Global Institute for Sustainability Technologies
Business Decision Making for Sustainability
As we enter a carbon-constrained market and other issues of sustainability begin to increase material and transportation costs, how do you make wise decisions to prepare your business to be sustainable over the long term? This interactive course will examine what sustainability is on a scientific, systems-thinking basis and what the implications are for your business. At the end of the class, you will be able to frame strategic questions to use to assist you in designing new products and in making decisions about capital purchases, program offerings and new services to ensure you are positioned for triple bottom-line results. (3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $20.00- Wed, Jan 27, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
- 127 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7525-406 Class has been canceled - Updated Jan 25, 2010
Electrical: Solar PV and 2008 NEC Solar PV and the 2008 NEC
Installation and inspection of Solar PV requires a thorough knowledge of the National Electric Code with a special emphasis on critical sections. Participants in this class will learn how to install a Code-compliant PV system and receive vital information on the installation techniques that are being used by installers and systems integrators throughout the country. This course is pending approval by the N.C. State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors for 4 hours of continuing education credit. (4 hrs)
Total Registration Fee: $65.00- Wed, Feb 17, 6:00PM - 10:00PM
- 215 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: ELC-7392-253
Hemp Construction Workshop
This workshop will demonstrate the mixing and use of industrial hemp/lime as a viable building material. An overview of the first WNC house to be built with this product will be provided by PowerPoint. Class will be targeted to architects, designers, developers, contractors, sub-contractors, engineers, building owners, code inspectors, fire marshals, facility managers, realtors, green builders and all who want to learn more about alternative building materials. Continuing education credit for this program has been approved by the N.C. Board of Architecture. Cost includes an insurance fee of $1.25. (3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $41.25- Sat, Feb 20, 9:00AM - 12:00PM
- Hemp Technologies LLC-48 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville Course #: SEF-7515-411
Pathways to Clean Energy Careers
Interested in a career that can improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save people money and pay you a living wage? This one-day workshop will combine field and classroom learning to examine the growing field of Clean Energy. Students will learn about jobs in renewable energy, like wind and solar, and energy efficiency and about how these jobs improve the health of the people and the planet. They will also learn about the skills, knowledge, and certifications that are needed to successfully pursue a Clean Energy career. Cost includes an insurance fee of $1.25. (6 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $56.25- Sat, Nov 21, 12:00PM - 6:00PM
- Burton Street Community Center Course #: SEF-7511-384
Pathways to Green Building Careers
The growing field of Green Building seeks to reduce the impact of the built environment on people and the planet through efficient use of materials, improved 'building performance' and other strategies. This one day workshop will combine field and classroom learning to introduce students to jobs in the Green Building industry and about how these jobs improve the health of people and the planet. They will also learn about the skills, knowledge and certifications that are needed to successfully pursue a Green Building career. Cost includes an insurance fee of $1.25. (6 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $56.25- Sat, Nov 21, 12:00PM - 6:00PM
- Burton Street Community Center Course #: SEF-7510-385
Permaculture Design, Introduction to -
Creating a Sustainable Human Ecosystem
Rainwater harvesting, vegetable gardens, orchards, herbs, fuel plants, compost, chickens - all these elements in your landscape can add up to a self-sufficient, community-building, affordable and beautiful way of life. How do you design your landscape to meet your sustainability goals while minimizing maintenance and water use? This class combines lecture and exercises to introduce the ethics and principles of Permaculture design and the concepts of site analysis, zones and functional analysis. Intended for landscape architects, developers and home owners, you will learn a conceptual framework for selecting and optimally placing elements in your design. Application to the NC Board of Landscape Architects has been made for 3 hours of Continuing Education credit. Pending approval in March 2010.(3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $20.00- Wed, Feb 24, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
- 228 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7526-407
Permaculture Plants,
Introduction to - Food, Medicine and Fuel
We know about planting annual vegetable gardens with tomatoes, peppers, basil and peas, but what about a garden that plants itself year after year? That's what happens when you have a "forest garden" based on perennials - trees, shrubs and herbs that are long-lived. Not only can these lesser known plants provide delicious food such as jujubes and maypops, they can also give us medicine, fuel, building materials and even a source of income. This fun, interactive course for landscape architects, home owners and sustainability advocates will introduce some new plant friends to create a landscape that promotes self-sufficiency. Application to the NC Board of Landscape Architects has been made for 3 hours of Continuing Education credit. Pending approval in March 2010.(3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $20.00- Wed, Mar 31, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
- 215 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7527-408
Small Wind Turbine Workshop
Want to know more about wind as an alternative energy option? The small wind turbine workshop will provide an historical look at wind turbines, provide an overview of modern turbines including both horizontal and vertical axis and discuss the features and benefits of each. The class will also cover renewable energy basics, off grid and grid tied energy system options, sitting considerations and financial considerations. (2 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $20.00- Sat, Mar 06, 10:00AM - 12:00PM
- 128 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7520-401
So You Want to Be an Energy Rater?
The building industry is turning 'green' and more and more builders are building to meet Energy Star and other green certification programs. These certification programs require a third party inspector who is certified as a Home Energy Star Rater. This course will help you avoid the mistakes that many individuals are making when trying to get into this business. The course will review education and skill requirements, upfront cost, and potential income. (3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $20.00- Sat, Nov 14, 9:00AM - 12:00PM
- 209 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7386-373
Solar Food Dehydrator Construction
Learn how to construct and use a solar food dehydrator! This simple technology will help extend your growing season and generate extra income. Participants will construct a complete food dehydrator and will leave with a set of plans to build their own. No carpentry experience needed. Cost includes an insurance fee of $1.25. (9 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $46.25- Sat, Feb 27 - Mar 13, 9:00AM - 12:00PM
- 113 Ramsey, Madison Site Course #: SEF-7518-404
Solar Food Dehydrator: How to Build and Use
Food dehydration has been used for centuries and is an affordable and easy way to preserve food and extend the bounty of the growing season. This class will cover the design, construction, and use of a solar food dehydrator. Participants will learn the basics of food drying and how to build their very own food dehydrator powered by the sun. (2 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $20.00- Thu, Feb 11, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
- 127 Ramsey, Madison Site Course #: SEF-7517-402
- Thu, Feb 18, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
- 127 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7517-403
Sustainability, Introduction
Develop your eco-literacy! This class is an overview of current trends in the sustainability movement with an emphasis on practical, home-scale solutions. Topics covered will include renewable energy, sustainable building, food systems, economics, Third World development, social justice and more. Gain the knowledge and skills to reduce your own eco footprint and make positive changes for the world. (18 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $60.00- Thu, Mar 18 - Apr 22, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
- 127 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7519-405
Weatherization Services in the Southeast, Basic
This class is an introduction to the whole-house approach to weatherization. It will focus on the house as a system of air movement. Concentration areas will include: air infiltration - what's good and what is not; the building envelope - how well is the house insulated; energy savings - where are the most energy-saving measures; and health and safety - how healthy is the air inside the home and what can be done to improve it? The class will consist of classroom and onsite, hands-on training. Some personal protective equipment will be required. Do not purchase before first class meeting. Cost includes an insurance fee of $1.25. (20 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $76.25- Sat, Jan 23 - Feb 13, 10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Community Action Opportunities Course #: SEF-7508-409