In 2023, Habitat for Humanity Gunnison Valley (HHGV) received the Green Builder Home of the Year Award Overall Grand Winner. That illustrated how big benefits can come in small packages. Cillian Liam Barrett, founder of Hearth Home Design/Build construction homes for HHGV in Colorado will discuss the homes in detail and show how emphasizing sustainability is a way for local families to obtain affordable housing. Cillian will also explain how similar principles were incorporated into a home on Hopi land in northern Arizona. These homes are grounded to the earth, incorporate materials that are earth-friendly, and incorporate passive heating and cooling design principles. Learn about his strategies and those incorporated into other affordable housing across the country. (The course assumes that the attendee will have a grasp of basic building science such as the homes envelope, R-values, insulation, HVAC basics, air tightness, and passive solar.) Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in* • Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) • Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse • Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) • Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP) • Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place • American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD) • State Architect / Builder License may be applicable • Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier • Passive House Consultant US (CPHC) • Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) Lessons Learned: 1. **Understand** that sustainable housing designs promote health by utilizing earth-friendly materials and passive heating and cooling principles to create a healthier living environment for occupants. 2. **Analyze** how proper orientation and architectural features of a home enhance safety by reducing risks associated with extreme temperatures and power outages. 3. **Introduce** affordable housing solutions that emphasize energy efficiency, which ultimately supports the welfare of families by lowering living costs and improving overall quality of life. 4. **Articulate** the importance of stable interior temperatures achieved through strategic design, as it significantly contributes to the occupants' comfort and welfare during varying climate conditions. Speakers: Cillian Liam Barrett, Designer/Builder: Cillian, principal of Hearth Design Build, was born and raised in Ireland where he was trained as an Architectural Technician. He has lived and worked in the US since 2007 in the construction and architecture industry in California, Alaska, Vermont, Utah, Hopi Land [Arizona], and Colorado. His company offers ecological, social, and economically responsible creative living solutions. Moderator: Debbie Coleman, Architect, AIA: Debbie founded Sun Plans which provides passive solar house designs and custom home design services throughout the U.S. She authored The Sun-Inspired House and has designed hundreds of homes incorporating passive heating and cooling strategies. Her work has been published in Fine Homebuilding, Mother Earth News, Home Power, and Solar Today. (For ASES, American Solar Energy Society, Debbie is on their board of directors and the Chair of the Solar Buildings Division. For GHI, GreenHome Institute, Debbie is on their board of directors and the Education Committee.)