When planned and built well, new construction and renovation saves on operating expenses, is not much more expensive than regular construction, is friendlier to the earth, is beautiful, and is comfortable. If you are a homeowner or are planning to build a new home which is environmentally friendly, you won’t want to miss the upcoming “Building Sustainability: Green Homes and Renovations” conference at the McKim Theatre in Kimberley, January 29th and 30th, 2010.

The 2-day program will be packed full of live and web-based presentations, panel discussions and workshops which will inspire the attendees to consider making use of new and innovative technologies, designs, etc.

The Friday evening opening event, “Onstage at McKim: Talking About Green Building” will feature entertaining panel discussions and presentations on green building. Architect Sarah Susanka, author of the Not So Big House book series, ecological designer Stuart Cowan, builder David Eisenberg who is director of the Development Centre for Appropriate Technology, and solar architect Tang Lee of the University of Calgary will be discussing aspects of green design and technology. Even if you can’t make it to the entire conference, you may purchase a ticket for this evening’s event.

Saturday, January 30th from noon until 5:30pm, The College of the Rockies, Kimberley campus, will be hosting ten different workshops. Entries in the “Green and Affordable Homes for Kimberley” design competition (http://www.wildsight.ca/kimcran/building-sustainability/competition) will be featured at the show. Local and regional presenters will be:

• Robin Urquhart of Nelson with a major in natural resources and environmental studies from the University of Northern British Columbia, having extensive experience in building cob and tree houses.
• Ellen Pond, MLA, working with the Collaborative for Landscape Planning, UBC, on climate change planning for local communities.
• Jennifer of Victoria, who has specialized in the field of historic preservation in British Columbia for more than 30 years, and has sat on the inter-ministry committee advising on the greening of the BC Building Code.
• Paula Kiss of Nelson, BC, developer of The Building Tree, which has become a viable green construction hub where improved building materials can be sourced, consultation on projects is available, office space is shared and independent eco-minded businesses are supported.
• Jennifer Stephenson of Castlegar, BC, providing solar and micro hydro solutions to Kootenay residents for 5 years.
• Kenton Preston, CEA, LEED AP, from Vancouver, an energy advisor certified by Natural Resources Canada, working with City Green Solutions, a non-profit provider of the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program.
• Jori Adank of Kimberley, BC, managing director of Kootenay Solar and A&A Electric, who has retrofitted his own home with a solar thermal (hot water) system and believes that you can have a net energy-free home.
• Evan Little of Kimberley, BC, who has worked on straw bale homes in Bragg Creek, AB and Kimberley and is convinced that it is a smart way to build.
• Brian Leeb of Kimberley, BC an architectural technologist with over 10 years experience of design and drafting, ranging all the way from high-rises to straw-bale sheds.
• Kevin Brown, Kimberley, BC, having many years of experience in restoration of historic sites and has a Masters Degree in Environmental Design with a focus on Sustainable Industrial Design.
• Craig Hillman of Kimberley, BC, a woodworking teacher, strawbale builder, activist, renewable energy consultant and writer who was the founding instructor of the Natural Building School at the College of the Rockies, Kimberley.
• James Penner, Kimberley, BC, involved in the construction and design industry for over 20 years and is currently undertaking his own green renovation.
• Michael Keefer, Cranbrook, BC, with degrees in Environmental Studies and Geography, and Environmental Management. His interest is in the relationship between humans and plants and he combines this with ecological restoration.

To read more about these presenters, you may go to . http://www.wildsight.ca/kimcran/building-sustainability

The full conference includes the Friday evening event, 4 workshops and lunch on Saturday, and as access to the Green Building Showcase. Cost is $75 until January 15th , and $95 after that date. A single admission ticket for the Friday evening event only may be purchased at Black Bear Books and Video in Kimberley for $10 or at the door for $12. Single workshop seats will be available, space permitting, after January 18th.