Can a community get more renewable electricity for all of its residents at a competitive price? Massachusetts communities have the option to choose an electricity supplier for their residents and... Full Description

We know how to design and construct net-zero and living buildings that are healthy, responsible, beautiful, durable and financially prudent. So why aren’t clients demanding this? How can we... Full Description

As an increasing number of states legalize cannabis for not only medical but also recreational use, the energy consumption of indoor cannabis cultivation can no longer be ignored. Its relatively... Full Description

Utility of the Future… EM&V 2.0… Zero Energy… duck curve! Today’s energy challenges encompass topics far beyond the “bread and butter” of energy efficiency in buildings. After more than 25... Full Description

Construction often negatively impacts the natural balance of water cycles. Even regions with historically abundant quantities of potable water are depleting aquifers, while record rainfall... Full Description

Solarize campaigns are helping communities across New England transition to renewable energy, but whatever happened to “efficiency first”? The same collective approach can work for deploying other... Full Description

High performance buildings products improve energy efficiency to create more sustainable buildings. However, the materials used to make these products can also create adverse effects, such as... Full Description

Super-insulated construction, simple yet efficient building systems, and modern solar generation have made net zero energy a realistic project goal for new construction even in cold climates.... Full Description

We know. You want to geek out about clever construction details and cutting edge construction methods, and in the process perhaps learn some strategies that you can bring back and apply to your... Full Description

This session will dive deep into Danish ideas and solutions we might consider importing to import to Boston and other US cities, despite our very different regulatory environment. Speakers will... Full Description

The phrase “natural building” tends to evoke images of humble, rustic homes built out of mud and sticks by barefoot idealists in rural backwaters. The natural building movement has come of age,... Full Description

Our speakers are building enclosure consultants steeped in wall moisture solutions through data-rich research, computer simulations, lab testing, live performance monitoring – as well as a myriad... Full Description

In an increasing market for multifamily, energy-efficient and high-performance building shells, efficient ventilation strategies become paramount in maintaining health and comfort without... Full Description

In 2011, the Susquehanna River flooded Binghamton NY. The MacArthur Elementary School was inundated with contaminated flood waters and declared a total loss. This session will recount the... Full Description

Energy storage systems can provide multiple benefits and related revenue streams to residential and commercial ratepayers but business, finance, and ownership models are still emerging. But while... Full Description

Most firms claim to practice integrative design, but that’s not reliably the case! With LEED’s new “IP” credit and increased demand for NZ buildings, it’s time to get real. Transforming the design... Full Description

This session offers a thought-provoking comparison of the construction and performance of three high-performance homes completed in Vermont in 2015-2016: all two story, one with a basement, one... Full Description

This session offers a three-part consideration of healthy materials. Part 1 investigates why built environment professionals should and do care about this growing topic of concern, and explores... Full Description

When compared with conventional, code-built homes, the builders of high performance homes are at a disadvantage right out of the gate.

College campuses are leading the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy at the community level. This session will combine design, technology, and policy with real-life case studies of... Full Description

How do we make affordable housing both healthier for residents and more energy efficient? This panel will document successful healthy housing and energy efficiency strategies that LISC and its... Full Description

Buildings are designed to be expendable. Codes focus on safe evacuation in an emergency, not on keeping buildings occupiable through a disaster. With climate change, displacement due to damage... Full Description

Windows are arguably the most important architectural element in a home, impacting the appearance, comfort, energy use, ventilation, and overall enjoyment of our homes in a number of ways – some... Full Description

Traditional clean-energy and energy-efficiency incentive programs wait for people to apply. But what if building permitting, which funnels construction in every city and town, were connected to... Full Description

Since the emergence of Bitcoin in 2008, awareness and conversations are expanding concerning the internet-like transformation of our economic, business, and legal systems. With an entirely new... Full Description

Recent research revealed that an estimated $11M in energy cost is wasted annually due to open vents at the tops of tall buildings. The vents are code-mandated but are left open, allowing tall... Full Description

An inspirational educational session illustrating the methodologies nature uses to optimize. Through storytelling, discussions with the audience, and use of prezi as background, we will learn... Full Description

Your building is only as efficient as the operators and inhabitants. Even the most sophisticated and efficient building systems can be undermined by poor training and behavioral biases. New... Full Description

In just a few years we have seen energy-efficient construction taken more seriously and among a larger circle of practitioners than ever before.