Site Map | Search | Home   

Session Descriptions & Presentations
If the presentation title is a link, you can click on it to view a PDF of their presentation.

Tuesday October 9, 2007 -- Day 1 

9:00am -- Opening Session

How Far Have We Come
Room:  Great River Ballroom, Upper Level
Presenter:  Oliver Drerup

For over 40 years Oliver Drerup has charted a course through nearly all aspects of residential construction both in Canada and abroad delivering modern methods of construction to a variety of clients from Russia to Australia, the UK to Japan.  A residential building contractor for 27 years, Oliver was instrumental in the development of the Canadian R2000 Project, Alaska Craftsman Home Program, Super-E Program and a dear friend to EEBA.  Join this true veteran of the building performance industry as he reflects on where the industry has been, how we compare on the international front and where we must go to assure we are building the best homes possible.

back

10:30 -- Master Presentations

History of Design
Room:  State 1-3, Lower Level
Presenter:  Betsy Pettit, AIA

Since its beginning, EEBA has advocated comfortable, energy efficient, durable, healthy homes. Designing the house as a system results in a whole house that works better than the sum of its parts.  In fact, energy conservation is the most important ingredient in the design of GREEN homes and must be practiced before the application of site generated energy. This session will present the successes and failures of affordable housing designs influenced by the EEBA mission.  Starting with a project showcased in 1995 at the Dallas EEBA conference, and continuing through a series of homes designed for different climate zones around the country, attendees will learn what worked and did not work.  Projects include affordable housing for non-profit organizations in Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Maryland, Florida, and Arizona.

back

History of Housing
Room: Governor’s 2, Lower Level
Presenter:  Mac Pearce

People used to construct buildings out of local materials to suit local needs.  Today’s economy is focused on mass produced disposable point of use products.  This approach has led to less durable structures.  A historical perspective might help lead to more sustainable building practices for the future.

back

Technology & Science
Room: Kellogg Rooms 3, Lobby Level
Presenter:  Brad Oberg

So many concepts introduced over the last twenty five years have changed the world of residential construction.  This hour will be an overview of the key changes to the way we approach energy efficient homes today. The technologies that have filled the basket of meeting 40% savings with cost effective trade-offs.  And for better or worse, these are the platform technologies for reaching the Zero Energy challenge of the next decade.

back

Minnesota Perspective
Room: Kellogg 1, Lobby Level
Presenters:  Mark LaLiberte, Pat O’Malley, & Ed Von Thoma

In the land where “…all the women are strong, all the men are good looking and all the children are above average” see why Minnesota housing has a lot to live up to.  Join this dynamic team of road warriors as they share their experiences from Rochester to Duluth, American Legion Post Halls across the State to the F Concourse of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport.  Learn what it took to get Minnesota Codes to where they are today and what makes homebuilding in the Gopher State unique.

back

Global Issues:  America’s Energy Challenges and Energy Opportunities
Room: Governor’s 1, Lower Level
Presenters:  Steve Andrews & Randy Udall

What is happening with North American natural gas, world oil, and climate change?  Why is energy an IQ test Americans tend to fail?  When will you be able to buy a full-size, 40 mile-per-gallon, pickup truck?  When will the 40 year trend to larger home sizes come to an end?  Why should you, in the building industry, care?

back

12:00   Lunch Session

The Next Generation House
Room:  Great River Ballroom, Upper Level
Presenter:  Joseph Lstiburek, PhD

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear Joe Lstiburek’s take on “the Next Generation House”.  What is it?  What does it look like?  Why should we build it?  How to can you make money building it?  And how can you build a million of them?  Oh, yeah, you can call it the zero carbon footprint houses, or the zero energy houses or just a real good house with real good stuff.

back

1:30 -- Master Presentations

Energy Pulse Survey Results
Room: State 1-3, Lower Level
Presenter: Suzanne Shelton

This session will provide timely statistics and analysis from Shelton Group's annual nationwide study, Energy Pulse (with trend data from its 2005, 2006 and 2007 surveys), which reveals consumer attitudes and buying behaviors relative to energy conservation and the growing interest in energy-efficient residential building. Attendees will learn how consumers perceive the importance of conservation and energy efficiency, their current conservation activities, awareness of energy-efficient building, and purchase potential for energy-efficient homes and home features.

back

Greening Codes
Room: Governor’s 2, Lower Level
Presenter:  John Carmody

Building codes and related standards are an important tool to accelerate the transformation to more sustainable high performance buildings. This session will address the status of current building codes and emerging standards as well as identify key issues and barriers to change.

back

Existing Homes: Energy Impact 80:1
Room:  Kellogg 3, Lobby Level
Presenter:  Tex McLeod

Once a new home has been completed and occupied, it quickly passes into the realm of existing houses and the reality is there are roughly 80 existing single family homes for every new home being built? According to Building America, a 10% reduction in energy use would save $20 Billion annually and displace the need for 40 new 600 MW power plants. Existing homes provide the greatest challenge and the greatest opportunity for improved comfort, increased energy savings and reduced green house gases. This session is about change and ways to make it happen.

back

Education: Where We Learn
Room:  Kellogg 1, Lobby Level
Presenter:  Pat Huelman

This session will explore building science education, both in the field and in the classroom.  Along with a brief historical reflection, we will look at the future roles that building science education must play to transform the performance of the homes we place on this planet.

back

The Climate of Building
Room:  Governor’s 1
Presenter:  John Straube

A flurry of “green” and “sustainable” technologies and jargon is tossed about these days blurring the lines of definition.  This session will cut to the core of what is useful, what is fluff, and what is downright deceitful.  It will explore how building, new and retrofit, connects to the climate change, energy security, peak oil, and disaster resistance issues.  Learn about current trends that will project what the future might look like and the benefits of healthy, durable, energy efficient homes as part of that future.

back

3:15 -- General Session

Green is Green:  The Economics of Being Green
Room:  Great River Ballroom, Upper Level
Presenter:  Jeff Renaud, Director, GE Ecomagination

Ecomagination is GE's commitment to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. It is built on the belief that "green is green", and it has become a core part of GE's overall strategy over the past two years. Come learn how this $10 Billion+ initiative is impacting GE; what GE has learned from taking a leadership position in the "green" space; and what relevant "green" trends GE sees for homebuilding in the near future.

back

Wednesday, October 10, 2007---Day 2

9:00 -- Educational Sessions

Houses That Work I (recommended as a 2-day session)
Room:  Governor’s 2, Lower Level
Presenter:  Justin Wilson

This nationally acclaimed session will be offered over 2 days of the conference.  It explores strategies and concepts that reduce costly callbacks, warranty and liability issues.  From foundations to finishing, Houses That Work TM covers all systems of the house and how they interact to impact performance.  Rated one of the best building performance training programs in the country.  Good building science for increased profitability!  The final session on day 2 will focus on Selling the High Performance House with presenter Gord Cooke.

back

Indoor Air Quality: Minimizing Risks & Finding New Opportunities for Builders
Room:  State 1-3, Lower Level
Presenter:  Gord Cooke

This workshop will teach participants essential information about indoor air quality as it applies to single family residences. Participants will learn the basics about the full range of potential pollutants and their impact on occupants. They will also learn the four important strategies for controlling and improving indoor air quality. An important element of the workshop will be to introduce EPA’s new air quality home-labeling program. The “Indoor Air Package”, administered under the ENERGY STAR program, is one tool that helps builders sort through a wide range of construction elements and techniques that can impact indoor air quality.

back

What’s Green and How to Pay For It!
Room:  Kellogg 3, Lobby Level
Presenter:  David Porter

Let’s compare what’s green and learn from others what is the latest trends in marketing and finance program to keep your bottom line in the “green”.  We will also venture into the “deep green” and see what lessons can be learned from those who have gone before us!

back

Building America: Latest & Greatest
Room:  Kellogg 1, Lobby Level
Presenters:  Robb Aldrich, Ren Andersen, Armin Rudd, Ed Pollock

Learn what the US Department of Energy’s Building America Program has accomplished in the field with presentations and updates from representatives of each of the Building America Teams. Material presented will give you “how to” information for immediate application to your business and success stories from across the country.

back

Eco-Developments & Builder Program
Room:  Governor’s 1, Lower Level
Presenters:  Jeff Renaud

The ecomagination homebuilder program offers builders and developers a turnkey solution for building high performance homes with lower environmental impact. It combines advanced technology with proven building science and is expected to yield at least a 20% reduction in total household energy and water use. See how this program offers broader support than most through innovative mortgage financing, turnkey project execution and interactive homebuyer sales and might be just the program you have been looking for to market your “green” homes to buyers.

back

10:30 -- Educational Sessions

Houses That Work I (continued)
Room:  Governor’s 2, Lower Level
Presenter:  Justin Wilson

back

Indoor Air Quality (continued)
Room:  State 1-3, Lower Level
Presenter:  Gord Cooke

back

Design Panel
Room:  Kellogg 3, Lobby Level
Presenters: Eric Corey Freed, Mark Johnson

In this lecture you will hear about the emerging field of green building; see some of the most exciting technologies available; and get a glimpse of the inevitable future of our buildings.  Join us in an energetic and lively discussion from the pioneers in the field.

back

5 Things Not to Do and How to do them if you are going to do them anyway!
Room: Kellogg 1
Presenters:  Doug Manthey & Pat O’Malley

Taken directly from Duluth's Energy Design Conference - This presentation will cover a number of unique and frequently used building details that often create building performance problems and customer callbacks.  From bonus rooms to recessed can lights, from cantilevers to attic ductwork - getting the details right when insulating and air sealing these areas will save you future headaches and create more satisfied customers.  Learn from these two experts about building designs that really should be avoided and a number of solutions to these problems if you still feel the need to try.

back

Stupid Stuff I Have Done
Room:  Governor’s 1
Presenter:  Joseph Lstiburek, PhD

Most people in the industry would say he knows a little about construction and what works and what does not.  But you have no idea of all the stupid things our Mr. Lstiburek has screwed up over the years that has provided him with a knowledge base like no other.   Here is a one-time opportunity to hear straight from the man as he comes clean about his mistakes.  This will not be a session for the faint of heart.  If you are offended by tough language you may want to pass on this session.  Joe is going to lay it on the line!

back

1:30 -- Educational Sessions

Houses That Work I (continued)
Room:  Governor’s 2, Lower Level
Presenter:  Justin Wilson

back

Ventilation Options
Room:  State 1-3, Lower Level
Presenter:  Armin Rudd

One of the newest Houses That Work II Session, attendees will compare and contrast ventilation system designs for different climates. Using the newly released, Ventilation Guide, you will learn what works and why and how to apply the techniques to your job.

back

Low Impact Developments (LID)
Room:  Kellogg 3, Lobby Level
Presenters:  Richard McKown & Vernon McKown

You too can do low impact developments for affordable, small lot subdivisions. See how a production homebuilder is working green developments into their business, changing public perception, winning approval for new projects and discovering best practices for their local environment along the way.  A real success story.

back

Mapping & Integration
Room:  Kellogg 1, Lobby Level
Presenters:  Duncan Prahl & Michael Dickens

Want to get started down the road to implementing higher performance housing but don't know where to start?  Process mapping is a powerful tool that leading companies in every major industry use to gain an edge.  This smart approach can help homebuilders assess and optimize the implementation of higher performance housing in their own businesses, while at the same time identifying cross functional opportunities for greater productivity and higher profitability.

back

Ground Source Heat Field Studies
Room:  Governor’s 1, Lower Level
Presenters:  Robert Hendron and Eric Helton

This session will share results from field evaluation of Ground Source Heat Pumps in Oklahoma and Florida and the real time lessons learned.

back

3:00 -- Educational Sessions

Houses That Work I (continued)
Room:  Governor’s 2, Lower Level
Presenter:  Justin Wilson

back

Insulation Options & Applications
Room:  State 1-3, Lower Level
Presenters:  Chris Mathis & Brad Oberg

So many concepts introduced over the last twenty five years have changed the world of residential construction.  This hour will be an overview of the key changes to the way we approach energy efficient homes today. The technologies that have filled the basket of meeting 40% savings with cost effective trade-offs.  And for better or worse, these are the platform technologies for reaching the Zero Energy challenge of the next decade.

back

Energy Information for New Construction
Room:  Kellogg 3, Lobby Level
Presenter:   Jason Pung

The presentation will include residential HVAC and other equipment operating cost comparisons, a discussion of the environmental impact of natural gas and electric equipment as well as an analysis of facts and figures as they relate to customer comfort and satisfaction.

back

The Systems Approach to Unvented Attic Assemblies
Room:  Kellogg 1, Lobby Level
Presenter:  Randy Nicklas

Unvented attic assemblies are now permitted to be constructed under IRC 806.4.The specific code language and history of unvented attics will be reviewed. The session will present the building science that supports this approach in providing a high performance option that moves both the thermal and pressure boundaries to the underside of the roof deck. The dynamics of heat, air and moisture flows across the assembly, along with composition shingle durability will be presented. The session will assist the designer and builder on determining how the assembly will benefit the overall building system.

back

Future Building NOW!
Room:  Governor’s 1, Lower Level
Presenter:  Andy Oding

Building high performance homes today will guarantee a solid reputation and profits in the future. Combine high performance building and a "culture of innovation" and the net result is increased market share, fantastic brand recognition, improved quality control, healthy trade alliances and enviable relationships with local governments and authorities ... oh yes AND happy healthy, comfortable, bragging homeowners!

back

Thursday, October 11, 2007---Day 3

9:00 -- Educational Sessions

Houses That Work I (continued)
Room:  Governor’s 2, Lower Level
Presenter:  Justin Wilson

back

Zero Design & Tech Update for Southern Climates
Room:  State 1-3, Lower Level
Presenters:  Peter Pfeiffer & Rob Hammon

90% of our energy efficiency strategies occur within the first 10% of the design process. Effective high performance green building is very much about client education, thoughtful programming, sitting, and sound design decisions.

back

Green Home Performance
Room:  Kellogg 3, Lobby Level
Presenters:  Michael Rogers, Larry Harmon & Walt Harwood

Green Home Performance: This session will explore the opportunities that exist in greening existing residential housing. Two successful companies will share their business models and road maps to success.

back

Transforming Construction Quality Through Insurance Risk Management
Room:  Kellogg 1, Lobby Level
Presenter:  Paul Majka

See what happens when insurance coverage for builders is grounded in best practices.  Best practices and site visits are transforming the risk pool for residential contractors and sub contractors.  Learn how a unique insurance product has significantly increased quality and the process involved in developing it in Minnesota.

back

Passive Homes
Room:  Governor’s 1, Lower Level
Presenters:  Katrin Klingenberg & Michael LeBeau

The presentation will discuss the metrics of the passive house standard of 15 kWh/sqm and year (4750 Btu/sq ft and year) in regards to various US climate zones: Implementation challenges will be reviewed for sample Projects employing passive house construction techniques in Duluth, Minnesota, Urbana, Illinois and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.  Envelope requirement differences and construction techniques will be highlighted as well as various minimized mechanical systems solutions.

back

10:30 -- Educational Sessions

Houses That Work II
Selling the High Performance Home
Room:  Governor’s 2, Lower Level
Presenter:  Gord Cooke

back

Green & Fresh:  Ventilation Options
Room:  State 1-3, Lower Level
Presenters:  Tom Heidel & David Price

back

Energy Star NOW More Than Ever
Room:  Kellogg 3, Lobby Level
Presenter:  Sam Rashkin

After a slow start in 1996, ENERGY STAR emerged as the primary option for builders to distinguish high-performance homes while the housing industry settled into an unprecedented period of growth. Now there are a wide array of other program options such as Tax Credits and a plethora of Green Builder Programs, and markets are soft. Learn about 10 key myths vs. reality that address these new market developments and make ENERGY STAR an even greater business opportunity for the nation's homebuilders.

back

IRS Home Energy Tax Credit:  The Minnesota Experience
Room: Kellogg 1, Lobby Level
Presenter:  Karen Linner

Here is your chance to see how one state’s energy code equaled a $2,000 per home IRS tax credit. See how you can implement this plan in your state and learn from the experience of the Builder’s Association of Minnesota.

back

Advanced Windows
Room:  Governor’s 1, Lower Level
Presenters:  John Carmody & Kerry Haglund

This hands-on session will describe advanced window technologies and design for residential buildings.  Participants will learn the latest tools and information for maximizing energy performance through proper product selection and installation techniques.

back

1:30 -- Closing Session

Go Green by Getting Lean! – How Lean Production methods show green to both the environment and your bottom line.
Room:  Great River Ballroom, Upper Level
Presenter:  Scott Sedam

How do you take what your learned at the conference and green-up both your bottom line and the environment with the same decisions?  Yeah, right – a tree-hugger’s dream – or perhaps a hard-nosed, no-nonsense operation guy’s practical approach to solving problems. There is nothing more “Green” than the elimination of waste in the building process and it has a great side effect – it improves your margins. So why is this phenomenon so hard to understand? Why are “lean methods” that have revolutionized both manufacturing and service industries worldwide, just now being introduced to homebuilding? Scott Sedam will give you the answers, and show you real world, 2007 examples of both large and small builders making impacts through the application of Lean Methods that, through the elimination of waste, improve efficiency, the environment and profit.

Don’t miss this dynamic session and end your EEBA educational experience with tools to make it all happen for you.

back