COSC Brings Affordable Green Building Training to West Union

COSC's "Affordable Green Building Training: West Union" begins tomorrow, January 8. The free workshop series concentrates on each phase of building a cost effective, energy efficient and structurally sound home. 

Professional Series - a valuable opportunity for contractors, subcontractors, planners, architects, appraisers, city officials and other professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of green building best practices. The free 10-workshop series takes place every other Friday, beginning Jan. 8 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Lunch is provided.

Homeowner Series - An accompanying 3-session gives community residents an overview of green building basics, alternative energy options and essential sustainable elements of new home construction. The workshops are free and lunch is provided.

Both the professional and homeowner series are held at Tap't Out Stein & Din's 2nd floor meeting room at 122 S. Vine Street in West Union, Iowa. Registration is required. Please contact Leslie Berckes at COSC: leslie@icosc.com, 515-707-2783 or www.facebook.com/ICOSC.

"Affordable Green Building Training: West Union" is provided by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide program to support Northeast Iowa's disaster recovery efforts and Main Street West Union's Green Pilot Community initiatives. For complete information visit http://icosc.com/westunion.asp.

COSC's Evergreen Party Was a Hit!

Thanks to everyone who made our 2009 Evergreen Party a success! Here's a visual summary of the night's festivities.

COSC's Evergreen Party 2009

Day of Sustainability in Iowa City/Coralville Dec. 1

Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC) and RDG Planning & Design has a full day of sustainable building events planned for Iowa City/Coralville on Tuesday, December 1. Please join us for any or all. Here's what's in store:

DAY OF SUSTAINABILITY
Tuesday, December 1 at the North Ridge Park Pavilion 
The North Ridge Park Pavilion was completed in April 2003 and won the 2003 Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Award for its sustainable design. It was designed by Neumann Monson Architects, the environmental elements incorporated into the design include Iowa's first green roof, locally quarried limestone, recycled timbers and passive solar techniques.
9:00am-11:30am:  Green Roofs in an Urban Environment
In the past century Iowa has seen a large population shift from our rural communities to thriving cities. During this urban and suburban explosion, much of the landscape has been altered or changed dramatically. Green roofs, or vegetated roofs, are becoming an increasingly popular choice with a magnitude of sustainable benefits.
11:30am-12:30pm:  Networking Lunch
12:30-4:00pm:  Restorative Design - Infiltration Based Stormwater Management 
Iowa's landscape is one of the most altered ecosystems in the nation - from cities to farms, stormwater management is crucial to creating a sustainable environment. This seminar will review the historical hydrological processes, landscape change, watershed based design and opportunities for Low Impact development. The course will cover specific case studies showing how we can mimic our natural systems.  
4:00-6:00pm:  Evening Social/Reception 

Registration required: Contact Leslie Berckes at leslie@icosc.com or 515.707.2787.
View more details at icosc.com and facebook.com/icosc.

Goodwill Recycles Computers

"Americans store an estimated 65 million old desktop computers in their homes."   - US EPA

Like virtually every home and office across the nation, COSC has accumulated its own small computer graveyard. We were pleased to discover a responsible solution for unloading unwanted computer through a joint effort by Dell and Goodwill. They're Reconnect program recycles any brand of used computer equipment in any condition, and just about anything that can be connected to a computer! It's as simple as bringing the items to your local Goodwill.

Donations help create jobs and protect the environment by reducing landfill waste, eliminating environmentally-sensitive materials from entering landfills, conserving natural resources and reducing pollution created through the manufacturing of new products. The Reconnect recycling program is free, and you'll receive a receipt for tax purposes. Find a Goodwill location near you by visiting reconnectpartnership.com.

Photo - Lynnae sends off our out-dated technology to be recycled. 

Day of Sustainability in Dubuque Nov. 18

Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC) and RDG Planning & Design has scheduled a full day of sustainable building events in Dubuque on Wednesday, November 18. Please join us for any or all. Here's what's in store:


DAY OF SUSTAINABILITY
Wednesday, November 18 at the Julien Hotel Dubuque
9:00am-11:30am:  Green Roofs in an Urban Environment
In the past century Iowa has seen a large population shift from our rural communities to thriving cities. During this urban and suburban explosion, much of the landscape has been altered or changed dramatically. Green roofs, or vegetated roofs, are becoming an increasingly popular choice with a magnitude of sustainable benefits.
11:30am-12:30pm:  Networking Lunch
12:30-4:00pm:  Re-Purposing a Building-Morrill Hall
Iowa State University's Morrill Hall has been sustainable since it's completion in 1890. The course is a case study of the rehabilitation of a building on the national register of historic places. RDG Planning & Design examines the industry factors that lead to the abandonment of the facility, and design considerations in a successful rehabilitation resulting in a LEED certified project. 
4:00-5:00pm:  Tour
A tour of Dubuque's significant sustainable building projects, including the refurbished Durrant headquarters. 
5:00-7:00pm:  Evening Social Reception 


Registration required: Contact Leslie Berckes at COSC via leslie@icosc.com or 515.707.2787.