Today, our guest is Brian Baker from the Lehigh Valley Green Builders. He is also a Co-Owner of two local, award-winning custom design-build firms, studio26 homes and Renu Building & Energy Solutions. Brian, thank you for joining us today. I understand you just returned from California after being a juror for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. Can you share with our audience a little bit about that unique experience?
Sure, the experience was fascinating and rewarding, especially seeing the impressive amount of commitment and innovation brought forth by everyone involved. The Solar Decathlon is an award-winning program that challenges university-teams from across the globe to compete in ten contests in designing, building, and operating solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. This year Team Austria crafted a truly amazing home and was crowned the 2013 Champion.
As President of the Lehigh Valley Green Builders, can you tell us about the organization?
The Lehigh Valley Green Builders (LVGB) is a 501(c)3, non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting Green Building and Renewable Energy throughout the building industry and the public in the Lehigh Valley Region. Our mission is to promote environmentally responsible design, planning, construction, and operation of the built environment through advocacy, education, outreach, and networking. We are a dynamic community of volunteers eager to educate the building industry as well as the public and ultimately, to improve the quality of life in our region. Our Board comprises LEED Accredited Professionals, Architects, Contractors, Academics, and Other Professionals - all of whom help set the direction for public education and outreach.
I understand your organization has a terrific networking and education event coming up. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Sure, the Lehigh Valley Green Builders is hosting a fantastic dual event. First, there will be a Model Green Home Tour followed by a presentation or two highlighting some of the most important steps – such as Insulating and Air Sealing – which we can take in making our homes more energy-efficient and more comfortable. Additionally, it will be great opportunity for members, as well as non-members, to mingle and network with similarly-minded folks. There will also be an opportunity to learn a little bit about some of the great ideas and features our Lehigh Valley Green Builders organization is in the process of launching for our valued membership as well as the general public.
So where will the exciting event be held?
The event will take place at HoudenHAL, which is a LEED Certified home built by Ruhmel Contracting. The model home displays a wide array of the environmentally-friendly, green and alternative energy products available on the market today; and also provides the opportunity to see, touch, hear, experiment, and experience dozens of innovative building features found in green building today. HoudenHAL is located at 9905 Old 22 (Exit 45 – I-78), Breinigsville, PA 18031.
And what is the day and time of the event?
This Lehigh Valley Green Builders networking event will be held on Thursday, November 14 beginning at 5:30pm. And the event is free for Lehigh Valley Green Builders members and only $7.00 for non-members. Attendance is limited, so please feel free to register right online by going to our website, lvgreenbuilders.org. We look forward to seeing everyone that is able to make it out to this informative event. (Original air date 11/05/13)
