Building Science: Volume 1, Issue 11

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Building Science: Volume 1, Issue 11

SEON’s Sustainable Energy Outreach Network Newsletter

In this issue

  • Message from the Executive Director
  • Building Science Guild Topics
  • Training Classes – It’s Not Too Late
  • Our members – in action
  • Interesting Links
  • Resources
  • Meetings & Conferences
  • Job Opportunities
  • Thank you, Members

    From SEON’s Executive Director

It’s November

If you read the recent VT Digger article on a State project that imagines new housing in 5 Vermont communities…. you will see why I am completely befuddled and angered with the decision for our government to hire architects out of state to do Vermont work. And why I wrote an opinion piece in response: Letter to the editor: Vermont hiring out-of-state architects? Not so fast! This is a missed opportunity to invest in local expertise and keep tax dollars within the state. Vermont is home to award-winning architecture firms like Alan Benoit’s Sustainable Design, Robert Swinburne’s Bluetime Collaborative Architecture, JA Saccoccio Workshop, Bill MaClay Associates, Vermont Integrated Architecture, and Wisniewski Architecture, which can contribute to designing housing projects that align with Vermont’s unique building needs.

Moreover, the state’s decision to involve Boston-based architects may inadvertently lead to poorly skilled workers being employed in significant projects and modular homes of questionable quality being shipped to Vermont. Why is our government sending funds out of state when we have the necessary skills and expertise within Vermont.

Vermont must seize every opportunity to leverage local talent and expertise in the face of the ongoing housing crisis and climate emergency. It is my hope that state legislators and policymakers will prioritize supporting initiatives like SEON’s to ensure that Vermont remains a leader in sustainable construction practices and takes full advantage of the talent within its borders. You will hopefully be seeing this as an expanded opinion article in an upcoming newspaper.

Finally, as we approach the conclusion of 2023, we’d like to connect with the inner building science enthusiast within each of you. We’re reaching out to request your assistance in selecting, and potentially even participating as a presenter in, various building science topics. Special thanks to Anthony Girard of G.P.I. for collaborating with us on these ideas. Please take a moment to review the topics listed below, and feel free to suggest any additional ones that pique your interest. Your input is greatly appreciated. Just drop me a line.

Oh, and don’t forget, our building science and leadership classes are still open for registration (and please share with those who might benefit from learning with us).

Onward! And until December.

Guy Payne
Executive Director

 

Building Science Guild Topics

(Send us your favorite: buildingscience.org/training)

Topics for Building Science Guild Meeting – please send us an email telling which ones you’d be most interested in attending – and if you’d like to be the presenter:

  1. Impact of Spray Foam Insulation: Discuss the pros and cons of spray foam insulation, its potential impact on older buildings, and the need for a balanced approach to insulation and air sealing.
  2. European Approach to Insulation: Explore Europe’s stance on spray foam insulation and whether SEON should address this issue more prominently in its activities.
  3. Net Zero Modular Homes Project: Share insights from the project involving the installation of net zero modular homes and discuss its potential applicability to mobile home parks in Brattleboro.
  4. Replacing vs. Repairing Mobile Homes: Delve into the advantages of replacing older, inefficient mobile homes compared to repairing them, and highlight the importance of resource allocation in this context.
  5. Collaboration Opportunities: Discuss the potential collaboration between SEON and local stakeholders in Brattleboro to contribute to the broader goal of increasing housing stock and improving housing quality.
  6. Building Drying Techniques: Explore techniques for drying buildings after floods or water damage, emphasizing the importance of timely action and the prevention of mold growth.
  7. Common-Sense Building Drying: Highlight the straightforward principles behind building drying, such as the use of air movement and dehumidification, and the importance of builders having the necessary tools.
  8. Multipurpose Tools for Builders: Emphasize the versatility of tools used in construction, which can also be valuable for building drying purposes.
  9. Educational Initiatives: Discuss the potential for offering classes or educational programs on building drying techniques, both for professionals and the general public.

Training Classes – It’s Not Too Late

 

► Basics of High-Performance Building — Embrace the chance to reshape the world through our top-notch High Performance building course. Unite with industry experts and champion the cause of change.
► Crew Leadership Development — Learn the skills that foster a culture where each team member develops their technical skills and takes ownership of their roles, as well as how to create an enjoyable work environment that promotes excellence, pride, growth, respect, and collaboration.

► Sign up for both today

 

Our Members – in Action

Interesting Links

► Interview With Peter Yost: 6 Questions About Building Science Training

► From Vermont, For Vermont: The Ultimate Heat Pump Guide

► Vermont Fast-Track Career – the future of carpentry is high-performance building

► Logic Building Systems – Sustainability in Vermont’s Housing Crisis

► Growth Must Be Pursued Consciously and Sustainably

Resources

► Best Practices for Internal Communication & Digital Organization (HELM)

Meetings & Conferences

Job Opportunities

Thank you, Members

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