S: 2
Course description: A simple definition: It’s healthy. It’s durable. It uses little-to-no fossil fuels. It’s accessible. Taking these concepts, we expand and synthesize them to define some fundamental parameters of green building, for creating the kind of homes we need to be building here and now. We also look to case studies for examples of what might work and what presents challenges.
Readings:
Net Zero Ready Community by Sean Groom
Taking Care in the Kitchen by Environmental Health Perspectives
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Hours: 6, plus field studies | CEU’S: Pending | Level: Introductory
Course description: Construction documents, often called “blueprints,” contain the drawings and supporting information used to construct a building. Learning to read and understand blueprints is a lot like learning a new language. This class introduces the “language” of blueprints, with an emphasis on residential construction (houses). Course content includes the organization of a set of construction documents; recognizing and interpreting drawing types, symbols and abbreviations; and understanding scale and dimensions. Participants will also learn how blueprints are used for much more than just building.
This course may be a prerequisite to the Blueprints for Green Homes series depending upon the participant’s knowledge and experience.
Readings:
Reading Blueprints by the Journal of Light Construction
Blueprints Guidelines by Just Housing
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Hours: 3 (with optional field study) | CEU’S: Pending | Level: Intermediate—Advanced
Course description: A good set of construction drawings (aka blueprints) can contribute to the durability, beauty and performance of a building. It can also contribute to the ease, enjoyment and profit of the builder. Creating a good set of construction drawings takes knowledge, time, effort, care and practice. Reading, interpreting and utilizing a good set of construction drawings well takes knowledge, time, effort, care and practice. This class offers a deep look at the content and organization in residential construction documents created to optimize the green criteria of health, durability, low energy/fossil fuel consumption, and accessibility. Participants compare a set of blueprints created for a zero net energy home with a set of blueprints for a code-built home. Discussions include the identification of details for water management, air sealing, ventilation, thermal control, and occupant comfort; and what to do when those details are problematic, insufficient, or missing entirely. Participants also explore opportunities to suggest changes or additions to blueprints to offer enhancements that might deepen the “green” impact of a project.
Readings:
Reading Blueprints by Journal of Light Construction
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Hours: 2—3 | CEU’S: Pending | Level: Introductory
Course description: Houses typically last a long time and their use and usefulness often change over time. The longevity and functionality of a home is impacted by its location, condition, its occupants, and more. Building science and systems thinking are used to assess and evaluate the performance of a home; but considering, maintaining and improving a home’s ability to provide adequate housing requires more than science. This class looks into the field of building performance, and then beyond it, to consider how conservation and home performance fit into the larger scope of sustainable housing.
Readings:
Be a Controlling Building Enclosure Control Freak with Control Layers by Allison Bailes
Home Energy Guide by the Minnesota Commerce Department
How to Choose a Company to do a Home Energy Audit by Allison Bailes
Improving Existing Homes: Insulating Hot Water Heaters by The U.S. Department of Energy
Sustainable Renovation by Chris Morgan
Why You Need Blower Door Testing by Randy Williams
We Need to Do it Different This Time by Joe Lstiburek
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Hours: 2.5 | CEU’S: 2
Course description: Mechanical Systems help a house “operate.” Sometimes referred to as MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing), these systems use electricity and other fuels to deliver energy used in daily living. Mechanical systems help to provide heating, cooling, dehumidification, ventilation and hot and cold water; and power for cooking, laundry, lighting, and other household appliances, tools and fixtures.
Mechanical systems can consume a lot of energy. Using the context of the House as a System, this course explores mechanical systems as part of the larger system of the building enclosure and design, the occupants, and the environment, and considers the role and impacts mechanical systems have on the sustainability of a home.
Sealed Combustion for All Climates by Building Science Corporation
Placement of Intake and Exhaust Vents for All Climates by Building Science Corporation
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Hours: 3 | CEU’S: None | Level: Introductory
Course Description: The Building Science Principles Certificate (BSP) is a beneficial early- and mid-career credential in energy efficiency and home performance, demonstrating the certificate holder’s knowledge in how home components interact and affect overall performance. This class will help participants prepare for the certification exam, familiarize participants with the BSP Reference Guide, and dive into content that is not already presented in depth.
Resources:
Building Science Principles Reference Guide
Preparation for the BPI Building Science Principles Certificate Exam
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Hours: 1-2 (not including travel) | CEU’S: None | Level: Introductory—Advanced
Course description: Visit with an industry expert to learn about the field, ask questions, and make connections. Potential modules include:
• Tour of a Green Home
• Tour of a Zero Energy Mechanical Room
• HVAC Systems Up Close
• Retrofit B.S. (building science)
• Solar Installation Underway
• Follow Along on a Solar Site Assessment
• Conversations with a Designer
• The Role of the General Contractor
• Green Construction Site Visits
• Energy Audits and Building Diagnostics -
Hours: 2-4 | CEU’S: Pending | Level: Introductory—Advanced
Prerequisites: Vary
Course Description: Study green building elements, concepts, and equipment in-depth and on-site with different instructors embedded in the building industries. Potential field studies include:
• Passive Solar Design
• Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics (PV)
• Building Science Scavenger Hunt
• Controlling HAM: Theory to Practice
• Testing Air Tightness
• Blueprints for Green Homes
• Integrated Design in the Field
• Mechanical Systems Integration
• Building Performance AssessmentAvailable selections vary based upon time of year, access to field sites, and instructors’ schedules.
Free Guide: How to Speak and Read Building
From blueprint symbols to building science terms, this guide helps you feel more confident navigating plans, conversations, and job sites.
Video Resources
Watch real-world building concepts come to life. Our short, accessible videos break down tools, techniques, and terminology—so you can learn by seeing.
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