About this course

This course was originally presented at BuildingEnergy Boston 2020, a conference presented by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)

This session will provide concrete tools and answers on how to draw down carbon in our buildings starting today. We’ll focus on low-rise buildings, where most new construction and renovations happen and which are currently under-represented in embodied-carbon design and analysis. We will present critical construction details such as band joist insulation selections and sloped ceiling retrofits, as well as whole-building design strategies. We’ll present current developments including tools for carbon counting, “green list” material specifications, cooperative supply chains for biogenic materials, and carbon curriculum for industry education. We will fuel hope and build a movement by presenting the very real and immediate carbon drawdown reservoir that exists in constructed or renovated buildings. Session speakers presented the acclaimed keynote at last year’s BuildingEnergy conference.

Learning Objectives

  • Explain what embodied carbon is and how carbon can be stored in building materials
  • Describe at least two case-study examples of stored carbon
  • Describe critical, common design details that incorporate carbon storing materials
  • Access currently-available tools that measure carbon impact and storage of specific materials

Course outline

2 modules
1:30 hours of video lectures
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Embodied Carbon in Materials: Real Steps to Drawing Down Carbon in our Buildings

  • Embodied Carbon in Materials: Real Steps to Drawing Down Carbon in our Buildings (01:30:50 hours)
  • OPTIONAL: Subscribe to NESEA Communications

Authors

Chris Magwood

Executive Director, Endeavour Centre

Chris Magwood is obsessed with helping reverse climate change by making carbon-storing buildings that are also healthy, beautiful, efficient and inspiring. Chris is currently the executive director of The Endeavour Centre, a not-for-profit sustainable building school in Peterborough, Ontario. The school runs a full-time certificate programs – Sustainable Building and...

Jacob Racusin

Director of Building Science and Sustainability, New Frameworks Natural Design/Build

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...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. The lecture video and other materials are available any time.
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.

Reviews

4.7
Based on 13 reviews
106
students have taken this course
03/15/2021
jesper k
10/10/2023
Donovan R
01/10/2023
Jacqueline V

The use of technology such as cookies allows HeatSpring to operate and improve the functionality of our website and derive insights about our audience.

You can read more about our privacy policy here.