Tune into leading-edge building performance sessions in the new, free NESEA BuildingEnergy Boston 2024 bundle!

About this course

This course was originally presented at BuildingEnergy Boston 2024, a conference presented by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA).

Building with bio-based materials allow us to address the combined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. Workforce development, housing access, regional supply chains, and sustainable food and forest systems are all key elements of climate resilience and justice. 

In this session, learn how building materials fit into this pattern as we explore a UN report on biomaterials and a Northeast initiative to scale their use in the built environment. After their presentation, the speakers facilitated a workshop, where participants will identified actionable steps for evolving their own practices.

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Learning Objectives

  • Identify the importance of biomaterials as a resilience strategy.
  • Develop strategies involving biomaterials, climate response, and social equity to incorporate into your practice.
  • Coordinate with regional work to scale the use of biomaterials in the Northeast, and join regional efforts that will support their practice.
  • Confirm the value and importance of building-level solutions in a global context of climate action.

Course outline

3 modules • 11 assignments • 1 hour to complete • 1:04 hours of video lectures

Welcome • 1 assignments
Orientation Materials

This is a free course. We take pride in our free courses, but keep in mind that this is only a taste of what we do in a full HeatSpring course. You can get started immediately after you enroll.

  • Welcome to the course!
Module 1 • 8 assignments
Biomaterials: A Regional and Global Movement for Climate Justice and Resilience

  • Introduction and Overview (01:34 minutes)
  • Global Context and UN Report Insights (11:56 minutes)
  • Case Studies & Practical Applications (06:39 minutes)
  • Innovative Approaches and Future Directions (15:14 minutes)
  • How Can Regionally Produced Renewable Building Materials Be Brought to Market at Scale? (07:02 minutes)
  • Building a Collaborative Future (07:42 minutes)
  • What Will You Do Next? - Conversations with the Audience (14:09 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (.pdf)
Conclusion • 2 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate (members only)

Authors

  • Jacob Racusin

    Director of Building Science and Sustainability, New Frameworks Natural Design/Build
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    Jacob Deva Racusin is Director of Building Science and Sustainability with New Frameworks Natural Design/Build. As a consultant, designer, and educator, Jacob merges his passions for ecological stewardship, relationship to place, and social justice. Jacob is also an Embodied Carbon Analyst and BEAM Trainer and Co-Developer with Builders For Climate Action. Jacob has... Learn more

  • Ace McArleton

    Co-Founder & Co-CEO, New Frameworks Natural Design/Build
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    Ace founded New Frameworks in 2006, blending natural building materials and methods with high performance designs. Ace instructs in the Natural Building Certificate Program at Yestermorrow Design/Build School and is the author of The Natural Building Companion (Chelsea Green 2012). Learn more

  • Chris Hardy

    Design Director, MASS Design Group
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    Chris has always enjoyed tackling large problems, with the motivating belief that technical innovation and craft traditions can be united in an architectural idea, and that design can support the global need for conservation. Since joining MASS Design Group in 2018, Chris has focused on complex projects and delivery methods. He spent four years in the Kigali office,... Learn more

Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. This is a self-study, self-paced course and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.

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