April 9 – August 30, 2013

Our 2013 program offers you a chance to be part of building an innovative, integrated farm building for Circle Organics. The project includes a greenhouse, vegetable process and curing rooms, underground root cellar and kitchen and office space.

We’ll be using straw bales with earthen and lime plasters, locally harvested wood, solar thermal energy, and whole host of exciting materials and strategies to make this a model building for small scale organic farming!

     Register Now! for 2013

Course Overview

Our 5-month, full-time Sustainable New Construction certificate program involves you in every aspect of making a highly sustainable building. From simple natural building materials like straw and clay to state-of-the-art energy systems, our students experience the learning that comes from being responsible for all aspects of construction, from planning and budgeting to fine finishes and systems commissioning.

Interacting with experienced builders and tradespeople, students work with designs, materials and technologies that are at the forefront of sustainable building, including:

* straw bale * earthen plasters * earthbag * hempcrete * straw/clay * timber frame * solar hot water * rain water collection and treatment * alternative wastewater treatment * geothermal heating * photovoltaics * earthen floors * advanced lighting * cob * local wood & woodworking * and much more!

The learning experience suits the seasoned building professional and the excited newcomer alike. The diversity of students in our classes creates a unique atmosphere of cooperation, shared learning and partnership.

This experience can put you on the path to a future in sustainable building, from first-time owner-builder to general contractor.

Curriculum Outline

Our programs blend classroom time with full-time engagement on the construction site. Classroom sessions are taught by experienced instructors. Site time is led by two full time instructors and augmented by leading trades people and specialists.

Jobsite Experience (70% of program)

Meaningful job site experience is at the heart of the New Construction program. We believe in putting our students in roles of individual responsibility within a cooperative, team-based approach to construction. Students will have direct roles in building/installing structural components, working with licensed professionals, setting policies, selecting and purchasing materials.

Roles for students in our projects include:

Administrative

• Budget coordination, purchasing, photo and video documentation, health and safety, site coordination, waste and recycling coordination, tool maintenance, media relations, web sites and blogging, managing rating systems, creating owner’s manuals, sourcing recycled building materials, and more.

Structural

• A range of approaches to, and materials for, foundations, floors, exterior walls, plasters, roof framing and sheathing, windows, doors, trim and siding, insulation, flashings, interior partitions, cabinetry and fixtures, natural finishes and more.

Mechanical

• Renewable energy, rain water collection, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, composting toilets, grey water treatment, air tightness and quality control, passive systems, lighting and more.

Classroom Modules (30% of program)

What Is Sustainable Building?

• Discovering the language, development and practices of sustainable building is an important beginning to the construction work that will follow. This module covers the history of the movement toward sustainable building, the working language and terminology of the field and a primer in the technologies currently in use to create sustainable buildings.
• Learn about a wide variety of green building programs (from The Living Building Challenge to EnergyStar) and their philosophy, principles and rating systems.

Building Science

• Successful sustainable buildings put good building science to use. This module introduces building science and provides the “thinking platform” that will inform our entire building process.
• Learn about heat and moisture flows, energy modeling and a thorough building science approach to design and construction for highest performance levels, durability and occupant health and comfort.

Building Structure

• Buildings are complex structural systems. This module examines structural principles and how we can put those into practice to create strong, durable buildings.
• Learn about a wide range of natural building materials and approaches, from earthbag to straw bale to timber framing.

Renewable Energy & Mechanical Systems

• Resilient buildings incorporate passive technologies with renewable energy to create buildings with minimal environmental impacts. This module takes a holistic approach to the design and integration of a building’s mechanical systems.
• Learn about a wide range of renewable energy, heating, cooling, ventilation, water and waste strategies and systems.

Reading Construction Plans

• The conversation between designer and builder is based on the construction drawings. This module helps to bring drawings to life and enables you to read, understand and modify drawings.
• Learn about the complete construction plan process, from client interviews to drafting to material take-offs.

The Art of Natural Building

• Beauty is integral to building, and beautiful buildings are visually exciting, nurturing and inspiring. This module explores the pursuit of beauty in building in theory and in practice.
• Learn an artistic approach to crafting materials, and many ways of using beautiful natural finishes.

The Business of Sustainable Building

• It will take dedicated sustainable builders to affect real change in our construction industry. This module brings professionalism and sustainable building together.
• Learn how the construction business works, and how sustainable builders can make real change while earning a sustainable living.

Worksite Health & Safety

• Health and safety are as important in sustainable building as in any kind of construction. This module offers several key safety certifications and training in job site procedure and safety.
• Learn how to function safely in a wide variety of job site scenarios, from identifying hazardous materials to proper use of personal safety equipment and scaffolding.