Buildings like our homes, offices, and schools are responsible or over 40% of energy use and carbon emissions. Fortunately, there is an opportunity for change as we renovate and remake our built environment. This session will introduce various design & construction methods for created low-carbon buildings, including Passive House, Living Building, and Net-Zero, as well as strategies for communities to encourage low-carbon development. This course meant for homeowners, town planners, neighborhood councils, school boards, and all interested community members.

1. Overview of sustainable buildings standards including Passive House, Living Building, and Net-Zero
2. Review of common design & construction elements in low-carbon buildings
3. Examples of communities implementing low-carbon buildings initiatives
4. Guidelines for organizing communities to encourage sustainable development

Image: Net-Zero MLK School in Cambridge, MA; Perkins Eastman