Galveston Historical Foundation is organizing training programs on sustainable materials and building techniques during January and February, 2010. All class sessions are free and open to the public and will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the second-floor courtroom of GHF Headquarters at the 1861 U.S. Custom House. They will be geared towards homeowners and contractors working on historic home renovations as well as builders of new construction, but anyone interested is invited to attend. There will be time allotted for questions. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Matthew Pelz at matthew.pelz@galvestonhistory.org or at 409-765-7834.

GHF Green Training Programs, 2010

Jan. 7, Light Control and Sustainable Residential Design
Lutron (Misty Atkins)

Lutron is widely recognized as a world leader in the design and development of lighting controls and shading solutions for residential and commercial applications. Misty Atkins, a graduate of the Texas A&M College of Engineering with a degree in Industrial Distribution, will lead a session on Light Control and Sustainable Residential Design. Continuing Education Units offered include: AIA HSW/SD (1.0), ALA (1.0), CEDIA (0.5), IDCEC (0.1), and NKBA (0.1).

Jan. 14, Using Magnetite Storm Windows in Historic Homes
Beachside Window Insulation Company (Dennis H. Farrell)

Dennis H. Farrell of Beachside Window Insulation Company will discuss the Magnetite storm window product and its application in historic homes. The windows are designed to fit behind historic windows without affecting appearance or damaging materials. Dennis will bring samples of the work, demonstrate the ease of installation, and answer questions regarding its production.

Jan. 21, A Guide to Rainwater Harvesting Designs
Nature Healing Nature; Center for Rainwater Harvesting (Mark Illian, Monika Cikhart)

Mark Illian and Monika Cikhart are founders of the 501c3 nonprofit organization Nature Healing Nature. Though their work is often in developing countries, they provide rainwater and graywater harvesting design and installation assistance for western clients as well. This presentation will focus on pragmatic rainwater harvesting designs for both potable and non-potable use. It will be a "how to" presentation and include a brief discussion of the new national and local rainwater harvesting code requirements. They will also share a few picture of our water, sanitation, and hygiene work in developing countries. You might find some of these topics very helpful when dealing with the next hurricane.

Jan. 28, Using New Green Materials in Historic Houses
New Living (Mark McDavitt)

Mark McDavitt from New Living, a Houston company specializing in green building materials, will be on hand to discuss several products representing the state of the art in sustainability, with a focus on new tile and wood products.

Feb. 4, Solar Power and Solar Water Heating
Alternative Power Solutions (Ralph W. Parrott, Jr.)

Ralph brings over 16 years of construction management, mechanical systems design, and business development experience to APS. His has served as the North & South America Director of Business Development for TDW offshore services, and Director of Sales and marketing for various other oil and gas related products and services companies in the Houston market. He is currently a member of the Greater Houston Partnership Green Building Committee, and the USGBC Technical Committee. The Discussion and presentation will be on Solar Power, Solar Hot water Heating, Solar Pool Heating, and Wind power generation. Current legislation and, Federal tax credits and Utility incentives available. AIA (1.0)

Feb. 11, Treatments for Historic Windows
Huper Optik (Harry Rahman)

Harry Rahman will present information on the use of their window treatments on historic windows. They strive to retain historic character that will enhancing energy efficiency. Huper Optik is a member of the AIA, ASID, and USGBC. CEUs will be offered.

Feb. 18,Wind Energy in Galveston
Positive Energy Resources (Nan McReynolds)

Nan McReynolds will address wind energy basics, transferring wind to power, types of wind turbines, on-grid and off-grid applications, practical application of wind turbines in Texas and Galveston Island, environmental, safety and aviary issues, making wind work for you or your business, and net metering in Texas.

Feb. 25, LEED 09 Programs Overview
Sherwin-Williams (Brian Patton)

Brian Patton will present an introduction of USGBC LEED09 and other Green Building programs. The seminar will include information on the LEED 09 Programs for Paint & Coating Credits and third party certifiers such as GreenGuard and GreenSeal as well as a review of existing LEED programs and current SCAQMD & VOC regulations. AIA HSW/SD (1.0)