Aligning Buildings with the Sun
LIVING BUILDINGS MISSION:
Creating catalytic change in the way we live on earth, through the sharing of knowledge and implementation of regenerative building practices that make the most efficient use of solar energy, are the least extractive to implement and maintain and provide the greatest generational impact.
Principles of Regenerative Living
Providing Essentials of Life - Food, Water, Shelter
Reliance on the Sun’s Energy
We design our buildings to harness solar energy, reducing dependency on non-renewable sources. This not only lowers operational costs but also significantly decreases the carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier planet.
Long-lasting Generational Solutions
We believe in planning and implementing
time-proven solutions such as the use of modern earth and passive solar construction techniques that create multi-generational benefits that are less complex to operate and maintain.
Minimal Extractive Impact
We prioritize the use of solutions that require the least amount of extraction of earth’s remaining resources. This is achieved by using local earth based, recycled, and reclaimed materials, with a focus on creating buildings that are in harmony with nature, rather than a burden on its resources.
“Nature is a totally efficient, self-regenerating system. If we discover the laws that govern this system and live synergistically within them, sustainability will follow and humankind will be a success.”
What we do:
At Living Buildings, we prioritize solar energy efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and make a lasting generational impact.
Building Health AssessmentS
We evaluate indoor air quality, energy efficiency, structural integrity, and environmental impact to provide actionable recommendations for a healthier and more sustainable space.
Road map development
We work collaboratively with you to create a tailored plan, outlining key milestones and actionable steps. Our expertise will guide you toward success, providing clarity and direction for your project.
Project Oversight
Our team monitors progress, manages resources, and mitigates risk throughout the project process. From start to finish, we provide the guidance you need for timely and successful project completion.
Verification of operation
After projects are complete, we monitor performance to ensure systems are operating as intended.
What we are doing:
Walkthrough of the East Arlington Project
CUrrent Projects:
Please note that the following list of projects is temporary and subject to change. Here are some of our notable projects:
Brattleboro Retreat
Shaftsbury Solar Project
East Arlington House
Woodstock Emergency Management
Norwich Town Hall Report
Internships
Join our Regenerative Building Internship Program for an immersive experience in sustainable construction practices. Get hands-on training in techniques like rammed earth and hemp crete construction, along with EMF and mold prevention. Participate in our journey to build a greener future.
What we will do:
ApprenticeshipS
Experience the future of apprenticeships with our plan to align partnerships for immersive learning in the built environment. Gain practical skills, collaborate with industry experts, and explore the interplay of design and sustainability. Join us on this transformative journey as we shape the next generation of builders and innovators.
tools
Our plan to develop tools for streamlined information sharing and tracking will empower collaboration, enhance productivity, and drive remarkable results in creating sustainable and high-performance buildings.
With this we hope to ensure open-source monitoring and controls are readily available to Vermonters.
TEMPORARY IMAGES
Experience
Life’s experiences have given me opportunities for learning from, and contributing to many buildings and campuses; sometimes spanning multiple career paths. Each generation contributing to the following, adding depth and richness to the relationships with the land, buildings and their stewards. Experiences are listed in two ways, the first , listed below outlines the organization where knowledge was obtained and lessons learned during each generation of my career; while the second highlights by buildings, or campuses, and my contributions to them.
chronology of knowledge gained
1st generation: 1993-2000: Lakeville CT, Town Grove, Salisbury Artisans, Colonial Restorations, DK Demolition
Weekend and summer jobs, along with a gap year, provided experiences from ditch digging, cabinet making, land clearing, stone masonry, carpentry and the demolition of structures.
2nd generation: 2001-2006 the University of Alaska Anchorage, Ned’s Wood, residential electrical apprenticeship
This generation provided foundational knowledge of HVAC and electrical systems, and residential deep energy retrofits.
3rd generation: 2007-2013 Control Technologies (CTI):
The depth of understanding a wide range of HVAC and control systems came from running wires, programming sequences of operation, commissioning and troubleshooting.
4th generation: 2014-2021 Vermont Energy Investment Corp:
Worked on behalf of Vermont ratepayers under the Efficiency Vermont (EVT) contract with Vermont Energy Investment Corporation. Learned deep energy retrofit Technical lead and cofounder of the flexible load management movement in Vermont.
5th generation: Living Buildings (LB):
Facilitating a team with generations of experience in energy efficiency, architecture, engineering, contracting and providing holistic project management from concept to completion by applying systems thinking and biomimicry to the built environment.