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).

In light of the catastrophic flooding which occurred throughout the Northeast region in 2023, we must challenge ourselves to confront the increased likelihood of extreme weather events and diminished water resilience that our projects now face. 

Resilience can only be achieved if we embrace the reality of new weather patterns and adjust both design and funding strategies accordingly. 

Speakers will delve into the critical intersections between water, resilience, decarbonization, and preservation to emphasize that this is an all-hands-on-deck challenge which extends beyond the boundaries of our project sites and across their broader watersheds.

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Learning Objectives

  • Describe the main factors contributing to increased flooding and other climate related threats to buildings.
  • Take a holistic approach to resilient design that incorporates the perspectives of civil and mechanical engineering, architecture, and planning.
  • Expand the concept of resilience beyond individual building sites to encompass whole communities and watersheds.
  • Take concrete steps to make buildings more resilient to extreme weather, drawing on lessons learned from case studies.

Course outline

3 modules • 10 assignments • 1 hour to complete • 35 minutes 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 • 7 assignments
Live Keynote Presentation

  • Introduction and Importance of Water (03:05 minutes)
  • Impact of Development on the Water Cycle (09:44 minutes)
  • Case Study: Waterbury Restoration Project (06:14 minutes)
  • Climate Challenges in Washington, D.C. (01:57 minutes)
  • Innovative Water Management Solutions (04:13 minutes)
  • Cambridge's Collaborative Water Resilience (10:08 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

  • Elaine Hoffman

    Goody Clancy
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    During the last class of an art history course she took during her freshman year of college, Elaine learned about contemporary sustainable buildings. She decided then and there to devote her career to this work. Today, Elaine advances her goal of designing buildings that have a net positive impact on the environment. Elaine works on a range of tasks at Goody Clancy,... Learn more

  • Jennifer Johnson

    Exec. Vice President, Director of Resilience Planning & Design, Nitsch Engineering
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    Jenn was primarily drawn to the field of civil and water resources engineering for its ability to directly benefit communities via forward-thinking, inclusive, and resilient projects. In her 19 years of experience, Jenn has provided civil engineering, stormwater, and watershed planning and design for institutional, municipal, and commercial projects. She specializes in... Learn more

  • Patrick Murphy

    Director of Sustainable Design, Vanderweil Engineers
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    As Director of Sustainable Design for Vanderweil Engineers, Patrick is translating his experience and passion for sustainability into integrated and innovative designs while leading the Vanderweil Building Performance Group. Patrick is eager to work collaboratively with architects and engineers to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for each client, and to lead... 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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