Sustainable Living Series
Join us once a month at the Northshire Bookstore in 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. Please note new winter start-up time of 6pm!
February 16th 2012 JOIN US AT 6PM!
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 JOIN US AT 6PM!
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. Please join us!
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. Please join us!
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.You won’t want to miss this opportunity to be a part of Vermont's shift toward sustainability!
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.You won’t want to miss this opportunity to be a part of Vermont's shift toward sustainability!
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 RetrofitWhile designing and building a new house that is energy efficient and sensitive to the health of its occupants may be straight forward, upgrading an existing home is much more challenging. 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.
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.