Demand for Green Homes Expands; CSU Meets the Challenge

More and more consumers are interested in “going green” in many aspects of their lives, including their homes. As a result, the building industry is experiencing a rapid increase in the demand for green homes. Green homes appear poised to move from a novelty of the housing market to a mainstream product.

The U.S. Green Building Council is piloting LEED for Homes, a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a green home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.

To aid the construction industry in learning about the many aspects of green building, Colorado State University has launched a new Green Homes Certificate Program to be offered in Denver. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of residential green building in Colorado including: site and home design, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, healthy building materials and products, rating systems: LEED for Homes, Built Green and ENERGY STAR.

According to Paul Kriescher, lead instructor and president of Lightly Treading Inc. of Denver, “This program will provide an excellent knowledge base for industry professionals interested in pursuing this booming area of construction. Although the residential construction industry in Colorado is somewhat stagnant, green home building is an expanding field with many opportunities.”

Kriescher’s company specializes in home-performance testing, and he has hands-on experience in greening his own home.

With natural gas and water prices on the rise, properly sized and highly efficient furnaces, air-conditioners and water heaters save consumers money every month. Many environmentally friendly materials and products are available to help create healthy and comfortable home environments.

Professor Brian Dunbar, director of Colorado State University’s Institute for Built Environment, has been teaching about green building and sustainability for the past 12 years. Dunbar emphasized that the new Green Homes program was created with a focus on remodeling and greening of existing homes, as well as new home design and construction.

Colorado State University’s Denver Center has been offering a Green Building Certificate Program that focuses on commercial construction for the past four years. According to Kate Pennella, director of Graduate and Professional Studies, “Our programs related to green building and sustainability fill to capacity way before the registration deadline. These programs are in such demand, I always encourage students to enroll early to reserve a space.”

For more information, visit www.csucertificates.com or call 303-376-2607.