Amidst a housing crisis, an energy crunch, and a fragile economic system people are hunkering down, searching for answers, and in some cases looking to the green building movement for inspiration. One such organization, Solar Energy International (SEI), located in Carbondale, Colorado offers a variety of renewable energy and sustainable building workshops for people pursuing a career and those interested in making improvements to their home.

In the United States building operations account for over 43% of total US C02 emissions and two- thirds of total US electrical consumption.  A transformation of the built environment is underway and Solar Energy International offers a comprehensive sustainable building program designed to inspire homeowners and building practitioners to engage in the principles of designing and building residential structures that achieve optimal year-round comfort, reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality and limit environmental impact. Spend 6-weeks emerging in the design principles and building techniques for a brighter future. The emphasis is on integrated design using a whole- building approach, applying building science and integrating green design strategies into the built environment. Also covered will be the synergistic relationship between climate-sensitive design and natural building materials.

I would like to tell you and the rest of SEI that this course is a must have for anyone who lives in a house, apartment, or trailer. It gives the basic technical and purchasing resources that anyone can use to improve the insulation, weatherization and energy efficiency of their dwelling. I recommend it to anyone that asks, especially if they haven't bought their own home yet. This course is like the foundation of energy efficiency and green living because you have to achieve an efficient envelope before you should attempt to create your own energy. -- Building for the Future Online participant, 2009