Building Science: Volume 3, Issue 11

SEON’s Sustainable Energy Outreach Network Newsletter

In this issue

From SEON’s Executive Director

It’s November!

The time of year when we gather around the dinner table with our families and share the blessings. It’s also the time of year when at least one person is overheard saying something regarding a cousin or _____(fill-in-the-blank)_____: “You can’t choose your family.” And, yes, there is always some truth to that. But there’s another, more profound truth, that as we get older, our real family is the family we choose. SEON is built on that truth. We have been blessed to choose our family—our exceptional members.

The demand for quality training remains incredibly high. We’re thrilled to report that our Building High Performance Class is officially SOLD OUT! This incredible response demonstrates the thirst for expertise in our field, and we are proud to provide the resources you need to stay ahead.

For those still looking to sharpen their people skills, we still have spots open in our specialized course: Leadership Development for Crew Leaders: Mentoring Skills to Develop and Retain Your Workforce. Developing your crew leaders is one of the most vital investments you can make right now. Don’t miss this opportunity to build a stronger, more committed team—sign up today!

We also welcome our newest member, Graphite Studio, who shares our passion for Net Zero, Passive House, and fossil-free design. Be sure to check out their feature below.

Onward and upward until next month, Guy Payne, Executive Director

New Fall Training Classes

Water, Air, and Thermal Continuous Control Layers
- December 9 & 16, 2025 (Two-part training)
  - Brattleboro
  - ► Sign up here
Leadership Development for Crew Leaders: Mentoring Skills to Develop and Retain Your Workforce
- December 11 & 18, 2025 (Two-part training)
  - White River Junction
  - ► Sign up here

Job Site Mystery

”Is it a bird, a plane. a house…. or, perhaps, a bear print?”
►see more at Black Mountain Builders VT

Introducing Our Newest Member: Graphite Studio

Welcome! Graphite Studio designs high-efficiency new homes and energy-smart retrofits in western New England. They specialize in Net Zero, Passive House, and fossil-free design.

Learn more at: Graphite Studio

Carpentry Hiring Headaches?

What is the Registered Apprenticeship Program for Carpenters/High Performance Builders?

3-Month Intensive Pre-Apprenticeship: Develops fundamental carpentry skills and work ethic.
Year 1: Employment as an apprentice for on-the-job training and continuing education.
Next 1.5 Years: Advance skills while learning high-performance building and residential codes.

🤝 What Builders Gain

Vetted & Committed Workforce: Access highly motivated workers who are career-committed.
Dedicated Skill Development: Your master carpenter directs the apprentice’s training.
Protected 3-Year Agreement: Secure a long-term commitment.
Reasonable Salary: Gain a dedicated, trained worker at a lower hourly rate.
Partial Reimbursement: Potential eligibility for wage reimbursement via the Vermont Department of Labor.

Apprenticeship Program Syllabus and Program Structure

A Look Back – The Tilting Carriage House

Historic Carriage House: That time Sustainable Design lifted an old carriage house up out of the soil, repaired the rot, and placed it back down on a new foundation. Saving history one building at a time…
► see more from Sustainable Design

Our Members – In Action

Londonderry Spotlight: GPI delivered a modern, functional, and beautiful space that will serve the Londonderry community for years to come.
► see more from GPI Construction

This is Why We Live Here: Mindel and Morse Builders and Robert Swineburne bring brilliance to the area.
► see more from Mindel and Morse Builders and Robert Swineburne

Frozen Crew: “When your intrepid crew has been working out in the cold and snow…”
► see more at Apple Tree Builders

Porch Beauty: ”When the front porch is taking shape”
► see more at Black Mountain Builders VT

A Project with Rhythm: Farnum Insulators installed 1” rigid extruded polystyrene into roof slopes for a new performing arts space.
► see more at Farnum Insulators

🎙️Podcast Alert

Construction faces urgent challenges like climate change and workforce shortages. This episode features Mel Baiser and Kate Stephenson of HELM Construction Solutions.
Click here to listen now!

Interesting Links

► This company has created Super Wood that achieves up to 10 times the strength of steel.
► A Fairlee developer is building lots of housing in small towns.
► Craftsbury series shows how Vermont can build housing while protecting forests.
► How Act 181 can blend Vermont’s housing and conservation needs.
► How to Integrate Biodiversity in the Built Environment.
► Giving buildings an “MRI” to make them more energy-efficient.
► Fungi-based panels offer sustainable building material.

Events

Project Management – HELM
Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30pm EST (Nov 25 – Dec 16, 2025)

Scheduling Skills – HELM
Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30pm EST (Jan 6-27, 2026)

New York State Green Building Conference
Mar 5–6, 2026 | Syracuse, NY

Job Opportunities

Energy Solutions Manager – New Hampshire Electric Cooperative
Full Time, Plymouth, NH

Thank you, Members

Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva