Start the year off on a constructive footing with a one-hour workshop: “Saving the Planet by Design: Why Empathy, Collaboration and Imagination are the Game Changers for Sustainability.”

The mixer will start at 6 p.m., but the workshop begins at 7.

Are you interested in creating sustainable homes to spark redevelopment in our neighborhoods? Would you be interested in living, designing and building micro apartments, tiny homes and their eco-system? Passionate about solar power, organic gardening and sustainable landscaping? If you answered yes to any of the above, please join us to see how you could get involved in our work redeveloping neighborhoods in Arlington, Texas. Nuts and Bolts Hardware is located at the corner of S. Collins and Arkansas Ln.

At Texas Renewables 2014, we will explore today’s energy landscape, give a nod to how we got here, acknowledge the significant contribution the  renewable energy industry is making, and discuss the very real role it will play and challenges it will face in shaping Texas’ energy future

Attendees, in the company of hundreds of colleagues old and new, will have the opportunity to hear and meet dozens of distinguished and accomplished speakers who are deep in the fray. Their experience and perspectives will matter as we continue pursuit of a critical and ever growing share of this state’s energy mix.

Utilizing the dynamic sustainability learning opportunities available to students on campus, Cedar Valley College is launching a living lab initiative on Oct. 22.

A living laboratory gives college students the hands-on work skills they need as part of the college education they receive in academic and technical programs.

The initiative will be officially presented at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 in the D Building at CVC, followed at 1 p.m. by a nationwide webcast titled “Empowering Change on Campus and in the Community” that will feature higher education sustainability leaders discussing ways in which students can make a difference, be a part of sustainability solutions and build careers with “green” jobs.

The CVC Living Lab Initiative will focus on four components:

•  Buildings – Students will partner with CVC Facilities to attain hands-on work skills as part of the curriculum, which includes monitoring electric meters in each college building to gather 

• Energy – Performance technology students and Facilities will partner in installing a ceramic sculpture with moving parts powered by solar energy. 

The October meeting is a "triple-header."

There will be a multi-media presentation by some of the homeowners who hosted visitors. There will be an overview of tours sites while they describe what they've done for energy efficiency and solar energy, and answer your questions.

Larry Howe of  Plano Solar Advocates will provide an update us of Texas Home Owner Association legislation and recent Metroplex "solar ordinance" activity.

After the meeting, NTREG will host a lunch.

  

Learn the basics of harnessing one of our most valuable renewable energy sources: solar. Expert Dan Lepinski will teach participants how to harvest solar for home use, which helps ease pressures on the environment.  Free. Info: CoppellCommunityGarden.org

City of Dallas festival featuring green vendors, organizations and entertainment. Free.

Public welcome. 

Tour of homes in North Texas with solar systems and other sustainable features installed. Check the website in the coming weeks for updates. Free.

Sustainability 101 is a core course of UNT’s Sustainability Leadership Program. Engage in classroom discussions on the most challenging issues and see sustainability in action on the UNT Sustainability Tour. LEED professionals earn three CEUs for the tour. Breakfast and lunch are provided.

Workshop topics include:

Fundamentals of Sustainability

Funding Projects and Programs

Changing Behavior

Stakeholder Involvement

Measuring Success

Public/Private Partnerships

Sustainability Marketing and Promotions

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