Chicago Center for Green Technology Schedule & Registration

Department of Energy - The Lastest and Greatest (Tuesday, May 21, 2013)

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: BS, UE, ES

SPEAKER: Bob Chomko, Building Science Institute, Inc.

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

The U.S. Department of Energy is turning their attention toward adoption and enforcement of energy codes requiring significant increases in education and addressing "low hanging fruit" energy efficiency measures in commercial buildings. In order to accomplish these goals, an increasingly essential infrastructure of professionals with broad building science knowledge must be created. Join Bob Chomko as he delves into these topics and what can be expected.

Light Control and LEED (Tuesday, May 28, 2013)

Tue, 28 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, BS, ES

SPEAKER: Cameron Albin, Lutron

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

CREDIT: AIA/CES (credit offered through presenter)

Audience: Professional

Lighting technology and the use of different types of bulbs can contribute to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating substantially. In this seminar we will: review the credit categories for a better understanding; compare the previous version of LEED (2.2) with the most recent LEED 3.0 to identify the key changes that affect the design and construction, or major renovation, of commercial buildings; using LEED, we will understand how light controls and their manufacturer can effectively contribute to LEED certification in new construction and major renovation projects; and we will look at a case study showing how the Plaza at PPL Center used lighting controls to meet their certification.

Sensible Approaches to Sustainable Design & Contracting (Thursday, May 30, 2013)

Thu, 30 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, BS, ES, CS, LIL

SPEAKER: Richard Mazzuca, Eco Design & Development Group, LLC and General Contractors Dave Hempfling and Sean Colon

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

CREDIT: AIA/CES

Audience: Professional

The number of sustainably designed homes in the United States is statistically insignificant as compared to the volume of existing dwellings. However, successful measures to rehabilitate existing housing, thereby increasing value, can be achieved by understanding the economics and principles of embodied energy, adaptive reuse and resourceful new features. This seminar provides historical context and future needs for applying sustainable building practices. The focus is a narrative and discussion of efficient and sensible design and contracting. This class offers essential ideas for the general public as well as for home and condo owners, architects, interior designers, building managers and realtors to increase the value of their properties.

Backyard Chickens (Saturday, June 01, 2013)

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: UE, CS, LIL

SPEAKER: Kristen DeLap, Experienced Raiser of Backyard Chickens

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

Raising chickens in the city is a hot topic! They provide fresh eggs daily, fertilizer, and plenty of entertainment in watching them run around. If you've considered raising them, you likely have a lot of questions: How do you get started? What do chickens need and where can you find it? Are they noisy? What do you do with them during a Chicago winter? Kristen has had a micro-flock of chickens in the city for the past 5 years and can answer your questions!

Ecology of Design Part I: Concept (Tuesday, June 04, 2013)

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, BS, UE, ES, CS, LIL, GB

SPEAKER: Michael Iversen, University of Illinois at Chicago

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

CREDIT: AIA (LU/HSW)

Audience: General

This seminar is required for people seeking a Green Tech U certificate.

Part I of a two-part series, is based on the conceptualization of urbanized areas as complex dynamical ecosystems, which are being stressed from the convergence of urbanization, fossil-fuel energy depletion, and climate change. Using an ecosystem-based approach, design is re-interpreted as the intentional shaping of energy, material, information and monetary flows that act as inputs and outputs of an urbanized ecosystem. The inventory and analysis of these system flows may then serve as the basis for informed design decisions and policymaking.

Gearing Up for Electric Vehicles: An Economic and Planning Study (Thursday, June 06, 2013)

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: UE, ES

SPEAKER: Grace Rink, Quercus Consulting; Chris Brewer, AECOM

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: Professional

Are electric vehicles the next big thing, or are slow sales and “low” gas prices signs of market weakness. Popular wisdom doesn't appear to be either when it comes to EVs, so how are states and cities to plan ahead? Join Quercus Consulting and AECOM for a discussion of their planning study for Clean Fuels Ohio which examined the market for personal electric vehicles and vehicle fleets, the code and permit issues that may enable or impede wide-spread installation of the new technology, and a methodology for siting fueling stations strategically. The presenters are also working on having a Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt on site after the presentation for test drives; we’ll update this post when they are confirmed (local dealers will manage the test drives).

Pathway to Sustainability (Saturday, June 08, 2013)

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, BS, ES, LIL
SPEAKER: Timothy Heppner, Ecotelligent Design

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

CREDIT: AIA/CES

Audience: General

This seminar will provide simple guidelines that can move your residence closer towards sustainability. It will discuss embodied energy, water management, heat flow, moisture control, energy efficiency, composting and victory gardens.

Energy Efficiency for Nonprofit Organizations (Tuesday, June 11, 2013)

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: ES, GB
SPEAKER: Sarah Moloney, IFF & Dara Reiff, CNT Energy

Fee: FREE

Audience: Professional

For nonprofit organizations, "going green" makes sense. Energy efficiency and sustainability align closely with nonprofit missions and can help organizations realize susbstantial cost savings on their utilities bills - money that can be invested back into programming. In this session, experts from IFF and CNT Energy will present resources and best practices for nonprofits that are interested in becoming more energy efficient. This seminar will be ideal for nonprofit professionals and board members.

Micro-Farming in The Big City (Saturday, June 15, 2013)

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, UE,LIL
SPEAKER: Todd Jones, Every Last Morsel

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

You don't need a lot of space to grow a lot of food. Todd Jones of Every Last Morsel speaks from his experience and through examples of garden spaces throughout Chicago. By taking advantage of vertical space, season extension, and intensive practices you can grow more than enough for you and your family

-- you might even be inclined to share!

Chicago Sustainable Backyards Program (Tuesday, June 18, 2013)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, UE, CS, LIL

SPEAKER: Sarita Upadhyay, Center for Neighborhood Technology

Fee: FREE

Audience: General

Learn how to make your back, front or side yard more environmentally sustainable! This workshop will cover the basics of installing a rain barrel, setting up a compost bin, planting a tree and more. Spring is a great time to plant a native garden and trees in your yard! You will also learn about the City's rebate program and how Chicago residents can receive up to 50% off of their next tree, native plant, rain barrel or compost bin purchase.

Stewardship Activity in Chicago Wilderness (Thursday, June 20, 2013)

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, UE, CS

SPEAKER: Lynne Westphal, US Forest Service

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

The Chicago Wilderness wide Stewardship Mapping and Assessment Project (STEW-MAP) replicates a successful project in New York City (developed by the US Forest Service and Columbia University). STEW-MAP has also been conducted in Baltimore and Seattle. We will look at Chicago Wilderness’s STEW-MAP data and also see our region in the context of stewardship in other cities. The ongoing goals of Chicago STEW-MAP are to: • create an online map of stewardship groups’ self-described geographic territories; • develop an updatable online database of stewardship groups in the region; • analyze the network connections among stewardship groups; • help us all better understand the groups that are doing stewardship work across our region. STEW-MAP is important because it highlights existing stewardship gaps and overlaps in order to strengthen organizational capacities, enhance citizen monitoring, promote broader public engagement with on-the-ground environmental work, and build effective partnerships between stakeholders involved in urban sustainability.

Corporate Sustainability Strategies (Saturday, June 22, 2013)

Sat, 22 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: GB

SPEAKER: Dr. Aarti Sharma, Sustainable Value Alliance LLC

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: Professional

In this seminar, Dr. Aarti Sharma highlights how corporations in different parts of the world are integrating principles of environmental conservation, social equity and economic development in their business model to grow their market and gain competitive advantage in the industry.

Green Building, Smart Building: Leveraging Green Building as an Asset for Your Company (Tuesday, June 25, 2013)

Tue, 25 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, BS, GB

SPEAKER: Lisa Elkins, 2 Point Perspective

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

With tens of thousands of businesses operating in Chicago, keeping Chicagoans informed about their green building options is critical. Join LEED accredited architect Lisa Elkins of 2 Point Perspective as she uses a variety of entertaining case studies to showcase how businesses have used different approaches to make green architecture a powerful asset for their company. The lecture will cover a variety of options for greening existing spaces and buildings as well as new spaces and buildings! The basics of LEED for New Construction and LEED for Existing Buildings will be covered in the process.
Business owners who are interested in making the leap into green as well as anyone looking to learn more about eco-friendly commercial architecture will enjoy this presentation.

Take the Green Office Challenge! (Thursday, June 27, 2013)

Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: UE, GB

SPEAKER: Vanessa Roanhorse, Delta Institute

Fee: FREE

Audience: General

The Chicago Green Office Challenge is a City of Chicago initiative launched in 2008 to encourage friendly competition amongst commercial offices and buildings to make Chicago more livable, sustainable and prosperous by reducing energy, water and waste consumption. The Green Office Challenge is free to play and open to the entire City of Chicago to engage colleagues, earn points, have fun and receive public recognition for your work! Join Vanessa Roanhorse to learn what’s involved and how you can get your business signed up.

De-clutter & Redesign (Saturday, June 29, 2013)

Sat, 29 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: LIL
SPEAKER: Andrea Vollf, VK Sustainable Concepts

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

De-clutter and redesign is all about finding a new home or a new purpose to all the extras we have in our home and or business. Learn from registered interior designer and LEED accredited professional Andrea Vollf how to create new pieces from used items as well as when to up cycle the extra goodies and when to donate then and where to go for help.

Radiant Cooling for Commercial Projects (Tuesday, July 02, 2013)

Tue, 02 Jul 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: BS, ES

SPEAKER: James Prisby, Uponor

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

CREDIT: AIA/CES

Audience: Professional

Is radiant cooling appropriate or applicable for your commercial building? Join Jim Prisby of Uponor as he covers the fundamentals of radiant cooling, the key issues that are faced when proposing a radiant solution and the types of projects that are best suited for the system. Using a sample project, Jim will walk you through the design process.

Accelerating Sustainability in Chicago's 77 Community Areas (Tuesday, July 09, 2013)

Tue, 09 Jul 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, UE, CS, LIL

SPEAKER: Seva Gandhi & Nina Winn, Institute of Cultural Affairs / Accelerate77

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

This seminar will look into Accelerate 77 and how it has engaged over 250 students and over 250 community organizations throughout the Chicagoland area. Learn more about the inception of the project, what it is currently happening with it, where it's going, and how you can take part!

Previewing the GreenBuilt Home Tour (Thursday, July 11, 2013)

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, BS, ES, LIL

SPEAKER: Jason La Fleur, Alliance for Environmental Sustainability

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

The Chicago Tribune, U.S. Green Building Council-Illinois Chapter, and Passive House Alliance of Chicago, are planning a “GreenBuilt Home Tour”, an open house to be held this July to showcase sustainable, healthy homes. Come get a sneak peek at several of the homes that will be featured on the tour and learn how green is being done affordably throughout the Chicago area. This session will have mini-presentations on four of the projects that will be participating in the tour.

Touring the Green Exchange (Saturday, July 13, 2013)

Sat, 13 Jul 2013 14:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, BS, GB

SPEAKER: Lisa Elkins, 2 Point Perspective

Fee: FREE

CREDIT: AIA (LU/HSW)

Audience: General

Join LEED accredited architect Lisa Elkins on a tour of the recently launched Green Exchange; the new hub of the green community. The tour will include the common areas as well as GreenChoice Bank, the GreenHouse Loft event space, and the offices of 2 Point Perspective. The history of the building and its redevelopment will be discussed as well as the multitude of eco-friendly and LEED features that abound in the building.

Energy codes (IECC) High Performance Building and Energy Codes (Tuesday, July 16, 2013)

Tue, 16 Jul 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: BS, ES

SPEAKER: Bob Chomko, Building Science Institute, Inc.

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

CREDIT: AIA/CES (credit offered through presenter)

Audience: Professional

Join Bob Chomko of Building Science Institute for a brief background of current energy code development. He will provide highlights of the road map used by officials for achieving the goal of of new buildings constructed to net zero energy standards, as well as aspects of the 2030 Challenge. Bob will discuss the building envelope and mechanical systems used today to achieve net zero construction.

Leave No Child Inside: How Hammerschmidt Elementary Transformed into a Green Oasis for Learning & Health (Thursday, July 18, 2013)

Thu, 18 Jul 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, UE, GB

SPEAKER: Andi Cooper, WRD Environmental

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

Learn how the “WHS Learn + Play Gardens Initiative” is striving to transform an ordinary schoolyard in Lombard, IL into a dynamic center for learning, health and fitness, conservation and community. Outcomes include understanding why a rich outdoor school environment is critical for today’s children; learning about a regional example and how project momentum was built; learn about elements and programs that make a sustainable school outdoor environment.

From Debris to Elegance; A Metamorphosis of Timber Frame Construction (Saturday, July 20, 2013)

Sat, 20 Jul 2013 14:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: BS, LIL

SPEAKER:Thomas Napier, Building Material Reuse Association and Tom Holmes, Glenville Timberwrights, Baraboo WI

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

CREDIT: AIA/CES

Audience: General

The seminar will describe building deconstruction and material reuse as a more sustainable alternative to wrecking and landfill disposal. Environmental and economic benefits associated with reducing waste and conserving resources will be shown. To illustrate, examples of buildings constructed with timbers recovered from the demolition of Chicago buildings will be shown. Discussions will include the original use of timber in building construction and recovery during demolition. Emphasis will be given to the characteristics and appeal of old growth timber for new buildings, and new life for these recovered materials in beautiful timber frame buildings.

Solar 101 - Exploring Technologies for Your Home (Tuesday, July 23, 2013)

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: BS, UE, ES

SPEAKER: Lisa Albrecht, Illinois Solar Energy Association

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

Why rent your energy when you can own it? Solar is simple, reliable, affordable and available immediately! Join us and explore solar thermal and solar electric technology for both residential and commercial applications.

Green Roofs for Homeowners (Thursday, July 25, 2013)

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, BS, CS, LIL

SPEAKER: Julie Krzeminski, Etera Green Roof Plants

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

Join Julie Krzeminski of Etera Green Roof Plants for a how-to look at what it takes for a homeowner to put a green roof on a typical residence or garage. We will look at roof preparation, structural concerns, soil needs, plant choices, and long term maintenance.

Green Choices in Textiles (Saturday, July 27, 2013)

Sat, 27 Jul 2013 14:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: LIL

SPEAKER: Madhoolica Dear, Inner Spaces

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

Our clothing, furniture, drapes, carpeting, vehicle interiors and so many other everyday items are covered in fabric and textiles. Unfortunately, the textile manufacturing process is extremely resource demanding. In addition to thousands of gallons of water to one article of clothing, there are many toxic materials and processes involved in fabric and textile production, leaving you at possible risk to over-exposure. Though the commercial interior industry has made many changes, it is important to know the best choices we can make in our daily lives.

(Re)Connecting with Nature: Exploring Biomimicry in Your Own Backyard (Tuesday, July 30, 2013)

Tue, 30 Jul 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, BS, UE, CS

SPEAKER: Amy Coffman Phillips, Biomimicry Chicago

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

Biomimicry is the art and science of learning from nature to inspire the design of human forms, processes, and systems. This practice starts by (re)connecting with natural organisms in order to understand what makes them well-adapted to their place, and then translating this information into the language of design and business. In this seminar, we will learn how to explore possibilities by getting outside, making observations, and brainstorming new innovations!

Placemaking: Reimagining the Urban Environment (Thursday, August 01, 2013)

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, UE, GB

SPEAKER: Brian Bonanno & Colleen O'Toole, Andersonville Development Corporation and Eco-Andersonville

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: Professional

Join the Andersonville Development Corporation (ADC) as they share creative and simple techniques to make your community more inviting and more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. ADC will discuss their experiences with the City's Make Way for People Program and the details of installing People Spots, Pedestrian Plazas, and Bike Corrals throughout the Andersonville neighborhood.

Why Your Soil Needs Compost (Saturday, August 03, 2013)

Sat, 03 Aug 2013 14:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: CS, LIL
SPEAKER: Susan Kauffman, Soil Samples Plus

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

We all know compost is good for soil, but why? Here's a look at the inner workings of compost and its relationship to good urban gardening. The seminar is designed for non-scientists, but the more technically-minded are also welcome.

Climate Change: Understanding the Causes and Cures (Tuesday, August 06, 2013)

Tue, 06 Aug 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: SS, BS, UE, ES, CS, LIL, GB

SPEAKER: Richard Treptow, Chicago State University

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: General

Scientists report that the earth's average temperature has increased significantly over the past one hundred years. Polar ice caps are melting, glaciers are receding, and sea levels are rising, providing further evidence that climate change is real. We are already seeing record high temperatures and extreme droughts, floods and storms. If left unchecked these changes will affect human health, the growing seasons, agricultural production, and more. Learn how greenhouse gases in the atmosphere cause climate change and the steps we must take to build sustainable solutions..

Reworking Office Furniture (Thursday, August 08, 2013)

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GTU Certificate Tracks: LIL, GB

SPEAKER: Angela Ford, TAG

Fee: $10 Online; $12 Door

Audience: Professional

Office furniture is expensive both to purchase and to throw away. Why not save money on both sides? Commercial Office spaces, big and small, can re-purpose their furniture, fixtures and equipment. This will not only divert furniture from landfills, but possibly provide tax breaks as well. Angela Ford of TAG provides resources and ideas on where you can take your old office furniture and electronics, as well as ideas for how they can be re-purposed and reused.