Global Institute for Sustainability Technologies
ABCs of Action: Agriculture, Buildings and Cars 
What are some of the affordable actions that families and communities can take to benefit themselves locally? Food production, the water crisis, environmental protection, energy efficiency, green building, and transportation may seem 'too big' yet the answers are here. But you need to ask the right questions. Where does your food come from and why does it matter? Why are your utility bills so high? What does community planning have to do with your car? Join Ned Ryan Doyle for a look at practical, proven, affordable answers that offer long term returns, from food to renewable technologies to alternative transportation. (3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $20.00- Tue, Oct 27, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
- 209 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7509-374
Basic Weatherization Services in the Southeast
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, Oct 24 - Nov 14, 10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Community Action Opportunities Course #: SEF-7508-400
Electrical: Solar PV and 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 has been approved 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, Oct 21, 6:00PM - 10:00PM
- 128 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: ELC-7392-245
Energy: Reality 101
A lively introduction to the interrelationships of energy, environment and economics and how the current problems point directly to the solutions all around us. Ned Ryan Doyle, SEE Expo Coordinator and host of 'Our Southern Community' public affairs radio program on WNCW 88.7 offers an upbeat, informative road map for sustainable transitions based on regional and community efforts with existing technology. (3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $20.00- Thu, Oct 15, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
- 128 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7395-375
Free Water!
This hands-on class will teach a variety of ways to save and preserve your valuable flower gardens, vegetable gardens and landscaping by using free water. These low-tech solutions to drought offer simple but effective conservation measures including infiltration basins, berms, swales and check dams as well as learn how to make simple tools that are helpful to use. Bring shovels and rakes and plan to wear comfortable clothing. Cost includes an insurance fee of $1.25. (12 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $46.25- Sat, Sep 26 - Oct 03, 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- 116 Ramsey, Madison Site Course #: SEF-7501-381
G.I.S.T. Professional Development Workshop
The A-B Tech Global Center for Sustainability Technologies presents a one day work shop for professional development regarding design and construction for incorporating intelligent renewable environment. The seminar is designed for architects, engineers, builders, designers and others in the construction industry and is open to the public. Continuing education credit for this program has been approved by the N.C. Board of Architecture. The registration fee includes lunch. (6 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $125.00- Mon, Oct 05, 8:30AM - 3:30PM
- 200 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7393-387
Getting and Keeping Free Water
Nearly a million gallons of rainwater PER ACRE fell in WNC in the drought of 2008, showing that we are not using our rainwater effectively. Small-scale earthworks are simple cost-effective methods to improve infiltration, or rain can be captured from surfaces to store in tanks. This survey of mid-tech solutions can be implemented by existing entrepreneurs or those interested in learning more about green landscaping techniques. The course will cover Aeration/Vegetation, French Drains, Graywater Systems, Gutters, Irrigation Systems, Permeable Pavers, Preformed Tanks, Constructed Tanks, and Low Terraces. Guest speakers will provide more in depth and career related information. (20 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $60.00- Mon/Wed, Oct 12 - Nov 11, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
- 208A Elm, Asheville Campus Course #: SEF-7514-382
Green Collar Jobs
This course is a basic overview of the potential jobs that are emerging in the 'green' industry. Alternative energy, alternative fuels, organic food and clothing, green building, recycling and waste management are just a few of the areas that are growing at a rapid pace. The course will examine some of the skills and education that are needed to move you into the 'green' business world. (3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $20.00- Sat, Oct 17, 9:00AM - 12:00PM
- 128 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7385-372
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, Oct 10, 9:00AM - 12:00PM
- 209 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7515-390
Internet Marketing for Green Businesses - Essentials
This class will demystify the essentials of internet marketing for green businesses and non-profits with practical, plain English materials and demonstrations. Learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click advertising (PPC), Blogging, and Social Media Marketing. The class will focus on tasks you can do yourself, and will clarify situations for which you might need professional assistance. (3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $25.00- Fri, Sep 25, 9:00AM - 12:00PM
- 340 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7506-376
- Mon, Oct 19, 9:30AM - 12:30PM
- 118 Ramsey, Madison Site Course #: SEF-7506-378
Internet Marketing for Green Businesses - Advanced
This hands-on computer lab class will cover Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click advertising (PPC), Blogging, and Social Media Marketing in depth, with exercises and practice on a real site. The class is designed for businesses who want to manage their sites and online marketing in-house to the greatest extent possible. (3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $25.00- Fri, Sep 25, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
- 340 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7507-377
- Mon, Oct 19, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
- 118 Ramsey, Madison Site Course #: SEF-7507-379
Job Skills for the Green Economy
This is a hands on class that will delve into the concepts of building science and how they can be applied to existing homes and light commercial structures. Topics will include energy flow, infiltration, duct leakage, indoor air quality, moisture control and mechanical systems. Cost includes an insurance fee of $1.25. (15 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $61.25- Wed, Oct 07 - Nov 11, 6:00PM - 8:30PM
- 127 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7502-371
NABCEP Entry Level PV Certification
The Photovoltaic (PV) Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge is a voluntary professional credential developed by The North American Board for Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP.) This week-long workshop provides a means for students to develop an understanding of the key terms and concepts of solar electric system operations. The learning objectives cover 10 skill sets including PV markets and applications; electricity and solar energy fundamentals; PV system sizing; electrical and mechanical design; performance analysis and troubleshooting. The NABCEP entry level exam will be administered on the final day of class. Students successfully completing the course will have earned a nationally recognized certification demonstrating the knowledge needed for an entry level position with a PV system dealer or installer. (30 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $750.00- Mon - Fri, Oct 12 - Oct 16, 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- 2046 Small Business Center, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7516-388
Natural Bldg 101 - Complete Cob
Take sand, soil, and a bit of straw, mix it together with some water and what do you get? Cob! Learning the basic mixing technique for cob allows one to use this building material in a myriad of applications. Sculpt a bench, build a wall, construct an oven, create an entryway to a garden path or build a shed, a house...a village! Topics covered include the basics of cob mixing, site design, materials and application techniques including sculpture and finishing plaster. Bring your lunch, wear your creativity and work clothes and plan on getting muddy. Cost includes an insurance fee of $1.25. (24 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $76.25- Sat, Sep 19 - Oct 10, 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- 156 Dogwood, Asheville Campus Course #: SEF-7500-383
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
Small Business Tax Incentives in the Green Economy
Learn more about energy efficiency programs and rebates and how new tax credits can create significant savings for small business. This seminar will review how small businesses can take advantage of new tax credits. (3 hrs)
Total Registration Fee: $15.00- Thu, Oct 22, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
- 2046 Small Business Center, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7281-700
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 Electric Systems
As our society shifts towards clean and renewable energy sources, harnessing the sun's energy to produce electricity is increasingly promising. In addition to developments in photovoltaic technology, this course will explore system design and applications, the benefits of off-grid and grid-tied systems, net-metering and buy all/sell all agreements. (3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $20.00- Thu, Oct 29, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
- 103 Ramsey, Madison Site Course #: SEF-7390-369
Solar Hot Water and Space Heating Systems
Interested in going solar, but not sure where to start? Solar thermal systems offer the most cost-effective applications of active renewable energy technologies and are an increasingly important part of our clean energy future. This course will deliver an overview of system designs for providing hot water, as well as space heat, either through radiant floor and other hydronic heating systems or forced-air systems. (3 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $20.00- Tue, Oct 20, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
- 128 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7389-368
- Thu, Nov 05, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
- 103 Ramsey, Madison Site Course #: SEF-7389-370
Solar Thermal: Introduction to Solar Thermal Installation
This hands-on training class covers the basics of solar thermal installation. Topics covered include: building the frame, installing the solar collectors and installing the water heater in addition to the piping, pipe insulation and connecting system piping. Students will also assist in installing the mechanical/plumbing equipment and other components as well as in the installation of the electrical control systems. Cost includes an insurance fee of $1.25. (30 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: 376.25- Wed/Thu, Sep 09 - Oct 08, 5:30PM - 8:30PM
- 2046 Small Business Center & Incubator, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7512-391
WNCREI Presents: Solar Thermal/Solar Hot Water
The Western North Carolina Renewable Energy Initiative (WNCREI) is an Appalachian State University Energy Center project dedicated to helping create a sustainable energy future for our region. Join WNCREI's Outreach and Training Coordinator, Quint David, for a two-day workshop in which participants will learn to design and construct solar water heating systems for domestic hot water needs. Topics include: solar site analysis; system design and components, system sizing; water heater and storage tank integration; mechanical equipment; electrical control system components and more. (12 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $300.00- Sat/Sun, Sep 19 - Sep 20, 9:00AM - 4:00PM
- 2046 Small Business Center, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7504-389
What is Green?
This workshop examines the Green movement and the principles of sustainable living. Information about energy savings, green building, green products and green marketing will be reviewed. Learn about green living options that reduce cost, increase personal and family health, and reduce environmental impacts at work and home. (8 hrs) No fee exemption
Total Registration Fee: $45.00- Sat, Oct 03, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- 209 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7505-386
What's the Business Value of Green?
"Green" creates sustainable business advantage when it goes beyond being a label to delivering a better result in the way we live, work and do business. This one evening seminar teaches entrepreneurs and existing businesses how to discover sustainable green business advantages that can increase their revenues and profits. The seminar will provide tools that can be used by anyone to guide this "green business value" discovery process. (4 hrs)
Total Registration Fee: $60.00- Thu, Oct 08, 6:00PM - 10:00PM
- 209 Haynes, Enka Site Course #: SEF-7851-700