Energy Experts Offer Zero Energy Green Home Webinar Series

University of Central Florida’s Florida Solar Energy Center's 12-part series can help builders and remodelers learn about sustainability

News Release
May 8, 2009
HousingZone

The University of Central Florida’s Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) will now offer a 12-course Webinar series on how to design, build and operate a Zero Energy Home — a home that produces as much energy as it uses.
This series of online courses offers practical education from building science experts with more than 30 years of research and experience. These courses are appropriate for architects, builders, contractors, designers, educators, energy auditors, energy raters, engineers, prospective homebuyers and utility representatives.
During these tough economic times, builders are looking for ways to attract home buyers and the new government administration is concentrating on creating “green jobs.” Zero Energy Homes provide an opportunity to accomplish both and save consumers money while reducing their carbon footprint. These courses will show participants how to maximize energy-efficient design, make the best “green” choices, and optimize performance from solar and home energy management systems.
“We’re excited to offer online courses so we can reach a larger audience,” said Rob Vieira, Buildings Research director at Florida Solar Energy Center.“ A unique feature of our Webinars is that most courses will include a video case study, showing the successful implementation of green building strategies – from design to occupancy,” added Vieira.
FSEC will offer two online courses each month, beginning on June 3. Participants who attend 10 of the Webinars and pass a quiz will receive a Certificate for Zero Energy Home Building. The complete list of courses offered in 2009 include:

• Defining a Zero Energy Green Home – June 3
• Designing a Zero Energy Green Home – June 17
• Highly Efficient Water Heating Choices – July 1
• Selecting Solar Water Heating for Zero Energy Green Homes – July 15
• Selecting Windows and Walls for a Zero Energy Green Home – August 5
• Constructing Roofs and Attics for a Zero Energy Green Home – August 19
• HVAC Systems for Zero Energy Green Homes – September 2
• Selecting Appliances and Plug Loads for a Zero Energy Green Home – September 16
• Sizing and Selecting Solar Electric Systems for a Zero Energy Green Home – October 7
• Using Your Home Solar Electric System for Emergency Power – October 21
• Installation Considerations for Solar Electric Systems – November 4
• Monitoring and Operating the Zero Energy Green Home – November 18

For more details about the courses and to register, visit www.floridaenergycenter.org/go/zero.

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), a research institute of the University of Central Florida, is the largest and most active state-supported renewable energy and efficiency institute in the United States. Created by the Florida Legislature in 1975, FSEC’s mission is to research energy technologies that enhance Florida’s and the nation’s economy and environment, and to educate the public, students and practitioners on the results of the research. Working in alternative fuels, hydrogen and fuel cells, photovoltaics, solar thermal technologies, high performance buildings, and education areas, FSEC’s 140-member staff helps provide Florida with a future of energy independence and environmental sustainability. FSEC is also responsible for testing and certification of solar systems sold in the state of Florida. For more information about FSEC, please visit www.floridaenergycenter.org, or send your questions to info@fsec.ucf.edu.