GreenHome Institute

10/03/2026

The American Solar Energy Society - ASES National Solar Tour Weekend is here!

We are so excited to present many homes we have filmed and the owners we have interviewed over the years that still feature more sustainable technologies and ideas you can apply to your home upgrade or new construction project, including our Education Managers home as well!

The GreenHome Institute is featuring a virtual aspect of the national solar tour that you can check out here.

Thank you to all tour guides, including Larry Bridge, Michael Klement, Harvey Bell, Amy Myers, and Mike Baker, the Miners, Jake Vierzen, Eric Hughes, Brandon Weiss, Bill Spohn, Ryan McCoon, Evan Mathison, Danny Forester, Paul Abueve, Aaron Stash, Dale Hulst, Ben Allee, Lindey Elton, James Lewis, Marcus de la fleur, Mark Hanson, Marc Sloot, Stewart Herman, Rebecca Johnson, Sam Friesen, Molly Berg and Ty Newell just to name a few!

Architectural Resource
Build Equinox
Eco Achievers
SALA Architects, Inc.
Mathison I Mathison Architects
Image Design, LLC
Endura Performance Homes
R-Value Homes - West Michigan

Get there and please share!
https://map.nationalsolartour.org/tours/cmddg6yb80000hvsev2jjgzwg

10/02/2026

Are you passionate about cracking home performance puzzles, diagnosing efficiency issues, and helping homeowners live more safely and comfortably?

Insight Property Services is growing, and we’re looking for an Experienced Residential Energy Auditor to join our team in the Chicagoland area!

If you know your way around a blower door, duct blaster, infrared camera, and combustion safety testing, we want you on board.

Why Join Insight?
Focus on the Work You Love: We handle scheduling, logistics, and marketing so you can concentrate purely on delivering high-quality evaluations.

Industry-Leading Support: Work alongside a trusted, established team dedicated to building science, continuous learning, and trade excellence.

A Culture of Passion: Collaborate every day with fellow building performance enthusiasts who share your drive.

What We're Looking For:
Certifications such as BPI Building Analyst / Energy Auditor (or equivalent hands-on experience).

A detail-oriented mindset and a strong commitment to homeowner education and safety.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Send your resume to [email protected] today!

10/01/2026

Congrats to our member!

09/29/2026

We are going live at 12pm ET Today for this virtual home tour!

, will you join us?

Experience a new standard in sustainable homebuilding as you tour this innovative northern Minnesota home, a model of affordability, resilience, and health. Developed in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, this house showcases a “building recipe” that combines thick, super-insulated walls, locally sourced air-dried lumber, all-electric appliances, and a heat pump energy recovery ventilation system. Together, these features create a home that uses far less energy, stays comfortable even in the harshest winters, and costs less to operate—proving that sustainable, high-performance homes can be built affordably for families across Minnesota.

Beyond energy savings, this approach delivers healthier living environments, as seen with the Jarvi family: after moving in, their daughter’s asthma symptoms improved significantly thanks to better indoor air quality and the elimination of fossil fuel appliances. With solar panels, smart passive design, and durable construction, these homes not only lower utility bills and carbon emissions but also offer a blueprint for addressing Minnesota’s climate, housing, and affordability challenges. As you tour, discover how these practical, scalable features can be applied to any home—helping families worldwide enjoy healthier, more sustainable, and cost-effective living for generations to come.

GreenHome Institute Weekly Free CE Webinar Presents:

09/27/2026

Get funding to switch!

☀️ Did you know? A residential rooftop solar system can reduce your monthly electric bill by 50% to 90%—and even offset up to 100% of your home's electricity usage!

That adds up to roughly $1,200 to $2,400+ in annual savings for the average homeowner, all while producing zero-emissions power right from your roof.

3 key ways to get the most out of solar energy:
1️⃣ Pair with battery storage: Store extra daytime solar energy to power your home during expensive evening peak hours or power outages.

2️⃣ Check local net metering: Send excess power back to the grid for bill credits through your local electric utility.

3️⃣ Take advantage of incentives: Like local utility rebates to lower upfront equipment costs.

09/25/2026

🚨 Would you join us for an invitation from Ty Newell to come over to his house next week, virtually, for the Equinox House Upgrade Tour: Rainwater | Solar | Smart Ventilation?

📅 Will you register for this GreenHome Institute CE Tour on Wed Sept. 30th at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT?

ℹ️ Join us for an enlightening virtual tour of Equinox House, a remarkable net zero home located in Urbana, Illinois, built in 2010. During the tour, you'll discover the innovative features that make this house a standout example of sustainable living. Learn about the advanced indoor air quality management system, which includes a conditioning energy recovery ventilator that effectively monitors indoor CO2 levels, as well as indoor and outdoor VOCs and particulates. One of the highlights is the home's rainwater harvesting system, which was the first of its kind approved in Illinois for non-potable use—supplying 50% of the home's annual water needs for toilets and garden use. You’ll also see the beautiful raingarden that holds 3,000 gallons of rain overflow, designed to reduce stormwater drainage and support the native prairie landscape that surrounds the property. As we explore further, you’ll learn how the home is powered by an 8.5kW solar array installed in 2010, and how a second 8.5kW array, along with 32kWh of battery storage and an automatic transfer switch, was added in 2026. This upgrade not only provides energy for the home’s two electric vehicles but also minimizes reliance on the utility grid while ensuring backup power during outages. This tour promises to be a fascinating glimpse into the future of sustainable living—don’t miss it!

👉 , will you register and share this so all may learn and benefit?






Build Equinox

American Solar Energy Society - ASES added national solar tour!

GreenHome Institute Weekly Free CE Webinar Presents:

09/24/2026

Next week will you join us for this American Solar Energy Society - ASES tour with Sam Friesen of and Molly Berg on the Cohasset Habitat Home Tour: Low Carbon Building Solutions for Affordable Housing Next

🗓 Will you register for this free CEU webinar home tour on Tuesday 9.29 at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT

ℹ Experience a new standard in sustainable homebuilding as you tour this innovative northern Minnesota home, a model of affordability, resilience, and health. Developed in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, this house showcases a “building recipe” that combines thick, super-insulated walls, locally sourced air-dried lumber, all-electric appliances, and a heat pump energy recovery ventilation system. Together, these features create a home that uses far less energy, stays comfortable even in the harshest winters, and costs less to operate—proving that sustainable, high-performance homes can be built affordably for families across Minnesota.

👉 , will you register here and share this so all may learn and benefit?

GreenHome Institute Weekly Free CE Webinar Presents:

09/23/2026

Tomorrow!

DIY Manual D Duct Design Simulations for better HVAC performance - Free CEU Webinar

Will you register for this free CEU Webinar on 9.23.26 at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT?

This course covers the calculations, procedures, and documentation required to complete an ACCA Manual D duct design. Participants will learn how to calculate friction rate, determine total equivalent length, size ducts using the velocity method, and properly balance supply and return air systems. The course will also explain how duct fittings, static pressure, and equipment airflow affect overall system performance, comfort, efficiency, and noise levels. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how to translate Manual J and Manual S results into a complete duct design that delivers the required airflow to each room.

will you join us and click share so all may learn and benefit?

GreenHome Institute Weekly Free CE Webinar Presents:

09/15/2026

One exciting LEED project from the past!

Some of the best housing solutions are built by honoring what is already here—and imagining what can grow alongside it.

At Commerce Courtyard and Herkimer Apartments, historic architecture and newer construction come together to create more than a place to live. They help make room for affordable homes, commercial spaces and a stronger, more connected Heartside neighborhood.

That kind of work takes long-term care. Dwelling Place’s Asset Management team helps steward these properties over time—planning for what each building needs, preserving the value of existing homes and helping ensure they can continue serving residents and the neighborhood for years to come.

09/03/2026

🚨 I will be talking to Rebecca D. Johnson and Ryan Reber about their project, in which they plan to design a community focused on healthier homes with demand-controlled ventilation, water conservation through rainwater capture, and all-electric operation near Passive House standards.

🗓️ Register below to join us for this live GreenHome Institute free CEU webinar on Wednesday, 9.9, 12 pm ET / 9 am PT

ℹ️ This course will walk you through the sustainability goals of the Maple Square pocket neighborhood being developed in Bloomington, IL. We will be discussing topics like Passive House principles, high performance goals, air quality with CERV, and our water reclamation system. Maple Square is a first of it's kind development; incorporating a large variety of sustainable features for wellness focused living for people and the planet. Our goal is to inspire you to think about the importance of incorporating a variety of features into the home building and neighborhood designs. You will also gain special insight on water reclamation in new home construction. This course will reach a wide range of audience members from beginning learners to those with experience in the sustainability fields of architecture and/or development.

👉 , will you join us and share this so all may learn and benefit?

GreenHome Institute Weekly Free CE Webinar Presents: