news

Latest techniques in energy efficient home building and green construction.

(HELENA) Experts from the construction industry including Ron Bartsch of Sussex Construction in Helena, NorthWestern Energy and Montana Department of Environmental Quality, will present a new home energy construction workshop on Tuesday, May 19, at the NorthWestern Energy office at 1315 North Last Chance Gulch in Helena from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The session is free and open to the public.

The workshop will provide information on the latest techniques for building energy efficient / certified green homes. Presenters will explain how different systems of a house — insulation, windows, framing, heating and ventilation systems — work together to provide an energy efficient home with good indoor air quality.

Information on the Montana Building Industry Association (MBIA) / National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building program, ENERGY STAR and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes (LEED-H) programs will be provided. Besides energy conservation, these programs also consider: lot site preparation, resource and water efficiency, indoor air quality and homeowner education. The session will review the processes to attain various certifications, such as NorthWest ENERGY Star, LEED-H and the MBIA (NAHB) Green.

This session will also include information on the proposed new Montana Energy Code. Montana and federal energy conservation tax credits will also be discussed. Registration will be taken May 19 at the door, beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information contact Paul Tschida at the DEQ ptschida@mt.gov or call 406-841-5232.

Labels: energy efficiency, green building, green construction, LEED building, LEED Montana, NorthWestern Energy, S.A.V.E.

Energy Star and LEED at E-Works!
This evening Exploration works will be hosting an ENERGY STAR and LEED for Homes workshop. This is a presentation and discussion for builders, designers, realtors, and the trades on energy efficiency and green building in residential construction. In a tight housing market, it is important to differentiate your product. ENERGY STAR and LEED For Homes can provide that differentiation. These nationally recognized labels represent high performance in new homes. The workshop will be held at 995 Carousel Way, December 16 from 5.30p-8p.

Attendants will learn about, Green building principles and standards, Green building construction techniques, ENERGY STAR Homes Program, and Energy-efficient construction techniques. Presenters include, Casey Dudley of Kath Williams + Associates who is a Vice Chair of the Montana Chapter of U.S. Green Building Council. Casey will present an overview of green building standards and residential green building activity in Montana. Casey is a LEED Accredited Professional and a LEED for Homes Rater. Also, Dale Horton, Architect, NCAT. Dale is the Sustainable Energy Program Manager for the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). He oversees certification of Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes in Montana. He is a licensed architect, a certified RESNET Home Energy Rater Trainer, and a LEED for Homes Rater.

More information: Cathy Svejkovsky, 406.494.8667 or cathys@ncat.org.
Light refreshments will be served.

Presentation by Steve Loken
Steve Loken is a nationally recognized sustainable builder from Missoula. His seminar will focus on presenting the most cost effective ways to invest in home energy efficiency. This event is scheduled for January 29^th at Exploration Works. More details about this event will be forthcoming.

The Fourth Annual Helena Ice Bowl Charity Disc Golf Challenge
The Sleeping Giant Disc Golf Alliance would like to present The Fourth Annual Helena Ice Bowl Charity Disc Golf Challenge. All proceeds this year will be going to The S.A.V.E. Foundation and Food Share. Participants should be registered by 9am on January 17th at the Norwegian Wood Ranch. Tournament fees are as follows: Kids $10, Women $35, Ams $25, AdvAms $30, Open $35, Masters $35. All Am Divisions will receive a commemorative disc. All Divisions will receive a hot lunch. There will be two rounds of 18 holes, and every player can pay $5 for each mulligan unlimited on ANY SHOT.

Directions: Take Canyon Ferry Road all the way out to the Ranch 20 miles from Helena. The S.A.V.E. Foundation will be trying to organize a carpool from Helena for this event. Please stay posted to this site for details. Call 406.475.3229 for more directions. Feel free to bring canned food for Food Share to receive $5 off of the entry fee. Contact Jason Schmidt at 406.458.1100 for general event information.

Please come out to enjoy the winter weather and support the community through this fundraising event!

Labels: Disc Golf, ENERGY STAR, green building, Helena electronic recycling, Ice Bowl, LEED building