ATLANTA - While motivations differ for pursuing green building design, the fundamental principles remain the same. These include incorporation of a whole-building approach to environmental improvement; decision-making based on life-cycle assessment; greater balance between quality, budget, and schedule; and a positive collaboration between professionals.

"For design and construction professionals, I believe many see green projects as an opportunity to pursue excellence, challenge themselves, and stay at the forefront of their professions," said Joy Altwies, P.E., University of Wisconsin-Madison. "For owners and project managers, I think many see that adopting green practices into their projects has been an effective method to ensure higher quality results, attract the most engaged and forward-thinking professionals, while at the same time helping to drive the market toward continuous improvement in creating efficient and healthy buildings."

Altwies will present the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE's) "Introduction to Green Buildings and Sustainable Construction" from 1-4 p.m. EDT, Sept. 13. It is one of six seminars being held this fall by the ASHRAE Learning Institute.

The seminar presents the basic principles related to sustainable construction and green buildings, including a review of the integrated approach needed to achieve green/sustainable buildings, developments, and projects.

Other seminars are:

  • "Complying with ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 HVAC/Mechanical," 1-4 p.m. EDT, Sept. 20, instructor McHenry "Mack" Wallace Jr.

  • "Leadership Skills for Engineering Leaders-Situational Leadership®," 1-4 p.m. EDT, Sept. 27, instructor Barry Benator, P.E., Benatech. The cost of this seminar is $225 ($158, ASHRAE members) prior to Aug. 1. After Aug. 1, the cost is $250 ($175, ASHRAE members).

  • "Designing Residential Ventilation Systems to Meet ASHRAE Standard 62.2," 1-4 p.m. EDT, Oct. 4, instructor Don Stevens, P.E., Stevens and Associates.

  • "Complying with Requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004," 1-4 p.m. EDT, Oct. 11, instructor Hoy Bohanon, P.E., Bohanon Engineering.

  • "Understanding and Designing Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems," 1-4 p.m. EDT, Oct. 18, instructor Stanley Mumma, Ph.D., P.E., Pennsylvania State University.

    The cost of the other courses is $203 ($135, ASHRAE members) prior to Aug. 1. After Aug. 1, the fees are $225 ($150, ASHRAE members). To register, visit www.ashrae.org/onlinepds or call ASHRAE's Customer Service Department at 800-527-4723 or 404-636-8400 (worldwide), fax 404-321-5478, or mail at 1791 Tullie Circle NE, Atlanta, GA 30329.

    Publication date: 07/17/2006