With net zero and low energy design moving rapidly from the fringes to the mainstream of residential and commercial architectural and building practices, Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Waitsfield, Vermont has launched new curriculum for design and building professionals, as well as those moving toward those fields.

Yestermorrow’s new four-week Certificate in Building Science & Net Zero Design (running February 7 – March 4, 2016) will provide a comprehensive exploration of building energy and durability in the context of both new construction and renovation. Building science topics include moisture and thermal dynamics, the building envelope, heat loss and gain, and pressure plane integrity. Students will also explore energy efficient mechanical systems, renewable energy options, and energy modeling tools and methods before applying performance-based design principles to design a net zero energy use structure.

According to Program Director Jacob Racusin, “This certificate program was developed to fill the gap in accessible, practical, high-quality, professional-level building science education. This program brings together an incredible roster of active professionals and educators who guide the students through not just lecture but in-class exercises, field trips, demonstrations, discussions, case studies, and design work to ensure maximum synthesis of the information in a variety of learning styles. This program was designed specifically to ramp up active or aspiring professionals - or engaged active or aspiring homeowners - and is unlike any other educational offering, on- or offline."

Taught by leaders in the field, including NESEA members Jacob Racusin, Peter Yost, Laura Bailey and Bill Maclay, this new Certificate provides the potential for a hands-on, deep dive into the concepts and technical details of how to achieve net zero buildings, filling a gap in existing professional education for designers and builders to help elevate the building standards of our entire industry.