Harrisonburg Downtown Office – Updated
The downtown Harrisonburg office building renovation is changing daily. Here is an update for the project that started here and here.
The downtown Harrisonburg office building renovation is changing daily. Here is an update for the project that started here and here.
Cohousing is a type of development where residents collaborate together on the design of their own neighborhood. The residents create the spaces that work best for the group.
Cohousing residents are committed to living as a community together. The physical design of the homes encourages both social contact and individual space.The homes in this type of development are traditional in features, but typically are smaller as the shared space/ community house offers needed expansion opportunities for those rare occasions it is needed for individual families. The exterior spaces of the community are frequently shared by the entire neighborhood, from playgrounds, courtyards, picnic areas to parking. For more information check out this website.
Here is another project we have under construction. It is designed for the future, can be taken off grid, is accessible, and can support a self sufficient lifestyle. Let us know what you think.
Life Cycle Analysis is a system of reviewing the entire history of a product to account for the total impact on the environment. Also known as cradle-to-grave analysis, the process includes analysis of processing of raw materials, manufacturing process, and distribution process to bring a product to market. I also should include an account of the disposal of the product.
This analysis is especially important when selecting building materials for a sustainable structure. The embedded energy it takes to build a new building is incredibly high. A true green building design will look at ways to create a structure that will last 100+ years to offset the embedded energy it takes to create the structure. For instance, using a window that is made locally and is highly durable is much better for the environment than a window that is less money up front, but will begin to fail after only a few years and need to be replaced within 15.
This event has been postponed.
We have been working with a great group of volunteers to bring this conference together. Website and registration should launch soon! Here are some details.
MID-ATLANTIC SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE
“building for the future”
JMU Festival Center
Harrisonburg, VA
The Mid-Atlantic Sustainability Conference brings together thoughtful leaders in the residential and commercial building industry. This inaugural event is designed for those interested in the green-building industry, including contractors, architects, designers, vendors, consultants, engineers, realtors, government agencies, and students. The primary focus of the event is to educate the local and regional building industry on quality green-building practices, products, and projects to inspire attendees to build for the future. The event, co-sponsored by James Madison University office on sustainability, Central Virginia Construction Specifications Institute, and the Shenandoah Valley Builders Association, is a three day conference covering topics including:
Alternative Energy (solar, wind, energy management)
Energy Efficiency (sensors and measurements, energy saving controls, conservation, building science, energy code, energy modeling)
Building Science (moisture management, bulk water management, insulation, alternative building systems, indoor air quality)
HVAC (advanced HVAC systems)
Sustainable Sites (low impact development, sustainable lighting, resilient design)
Legal (Risk Aversion)
Real Estate (MLS green options, HERS)
This conference is approved to offer AIA LU’s for each session. Participants can earn a maximum of 16 units by attending the full conference.
Confirmed Speakers
Allison Bailes, Energy Vanguard
Sam Rashkin, Chief Architect, Department of Energy
Peter Yost, Technical Director, GreenBuildingAdvisor.com
Eddie Bumbaugh, Executive Director, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance
Milt Matter, Ivy Tools
Jon Miles, Ph.D., James Madison University, Director, Virginia Center for Wind Energy
Galen Staengl, P.E., Staengl Engineering
Cynthia Adams, Executive Director, LEAP
Venue
The Mid-Atlantic Sustainability Conference will be held at the JMU Festival Conference and
Student Center, Harrisonburg, VA.
1301 Carrier Drive
Festival Conference & Student Center
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Va 22807
Parking
Parking is available at the JMU Convocation Center Lot R10. A JMU shuttle bus will run from this location to the festival center at 15 minute intervals during the conference. All other JMU parking spaces are reserved and parking in them will result in a fine.
Registration
Opening Soon
Early Bird Rate $225 (through June 30)
Regular Rate $275
Student Rate $50
NAHB Building Science Course (add $175)
Registration link: TBD
Sponsorship
Gold ($500) – company logo on website with live link, marketing material in attendee bag
Platinum ($1,000) – Gold level benefits + table top display space Sept 4-5 each morning at event.
Contact Information
Michelle Johnson
Shenandoah Valley Builders Association
michelle@valleybuilders.org
Thanks to the following for making this event possible:
James Madison University Office of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
James Madison University Outreach & Engagement
Shenandoah Valley Home Builders Association
SVBA Green Building Committee