East

Introduction to Geothermal Systems and Design Overview

What: Two-day geothermal overview for building professionals who specify geothermal heating and cooling systems for residential and commercial projects

Sponsored by: HeatSpring Energy

Where & When: Boston, MA, Jan. 16-17 

Cost: $900

http://www.heatspring.com/overview.html

Solutions for Success: New York’s Energy Star for Homes 2008 Conference

What: Two-day workshop and trade show for building professionals who work with new and existing homes in the New York region

Presented by: Affordable Comfort Inc.; New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

Where & When: Saratoga Springs, NY, Feb. 6-7 

Cost: $325 for two-day conference; single day, group discount available

http://www.affordablecomfort.org/event/solutions_for_success_new_york_2008

BuildingEnergy ’08 Conference and Trade Show

What: Three-day conference and trade show including nuts-and-bolts workshops and educational sessions focused on sustainable building and renewable energy in the Northeast.

Presented by: Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)

Where & When: Boston, March 11-13

Cost: $560 full conference; discounts for registration by Feb. 11, members, students; single day, trade show only tickets available.

http://buildingenergy.nesea.org

West

2008 RESNET Building Performance Conference

What: National forum on home energy ratings, residential energy efficiency and building performance business development; this year’s theme is “A Changing Climate—An Emerging Opportunity”

Presented by: Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)

Where & When: San Diego, Feb. 18-20

Cost: $500; discount for members, early registration (by Jan. 18)

http://www.resnet.us/conference

Central

NAHB Green Building for Building Professionals

What: Two-day course that looks at strategies for incorporating green building principles into homes without driving up construction costs; attendees learn how green homes provide buyers with lower maintenance, better indoor air quality and better long-term value

Presented by: National Association of Homebuilders

Where & When: Kalamazoo, MI, Jan. 8-9 

Cost: $330; $430 non-members 

http://www.nahb.org/meeting_details.aspx?meetingID=14526&sectionID=116

Great Lakes Green – Residential Building Conference and Expo

What: Two days filled with educational sessions and an exhibit hall focused on green 

Partnered with: The Michigan Association of Home Builders and Green Built Michigan

Where & When: The DeVos Place, August 21 – 23, 2008

Cost: $65 full event price; $15 keynote luncheon; $10 homeowner day (exhibit floor only); $15 homeowner day full event

http://www.greatlakesgreen2008.com

South

LEED for Homes Technical Review

What: Full-day training session for builders, designers, providers, raters, and consultants on key concepts needed for successful participation in the LEED for Homes initiative; includes information on products and construction practices, certification and verification, marketing and sales, and program administration

Presented by: U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and James River Green Building Council

Where & When: Charlottesville, VA, Jan. 18

Cost: $325; discounts for USGBC members, early registration

http://www.usgbc.org/Workshops/Workshoplist.aspx?CMSPageID=289

NAHB Green Building for Building Professionals

What: Two-day course that looks at strategies for incorporating green building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction; attendees learn how green homes provide buyers with lower maintenance, better indoor air quality and better long-term value 

Presented by: National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)

Where & When: Austin, TX, Jan. 29-30; Orlando, FL, Feb. 9-10 

Cost: $365 members (TX) $395 (FL); $415 non-members (TX), $445 (FL) 

http://www.nahb.org/meeting_details.aspx?meetingID=14721&sectionID=116

Gulf Coast Green

What: Two-day symposium focused on “Innovations in Building for Hot and Humid Climates” targeted to design and construction professionals; followed by a two-day Consumer Expo 

Presented by: Houston chapter of the American Institute of Architects’ Committee on the Environment, in partnership with the Greater Houston Area chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, the Houston chapter of ASHRAE and the Houston District Council of the Urban Land Institute

Where & When: Houston, TX, April 3-4 (professionals’ symposium) and April 5-6 (consumer expo)

Cost: Symposium, N/A; consumer expo is free

www.gulfcoastgreen.org

National Green Building Conference

What: Three-day exhibition and conference with sessions on building science, design, sales, community standards and living green, targeted at residential builders and remodelers, architects, developers, energy raters and others 

Presented by: National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)

Where & When: New Orleans, May 11-13

Cost: $550 until April 4; discounts for NAHB members, students

http://www.nahb.org/conference_details.aspx?conferenceID=59

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

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8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.

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Affordable IR Camera

This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.

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Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.

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