Here's what's coming up for 2008:
(latest event added July 4)

Discover the Wood Goddess Within With Shay Salomon
July 5-11, 2008
Cost: $250-$350 Sliding Scale
Shay Salomon of Women Build Houses offers a 7-day basic carpentry class for women. We'll practice meditative focus while we learn how to use hammers, hand saws, pry bars, squares, planes, rasps, chisels, tape measures, power drills, circular saws, electric chop and table saws, and other tools while we build a solar oven for the Lama Kitchen. Class size limited to 4.

For more information visit www.lamafoundation.org

Implementing Renewable Energy Projects in the Developing World!

This August, Solar Energy International  (SEI) is hosting a "Renewable Energy for the Developing World" workshop which will teach people how to implement sustainable development projects using renewable energy technologies. Guest instructors who work around the world will present their projects, case studies, and lessons learned. Guest instructors include representatives from the Solar Electric Light Fund, Green Empowerment, Grupo Fenix, Engineers without Borders, the International Renewable Resources Institute, and the Himalayan Light Foundation. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to network with some of the experts who bring renewable energy to the third world.

R.E. for the Developing World
August 25 - 29 • Carbondale, CO
To register or for more information visit www.solarenergy.org , or call SEI at (970) 963-8855.

Learn how Straw Bale construction & Natural Plasters are becoming mainstream in America

Join SEI and nationally acclaimed straw bale builder and natural plasterer Laura Bartels, this September for a landmark workshop on Designing & Building Straw Bale Homes. Straw bale building utilizes the traditionally wasted resource of straw to construct highly insulated buildings that are both beautiful and eco-friendly. While it is true that straw bale buildings are versatile in size and aesthetics, there are specific design parameters that must be considered in order to ensure strength and durability. This 5-day workshop offers an in-depth look into the different building techniques, construction and detailing considerations of straw bale homes, including the role and application of earthen plasters. Participants will gain hands-on experience with different techniques, discuss and experience different construction and detailing ideas, and try their hand at sample plasters.
Straw Bale Construction & Natural Plasters
September 15-19 • Paonia, CO
To register or for more information visit www.solarenergy.org, or call SEI at 970- 963-8855.

EnviroFest 2008
Environment and the Economy: Cents and Sensibility for Colorado
September 18, 2008 – 5:30 -9:30 p.m.
PPA Event Center - 2105 Decatur Street
Denver, Colorado
Envirofest is an exciting opportunity for environmental professionals to network, learn, and share dinner and cocktails with environmental and engineering organizations and consulting firms, government agencies, academic institutions, and job seekers! This year’s theme will focus on current public and private efforts to reduce the state’s environmental footprint and the resulting impact on the economy.

The panel of speakers will include (among many others) the Denver Director of Greening for the 2008 Democratic National Convention and a representative from the Home Builder’s Association who will discuss the impact of the Built Green Program on Colorado’s environment and the housing economy. This year’s Envirofest cocktail hour will also feature Colorado Bluegrass music performed by Slipstream!
www.rmaep.org/envirofest.asp

ONGOING EVENTS

CSU Green Building Certificate Program, Denver
The Department of Construction Management at CSU is continuing to offer their certificate program for building professionals on their Denver campus. Fall registration is happening now, so check out the full program description at http://www.learn.colostate.edu/certificates/noncredit/green-building.dot.

Boulder Bioneers Meetings, Monthly, Boulder
Join fellow Bioneers to learn and strategize for community solutions. Monthly gatherings at the Boulder Co-op Commons feature an hour of Bioneers presentations, from the video archives, followed by discussion. Bring some food to share if you would like. Free and open to the public; donation suggested. For more info, go to http://ecenter.colorado.edu/events

Smart Energy Living Workshops, Ongoing, Metro Denver
These one day workshops, designed for homeowners and offered by Colorado Energy Science Center, cover affordable home comfort, solar hot water systems and cutting home energy costs. See their site for schedule details and registration, or call 303 216-2026 extension 150. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming events.