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Filling the Gap: Hands-on, Technical Education in Building Science and Net Zero Design

by Kate Stephenson

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Friday, November 20, 2015

With net zero and low energy design moving rapidly from the fringes to the mainstream of residential and commercial architectural and building practices, Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Waitsfield, Vermont has launched new curriculum for design and building professionals, as well as those moving toward those fields.

Yestermorrow’s new four-week Certificate in Building Science & Net Zero Design (running February 7 – March 4, 2016) will provide a comprehensive exploration of building energy and durability in the context of both new construction and renovation. Building science topics include moisture and thermal dynamics, the building envelope, heat loss and gain, and pressure plane integrity. Students will also explore energy efficient mechanical systems, renewable energy options, and energy modeling tools and methods before applying performance-based design principles to design a net zero energy use structure.

According to Program Director Jacob Racusin, “This certificate program was developed to fill the gap in accessible, practical, high-quality, professional-level building science education. This program brings together an incredible roster of active professionals and educators who guide the students through not just lecture but in-class exercises, field trips, demonstrations, discussions, case studies, and design work to ensure maximum synthesis of the information in a variety of learning styles. This program was designed specifically to ramp up active or aspiring professionals - or engaged active or aspiring homeowners - and is unlike any other educational offering, on- or offline."

Taught by leaders in the field, including NESEA members Jacob Racusin, Peter Yost, Laura Bailey and Bill Maclay, this new Certificate provides the potential for a hands-on, deep dive into the concepts and technical details of how to achieve net zero buildings, filling a gap in existing professional education for designers and builders to help elevate the building standards of our entire industry.

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NESEA advances sustainability practices in the built environment by cultivating a cross-disciplinary community where practitioners are encouraged to share, collaborate and learn.

Kate is a partner in HELM Construction Solutions, which works with owners, designers and builders to create high performance and sustainable buildings and businesses. She is an experienced leader in the fields of green building, professional education, sustainability, and business management. She’s worked with established and emerging businesses and non-profits to achieve triple bottom line metrics, develop business systems, and plan for a dynamic and resilient future.

Kate helped to develop and is a facilitator for NESEA’s BuildingEnergy Bottom Lines program. Kate serves on the...

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