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Alternative technologies (22) / Competition (7) / Congresses and conventions (1) / Curriculum planning (22) / Handbooks, manuals, etc. (1) / House construction (26) / Indoor air quality (7) / Industry and trade (18) / Intern programs (7) / Marketing (6) / Solar energy (6) / Testing (3) /


Keyword: House construction, 26 Links

Shareware Design Tools
Abstract: Sustainable By Design provides a suite of shareware design tools on sustainable energy topics.
Source: Sustainability by Design
URL: http://www.susdesign.com/design-tools.html

Student Chapters - National Association of Home Builders
Abstract: Housed under the Residential Construction Academy and funded by National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), corporate partners, and student member dues, the NAHB Student Chapters program helps to enrich the educational experience of students enrolled in construction-related studies and training. Chapters are located at universities, community colleges, high schools and vocational/technical institutions across the country. This link tells you how to get started and the benefits you can expect.
Source: National Association of Home Builders
URL: http://www.nahb.org/category.aspx?sectionID=767

Houses that Work II
Abstract: the Building America Building Science Consortium developed the Web-based Houses That Work (HTW) as a climate-specific technical resource for designing and building homes that are 30% or more energy efficient than the 1993 Model Energy Code (MEC). The resource reflected the experience gained from five years of Building America teamwork, including insights gained during the construction of more than 8,000 production homes from across the country. Houses That Work was and is a freely-accessible learning resource and reference for builders, building product manufacturers, building researchers, and the general public.
Source: Building America Building Science Consortium
URL: http://www.buildingscience.com/designsthatwork/default.htm

Independent Solar Electric Homes [PDF]
Abstract: Utility independent, or remote, solar electric systems provide electricity for buildings that are not connected to an electric utility. Photovoltaics (PV) have been used to power remote homes for years. Applications vary from simple systems that charge a trailer battery, to complete home power systems that run everything from power tools to microwave ovens. This brief covers the basics of what you need to get started. For more hands-on information and examples of remote solar homes, see Home Power Magazine.
Source: National Center for Appropriate Technology
URL: http://www.ncat.org/ncatimages/pdf/indsolar.pdf

Green Tree decisions for environmental buildings
Abstract: An excellent introduction to the considerations that go into selecting resource efficient building products for a particular project. Applying these considerations is a process that the designer, builder or client can use over and over again to arrive at sound decisions for environmental buildings. The site also offers some examples of materials and technologies that were selected and used on actual building projects, just to demonstrate how the ideal product meets the real world.
Source: National Center for Appropriate Technology
URL: http://www.ncat.org/greentree/welcome.html

Earthcraft House Scoring Worksheets [PDF]
Abstract: These worksheets can serve as a point of discussion as to what should be considered for a high performance home.
Source: Southface.org
URL: http://www.southface.org/web/earthcraft_house/ech_guidelines/ech_scoring_worksheet.pdf

Building Alternatives
Abstract: A variety of alternatives to lumber are discussed as building materials. They include adobe, bamboo, cob, strawbale, rammed earth and concrete.
Source: Campus Center for Appropriate Technology
URL: http://www.humboldt.edu/~ccat/alternativebuilding/frames.html

Continuing Adult Education and Training in Energy
Abstract: This site features resources on continuing adult education and vocational training opportunities in energy, including classes for homeowners interested in renewable energy systems and in building energy-efficient homes.
Source: US Department of Energy
URL: http://eereweb.ee.doe.gov/education/adult_education.html

Miscellaneous Building Resources
Abstract: Links to publications and papers on a variety of topics including green building, domestic hot water, photovoltaics, black stains, wood efficiency & durability and more.
Source: Building Science
URL: http://www.buildingscience.com/resources/misc/default.htm

Sustainable Housing at Pine Ridge Reservation
Abstract: The Pine Ridge Reservation, located in rural South Dakota is plagued with deteriorating infrastructure, poverty, lack of local employment, and high utility bills. Many of the residents, the Oglala Lakota Nation, live in mobile homes or substandard housing and spend nearly 25% of their income on utilities. Few people on the reservation have the resources or construction knowledge to improve their current residences or building energy-efficient, culturally appropriate houses. Ina Maka O Tipi (Living with Mother Earth), a new alliance of organizations, universities, and reservation residents, is committed to improving the living conditions on the Pine Ridge Reservation. As part of a long-term commitment toward a more sustainable reservation, Ina Maka O Tipi and a multidisciplinary group of students will collaborate on a design project focused on sustainable housing. Students and faculty at Colorado State University (CSU) have formed a special 2004-2005 course that will involve interaction with Oglala Lakota College students and other residents from Pine Ridge.
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
URL: http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/7336/report/0

Green Building - Codes and Standards
Abstract: Understanding requirements of building codes is an early step in designing and constructing a green building. Going "beyond code" opens opportunities for adding more value to the building. Certification and rating systems provide credible frameworks and standards to guide developers, architects and contractors who want to go beyond code. There is also valuable information on writing contracts for green building.
Source: The Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center
URL: http://www.pprc.org/pubs/greencon/code_std.cfm

Healthy House Institute
Abstract: The Healthy House Institute offers help, resources, and links that can help you improve your home's interior environment, especially its indoor air quality.
Source: Healthy House Institute
URL: http://www.hhinst.com/

How to Build and Profit with Energy Efficiency in New Home Construction
Abstract: The EnergyValue Housing Award guide is a compilation of best practices of winners of the national EnergyValue Housing Award -- which recognizes builders who voluntarily incorporate energy and resource efficiency into new home design, construction, and marketing. This book is valuable to builders who are thinking about creating a market niche with energy efficiency. It includes information on the basics of energy efficient construction, tried-and-true ideas from successful builders, and a list of resources for those wishing to learn more.
Source: National Association of Home builders
URL: http://www.nahbrc.org/tertiaryR.asp?TrackID=&CategoryID=1652&DocumentID=3404

How to Build an American Lung Association Health House
Abstract: Details how to work with a builder to build a healthy home and answers basic questions regarding costs, advantanges, and components of a healthy home.
Source: American Lung Association
URL: http://www.healthhouse.org/consumer/Build.asp

Small Wind Electric Systems [PDF]
Abstract: Small wind electric systems can make a significant contribution to our nation's energy needs. Although wind turbines large enough to provide a significant portion of the electricity needed by the average U.S. home generally require one acre of property or more, approximately 21 million U.S. homes are built on one-acre and larger sites, and 24% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas.
Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
URL: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/36680.pdf

Building Greener: Building Better: The Quiet Revolution
Abstract: Green building, one of the most significant developments in new home construction in the past three decades, is nothing less than a quiet revolution in the way that new homes and communities are planned and constructed. This publication examines this exciting trend.
Source: National Association of Home Builders
URL: http://www.nahb.org/publication_details.aspx?publicationID=17

Building America Building Technologies Program
Abstract: Building America is a private/public partnership that develops energy solutions for new and existing homes. The Building America program combines the knowledge and resources of industry leaders with the U.S. Department of Energy's technical capabilities. Together, they act as a catalyst for change in the home-building industry. The Building America Web site provides a portal to technical resources supporting the construction of energy- and resource-efficient homes.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
URL: http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/

Air-Exchange Measurements [PDF]
Abstract: This is a technical report and takes at least a couple of minutes to load with a high speed connection. However, it is extremely valuable for learning about air infiltration, ventilation, duct blaster and blower door tests.
Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
URL: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy02osti/30270.pdf

Residential Construction Topic Hub
Abstract: This topic hub introduces the importance of resource efficient construction or green building practices for builders, designers, architects and pollution prevention assistance providers. Nearly one hundred and fifty links direct users to some of the best information relating to green design, marketing, products, affordability, indoor air quality and related topics.
Source: Peaks to Prairies Pollution Prevention Center
URL: http://www.peakstoprairies.org/topichub/toc.cfm?hub=31&subsec=7&nav=7

NAHB Model Green Home Building
Abstract: This publication contains guidance for builders engaged in or interested in green building products and practices for residential design, development and construction. This publication is not intended to be exhaustive and all-inclusive and the enclosed guidelines are not to be considered the only method of green building. These guidelines for green building originate from the collective experience of leading personnel in the green building movement (marketplace), but must, due to the nature of the responsibilities involved, be presented only as a guide for the use of a qualified developer, builder, remodeler, or design professional.
Source: National Association of Home Builders
URL: http://www.nahb.org/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentTypeID=7&contentID=1994

Sustainable Design Certifificate Program
Abstract: Architects and interior designers are increasingly being challenged to design spaces in harmony with the environment. The Sustainable Design Certificate prepares practitioners to respond to this challenge. The Sustainable Design Certificate may be earned at either the undergraduate or graduate level. The Sustainable Design Certificate Program is now available entirely online, in partnership with BuildingGreen Inc.
Source: Boston Architectural Center and BuildingGreen Inc.
URL: http://www.the-bac.edu/index.cfm?pageid=122

Courses in Solar Energy
Abstract: Designed for high school and college curricula, these courses cover an introduction to solar power and the principles of passive solar design for a homesite in Northern New Mexico. Many of the principles, however, relate to other locales.
Source: New Mexico Solar Energy Association
URL: http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/Courses/index.htm

State Energy Codes
Abstract: State contacts, current code status, code history, and construction data are located in the state energy codes database.
Source: Department of Energy
URL: http://www.energycodes.gov/implement/state_codes/index.stm

PATH Technology Inventory Index
Abstract: The technology inventory is a large compilation of new and proven resource efficient building technologies available to home builders.
Source: The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing
URL: http://www.toolbase.org/secondaryT.asp?CategoryID=1402

American Lung Association Health House Builder Guidelines
Abstract: The American Lung Association Health House Builder Guidelines are among the most stringent in the nation for building a healthier, more energy and resource efficient homes.
Source: American Lung Association
URL: http://www.healthhouse.org/build/Guidelines.asp

MasterCarpenter
Abstract: MasterCarpenter 2.0 provides solutions to difficult, on the job layout and design problems that occur frequently in the construction and carpentry related fields. The tools that make up MasterCarpenter include surveying, trim, wall framing, stairs and general spacing.
Source: Renaissance Software
URL: http://www.eteknic.com/products.html


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Topic Hub™ Last Updated: 03/21/2006
This Topic Hub is a product of the Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2RX)™
The Construction Science Education Topic Hub was developed by:
Peaks to Prairies Pollution Prevention Center
Peaks to Prairies Pollution Prevention Center
Contact (Peaks)
406-994-3451 or information@peakstoprairies.org
Peaks to Prairies is a member of the Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange™, a national network of regional information centers: NEWMOA (Northeast), WRRC (Southeast), GLRPPR (Great Lakes), ZeroWasteNet (Southwest), P2RIC (Plains), Peaks to Prairies (Mountain), WRPPN (Pacific Southwest), PPRC (Northwest).