What about … ?
If your questions about attending Green Buildings Open House are not fully answered here, by all means get in touch. We’ll help you out, and you’ll be helping us build this list. Contact us
What is Green Buildings Open House (GBOH)?
When is GBOH and how long does it last?
How do I find a host site near me?
What is the cost?
What do I do at the host site?
This is great! How do I get involved in Green Buildings Open House?
What if I need to use the bathroom?
What about tickets?
Can I visit multiple sites?
Do I have to sign up ahead of time?
Are pets allowed?
What is Green Buildings Open House (GBOH)?
NESEA’s Green Buildings Open House is the largest sustainable energy event in the Northeast. For the past 16 years, the GBOH program has inspired thousands of individuals to learn about and implement energy efficient and renewable energy solutions in their homes. The goal of the GBOH event is to enable participants to see, firsthand, energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements in their communities and motivate them to adopt similar solutions for their own homes, commercial buildings, schools, etc.
At host sites, participants are able to talk with home and business owners, ask questions, and see how their renewable energy technologies actually work. GBOH also connects building owners and managers with professionals who can provide them with sustainable energy services or energy efficiency retrofits. GBOH runs in conjunction with the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour.
When is GBOH and how long does it last?
GBOH generally occurs on the first Saturday of every October. However, this year, host sites throughout Northeast will open up their homes, businesses and schools on Saturday, October 13, 2012. The suggested hours of the event are 10am to 4pm but it really depends upon the site. Be sure to check out the hours when you search for sites online.
How do I find a host site near me?
Visit www.nesea.org/gboh/ and click “Find Sites” to find the host site nearest you!
What is the cost?
The event is free at most locations, but please check specific listings to verify if there is a cost associated with that site.
What do I do at the host site?
Ask the host questions and learn about sustainable energy options! Feel free to take any brochures/pamphlets that are available at the location(s) you visit.
What if I need to use the bathroom?
Perhaps the most frequent of frequent questions! When in doubt, ask the host. Some hosts may not feel comfortable having visitors use their bathroom, so please be courteous and respectful.
What about tickets?
No tickets, no fees, except in rare instances. If there is some kind of entrance fee, the site’s listing will say so.
Can I visit multiple sites?
Yes, as many as you can pack into the day! Do keep in mind that some hosts have different operating hours. When you search the GBOH database, please take note of the hours on the site listing and plan your tour accordingly.
Do I have to sign up ahead of time?
Technically, no, but we hope you will. It takes just a minute via our online visitor preregistration form. Preregistration allows you to skip the sign-in process when you arrive at each site, helps us estimate how many visitors our fabulous hosts can expect, and assures our sponsors that GBOH is alive, thriving, and should continue.
Are pets allowed?
No. Some people may be concerned about allergies—or favorite rugs. Please be courteous to the host and your fellow guests and leave your pets either at home or in the car. BUT keep in mind that on a warmer October day, a car can quickly get hot enough to sicken or kill a pet. Many experts recommend not leaving a pet in a car, even if it’s parked in the shade, if the temperature is 60 degrees or above.
This is great! How do I get involved in Green Buildings Open House?
Whether you’d like to be a host or help us by acting as a volunteer local organizer in your area, you can get more information by contacting Kelsey Hobson, the GBOH Program Coordinator, at (413) 774-6051 x17.
Do you have other questions that you think should be on this list? Contact Kelsey Hobson at (413) 774-6051 x 17 or via email at khobson@nesea.org.
