Energize Montana Calendar

2008

July

Full week NCAT Rater Training
July 21-25
NCAT Offices, 3040 Continental Drive, Butte, MT

This workshop is a comprehensive energy auditor training with an emphasis on new residential construction and the HERS rating process. The workshop incorporates information about how the Energy Star New Homes program is operated both nationally and in the four northwest states. This training will prepare the participant to take the tests necessary to become a certified HERS Rater, a Northwest Energy Star Homes Verifier, and a Northwest Energy Star Homes Performance Tester. The training includes two confirmed probationary ratings and HERS rating software training. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is a RESNET accreditied HERS Rater Training Provider. The training cost is $1150 per person.

For more information about the training, contact Dale Horton at 406-494-8653.

June

Getting to Green: The Case for Green Building in Affordable Housing
June 12, 8:45-10:15 am
2008 Montana Housing Conference
Holiday Inn, Great Falls, MT

(DEQ) will be presenting information about the new energy code (2006 IECC) and energy efficient buildings at the Montana Housing Conference session titled "The Case for Green Building in Affordable Housing." For more information about this presentation, contact P. Tschida, (406) 841-5232.

May

Home Energy Rater Training by NCAT
May 5-9, 2008
Butte, Montana

This workshop is a comprehensive energy auditor training with an emphasis on new residential construction and the HERS rating process. This workshop will incorporate information about how the Energy Star New Homes program is operated both nationally and in the four northwest states. This training is intended to prepare the participant to take the tests necessary to become a certified HERS Rater, an Energy Star Homes Northwest Energy Star Verifier, and an Energy Star Homes Northwest Performance Tester. The National Rater Exam will be administered from 1:00 � 3:00 pm Friday, May 9. This training is the first step to becoming qualified to provide certification for the Federal Tax Credit for energy efficient new homes. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is a RESNET accredited HERS Rater Training Provider. The training cost is $1150 per person. For more information about the training contact Dale Horton, (406) 494-8653.

7 - Lighting Solutions - Governor's Energy Challenge to State Government

The lighting solutions workshop will be from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm at the new MSU Billings College of Technology Health Sciences building located at 3803 Central Ave (Central and Shiloh) in Billings. The featured speaker will be Eric Strandberg from the Seattle Lighting Design Lab. Eric will talk about retrofit strategies for existing buildings. Other topics covered will include an Overview of the Governor's Energy Challenge, How Lighting Projects Work, Utility Lighting Incentives and Audits, and Working with Term Contracts. State agencies can sign up for audits with utility representatives. Workshop is open to the public, but will emphasize strategies to help state agencies meet the governor's energy challenge. To register contact Kathi Montgomery at the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-841-5243 or email kmontgomery@mt.gov.

8 - Lighting Workshops, Bozeman, MT

Bozeman Holiday Inn - Montana Room
5 E Baxter Ln
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 587-4561
Get directions

Office Lighting Update, 10 a.m. to Noon

The morning session (10 am to noon) will provide information on the lighting strategies required to meet the energy code and 30% above code. Information on new lamp and ballast options, new generation of lensed luminaries, task, ambient and day lighting will be presented.

Energy Effective Lighting Controls, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The afternoon session (1-3 pm) will review lighting controls and strategies, current equipment and technology, proper applications and system commissioning.

Each session costs $30, $60 to attend both session with lunch provided. Each session provides 2 credits for continuing education for AIA, these are HSW.

Register in advance, Contact Lighting Design Lab at 206-325-9711 or 800-354-3864

12 - 13 - Montana Geothermal Working Group meeting

Monday, May 12 1 - 5 pm Status of geothermal programs in Montana and the region Tuesday, May 13 8am - 12 pm Working sessions for direct uses, electricity generation and oil and gas co-produced fluids

For more details contact Kathi Montgomery at the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-841-5243 or email kmontgomery@mt.gov.

April

Third Annual Building Education Conference
April 7-11, 2008
Gran Tree Inn, Bozeman, MT

This conference is designed for design professionals, building code officials, fire officials, residential builders, commercial contractors and other professionals interested in learning about building codes and other related topics. Registration fee for the entire session is $35. Registration deadline is March 24, 2008. For on line registration http://www.mt.gov/dli/bsd/bc/ed.asp . Energy code, conservation and resource efficient related sessions are listed below.

Green Building Workshop, April 8, Gran Tree Inn, Bozeman, MT

A one day Green Building workshop will focus on the nuts and bolts of how building professionals can incorporate green-building techniques into every phase of the building process. The course will cover: site selection and planning; resource, energy and water efficiency; indoor environmental quality; operation, maintenance and owner education; green products; certification programs and marketing of the green home. Full Day.

Registration Information available here.
For additional information, contact Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-841-5232.

Energy Code Update - 2006 IECC - Commercial Provisions, April 9, Gran Tree Inn, Bozeman, MT

This half day seminar covers the differences between the 2003 and 2006 International Energy Conservation Code for commercial buildings. The course material is designed to provide contractors, designers, code officials, and builders with critical updates on commercial energy code provisions and changes prior to the upcoming state adoption of the 2006 IECC. The 2006 edition has been re-formatted and includes many new commercial provisions. AM Only.

Energy Code Update - 2006 IECC - Residential Provisions, April 9, Gran Tree Inn, Bozeman, MT

This half day seminar covers the differences between the 2003 and 2006 International Energy Conservation Code for residential buildings. The course material is designed to provide contractors, designers, code officials, and builders with critical updates on residential energy code provisions and changes prior to the upcoming state adoption of the 2006 IECC. The 2006 edition has been re-formatted and includes many new residential provisions. PM Only.

Registration Information available here
For additional information, contact Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-841-5232.

February

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is soliciting qualified individuals to conduct energy studies of state government buildings and facilities. Activities include on-site auditing and baseline data collection, identification of potential energy-saving measures, performing an energy use model, and cost analyses of recommended measures including interactions of measures. The studies will be used to determine projects where the energy savings from the improvements will be greater than the cost of the improvements. The studies will be used to determine which projects will be funded. In some cases, less complex energy studies will be requested that may focus on a single component of a building. The studies will also be used to provide information on energy savings that should be considered in the future when renovation of the building or facility is planned.

This Request for Qualifications is issued under authority of Title 18, Montana Code Annotated, and the Administrative Rules of Montana, Title 2, chapter 5.

RFQ documents can be found at the DEQ website and are due March 14, 2008.

For more information, contact Vicki Woodrow at 406-444-3101 or via email at vwoodrow@mt.gov

January

Jan 17 - Lighting Solutions - Governor's Energy Challenge to State Government

The lighting solutions workshop will be from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm at the DEQ Last Chance Gulch Building located at 1100 North Last Chance Gulch in Helena. The room number is TBA and will be posted inside the building. Topic covered will include an Overview of the Governor's Energy Challenge, How Lighting Projects Work, Utility Lighting Incentives and Audits, Working with Term Contracts, Information on the Montana Integrated Design Lab, and Strategies for Effective Office Lighting. Lighting products will be exhibited on Level 3, LCG Building, throughout the day. State agencies can sign up for audits with utility representatives. For additional information contact the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-841-5200.

Jan 24 - Montana Wind Working Group meeting

The meeting will be held at the State Capitol Building, Room 317 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Topics discussed will include: Update from Wind Powering America, Radar Interference and Mitigation, Wind Integration in Montana, and Transmission Planning and Updates. For additional information contact the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-841-5200.

2007

December

Dec 19 - Red Lodge Builder Training

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality and City of Red Lodge will conduct a new home energy efficiency information session at the Red Lodge Fire hall from 10 am to noon on December 19. The session will continue in the afternoon at two houses in the Red Lodge area. The sessions are free and open to the public. The morning session will include information on energy efficient building techniques, ENERGY STAR houses, Montana Energy code, and tax credit for energy conservation, sealed crawlspaces, radon control and ventilation. The afternoon training sessions will take place at two houses experiencing energy related problems. One is a log home and the other a conventionally built home.

These afternoon sessions will demonstrate the process for testing houses for air tightness and insulation integrity. The sessions will consist of a blower door analysis and infrared camera scan. The infrared camera shows the surface temperatures in a color spectrum. The blower door analysis is done with a large fan assembly in an exterior doorway drawing air out of the house. Cold outdoor air is drawn into the house by the fan and the infrared camera shows the air infiltration locations. People attending the session will be able to view the infrared images of the house, reveling air leakage sites and any under insulated areas. For additional information contact Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-841-5232.

Dec 18 - Habitat for Humanity Demonstrates ENERGY STAR Home Features

The ENERGY STAR building features of the Missoula Area Habitat for Humanity house will be demonstrated at the nearly completed house located at 4825 Potter Park Loop in the Windsor Park Development. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will conduct this free and open-to-the-public session which will begin at 2:00 PM on December 18.

Missoula Habitat houses exceed the ENERGY STAR standards, which are about 20% more efficient than a standard house, by building houses with higher levels of insulation, enhanced air sealing and heat recovery mechanical ventilation. The features ensure low energy bills, good indoor air quality and comfort. The session will demonstrate testing for air tightness and insulation integrity of the house. The session will consist of a blower door analysis and infrared camera scan. The blower door analysis, a requirement for a Northwest ENERGY STAR home certification, is done with a large fan assembly in an exterior doorway drawing air out of the house. The infrared camera will show locations of colder outdoor air being drawn into the house by the fan. Paul Tschida of the DEQ notes that Missoula Habitat has been building tight, well insulated house for years following the motto to build tight and ventilate right. The demonstration will allow attendees to view the infrared image of the house to see small areas of air leakage.

Representatives from Missoula Habitat, as well as structural insulated panel, heating, and ventilation equipment suppliers will present information about their products. Information about energy efficiency construction, radon prevention, Montana Energy Code, and the Energy Conservation Tax Credit will also be presented.

For more information about the session, contact the Missoula Habitat for Humanity office at 406-549-8210 or Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-841-5232.

November

Nov 21 - Habitat for Humanity Demonstrates ENERGY STAR Home Features

The ENERGY STAR building features of the Helena Area Habitat for Humanity house will be demonstrated at the nearly completed house located at 2194 Oregon Street at the corner of Billings and Oregon. These houses are about 20% more efficient than a standard house with enhanced comfort and indoor air quality. The session will demonstrate the testing for air tightness and insulation integrity of the house. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will conduct this free and open-to-the-public session from 9 AM to noon on November 21. The session will consist of a blower door analysis and infrared camera scan. The blower door analysis is done with a large fan assembly in an exterior doorway drawing air out of the house. The infrared camera will show the locations of colder outdoor air being drawn into the house by the fan. Paul Tschida of the DEQ notes that Helena Habitat has been building tight, well insulated house for years, following the motto to build tight and ventilate right. The demonstration will allow attendees to view the infrared image of the house to see areas of air leakage. Information about energy efficiency construction, radon prevention, Montana energy code and the energy conservation tax credit will also be presented. For more information about the session, contact the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at 406-841-5232.

October

Renewable Energy in Montana

An Introduction to Solar Electricity, Solar Hot Water, and Small Wind Generation

As energy security, costs and climate change become more important, clean energy sources are making their way into the mainstream. In Montana, hundreds of homes and businesses are turning to renewable energy to offset power bills and contribute to cleaner air, water and soil. This 2 hour overview covers solar electricity, solar hot water, small wind generators, financing, rebates, and ways to sell power back to the power company. There will also be demonstration equipment, handouts, and time for questions and answers.

Presented by Christopher Borton of Sage Mountain Center
No pre-registration required. For more information:
Email smc@sagemountain.org or call 406-494-9875

Sponsored by Montana-Dakota Utilities and Montana Department of Environmental Quality

April

Energy Code Training Sessions

Residential Energy Code
April 3, PM, Gran Tree Inn, Bozeman, MT

This session will provide information on insulation levels, windows, air sealing, heating system design and duct sealing requirements of the energy code. The session will show examples of crawlspace moisture control strategies that Montana builders are installing without using vents. Infrared pictures of improperly placed insulation and excessive air leakage sites will be shown. Overviews of 2006 IECC, state and federal tax credits and REScheck are included.
Commercial Energy Code
April 5, AM, Gran Tree Inn, Bozeman, MT

This session will provide energy code information for insulation levels, windows, air sealing, steel buildings, lighting levels and controls, mechanical systems, service water heating, vestibules, etc. An overview of differences between the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 energy code requirements, 2006 IECC for commercial buildings and COM check will be provided.

For additional information about the energy code training sessions, contact Paul Tschida at 406-841-5232 or email at ptschida@mt.gov.

Montana Energy Star Homes Northwest and Home Energy Rater Training

Home Energy Rater Training
(Incorporates Home Performance Specialist, Performance Testing, and REMRATE Training), Cost (about $1,000)
April 9-13, Missoula, MT, 8 am to 4 pm, Mon-Fri
NorthWestern Energy Office, 1903 Russell, Missoula, MT 59801

For more information on any of these Montana Energy Star Homes Northwest events and trainings, call the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) at (406) 721-9908.

Renewable Energy in Montana

As energy security, costs, and climate issues become more important, clean energy sources are making their way into the mainstream. In Montana, hundreds of houses and businesses are turning to renewable energy to offset power bills and contribute to cleaner air, water, and soil. This two hour overview covers solar electricity, solar hot water, small wind generators, financing, rebates and ways to sell power back to the power company. There will also be demonstration equipment, handouts, and time for questions and answers.

Presented by Christopher Borton of Sage Mountain Center
No pre-registration required.
For more information, email smc@sagemountain.org or call 406-494-9875

Sponsored by Montana Department of Environmental Quality

January

Information Session on Crawlspace Moisture Control, Montana Energy Code and Montana Northwest ENERGY STAR Home Program

Thursday, January 11, 2007

9:00 AM to Noon

Whitefish Public Library
Conference Room
9 Spokane Ave
Whitefish, Montana

The session will include information on:

Presenter
Paul Tschida of Montana Department of Environmental Quality has investigated numerous crawlspace problems and will show various options of controlling crawlspace moisture. He will also give an update on the 2006 International Energy Code.

For more information call Paul Tschida at 406-841-5232 or email ptschida@mt.gov.

2006

SEPTEMBER

Information Session on Crawlspace Moisture Control

Friday, October 13, 2006, 1:00 to 4:30 pm, Room 111, Director's Conference Room, Metcalf Building (DEQ), 1520 E 6th Avenue, Helena, MT. For additional information, call Paul Tschida of Montana DEQ, 406-841-5232.

The session will include information on crawlspace moisture sources, controlling crawlspace moisture, moisture related problems (mold), venting of crawlspaces, conditioning of crawlspaces, code requirements for crawlspaces, crawlspace systems that work, radon, and an update on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code.

AUGUST

DEQ to participate in the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) SustainabilityFEST.

Learn about solar and wind energy systems, biodiesel, recycling, hybrid vehicles, and much more. SustainabilityFEST will be held at the NCAT Butte headquarters building, 3040 Continental Drive on August 24th, Noon to 8 p.m.

MAY

RENOWNED GEOTHERMAL SCHOLAR TO SPEAK

HELENA -- the newly formed Montana Geothermal Working Group will host renowned geothermal scholar Dr. John Lund at Fairmont Hot Springs resort on Thursday, May 18, 2006.

Dr. Lund is the director of the Geo-Heat Center in Klamath Falls, OR, and is the president of the International Geothermal Association. He has traveled the world studying geothermal resources and applications, and will share his experiences with the working group. His talk will focus on direct uses of the earth's heat, including greenhouses, aquaculture, and space heating.

Other topics to be covered include generating electricity from hot water, marketing and business planning for geothermal projects, and resource assessments for specific sites.

The Montana Geothermal Working Group is made up of owners and managers of geothermal resources, and others interested in geothermal and renewable energy issues. The public is welcome to attend the event, which will be held from 10 am - 4:30 pm. the cost to attend is $15 and includes lunch.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the meeting. For reservations, please contact Kathi Montgomery at the Montana Department of Environmental Quality by phone (406-841-5243) or email (kmontgomery@mt.gov).

MARCH

House as a System - Montana Residential Energy Code

Northwest Energy Star Builder Training
Wednesday March 15 at the Mission Valley Power Office, Pablo, MT
For additional information, call Paul Tschida of Montana DEQ, 406-841-5232

Montana Building Code Classes

Residential Use of the International Energy Conservation Code
Wednesday March 29 at 1:00 p.m., Red Lion Colonial Inn, Helena

Commercial Use of the International Energy Conservation Code
Thursday March 30 at 1:00 p.m., Red Lion Colonial Inn, Helena

Registration fee of $35.00. Call Paul Tschida of Montana DEQ for additional information, 406-841-5232.

Installation Training for Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured Home (NEEM)/ SUPER GOOD CENTS/ENERGY STAR Manufactured Houses.

The FREE Sessions are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be an on- your-own lunch break from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and an on-site training from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. All persons installing manufactured homes or involved with the process are invited to attend.

Kalispell
March 21, 2006 at Flathead Electric Co-op, Training room 2510 Highway 2 East, Kalispell
Missoula
March 22, 2006 at Holiday Inn Express, Training room, 1021 East Broadway, Missoula Mt. 59802. If coming from out of town, a block of Holiday Inn Express rooms at a $69 (plus $7 tax) rate has been set aside until March 14, 2006. Ask for the ENERGY STAR training rate. Call 406-549-7600 for room reservations.
Helena
March 23, 2006 at Old Armory Building, 1100 North Last Chance Gulch, Helena in Room 112, this building is on the south side of the YMCA. Park and enter the building on back or west side. Enter the west door and follow the signs.
Agenda
The session will include instructions on the best practices for installation of NEEM/SGC/ENEGY STAR manufactured homes. Items to be covered are the importance of proper home installation for long term comfort and energy efficiency, ground cover, venting, repairing belly blanket, cross-over duct connections, marriage line seal, door sets, etc. The program will include issues found at problem homes and the solutions. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality will present information on NEEM problem home investigations. An on-site set up training is also planned. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion.
Instructor Information
Al Rust is with the Oregon Office of Energy. He has an extensive background with manufactured houses having been involved with the industry for over 30 years. Currently, he oversees the quality control program for NEEM production in Oregon. He was the quality control manager for two manufacturers for over 20 years.

Paul Tschida is with the Montana Department of Environment Quality. Each year for the past 15 years he has investigated about six manufactured homes with comfort or high bill issues. All NEEM homes come with an energy efficiency guarantee. He uses an infrared camera and blower door (air tightness) analysis to detect missing insulation, major air leakage sites, marriage line, and duct and crossover duct leakage.

For information contact Paul Tschida at 406-841-5232.

FEBRUARY

Home Energy Efficiency Seminar
Learn about: Reducing your energy bill, increasing your home's comfort, improving your indoor air quality, state and federal energy tax credits and Northwestern Energy's rebate program.

Open to the Public - Free Admission
Thursday - February 16, 2006 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Flathead County Fairgrounds, Kitchen Building,
265 Meridian Road, Kalispell, Montana

For additional information contact Paul Tschida at (406)841-5232
Harvesting Clean Energy 6
Spokane, Washington
Contact info@harvestcleanenergy.org for more details and registration forms
(360)352-1763 ext 104

JANUARY

Home Energy Efficiency Seminar
Learn about: Reducing your energy bill, increasing your home's comfort, improving your indoor air quality, state and federal energy tax credits and Northwestern Energy's rebate program.

Open to the Public - Free Admission
Monday January 30, 2006
6:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Missoula Public Library, Missoula, Montana
301 East Main

Registration at the door begins at 5:45 pm
For additional information contact Paul Tschida at (406)841-5232

2005

DECEMBER

Home Energy Efficiency Seminar
Learn about: Reducing your energy bill, increasing your home's comfort, improving your indoor air quality, state and federal energy tax credits and Northwestern Energy's rebate program. See examples of building techniques used in new energy efficient houses.

Open to the Public - Free Admission
Wednesday December 14, 2005
6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Great Northern Hotel, Helena, Montana
835 Great Northern Blvd
In the Oriental Limited Room
Registration at the door begins at 6 pm
For additional information contact Paul Tschida at (406)841-5232

NOVEMBER

Montana Energy Code Energy Efficiency Construction
Training for Miles City
Monday, November 14, 2005
9:00 - 4:30 pm
Registration starts at 8:30 am, pre-registration not required
Miles City Community College Meeting Room 106
Miles City, Montana
Free and open to the public
A short course on Montana Energy Code to follow
7:00 - 9:00 pm
For additional information contact Paul Tschida at (406)841-5232
2005 Joint Engineers Conference
November 3rd and 4th
National Electrical safety Code Pre-Conference
November 1st and 2nd
Contact Montana Society of Engineers for more details and registration forms
Featuring Continuing education in Biotechnology, Biomass Heating, water and more.

OCTOBER

Changes to Federal Grants for Wind Projects
Metcalf Building, Room 111
1520 6th Ave E
Helena, MT 59620
Contact Georgia Brensdal
October 18th, 8:30 - 11:00 am mst

SEPTEMBER

Reno Nevada
Geothermal Energy-The World's Buried Treasure
Montana Update
Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy
Contact Kathi Montgomery
September 25-28

MAY

New residential energy code overview with REScheck (a code compliance tool) demonstration and Energy Star home information.
Wednesday May 25, 2005 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Flathead Electric Co-Op
2510 Hwy 2 East
Kalispell, Montana

Free Workshop on USDA's 2005 Section 9006 "Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Programs"
Tuesday May 24th 2005 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Great Northern Hotel, Helena, Montana
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JANUARY

Harvesting Clean Energy Conference
January 20-21, 2005, Great Falls