Sustainable Living Series
Join us once a month at the Northshire Bookstore Manchester Center, VT for our FREE "Sustainable Living" series. Each month will focus on a different topic and include presentations by local experts geared to increasing public awareness about efficient, green, and sustainable practices.
Thanks to volunteers and GNAT our presentations are now being recorded and aired on GNAT-TV. Look for Sustainable Living Series under Playlist.
Click Here for Playlist
Thanks to volunteers and GNAT our presentations are now being recorded and aired on GNAT-TV. Look for Sustainable Living Series under Playlist.
Click Here for Playlist
Thursday June 20th 2013 Join us 7pm!
Earthship Construction
“Earthship” is a general term for sustainable buildings designed by architect Michael Reynolds, who has been experimenting with “radical design” for over 40 years. Using discarded tires packed with dirt, cans and bottles as well as more conventional building materials, earthships are designed to minimize energy and water needs, allowing comfortable living without relying on utilities. Come learn more about the experience of building and living in an earthship directly from Amitava Biswas, the owner of the Ecclesiastes Project in Huntington, Vermont's 3rd and latest earthship.
“Earthship” is a general term for sustainable buildings designed by architect Michael Reynolds, who has been experimenting with “radical design” for over 40 years. Using discarded tires packed with dirt, cans and bottles as well as more conventional building materials, earthships are designed to minimize energy and water needs, allowing comfortable living without relying on utilities. Come learn more about the experience of building and living in an earthship directly from Amitava Biswas, the owner of the Ecclesiastes Project in Huntington, Vermont's 3rd and latest earthship.
May 16th 2013
Native vs. Invasive Plants
Alan Benoit and Brian King will team up once again along with special guest Carol Berry to talk about some common invasive plants, the trouble they cause, some unexpected benefits and the native alternatives that are available. Alan is a Master Gardener, studied native plant horticulture at the New England Wildflower Society and is a member of the Manchester Conservation Commission. Brian King has been working in horticulture since the age of 15, has an Associates Degree in Horticulture from Essex Agricultural School and was a volunteer for the propagation department at the Arnold Arboretum for several years. Carol, inspired by Timothy Lee Scott's Invasive Plant Medicine, will offer an enlightening counterpoint for the evening.
Individually, the speakers have done their part to fight back the invasive species in New England and propagated native plants to replace them. Together, through their extensive experiences, they have gained the knowledge they need to help you and the community restore balance in the woods and in the landscape. You won't want to miss this informative evening guaranteed to alter how you see the world around you.
Alan Benoit and Brian King will team up once again along with special guest Carol Berry to talk about some common invasive plants, the trouble they cause, some unexpected benefits and the native alternatives that are available. Alan is a Master Gardener, studied native plant horticulture at the New England Wildflower Society and is a member of the Manchester Conservation Commission. Brian King has been working in horticulture since the age of 15, has an Associates Degree in Horticulture from Essex Agricultural School and was a volunteer for the propagation department at the Arnold Arboretum for several years. Carol, inspired by Timothy Lee Scott's Invasive Plant Medicine, will offer an enlightening counterpoint for the evening.
Individually, the speakers have done their part to fight back the invasive species in New England and propagated native plants to replace them. Together, through their extensive experiences, they have gained the knowledge they need to help you and the community restore balance in the woods and in the landscape. You won't want to miss this informative evening guaranteed to alter how you see the world around you.
April 18th 2013
Money Pit
The members of the Perfect House Committee join Alan Benoit to help you save money and live a more healthy life. This volunteer group of local energy experts will share real-world examples of the efficiency challenges and dangerous conditions facing typical homes in our community. They will illustrate the steps they have taken to identify, test and expose these deficiencies and discuss what you can do to analyze and improve the conditions in your own home.
The committee will discuss their recent "Money Pit" contest, the homes they selected, the recommendations they have given and the progress that has already been achieved to improve the safety and energy performance of homes in our neighborhood. As an added bonus, the Perfect House Committee will be announcing the winner of their Money Pit contest, live! Come learn how this local group is making a difference in our community and how they can help you improve your home too.
The members of the Perfect House Committee join Alan Benoit to help you save money and live a more healthy life. This volunteer group of local energy experts will share real-world examples of the efficiency challenges and dangerous conditions facing typical homes in our community. They will illustrate the steps they have taken to identify, test and expose these deficiencies and discuss what you can do to analyze and improve the conditions in your own home.
The committee will discuss their recent "Money Pit" contest, the homes they selected, the recommendations they have given and the progress that has already been achieved to improve the safety and energy performance of homes in our neighborhood. As an added bonus, the Perfect House Committee will be announcing the winner of their Money Pit contest, live! Come learn how this local group is making a difference in our community and how they can help you improve your home too.
March 21st 2013
Fruit Tree Care
Join Alan Benoit, local architect and ecologist, and his guest Brian King, fruit tree pruning specialist as they discuss fruit (and nut) tree care. Over the last 12 years, Alan has been planting, growing and caring for a small orchard of hardy fruit and nut trees in Manchester. His peach tree inspired the planting of over 375 fruit trees in the community and his orchard is featured in the current issue of Organic Gardening magazine! He has learned first hand which varieties grow well, how best to control the pests that affect them and how little effort it takes to enjoy delicious fresh fruit and nuts.
Brian King, former Senior Horticulturist at Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston, has worked as a local nursery manager, grower and propagator and has been growing, pruning and propagating Fruit Trees for over 20 years. He knows not only where, but how and when to prune these trees to encourage them to grow in a way that will maximize fruit yield. He will share his knowledge on the techniques for doing so and give a live pruning demonstration to make this difficult to read about topic more clear. You won't want to miss Alan and Brian's informative talk on fruit and nut tree care.
Click Here To Download Fruit Tree Pruning Guide
Join Alan Benoit, local architect and ecologist, and his guest Brian King, fruit tree pruning specialist as they discuss fruit (and nut) tree care. Over the last 12 years, Alan has been planting, growing and caring for a small orchard of hardy fruit and nut trees in Manchester. His peach tree inspired the planting of over 375 fruit trees in the community and his orchard is featured in the current issue of Organic Gardening magazine! He has learned first hand which varieties grow well, how best to control the pests that affect them and how little effort it takes to enjoy delicious fresh fruit and nuts.
Brian King, former Senior Horticulturist at Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston, has worked as a local nursery manager, grower and propagator and has been growing, pruning and propagating Fruit Trees for over 20 years. He knows not only where, but how and when to prune these trees to encourage them to grow in a way that will maximize fruit yield. He will share his knowledge on the techniques for doing so and give a live pruning demonstration to make this difficult to read about topic more clear. You won't want to miss Alan and Brian's informative talk on fruit and nut tree care.
Click Here To Download Fruit Tree Pruning Guide
February 21st 2013
Natural Building for a Changing World
In this rapidly-changing world, it is important that we adopt ecologically-sensitive and resilient design and construction strategies to address global climate change and other pressing issues facing the development of the built environment. It is all the more critical to identify the role socially- and community-responsive practices play in providing long-term solutions to these ecological problems.
Ace McArleton and Jacob Deva Racusin owners of New Frameworks Natural Building LLC, will examine the function that natural building can play in supporting these practices. They will present the newest, cutting-edge high-performance natural building strategies that are being currently implemented by their company and others in cold, wet climates like Vermont. Finally, the results of an extensive field-based research project conducted by the presenters analyzing thermal and moisture performance of natural buildings in the northeastern United States will be shared to prove the efficacy of natural building practices as a viable solution in sustainable design and construction. This presentation will feature case study, research, building science principles, and philosophical arguments to support the role for natural building as a solution for building efficiency and resiliency.
In this rapidly-changing world, it is important that we adopt ecologically-sensitive and resilient design and construction strategies to address global climate change and other pressing issues facing the development of the built environment. It is all the more critical to identify the role socially- and community-responsive practices play in providing long-term solutions to these ecological problems.
Ace McArleton and Jacob Deva Racusin owners of New Frameworks Natural Building LLC, will examine the function that natural building can play in supporting these practices. They will present the newest, cutting-edge high-performance natural building strategies that are being currently implemented by their company and others in cold, wet climates like Vermont. Finally, the results of an extensive field-based research project conducted by the presenters analyzing thermal and moisture performance of natural buildings in the northeastern United States will be shared to prove the efficacy of natural building practices as a viable solution in sustainable design and construction. This presentation will feature case study, research, building science principles, and philosophical arguments to support the role for natural building as a solution for building efficiency and resiliency.
January 17th 2013
Land Conservation: Sustaining Our Farms and Woodland
Over the past forty years, almost 9% of Vermont’s private land has been conserved by the Vermont Land Trust, through permanent legal instruments called “conservation easements. These lands include working farms, forest, natural areas and community places. With its roots in the limitations of municipal zoning and legal deed restrictions, land conservation has at least one stark and occasionally criticized distinction: permanence. A powerful tool, conservation needs to be considered carefully by landowners and communities.
Donald Campbell, Southwest Regional Director for the Vermont Land Trust, will discuss the aspirations of land trusts, the process of conserving land, and cautionary tales. Lee Krohn, local planning director and founding member/ longtime
President of the Manchester Community Land Trust, will focus on local land conservation on the community scale.
Watch Video!
Over the past forty years, almost 9% of Vermont’s private land has been conserved by the Vermont Land Trust, through permanent legal instruments called “conservation easements. These lands include working farms, forest, natural areas and community places. With its roots in the limitations of municipal zoning and legal deed restrictions, land conservation has at least one stark and occasionally criticized distinction: permanence. A powerful tool, conservation needs to be considered carefully by landowners and communities.
Donald Campbell, Southwest Regional Director for the Vermont Land Trust, will discuss the aspirations of land trusts, the process of conserving land, and cautionary tales. Lee Krohn, local planning director and founding member/ longtime
President of the Manchester Community Land Trust, will focus on local land conservation on the community scale.
Watch Video!
December 20th 2012
Rebates, Incentives and PACE
Join Alan and his guests as they highlight the many state and federal rebates, incentives and financing options available for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects. For this month’s Sustainable Living presentation, Alan will be covering the ins and outs of the HVAC rebate available through Efficiency VT for heating and cooling system upgrades.
Next, Karen Lee of Solar Pro will talk about the variety of state and federal financial incentives, rebates, and tax credits available for renewable energy improvements, including solar hot water and PV, among others and the related nuances of each. Then Meghan Chambers of Efficiency Vermont will teach us about the PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) program which will be rolling out at the start of the New Year. She will discuss how PACE works, how Vermont's PACE is different from other states and share her knowledge about the process, filing of forms, implementation, etc.
Learn More About PACE
PACE: Getting Your Town On Board
Join Alan and his guests as they highlight the many state and federal rebates, incentives and financing options available for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects. For this month’s Sustainable Living presentation, Alan will be covering the ins and outs of the HVAC rebate available through Efficiency VT for heating and cooling system upgrades.
Next, Karen Lee of Solar Pro will talk about the variety of state and federal financial incentives, rebates, and tax credits available for renewable energy improvements, including solar hot water and PV, among others and the related nuances of each. Then Meghan Chambers of Efficiency Vermont will teach us about the PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) program which will be rolling out at the start of the New Year. She will discuss how PACE works, how Vermont's PACE is different from other states and share her knowledge about the process, filing of forms, implementation, etc.
Learn More About PACE
PACE: Getting Your Town On Board
November 15th 2012
Honey Bees
Bill Mares, owner of Mares Apiaries, past president of the Eastern Apicultural Society and author of 3:14 and Out will teach us all about honey bees. Come learn what makes a honey bee a honey bee, what they produce, the things they do, why they are so cool, how they are threatened and what you can do about it.
Bill Mares, owner of Mares Apiaries, past president of the Eastern Apicultural Society and author of 3:14 and Out will teach us all about honey bees. Come learn what makes a honey bee a honey bee, what they produce, the things they do, why they are so cool, how they are threatened and what you can do about it.
October 18th 2012
Efficient, Affordable, Modular
Modular construction has come a long way in the last 100 years. What started as simple kit homes offered by Sears & Roebuck in the early 1900s has now evolved to a greener, more efficient form of building; recently meeting the rigorous standards of Passive House. Join Alan Benoit of Sustainable Design as he hosts an evening exploring some of the advantages of this construction technique and discussing design aspects unique to modular homes. Bryan Huot of Preferred Building Systems will highlight several of the advantages that can be realized when building in an entirely climate controlled environment. Ray Pratt, local builder, will share his experiences working with and finishing modular homes in the area and some local homeowners will be on hand talk about their experiences as well. If you have ever considered building a new home or addition and wanted to know what modular construction was all about, this presentation is for you.
Modular construction has come a long way in the last 100 years. What started as simple kit homes offered by Sears & Roebuck in the early 1900s has now evolved to a greener, more efficient form of building; recently meeting the rigorous standards of Passive House. Join Alan Benoit of Sustainable Design as he hosts an evening exploring some of the advantages of this construction technique and discussing design aspects unique to modular homes. Bryan Huot of Preferred Building Systems will highlight several of the advantages that can be realized when building in an entirely climate controlled environment. Ray Pratt, local builder, will share his experiences working with and finishing modular homes in the area and some local homeowners will be on hand talk about their experiences as well. If you have ever considered building a new home or addition and wanted to know what modular construction was all about, this presentation is for you.
September 20th 2012
February Peaches
Join Alan and Nancy Benoit as they share their secrets for growing, harvesting and preserving vegetables, fruits and berries. This local couple use permaculture and intensive gardening techniques to grow a variety of organic food on less than 1/2 acre. Their gardens have inspired the planting of over 350 fruit trees in the community and have recently been photographed by Organic Gardening Magazine to be featured in an upcoming issue. Alan will highlight the varieties of plants, trees and shrubs they grow, identify the idiosyncrasies of each and share his pruning and pest-fighting tips. Nancy will share a lifetime of hints for efficiently harvesting, processing and preserving foods while effectively capturing all their flavor. Come on out for a fun and educational evening and learn how nothing tastes better than peaches in February!
Watch Video!
Join Alan and Nancy Benoit as they share their secrets for growing, harvesting and preserving vegetables, fruits and berries. This local couple use permaculture and intensive gardening techniques to grow a variety of organic food on less than 1/2 acre. Their gardens have inspired the planting of over 350 fruit trees in the community and have recently been photographed by Organic Gardening Magazine to be featured in an upcoming issue. Alan will highlight the varieties of plants, trees and shrubs they grow, identify the idiosyncrasies of each and share his pruning and pest-fighting tips. Nancy will share a lifetime of hints for efficiently harvesting, processing and preserving foods while effectively capturing all their flavor. Come on out for a fun and educational evening and learn how nothing tastes better than peaches in February!
Watch Video!
June 21st 2012
Your Home On Earth
A house is more than a box sitting on a lawn; it is, instead, a complex union of interactions between a dwelling, the environment, the earth and the sun. Join Alan Benoit and the Perfect House Committee as they explore some of these interactions and how they effect your home and your life. Paul Myers, retired geology professor and president of the Perfect House Committee, will highlight the physical composition of the Earth and the various exchanges that can happen between our planet and your home. Karen Lee, co-owner of Solar Pro, will focus on the many benefits that can be provided by the sun through careful inspection and planning. Alan Benoit, owner of Sustainable Design and local ecologist, will share his suggestions, observations and experiences and demonstrate just how powerful the connection between your home and the environment really is.
A house is more than a box sitting on a lawn; it is, instead, a complex union of interactions between a dwelling, the environment, the earth and the sun. Join Alan Benoit and the Perfect House Committee as they explore some of these interactions and how they effect your home and your life. Paul Myers, retired geology professor and president of the Perfect House Committee, will highlight the physical composition of the Earth and the various exchanges that can happen between our planet and your home. Karen Lee, co-owner of Solar Pro, will focus on the many benefits that can be provided by the sun through careful inspection and planning. Alan Benoit, owner of Sustainable Design and local ecologist, will share his suggestions, observations and experiences and demonstrate just how powerful the connection between your home and the environment really is.
May 17th 2012
The Building Envelope
No part of a building is more important than its skin, which alone is responsible for keeping the inside warm in winter, cool in summer and dry all year long. Surprisingly, just a few small deficiencies in the building envelope can yield moldy walls, rotting framing and huge energy losses. Join, local architect, Alan Benoit, Jim Hand and John LaVecchia of the Perfect House Committee as they provide you with tips and details for getting it right.
For those interested in inspecting and improving their existing home’s envelope, Melanie Paskevich, HEAT Squad Coordinator, will be on hand to present the variety of programs NeighborWorks of Western Vermont offers to help homeowners, receive energy audit assistance, obtain financing, and save money.
No part of a building is more important than its skin, which alone is responsible for keeping the inside warm in winter, cool in summer and dry all year long. Surprisingly, just a few small deficiencies in the building envelope can yield moldy walls, rotting framing and huge energy losses. Join, local architect, Alan Benoit, Jim Hand and John LaVecchia of the Perfect House Committee as they provide you with tips and details for getting it right.
For those interested in inspecting and improving their existing home’s envelope, Melanie Paskevich, HEAT Squad Coordinator, will be on hand to present the variety of programs NeighborWorks of Western Vermont offers to help homeowners, receive energy audit assistance, obtain financing, and save money.
April 19th 2012
Vermont Energy Code
Vermont's residential energy code, now in place for over a decade, remains a mystery to many homeowners. Failure to comply with its requirements could lead to serious consequences in the years ahead. Jeff Gephart of Efficiency Vermont will provide an overview of this recently updated and expanded state law and the many ways it affects any new building, addition, renovation and repair. His presentation will also highlight the benefits of the Energy Star program and the additional services Efficiency Vermont provides. Attending this talk will enlighten you on the variety of requirements, incentives and rebates our state has to offer.
Vermont's residential energy code, now in place for over a decade, remains a mystery to many homeowners. Failure to comply with its requirements could lead to serious consequences in the years ahead. Jeff Gephart of Efficiency Vermont will provide an overview of this recently updated and expanded state law and the many ways it affects any new building, addition, renovation and repair. His presentation will also highlight the benefits of the Energy Star program and the additional services Efficiency Vermont provides. Attending this talk will enlighten you on the variety of requirements, incentives and rebates our state has to offer.
March 15th 2012
Fixing Up A Money Pit
With the current state of the economy and about 300,000 homes in Vermont, renovating an existing home is a practical option. At this talk, the Perfect House Committee will be on hand to present their top 10 suggestions on how to fix up your money pit and to help you be sure you are spending your investment dollars wisely.
With the current state of the economy and about 300,000 homes in Vermont, renovating an existing home is a practical option. At this talk, the Perfect House Committee will be on hand to present their top 10 suggestions on how to fix up your money pit and to help you be sure you are spending your investment dollars wisely.
February 16th 2012
Perfect House
Whether you are buying, building, or renovating a house, it is important that you spend your money wisely. This overview will illustrate the elements that are essential to ensure that you are doing so.
A group of local energy and building experts known as the “Perfect House” committee will be on hand to present their guidelines for perfection and Jeff Manney of Efficiency Vermont will review what it takes to meet Vermont’s current energy code. The knowledge you obtain from this presentation will be vital for your quest to achieve domestic perfection.
Whether you are buying, building, or renovating a house, it is important that you spend your money wisely. This overview will illustrate the elements that are essential to ensure that you are doing so.
A group of local energy and building experts known as the “Perfect House” committee will be on hand to present their guidelines for perfection and Jeff Manney of Efficiency Vermont will review what it takes to meet Vermont’s current energy code. The knowledge you obtain from this presentation will be vital for your quest to achieve domestic perfection.
January 19th 2012
Socially Responsible Investing
Your money can have a positive social impact along with a financial return. Todd Walker, of the Progressive Asset Management Group will provide an overview of the socially responsible investment field, review how you can participate and give some investment ideas. Will Belongia, the Executive Director of the Vermont Community Loan Fund, will speak about Community Investing as an industry and the Loan Fund’s past, present and future work. Come learn how investing your hard-earned money can truly make a difference in the world.
Your money can have a positive social impact along with a financial return. Todd Walker, of the Progressive Asset Management Group will provide an overview of the socially responsible investment field, review how you can participate and give some investment ideas. Will Belongia, the Executive Director of the Vermont Community Loan Fund, will speak about Community Investing as an industry and the Loan Fund’s past, present and future work. Come learn how investing your hard-earned money can truly make a difference in the world.
December 15th 2011
Sustainable Shopping
Consumerism is an incredibly powerful force. It has the ability to change industries and to drive economies. This is true on a national scale, but more so on the state and local levels. Join Alan Benoit of Sustainable Design as he explores how each dollar we spend influences local employment, our economy and the availability of services. Chris Morrow, founder of Local First Vermont, will discuss the myriad of benefits that can be realized by supporting independently owned, locally operated businesses. This talk will empower you to make real change through your purchases and teach you how the businesses in our area can provide more than just food, clothing and shelter.
Click here for a list of resources on this topic.
Consumerism is an incredibly powerful force. It has the ability to change industries and to drive economies. This is true on a national scale, but more so on the state and local levels. Join Alan Benoit of Sustainable Design as he explores how each dollar we spend influences local employment, our economy and the availability of services. Chris Morrow, founder of Local First Vermont, will discuss the myriad of benefits that can be realized by supporting independently owned, locally operated businesses. This talk will empower you to make real change through your purchases and teach you how the businesses in our area can provide more than just food, clothing and shelter.
Click here for a list of resources on this topic.
November 17th 2011
Wind Turbines
This month's talk will cover wind power, from the basics of the wind as a fuel to a locally installed wind turbine here in Manchester. Dorset resident Charlie Wise and Manchester resident Derek Cornell will cover utility to small scale wind considerations, and provide context for those seeking a better understanding of wind as an option in the residential, community, and national energy mix.
This month's talk will cover wind power, from the basics of the wind as a fuel to a locally installed wind turbine here in Manchester. Dorset resident Charlie Wise and Manchester resident Derek Cornell will cover utility to small scale wind considerations, and provide context for those seeking a better understanding of wind as an option in the residential, community, and national energy mix.
October 27th 2011
Smart Meters
CVPS SmartPower® is CVPS's “smart grid” solution to modernizing and automating the electric grid. It's part of a nationwide initiative that is taking advantage of federal funding to bring our current electric grid up to date with today's smarter, more reliable technologies. But what will it mean for you? Find out by attending an informative presentation at 7p.m. on October 27th at the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester. CVPS representatives will explain the benefits, the technology and the timeline for implementation, and answer your questions.
CVPS SmartPower® is CVPS's “smart grid” solution to modernizing and automating the electric grid. It's part of a nationwide initiative that is taking advantage of federal funding to bring our current electric grid up to date with today's smarter, more reliable technologies. But what will it mean for you? Find out by attending an informative presentation at 7p.m. on October 27th at the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester. CVPS representatives will explain the benefits, the technology and the timeline for implementation, and answer your questions.
September 22nd 2011
Heating Systems Demystified
This presentation clarifies the often mysterious and sometimes confusing world of home heating. With Vermont’s long winters, there’s no escaping the fact that every home and business needs some type of heating system. Whether you are considering replacing a tired old furnace or building a brand new efficient home, this talk will allow you make more informed decisions.Alan will explain the difference between a boiler and a furnace; BTUs and SEER; and radiant versus hydronic.He will present the installation, maintenance and long term operating costs associated with both conventional and alternative systems currently available as well as give real world apples-to-apples comparisons of fuel types, efficiencies and emissions.
Click here for Heating System Comparison Graphs
This presentation clarifies the often mysterious and sometimes confusing world of home heating. With Vermont’s long winters, there’s no escaping the fact that every home and business needs some type of heating system. Whether you are considering replacing a tired old furnace or building a brand new efficient home, this talk will allow you make more informed decisions.Alan will explain the difference between a boiler and a furnace; BTUs and SEER; and radiant versus hydronic.He will present the installation, maintenance and long term operating costs associated with both conventional and alternative systems currently available as well as give real world apples-to-apples comparisons of fuel types, efficiencies and emissions.
Click here for Heating System Comparison Graphs
June 16th 2011
Good Bug, Bad Bug!
Join Alan Benoit, local ecologist and owner of Sustainable Design, as he reveals his fascinating discoveries of the local insect world. Through close observation, patience, and careful investigation he has uncovered a world filled with villains, allies, armies and heroes and captured them with extraordinary photographs. Alan will take us on a journey through his gardens and introduce us to the multitude of cast members he encountered there. Filled with amusing stories and enlightening slides, this month's FREE "Sustainable Living" talk will be an entertaining one for the entire family!
Join Alan Benoit, local ecologist and owner of Sustainable Design, as he reveals his fascinating discoveries of the local insect world. Through close observation, patience, and careful investigation he has uncovered a world filled with villains, allies, armies and heroes and captured them with extraordinary photographs. Alan will take us on a journey through his gardens and introduce us to the multitude of cast members he encountered there. Filled with amusing stories and enlightening slides, this month's FREE "Sustainable Living" talk will be an entertaining one for the entire family!
May 19th 2011
House and Landscape Synergy
This presentation will feature green-home designer, Alan Benoit and eco-landscape architect, Elizabeth Cooper as they explore the advantages of carefully pairing a home to its landscape. Alan will review proper site selection, mindful house placement and ways to identify a place. Elizabeth will teach the audience about energy and water-wise landscape planning and design. Together they will explore how a house and the landscape can work in unison to provide comfort, save energy and create something that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Click here to download Alan's essay.
This presentation will feature green-home designer, Alan Benoit and eco-landscape architect, Elizabeth Cooper as they explore the advantages of carefully pairing a home to its landscape. Alan will review proper site selection, mindful house placement and ways to identify a place. Elizabeth will teach the audience about energy and water-wise landscape planning and design. Together they will explore how a house and the landscape can work in unison to provide comfort, save energy and create something that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Click here to download Alan's essay.
April 21st 2011
Gardening Variety-Show
This presentation will focus on gardening with several unique talks. First, Oliver Levis, of Earth Sky Time Community Farm here in Manchester, will give a hands-on demonstration about starting vegetables from seed and caring for your seedlings at home. Then join Bob Schoenemann, owner of Little Hawk Nursery in Pawlet, VT as he educates us on the advantages and care of locally raised dwarf conifers in the landscape. Next, Alan Benoit of Sustainable Design will give a demonstration on building your own cold-frame using simple and reclaimed materials.
This presentation will focus on gardening with several unique talks. First, Oliver Levis, of Earth Sky Time Community Farm here in Manchester, will give a hands-on demonstration about starting vegetables from seed and caring for your seedlings at home. Then join Bob Schoenemann, owner of Little Hawk Nursery in Pawlet, VT as he educates us on the advantages and care of locally raised dwarf conifers in the landscape. Next, Alan Benoit of Sustainable Design will give a demonstration on building your own cold-frame using simple and reclaimed materials.
March 17th 2011
Maximizing Food Production on Minimal Land
Featuring Scout Proft of Someday farm in East Dorset, Vermont. This presentation will challenge participants to increase their potential edible growing areas right outside their back door. Learn to look at your home site -- whether it is an apartment or a ten acre spread-- as a producing foodscape. Participants are encouraged to bring a plan of their outdoor living area and together we will turn it into a micro edible farm! Joining Scout is Anna Johansen of Anna Blooms, a landscape architect who has been designing landscapes which incorporate edible plants. She will be on hand to give insights on material sourcing and how to work within the limitations of resources available.
Featuring Scout Proft of Someday farm in East Dorset, Vermont. This presentation will challenge participants to increase their potential edible growing areas right outside their back door. Learn to look at your home site -- whether it is an apartment or a ten acre spread-- as a producing foodscape. Participants are encouraged to bring a plan of their outdoor living area and together we will turn it into a micro edible farm! Joining Scout is Anna Johansen of Anna Blooms, a landscape architect who has been designing landscapes which incorporate edible plants. She will be on hand to give insights on material sourcing and how to work within the limitations of resources available.
February 17th 2011
Deep Energy Retrofit
Featuring Alan Benoit of Sustainable Design and a panel of experts including Paul Phillips of Dees Electric and Will Reed of Vermont Foam will talk about the entire process of turning a tired drafty old house into a rejuvenated 5 star plus rated one.
During the presentation, members of the design and construction team will each highlight their contributions to the project and as a panel they will answer all your questions afterward. Even the owner will be on hand to talk about her experiences before, during, and after the transformation. If you want to learn more about the options of breathing new life into your home, this is the presentation for you.
Featuring Alan Benoit of Sustainable Design and a panel of experts including Paul Phillips of Dees Electric and Will Reed of Vermont Foam will talk about the entire process of turning a tired drafty old house into a rejuvenated 5 star plus rated one.
During the presentation, members of the design and construction team will each highlight their contributions to the project and as a panel they will answer all your questions afterward. Even the owner will be on hand to talk about her experiences before, during, and after the transformation. If you want to learn more about the options of breathing new life into your home, this is the presentation for you.
January 20th 2011
The Impacts of Building Materials
Featuring Alan Benoit of Sustainable Design. For nearly 10 years, Alan has been designing homes in the area with a focus on creating buildings that are truly sustainable. During his recent research, he dedicated six straight months to exploring the impacts of construction materials, publishing his findings in his highly praised culminating paper.
During his talk, Alan will share with us what he has learned and demystify the terms often associated with this topic, including “Life Cycle Analysis”, “Natural Capital”, and “Cradle to Grave”. His hands-on demonstrations, visual illustrations, and real world case studies will make it easy to understand the effects construction materials can have on people’s health, our natural resources, and the environment.
Featuring Alan Benoit of Sustainable Design. For nearly 10 years, Alan has been designing homes in the area with a focus on creating buildings that are truly sustainable. During his recent research, he dedicated six straight months to exploring the impacts of construction materials, publishing his findings in his highly praised culminating paper.
During his talk, Alan will share with us what he has learned and demystify the terms often associated with this topic, including “Life Cycle Analysis”, “Natural Capital”, and “Cradle to Grave”. His hands-on demonstrations, visual illustrations, and real world case studies will make it easy to understand the effects construction materials can have on people’s health, our natural resources, and the environment.