The ReTHINK Education Series is presented by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability Green Building Program. Sponsored by Metro and City of Portland Bureaus of Environmental Services, Development Services and Water.
Today's economic and environmental crises highlight the failures of our "conventional wisdom," and offer the opportunity to rethink our own lives: how can we live well, in harmony with our community and our natural world? In this series, we will examine new technologies and lifestyles that can inspire and inform your future decisions.
ULTRA-LOW ENERGY HOMES
Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
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The Passive House, or the "house without a furnace", has recently been featured in The New York Times, as has the work of Illinois-based Passive House Institute, which is bringing Germany's Passiv Haus experience to the US. Join Tad Everhart, a Portland advocate for low-energy homes, and Ted Nickell, who built super-insulated homes in Amity, Oregon, to explore how the Passive House re-prioritizes designing and building for better comfort, health and low energy use. We'll also learn the latest on technical assistance and financial incentives available for low-energy homes.
Article: ‘No Furnaces but Heat Aplenty in Passive Houses'
NATURAL REMODELING
Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
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In her book, Natural Remodeling for the Not-so-green House, Kelly Lerner of One World Design Architecture says "Starting right where you are, you can modify your home so that you are living in harmony with nature." Whether rearranging furniture or adding space, "the scope of the project isn't as important as the breadth of the vision." Join Kelly to reconsider your life and your home to be healthier and more joyful while increasing your beneficial interactions with the ecosphere.
Book: Natural Remodeling for the Not-so-green House
SAVING WATER AND ENERGY
Wednesday, March 18, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
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Water is a precious resource, and not as abundant here in Portland as one might think. Sarah Murphy Santner of the Portland Water Bureau will survey the latest in water-saving technologies for the home, the new EPA Watersense standards, and a cash rebate for high-efficiency toilet replacements.
Paul Scardina, of Paolo Design Group, led the renovation of a 1950's ranch house to modernize room layout, amenities, esthetics and livability, while dramatically upgrading its energy efficiency and comfort. The house is now super-insulated, heated and cooled by a ground-source heat pump rated over 300% efficient. The team also restored a backyard stream and re-landscaped with native plants. The result is a LEED Platinum showcase.
SALVAGE AND REUSE, GREEN MATERIALS, WASTE REDUCTION
Wednesday, April 1, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
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In Shannon Quimby's "Reuse Everything Experiment: Building a House Without a Dumpster" project, she deconstructed an existing house and reused all of it in building her family's new home. Shannon will inspire you to rethink your ideas about salvaging and reusing materials, and to repurpose stuff you might have once thrown away.
Erin Diamond, LEED AP and Aaron Winer of Greenhaven Consulting will share their in-depth knowledge of high performance green building materials, gained from their years with ecohaus (formerly Environmental Building Supplies) and its customers. They'll also suggest ways to clarify the sometimes perplexing process of evaluating unfamiliar products and materials.
Preston Browning, a Construction Waste Specialist at the City of Portland, has deconstructed houses in Portland and in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He will share his insights into taking a house apart so its parts can be reused in other homes.
LIVING INTENTIONALLY
Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
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Tryon Life Community Farm offers Portland the opportunity to take sustainability from a nice idea to a lived experience. As we consider our own choices and lifestyles, it's enlightening to see how the pioneers at TLC Farm are creating a dynamic experience of transforming our culture towards one of community sustainability. Brenna Bell, a thoughtful and inspiring activist and leader, will share ideas and experiences for creating a new way of living.
Dee Williams is well known for her tiny 84 square foot house and disarming charm. She makes radical restructuring of one's life sound both sensible and exciting. Dee will describe how downsizing has enriched her friendships, well being, and economic wealth. Dee will have her tiny house on a trailer available for viewing before the class in the Ecotrust parking lot.
YES! Magazine, Winter 2009 issue
Tickets: $12/class or $50/series ($10/class or $40/series for seniors and students) Register for the entire series.
Location: Billy Frank Conference Center, Ecotrust Building (2nd floor), 721 NW 9th Ave conveniently located on the Portland Streetcar line, ample bike parking, close to buses and MAX, on-street and surface lot parking.
Questions? Contact Mike O'Brien, Green Building Specialist at 503-823-5494.
