For the last 10 years, Alicia Ravetto, Architect has conducted trainings in NC and the US on green building principles and the practice of environmentally sensitive architecture including the use of renewable energy, daylighting, passive solar, and indoor environmental quality.

Green Building Design and Construction for Homes

Presenters: Paul Konove, Carolina Country Builders of Chatham County and Alicia Ravetto

Barriers to implementation of Green Building methods include a lack of real world experience in design techniques, material choices, cost considerations, construction methods and performance results. Alicia and Paul have a depth of experience with these issues particular to the Triangle region and the capability to communicate clearly to the general public and professionals. Information will include existing dwellings and new residences.

Green Building Workshops Applying LEED® Rating System

Through a series of dynamic and informative sessions, participants learn about key design topics, including site, water, energy, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. Participants gain familiarity with the process of becoming LEED accredited as well as selecting and accomplishing a LEED rating for a building, or Energy Star.

Design Eco Charrettes

Workshops are organized around breakout groups to provide in-depth focus on specific issues, including site, energy, materials, indoor air quality and water. We strive to find an effective balance between practical and ultimate design solutions and work with the entire group to outline specific action steps and implications.

Designing Low-Energy Buildings with ENERGY-10 Workshops (in partnership with SBIC and/or NC Solar Center)

Developed by SBIC (Sustainable Buildings Industry Council) through the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, this pre-design tool helps you study the energy performance of smaller commercial, institutional or residential buildings. Two "LEED® friendly" reports help you define daylighting strategies and overall energy use. Architects, engineers, utility managers and code officials will find the training especially beneficial. The current Version 1.8 features NEW applications for photovoltaics and solar hot water.

High Performance School Buildings Workshops (in partnership with SBIC)

If you want to make a real difference in the quality and affordability of public education today, designing and constructing high-performance school buildings is the place to start. The Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) defines three key characteristics of a high-performance school building: "healthy and productive" for students, teachers, and staff; cost effective; and sustainable. In this practical, results-oriented workshop, expert instructors will show how the "whole building" approach to design will achieve these results.

Daylighting is the "intentional, controlled use of natural light to displace artificial illumination," it also increases productivity significantly. It seems almost unnecessary to explain that daylighting can be used to provide illumination and to reduce electric lighting loads. Yet, although many buildings admit daylighting to their interiors, surprisingly few actually use it for illumination. How buildings use energy and why is daylighting important to reduce heating and cooling loads is the goal of this workshop.

Daylighting workshops (Levels Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced)

Daylighting Controls Workshop (2 days)

Developed by The Lighting Research Lab at IRP, Troy, NY under the Daylight Dividends program The goal is to train a range of lighting decision makers to successfully. . .

• Design daylighting control systems for a variety of space types
• Specify and select daylighting control products that will meet the objectives of the design
• Commission the system so that it will operate effectively
• Operate the system

. . . so that it will effectively control electric lighting in response to available daylighting while maintaining the satisfaction of building occupants.