Since 1997 this popular series of classes has been taught by ADC Network. ADC connects people with architects and home builders dedicated to excellent design and smart construction with conservation-minded energy and water systems. Classes are coordinated by Dan Clavio and taught at the Santa Fe Community College.

2008 SUMMER SEMESTER AT SANTA FE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Please call the college at 505-428-1251 to register for classes.
Note: Links are provided to other sections in ADC's website pertaining to the class topic.

Testimonials about ADC Classes

“Green Building 101” – What is “green” building and how can it save me money while saving the planet?
June 24, 2008, Tuesday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm, 1 night

This introductory class provides an overview of Green & Sustainable building for owners, builders and designers who want to improve the quality of their homes while reducing their impact on our natural resources and the environment. The class reviews current issues, concepts, strategies, goals, programs and language in the field, including: “Carbon Neutral” or “Zero Carbon” building, “LEED” programs, “Build Green” programs, energy efficiency and energy ratings. We also discuss financial incentives and regulations at the City, County, State and National levels.


Great Southwestern Design and Energy-Efficiency – Creating a beautiful and functional passive solar home
July 1st, Tuesday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm, 1 night

Using slides from New Mexico and around the world, this class will familiarize you with important design principles, showing how mass and massing, light and shadow, layering of space, texture, indoor-outdoor space, and color all contribute to achieving architecture that is efficient, functional and aesthetically pleasing. We review passive solar design principles that can significantly reduce energy consumption, as well as other smart and simple design strategies that lead to energy efficiency in your home. We also provide an overview of Southwestern architectural design elements and styles.
Energy Efficiency | Elements of Southwest Architecture


Alternative Building Methods and Materials – From mud to modern: adobe, straw bale and beyond
July 8th, Tuesday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm, 1 night

Learn the pros and cons of different building methods, materials and wall systems, and learn how they relate to green building and energy efficiency. We will discuss and illustrate adobe, straw bale, pumice-crete, ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms), AAC (Aerated Autoclave Concrete) – all “alternatives” to standard frame construction. You’ll learn about embodied energy, how the various building methods are priced and used in construction, and how each material relates to the dynamic of Mass vs. Insulation. We also briefly review rammed earth, timber frame straw clay, Earthship and cob building methods, as well as advanced framing and new insulation techniques.
Energy Efficiency | Fire-Wise Construction


Water Harvesting and Recycling – Saving, storing and re-using water for your home and landscape
July 15th, Tuesday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm, 1 night

Conserving and managing our precious water resources is a crucial element to living in New Mexico. Consider water harvesting and water recycling as key components in the overall theme of moisture management on your property. We look at active and passive systems and the related topics of conveyance, filtration, storage, distribution, irrigation, retention ponds, pumice wicks, infiltration galleries, erosion control and storm-water management. We also discuss “gray” and “black” water and the safe reuse of household effluent.
Water Harvesting


Renewable Energy Systems -- Using the sun to save money and “energize” your home
July 22nd, Tuesday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm, 1 night

This class reviews renewable energy systems for residential applications. We will discuss and view slides showing Solar Thermal systems -- solar water heating and radiant heating -- and Photo Voltaic (PV) systems for both on-grid and off-grid applications. We will discuss system designs and how to incorporate them into existing buildings (retro-fits) as well as planning for new construction. We provide an overview of costs, financial incentives and tax benefits of these systems. Wind systems are also briefly discussed.
Energy Efficiency | Elements of Southwest Architecture


A Guide to Successful Building – Be prepared to have a great experience building your new home
July 29th, Tuesday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm, 1 night

Familiarize yourself with the design and building process and learn how to work with architects, designers and builders for a successful building experience. This class reviews the systems, processes, details and strategies you need to help you stay within your project’s budget and manage your home building project effectively. Topics and issues include: calculating hard and soft building costs; budgets and the benefits of early price-checking to stay on budget; how to find the right architect and builder for your project; project process flow chart; and the schedule of values for a building project. We also review some sample sets of construction drawings.

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