ReTHINK 2007
Green Residential Remodeling
This year's series provides practical guidance from local experts, designers and builders, and will showcase successful home remodel projects. Topics include energy conservation, renewable energy, water conservation and organizing a successful green remodel.
Classes are $10 each or $45 for the whole series.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are available online by clicking here (credit card only; transaction fee will apply), or register at the door (cash or check only). Seats are limited; advance registration is encouraged.
All five classes are held at Ecotrust, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 721 NW 9th Ave, Portland.
Classes are held on Thursdays, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
March 1 - "Oregon's Energy Future"
Christopher Dymond, Solar Specialist, Oregon Department of Energy
ReThink begins with an assessment of future energy supplies and costs, then moves into examples of homes that cut energy use and greenhouse emissions by using good thermal envelopes, passive solar, high efficiency heating, natural cooling and solar electric and hot water systems. We’ll also hear about the performance of ‘net-zero energy’ houses that ODOE has been monitoring.
View Christopher's presentation on Oregon's Energy Future.
March 8 - "Cutting Energy in Half: The 2030 Challenge"
Mike O’Brien, OSD; Rod Street, Home Performance with Energy Star; Dan Cote, Energy Efficient Retrofit Case Study
Responding to global warming, the 2030 Challenge targets a 50% reduction in all buildings’ fossil-fuel energy use now, decreasing further to carbon neutral buildings in 2030. This session will discuss how residences can cut energy use in half. First, we’ll identify key steps and measures which are affordable and effective at reducing energy use and greenhouse gases. Second, we’ll learn about support programs and financial incentives, like Energy Star, that help the remodeler and new home builder. Case studies will illustrate how to improve energy performance in homes.
View Mike's presentation on green remodeling.
View Dan's presentation on energy efficient retrofits.
March 22 - "Renewable Energy"
Lee Rahr, OSD; John Patterson, Mr. Sun Solar; Kathy Bash, Architect; Alan Scott, Architect
Learn about Solar Now!, a new program at OSD offering assistance and encouraging Portland residents and businesses to install solar on their homes. The session will focus on system options, existing financial incentives, and how your decision to go solar increases the value of your home and reduces your CO2 output. We’ll discuss prices and system options and provide technical information. We’ll learn how some Portland projects are using biofuels for residential applications and describe a biofuel-based condominium project. We’ll hear a case study on retrofitting solar electric and hot water on an older house, how it’s been performing and answer your questions on how you can do the same.
View Lee's presentation on Solar Now!
View Mike's presentation on installing thermal and PV systems.
View Kathy's presentation on Shizen, her 1923 home and Urban Zero Energy.
View Allen's presentation on retrofitting an older home with solar energy.
April 12 - "Sustainable Water"
Don Holmes and Sarah Murphy, Water Bureau; Aaron Blake and Christina Davis, ReWorks
Portland receives most of its 36 annual inches of rain in the fall, winter and spring; leaving the Northwest with beautiful dry summers and wet winters. How will future global warming impacts and population increases affect Portland's drinking water system? What are practical and effective strategies to stretch the water supply throughout the summer? How are Portlanders integrating stormwater into their landscapes and homes? During this session participants will learn about Portland's drinking water system, about conservation strategies to extend the water supply, and hear a case study on rainwater harvesting and stormwater management.
April 26 - "Building your vision: how to go about your green remodel"
Beth Meredith and Eric Storm, Living Spaces; Anna DeWolf, Arciform LLC; Stephen Aiguier, Green Hammer Construction; Phyliss Gaines, Portland Development Commission
Learn how to integrate sustainable strategies in your remodel project. This session provides an opportunity to get valuable tips for finding and working with a contractor, integrating green ideas and materials, managing costs and financing options. Our experts include green design consultants, a home designer, a green remodeling contractor and a loan expert from Portland Development Commission.
June 7 - Green Home Forum - High Efficiency Heating Systems
Click here for more information about the event.
Reserve your seat now by clicking here!
