Grid-Tied Photovoltaics workshop!

Grid-Tied Photovoltaics
Presented by the CRC and Solar Energy International
May 27-31, 2008
Boulder, CO
Cost: $850

Register Online

Participants in the Grid-Tied Photovoltaics workshop learn how to use PV technology to produce electricity from the sun through practical design and installation of PV systems. The course covers system sizing, site analysis, hardware specification and component selection for typical applications and case study examples. Participants will learn installation procedures in a laboratory setting and learn the proper use of tools and safety precautions. This professional level class is for electric industry professionals looking to expand their business offering, those that are seeking employment in the solar industry, or beginners that are looking to install their own PV system.

The Grid-Tied Photovoltaics workshop will be taught by professional solar energy instructors from Solar Energy International (SEI). SEI is the nation’s leading solar energy training institute, with a 16-year history of education in renewable energy technologies around the world.

For questions email Debbie Fox or call her at 303-441-3278 ext. 13.

CU Solar Decathlon House Tours Begin on Earth Day, April 22nd

The CU Solar Decathlon team will open the 2007 entry to the public for tours. Visit the tour schedule for a listing of tour times, contact information and information on how to reserve the home for private parties.

About the 2007 Solar Decathlon

The Solar Decathlon is an intercollegiate competition to design, build and operate a home powered completely by solar energy. In September 2007, twenty university teams from the US, Canada, and Europe transported their homes to Washington, D.C., where they constructed a "solar-village" on the National Mall. The event is a powerful public demonstration of solar energy, energy efficiency, and the best in home design.

University of Colorado teams won both Solar Decathlon competitions in 2002 and 2005, and placed 7th overall in 2007. Lead by the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the 2007 CU Solar Decathlon team returned to the National Mall with a compelling new design that responds to the changing energy needs of the American West.

Boulder County Going Local Events:

This event is free and open to the public, with a cash bar, and complimentary hors d'oeuvres provided by the Boulder Outlook Hotel.

The county-wide 2008 Campaign sets the theme for a decade-long effort to make the transition to a stronger, more localized economy in an energy-constrained future. This very special celebration will feature perspectives from a variety of sectors of our community, including locally-owned independent businesses, the local foodshed, city and county government, and non-profit community services, as well as a preview of upcoming Campaign activities, projects and events through the end of this year.

The Boulder Sustainability Education Center events:

Organic Backyard Beekeeping in LYONS, CO with Kelly Simmons, Boulder Sustainability Education Center.
Sunday, May 11, 2008 1-5 pm
$50
One of the Center's most popular classes, students will learn an organic, ecological approach to caring for honeybees without chemicals or treatments. This class combines the latest research into organic approaches with biodynamic methods and more. The focus is on top bar hives but techniques are applicable to traditional Langstroth hives as well. Beginners and experienced beekeepers are welcome.

Home Grown Fruits for Boulder with Mikl Brauner of Harlequins Gardens
Sunday, June 8, 2008. 1 - 3pm
$25
Come learn the best varieties of food producing trees and shrubs for Boulder's unique bio-region. Students will tour Harlequins Gardens nursery and learn which varieties thrive here. Mikl Brauner is an accomplished nursery-man with years of experience growing in Boulder. Come learn from his mistakes and successes. Co-sponsored with Harlequins Gardens

Colorado's Natural Gardens a slide show with Niki Hayden of Boulder Culinary Gardeners
Wednesday, June 18, 2008. 7 - 8:30 pm
In the REI Store Community Room, 28th Street
Free
A wildly popular photo journey into our wild gardens with a glimpse into the relationships between plants and pollinators. Step into a world of astonishing diversity and discover how you can extend our natural world into your own gardens. Niki is an author of several books including The Guide to Colorado's Natural Gardens, and lectures widely on gardening

Opportunities and Tricks of Xeriscaping with Mikl Brauner of Harlequins Gardens
Sunday, July 13, 2008. 1 - 3pm
$25.
There are advantages to gardening with less water, and tricks that will improve your success. Mikls xeriscape experience of over 20 years has taught him tricks that will cost you a lot less than it cost him. Come learn from his extensive experience. Co-sponsored with Harlequins Gardens.

Climate Smart events:

ClimateSmart - a countywide effort to help individuals, families and businesses increase their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.

What: ClimateSmart team and Clean Energy Action discuss community action required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Boulder.
Where: George Reynolds Library, 3595 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder
When: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - Refreshments at 6:30, Introductions at 7, talk and discussion from about 7:30-8:30
Details: Clean Energy Action promotes renewable energy and a gradual decarbonization for the state of Colorado. This evening will include a brief presentation on the city's Climate Action Plan (ClimateSmart) programs and 2007 results in Year 1 of the carbon tax funding, but will focus on what community action will be needed, from residents to businesses to students, to effectively stablize climate change. Come prepared for a lively discussion on how we can get there! Signups for neighborhood block leaders will be requested!

For more information click here.

Boulder Green Building Guild events:

Boulder Green Building Guild Monthly Lunch Presentation:: Green Building and the Law: How to Avoid Common Green BUlding Pitfalls in Design Professional Agreements

May 13, 2008
11:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Location Community Room, REI Boulder, 1789 28th St.

The green building industry has grown so quickly that few professionals have had time to consider the legal issues that are arising in this area of the law. This seminar will provide an overview of recent claims made to insurance carriers and it will address best practices for design professionals in their contracts. The seminar will be presented by Victoria Hamilton, Esq., a corporate attorney who focuses her practice in sustainable development and serves on the Board of Directors of the Boulder Green Building Foundation.

CORE Business Breakfast & EPA LEED Gold Certified Building Tour

May 14, 2008
7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Location Dixon's 1610 16th Street

Join us for a tour of the EPA Region 8 Headquarters, which is a LEED Gold Certified Building! The event will start with a networking breakfast at Dixon's from 7:30am-8:45am. Then we will walk the 1/2 block to the EPA Headquarters for the Tour. It will start at 9am and last about an hour. For security purposes you must bring a photo ID, such as a driver's license with you. CORE members $20, non-members $25 Contact: bud@corecolorado.org for more information.

Boulder County presents Green Building Training Series: Incoroprating HERS Ratings & ENERGY STAR in your Architectural Design

May 20, 2008
11:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Location REI BOULDER Community

The most recognized symbol of energy efficiency for the nation is ENERGY STAR for lights and appliances. Learn how to incorporate HERS raters ENERGY STAR Concepts and inspection into the standard architectural design and construction sequence required by the new Boulder Green Points Program. The presentation will explain the basics of HERS ratings, the ENERGY STAR Thermal Bypass Checklist, the software used to develop the ratings, and some basic strategies incorporating “whole building design” to harmonize orientation, insulation, glazing, shading, mass, air tightness, mechanical systems and renewables.

BGBG Roundtable Discussion: Green Bulding & The Law

May 22, 2008
5:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Location Boulder Beer Company

The green building industry has grown so quickly that few professionals have had time to consider the legal issues that are arising in this area of the law. Join BGBG members and share experiences so others can avoid future pitfalls!

Events Calendar