Building Science news from Vermont

Building Science: Volume 2, Issue 3

Leave a Comment / Member News, Newsletters / By

In this issue

  • Message from the Executive Director
  • SEON Spring Training Classes
  • Help us Grow: Please post our classe
  • New Addition to a Vital Resource
  • An Oldie But Goodie
  • WATCH THIS: Before you build airtight
  • Our members – in action
  • psssst…. keep scrolling there’s more to see!
  • Interesting Links
  • Resources
  • Meetings & Conferences
  • Thank you, Members

From SEON’s Executive Director

As March comes to an end… we want to say a massive thank you for being the backbone of our community. Your support fuels the efforts to push boundaries and drive innovation in building science. Together, we’re raising the bar and reshaping the future of construction.

Interesting and alarming data: Examining the data from the three premier institutions offering High-Performance Building Certification—Building Performance Institute (BPI), Yestermorrow, and SEON—the revelation is striking: less than 344 individuals have completed certification in building science since 2018.

You are very specialized experts who are making a difference: This figure underscores the exclusive and vital role that each of you, as members of SEON, play in the industry. As Vermont strives towards its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero design for all new buildings by 2030, the expertise of building science professionals becomes increasingly indispensable.

The Vermont Homebuilding Coalition: Despite SEON’s recent challenges in class enrollment, our efforts have not been idle. We’ve actively collaborated with the Vermont Homebuilding Coalition to advocate for legislative support towards our shared vision. Together, we’re forging a unified voice in favor of a foundational building science certification for Vermont, directing aspiring builders towards the esteemed training programs offered by the Building Performance Institute (BPI), Yestermorrow, and SEON. But we’re not stopping there; our sights are set on the coalition endorsing high-performance building certification and, ultimately, securing coalition-backed approval for net-zero building standards.

We are more than just a training organization: Allow me to share the insightful words of Sarah, our marketing director, who encapsulates the broader impact of our work beyond training builders:

“SEON doesn’t just teach building science; we are architects of change in Vermont’s housing landscape. We recognize that any solution to the housing crisis must be intertwined with workforce development. With the right investment, we can empower individuals to build with integrity and proficiency, creating a ripple effect of knowledge transfer within the industry. That’s what true sustainability looks like.”

And finally: As we march into April, let’s continue our journey with unwavering dedication and a shared commitment to shaping the future of building science in Vermont and beyond.

Onward and upward until April!

Guy Payne
Executive Director

 

Spring Training

Basics of High Performance Building Classes

  • Date: April 9 & April 16 / 3:45pm – 7:45pm
    Location: Brattleboro, VT
    Sign up ► here
  • Date: May 2 & 9 / 3:45pm – 7:45pm
    Location: Bennington, VT
    Sign up ► here

Leadership Development  for Crew Leaders Classes

  • Date: April 17 and 24 / 3:45pm – 7:45p
    Location: Springfield, VT
    Sign up ► here
  • Date: May 1 and 8 / 3:45pm – 7:45pm
    Location: White River Junction, VT
    Sign up ► here

PLEASE: HELP US GROW!

Please Post Our Classes Where You Can

• Basics of High Performance Building – PDF
• Leadership Development for Crew Leaders – PDF

New Addition to a Vital Resource

Unlocking Decarbonization Goals: How the GSA Tool Empowers Green Building Professionals

The SFTool developed by the U.S. General Services Administration’s Office of Federal High Performance Green Buildings (OFHPGB) is an excellent resource for high-performance residential builders. It offers comprehensive guidance and tools aimed at achieving efficient, sustainable, and healthy buildings, along with sustainable purchasing practices. The recent addition of the Building Decarbonization module underscores its commitment to reducing carbon emissions across the built environment, covering both embodied and operational carbon aspects. With its wide accessibility and free availability, SFTool serves as a valuable resource for industry professionals, including LEED AP practitioners, project managers, and sustainability enthusiasts, facilitating informed decision-making and fostering a culture of sustainability in building practices.

An Oldie but Goodie

Oh, Pete Yost!

“You know that building science trick where each ply of toilet paper held on its own against a bath exhaust grille represents 25 cfm of air flow? Well we have a winner!”
► Read more at Building-Wright

WATCH THIS: Before You Build Airtight

Intro to airtight construction methods with the Pro Clima system

Spotlight on Pro Clima  – an introduction

“Learn the science, design, and methods behind durable, long-lasting, ecological construction that is optimized for efficiency and comfort.  First developed as a variable-permeability vapor retarder, Pro Clima is now the world leader in complete, ecological, airtightness and vapor control systems: membranes, tapes, gaskets and adhesives – all supported by intensive building science research…..”
► See more at 475 High Performance Building Supply

 

Our Members – in Action

Getting HVAC to the second floor with minimal fuss

“Getting HVAC to the second floor with minimal fuss. Ground floor is easy as it is over basement. I needed to make it work with fat walls and vertical chases and beams and duct sizes from mech. not 3-D in this case.
with @mindelandmorsebuilders.”
► Read more at Vermont Architect – Bluetime Collaborative

A Winter Project

“We’ve been working too hard to pause to post, but here is our winter project photo dump! Glimpses of a carport, screened-in porch, and sunroom addition — all coming together fabulously. Applauding ourselves for being on schedule and on budget (though not so on top of our socials🤪)”
► Read more at Owl’s Head Builders.

Window Installs

“We use almost exclusively windows from Europe that are triple glazed. This means they keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. They are a major component of a high performance home.
They are built like bank vault doors and are almost as heavy. Very special care is taken during install. These windows are all custom made and take approximately 4-5 months to arrive so you have to make sure nothing is damaged during installation.”
► Read more at Shelterwood Construction.

 

#HomesForAll Toolkit

“We know that solving Vermont’s (and our country’s) housing crisis will require all hands on deck and a whole new generation of developers, general contractors, designers, and tradespeople to accelerate the production of safe, healthy, energy-efficient, resilient, and affordable housing.
With over 200 people in attendance at the Toolkit launch, the excitement was palpable and we can’t wait to dig into the Toolkit’s resources (https://accd.vermont.gov/homesforall)..”
► Read more at BuildHelm

Xyla Homes
”With warmer days on the horizon, this high-performance Xyla in West Tisbury, Massachusetts reminds us how easy it is to enjoy the outdoors from a screened porch!
At 1,831 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a three-season porch, this Xyla is a spacious single-story cottage on a slab-on-grade foundation. There is plenty of space for the homeowners to gather and entertain while enjoying the beauty of the New England seasons.”⁠

► Read more at Unity Homes

 

Keep Scrolling! There’s more to see!

Project: Maple Ledge

“Cozy corners, who doesn’t love a nook?”
► Read more at Wadsworth Design | Build

Hello Farnum!

“Can’t stop bragging about our fantastic crew! Well done job, guys!”
► Read more at Farnum Insulators

Renewable HUMAN Energy Here!

“PSA green is always good.”
► Read more at Sierra Pacific Windows

Throwback Thursday Loveliness

“A Hartland, VT timber-frame guest home renovation project we completed with the collaboration of @sargentdesigncompany. There were so many intricate and beautiful details that went into this project.”
►Read more at Housewright Construction.

Decks from Recycled Content

“Are you thinking of a new deck this spring? Do you want to upgrade your old deck? Stop by WW Building Supply in Wilmington and Newfane and ask us about our TimberTech decking!!”
► Read more at WW Building Supply

Interesting Links

 

Resources

Meetings & Conferences

Thank you, Members