EOS Alliance

Deep Green: The Road to Zero-Impact Buildings
Course ID: GBS-305
December 10, 2009, 9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
NWETC Headquarters
650 South Orcas Street, Suite 220
Seattle, WA 98108

Instructor: Alexandra Ramsden; Rushing|Blackbird
Nathan Miller; Rushing|Blackbird

Register Online | Directions | Accommodations | Course Catalog | Course Brochure (PDF)

Description: Take a minute to envision a building which visually and functionally blends in with its local ecosystem; it does not rely on outside power and municipal water supplies, it supports its surrounding community, enhances the health of its occupants and does not contribute to carbon emissions. This is a truly green building. This session will illustrate processes, strategies and tools for getting to this next level of sustainability.

As green building is gaining more momentum and rating systems, such as LEED, are becoming more widely adopted in the building industry, there is a hunger to make green building even greener. This course will present major strategies for taking a project closer to zero environmental impact. These strategies will include net-zero energy, net-zero water, restorative sites, health-safe materials and timeless design. The class will also dive into some of the advanced tools and building protocols that are helping the industry to make a more severe shift; integrated design, Passive Haus, 2030 Challenge, and Living Building Challenge. To truly demonstrate that these strategies are achievable, examples of projects will be discussed, which are paving the way for this admirable goal of true green building.

Participants will walk away from this class with knowledge of advanced green building strategies, various methodologies for the design and construction process, and tools for overcoming some of the struggles which need to be tackled to make this level of green building more attainable. Through interactive break-out sessions, attendees will discover new approaches for creating team dynamics which encourage wild ideas, spark creativity and foster the innovation necessary to dream up out-of-the-box green building solutions.

Course Topics:

-Deep Green Building: Why Do It

-Achievement: Strategies to get there

-Process: How to get out of the box

-Tools: What can help guide the way

-Potential Barriers and Limitations

-Project examples: In the real world

About the Instructors:
Alexandra Ramsden is a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED® AP), Certified Sustainable Building Advisor (CSBA), and Sustainable Design Consultant at Rushing|Blackbird. She is the Studio Lead for the Blackbird Studio, which provides sophisticated, holistic, full-service sustainability consulting, including technical systems expertise, LEED facilitation, strategy development, alternative funding services, innovative cost-benefit feedback, and outside-of-the-box thinking. Alexandra has conducted classes on the process of integrated sustainable design, Living Building Challenge, and LEED implementation. With more than 10 years experience in the interior architecture and sustainable design industry, Alexandra brings a wealth of environmental expertise to the table.

Nathan Miller is a LEED AP and professional engineer in the state of Washington. As a mechanical engineer and senior energy analyst at Rushing|Blackbird, Nathan researches, designs, and implements practical sustainable design strategies on a variety of project types. He has expertise in energy modeling (projecting building energy use) and natural ventilation design. Nathan has been on the steering committee of the Seattle branch of the Cascadia Region Green Building Council for four years, and is currently serving as chair of the group.

This class is intended for: Anyone seeking an introduction to a cutting edge, advanced green building protocol

Prerequisites: Familiarity with green building and the LEED rating system.

Course Materials: Participants will receive course proceedings, and reference materials.

CM | 6
AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity [or many activities at this event]. When CM credits are available, they are noted at the end of an activity description. More information about AICP's CM program can be found at www.planning.org/cm.

Continuing Education Units: .5

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). There are numerous restaurants within walking distance. Drinks and snacks will be provided each day.

Registration: $225/$175*, *Reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members. You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact us at info@nwetc.org or (206) 762-1976 at least 30 days prior to the event.