Event History
2009
Professional HVAC/Air Balancing Workshop
December 22, 2009 - Grinnell
November 17, 2009 - Dubuque
November 3, 2009 - Council Bluffs
October 20, 2009 - Grinnell
October 6, 2009 - Ankeny
September 30, 2009 - Cedar Rapids
Presented by Cenergy, this workshop discussed quality installation of high efficiency heating and cooling systems, with the goal of increasing base knowledge of HVAC systems through practical application. Accompanying on-site training sessions at 3 to 5 residential homes were scheduled during the weeks following classroom training. Made possible by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide training program.
Day of Sustainability in the Iowa City Area
December 1, 2009 - Coralville
Schedule: Green Roofs in an Urban Environment* 9:00-11:30am; Networking lunch 11:30am-12:30pm; Restorative Design-Infiltration Based Stormwater Management** 12:30-4:00pm; Evening social: 4:00-7:00pm.
*Green Roofs in an Urban Environment: In the past century Iowa has seen a large population shift from our rural communities to thriving cities. During this urban and suburban explosion, much of the landscape has been altered or changed dramatically. Green roofs, or vegetated roofs, are becoming an increasingly popular choice with a magnitude of sustainable benefits.
**Restorative Design-Infiltration Based Stormwater Management: Iowa’s landscape is one of the most altered ecosystems in the nation – from cities to farms, stormwater management is crucial to creating a sustainable environment. RDG Planning & Design reviews the historical hydrological processes, landscape change, watershed based design and opportunities for Low-Impact development. Examine specific case studies showing how we can mimic our natural systems and review best management strategies.
Presented by COSC and RDG Planning & Design. Made possible by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide training program.
COSC Evergreen Party
November 19, 2009 - Architectural Salvage, Des Moines
1st Annual fundraising celebration featuring silent auction, raffles, hours d'oeuvres, cash bar and live entertainment by Roxi Copland and Chris Ranallo.
Day of Sustainability in Dubuque
November 18, 2009 - Dubuque
Schedule: Green Roofs in an Urban Environment* 9:00-11:30am; Networking lunch 11:30am-12:30pm; Re-Purposing a Building** 12:30-4:00pm; Tour: 4:00-5:00pm; Evening social: 5:00-7:00pm.
*Green Roofs in an Urban Environment: In the past century Iowa has seen a large population shift from our rural communities to thriving cities. During this urban and suburban explosion, much of the landscape has been altered or changed dramatically. Green roofs, or vegetated roofs, are becoming an increasingly popular choice with a magnitude of sustainable benefits.
**Re-Purposing a Building - Morrill Hall: Iowa State University's Morrill Hall has been sustainable since it's completion in 1890. The course is a case study of the rehabilitation of a building on the national register of historic places. RDG Planning & Design examines the industry factors that lead to the abandonment of the facility, and design considerations in a successful rehabilitation resulting in a LEED certified project.
Presented by COSC and RDG Planning & Design. Made possible by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide training program.
Consumer Introduction to Quality Heating & Cooling Installations
November 17, 2009 - Dubuque
November 3, 2009 - Council Bluffs
October 20, 2009 - Grinnell
October 6, 2009 - Ankeny
September 30, 2009 - Cedar Rapids
Presented Cenergy, homeowners learned how to save money, maintain efficient HVAC systems, improve indoor air quality and make informed decisions when purchasing a new system. 3 to 5 homes were chosen in each class for a free home energy analysis as part of the HVAC professional on-site training requirements. Made possible by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide training program.
Rainscaping, Rain Gardens & Bioretention Cell Design
November 5, 2009 - Tiffin
October 21, 2009 - New Hartford
Presented by Iowa Storm Water Education Program and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Division of Soil Conservation. This workshop taught landscaping techniques for reducing runoff, protecting water quality and preventing flooding. Made possible by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide training program.
Re-Purposing a Building: Morrill Hall, Sustainable in 1890
October 22, 2009 - Des Moines
August 20, 2009 - ISU's Morrill Hall, Ames
Commercial Building Workshop. Presented by Michael Andresen and Scott Allen of RDG Planning & Design, and Kerry Dixon-Fox of Iowa State University, this workshop examined industry factors that lead to the abandonment of the facility, and design considerations in a successful rehabilitation resulting in a LEED certified project. Made possible by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide training program.
Performance Design Case Study: IAMU
October 21, 2009 - Ankeny
The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU) facility in Ankeny is considered one of the state's most sustainable buildings. RDG Planning & Design conducts a case study presentation covering an introduction to integrated design processes, energy efficiency strategies and holistic sustainability. Made possible by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide training program.
West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home
Review and Assessment
November 20, 2009 - 927 Maple Street, West Des Moines
Workshop #10: Presented by Linda Schemmel with the City of West Des Moines, and Bill McNally, Chair of Industrial Technology at Iowa Central Community College
West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home
Landscaping, Decking and Exterior Water Management
November 13, 2009 - 927 Maple Street, West Des Moines
Workshop #9: Presented by Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Linda Schemmel with the City of West Des Moines
West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home
Interior Finishes and Indoor Air Quality
November 6, 2009 - 927 Maple Street, West Des Moines
Workshop #8: Presented by Fishaus and Linda Schemmel with the City of West Des Moines
West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home
Alternative Energy Options: Solar, Wind, Geothermal
October 30, 2009 - 927 Maple Street, West Des Moines
Workshop #7: Presented by Innovative Kinetics
West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home
Plumbing and Water Management
October 16, 2009 - 927 Maple Street, West Des Moines
Workshop #6: Presented by Cenergy, Bill McAnally of Iowa Central Community College
Restorative Design - Infiltration Based Stormwater Management
October 13, 2009 - Cedar Falls
September 29, 2009 - Cedar Rapids
Ryan Peterson and Doug Adamson of RDG Planning & Design presented historical hydrological processes, landscape change, watershed based design and opportunities for low-impact development. Made possible by Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide training program. Made possible by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide training program.
Existing Home Assessment Residential Workshop
October 13, 2009 - Cedar Falls
August 24, 2009 - Des Moines
Presented by Dave Hade of Iowa Home Crafters and Julia Fish of Fishaus Craftsman Builders, homeowners learned how to effectively evaluate your home and establish priority projects. Made possible by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide training program.
West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home
Electrical and Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
October 9, 2009 - 927 Maple Street, West Des Moines
Workshop #5: Presented by Cenergy, Bill McAnally of Iowa Central Community College and Linda Schemmel of the City of West Des Moines.
The Fundamentals of Green Roofs in Urban Environments
October 1, 2009 - Cedar Rapids
Ryan Peterson and Doug Adamson of RDG Planning & Design examined how green roofs are becoming an increasingly popular choice with a magnitude of sustainable benefits. Made possible by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide training program.
West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home
Windows, Doors and Insulation
September 25, 2009 - 927 Maple Street, West Des Moines
Workshop #4: Presented by Bill McAnally of Iowa Central Community College and Linda Schemmel of the City of West Des Moines.
West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home
Framing, Roofs and Attics
September 11, 2009 - 927 Maple Street, West Des Moines
Workshop #3: Presented by Bill McAnally of Iowa Central Community College.
West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home
Foundations, Basements & Radon Mitigation On-Site Workshop
August 7, 2009 - 927 Maple Street, West Des Moines
Workshop #2: Presented by Bill McAnally of Iowa Central Community College.
West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home
Green Building Overview On-Site Workshop
June 19, 2009 - 927 Maple Street, West Des Moines
Workshop #1: Presented by Bill McAnally of Iowa Central Community College, Linda Schemmel of City of West Des Moines, and Lynnae Hentzen of COSC.
Earth Day in the Junction
April 19, 2009 - Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines
5K run/walk, exhibits, children's fun run, MPG challenge and live music
Green Demonstration Home Open Houses
May 17 & 19, 2009 - 1347 Forest Avenue, Des Moines
COSC hosted three Green Demonstration Home Open Houses at the Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home on Forest Avenue. The home was open to the public to learn about the green elements incorporated into the home that is applying for LEED Silver certification.
Learn and Lunch
"Green Streets Seminar" presented by Jeff Geerts of Iowa Department of Economic Development. Held at the West Des Moines Community Center in Historic Valley Junction.
Learn and Lunch
"Energy Star Seminar" presented by Erin Wiggins of Cenergy. Held at COSC in Historic Valley Junction.
5th 'Building a Sustainable Iowa' Residential Green Building Workshop
February 22-28, 2009 in Iowa City and West Des Moines
2009 COSC Annual Member Meeting
Lynnae Hentzen gave a presentation and update on COSC, and attendees had lunch and time to network.
Learn and Lunch
"NAHB / ICC Green Building Program" presented by David Vollmar of the HBA of Greater Des Moines, and Erin Wiggins of Cenergy. Held at the Des Moines HBA Office in Johnston.
Learn and Lunch
"Green Home Interiors On-Site Seminar" presented by Jeani Lee of Kitchen, Bath & Home and Jamie Malloy of Wells + Associates. Held at the Des Moines Affordable Green Demo Home,
1347 Forest Ave. This project is a collaboration between CHDC, COSC, and the City of Des Moines along with many supporting sponsors. See COSC's Demo Home pages and CHDC's blog for more details.
Learn and Lunch
"LEED for Homes" presented by David Hade of Iowa Home Crafters, Erin Wiggins of Cenergy and Jamie Malloy of Wells + Associates. Co-hosted by COSC and USGBC Iowa Chapter. Held at COSC in Historic Valley Junction.
2008
COSC Holiday Open House
On Tuesday, November 18th COSC hosted a Holiday Open House at their building in Historic Valley Junction. Members, sponsors and interested public met for an update on COSC and great networking!
4th Bi-Annual 'Building a Sustainable Iowa' Residential Green Building Workshop
Cedar Falls, Ankeny and Fairfield
Foundations & Basements On-Site Workshop
Presented by Jacob Kvinlaug of Jacob Kvinlaug Design. Hosted by COSC and the Iowa Chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Lunch was sponsored by Metro Waste Authority.
This Affordable Green Demonstration Home project was the result of a partership between COSC, the City of Des Moines, and Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC). Funding and donation support for these projects comes from Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Principal Financial Group, and MidAmerican Energy. Additional support is provided by COSC's Builder Advisory Council (BAC). For more information on the demo home projects, click here.
This was the second in our series of hands-on workshops at the affordable green demonstration homes in the Des Moines metro area.
Greensburg/Parkersburg Community Forum on Lessons Learned
Hosted by COSC in collaboration with Meredith Corporation. Sponsored by Iowa Finance Authority. Two communities who have begun their rebuilding efforts in two different ways shared their stories of challenges and success. City Planner Stephen Hardy, one of the leaders of the rebuilding efforts in Greensburg, KS, presented the story in his presentation "Tragedy to Triumph", followed by comments from Greensburg Mayor Bob Dixson, and Parkersburg Mayor Bob Haylock, Economic Development Director Virgil Goodrich and City Planner Don Temeyer.
 
Iowa Home Crafters Open House
Iowa Home Crafters hosted a COSC member open house in Madrid, IA, Monday, August 18th. We visited a home that utilizes a solar hot water system, dehumidified Earth Loop cooling, Universal Design features, a whole-house rainwater collection system, dual flush toilets, a canning kitchen and root cellar, and much more!
Click here to view this home on our Case Study page.
The Carbon-Free Home Author Event
Author event for the release of the new book 'The Carbon-Free Home'. Hosted by Iowa Sierra Club, Center on Sustainable Communities, and Iowa Global Warming.
Site Preparation & Waste Management Hands-on Workshop
Presented by David Hade, Iowa Home Crafters and Shelly Codner, Iowa Waste Exchange. Dinner was sponsored by Metro Waste Authority.
This Affordable Green Demonstration Home project was the result of a partership between COSC, the City of West Des Moines, and HOME, Inc. Funding and donation support for these projects comes from Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Principal Financial Group, and MidAmerican Energy. Additional support for the West Des Moines home is provided by Gilcrest Jewett, Windsor Windows, BSB Architects, and COSC's Builder Advisory Council (BAC). For more information on the demo home projects, click here.
This was the first in our series of hands-on workshops at the affordable green demonstration homes in the Des Moines metro area.
Straw Bale Lecture
In Honor of Earth Day, the Art Center, in partnership with COSC, hosted Wayne J. Bingham, Architect & Author on Saturday, April 19th at 2:00 pm. Bingham focused on choices for building shelters that account for climate stability, air and water quality, ecosystems and biodiversity. Wayne Bingham is the author of Small Strawbale: Natural Homes, Projects and Designs and Natural Timber Frame Homes.
COSC Annual Member Meeting
On Monday, February 25, 2008, COSC held its first annual member meeting at Raccoon River Park Lodge in West Des Moines. Lynnae Hentzen gave a presentation and update on COSC, and attendees had lunch and time to network.
3rd Annual Building a Sustainable Iowa Workshop
January 7-11, 2008 - Des Moines & Cedar Rapids
2007
Learn and Lunch
"Green Giving" presented by Lynnae Hentzen of COSC, Jule Dirkson of Be the Butterfly, Linda Mason Hunter of Hunter Ink, and Christine McNunn of Fair World Gallery. Held at Wesley Acres in Des Moines.
Learn and Lunch
"Insulation Options" presented by Silas Hoeppner of Prairie Foam Insulators
Open House Networking Social
On Monday, November 12th, COSC held an open house at the passive solar home of Jenny McCoy, on of our Board Members. Orlo Stitt, Jenny's father who designed the house, gave a brief presentation and was available for questions about the home's green elements. Mr. Stitt has been building green for 30 years and was the very first recipient of the National Association of Home Builder's Green Builder of the Year award in 1999. His company's website is: www.stittenergy.com/awards.htm.
Member Networking Social
On Monday, August 27th, COSC members were invited to attend an open house hosted by Coldwell Banker MidAmerica Group Metro. It took place at a new green home near Winterset. To see the listing, click here.
Learn and Lunch
"The Impact of Installation on Overall HVAC System Efficiency" presented by Bob Brice and Tim Hanes of Cenergy. Co-Hosted by Flat Iron, Inc. in Council Bluffs, MidAmerican Energy in Davenport, Iowa Energy Center in Ankeny and Alliant Energy in Cedar Rapids.
FairFIELD Trip
On Friday, July 6th, COSC took a member field trip to Fairfield. We visited one of the greenest spots in Iowa and the region, including Abundance Eco Village, Maharishi Vedic City and Green Building Supply as well as enjoyed the Art Walk in the evening on the downtown square.
Learn and Lunch
"Residential Lighting Options" with presenters David Raver, of RDG Planning & Design, and Amy Pruitt, of The Lamplighter
Member Networking Social
On Monday, May 21, 2007, Hubbell Homes hosted a COSC Member Social at their conservation community in Waukee. Approximately 40 people attended the event and toured show homes for the community with all the green elements highlighted.
For more information and a map, see:
Hubbell Conservation Communities
Glynn Village, Waukee
www.conservationliving.com (click on "Glynn Village")
2nd Annual Building a Sustainable Iowa Workshop
2nd Annual 'Building a Sustainable Iowa' Residential Green Building Workshop - Des Moines
Learn and Lunch
"Local Resources for Green" Co-Hosted by COSC and United States Green Building Council Iowa Chapter
2006
Learn and Lunch
“Homeowner Rebates” presented by MidAmerican Energy and Alliant Energy.
Sarah Susanka Lecture
On October 4th, 2006, COSC hosted Sarah Susanka, author of The Not So Big House® book series and best selling author, architect and cultural visionary for an afternoon forum and evening lecture and reception at Hoyt Sherman Place.
Approximately 70 attendees participated in the afternoon forum consisting of a panel presentation by Sarah Susanka, Mayor Cownie, Teresa Hay-McMahon (IDNR) and Linda Alfson Schemmel (residential architect and city planner for West Des Moines). The audience represented a strong cross-section of our communities including mayors, builders, architects, city managers, community development directors, and homeowners.
In the evening, Sarah presented her ‘Not So Big’ approach to homes, communities and our lives. The audience of close to 500 came from the Des Moines metro area and across the state. There was a reception and book signing in the gallery of Hoyt Sherman Place following the lecture.
Learn and Lunch
"Green Landscaping"
Learn and Lunch
“Green Home Appraisals” Held at Plymouth Congregational Church, Des Moines.
Hands-on Workshop
American Clay Hands-on Workshop
Learn and Lunch
"American Clay: The original Earth Plaster" Winner of the National Assoc. of Home Builders Outstanding Green Product Award 2004. Held at Dahlquist Studios, Des Moines.
Learn and Lunch
"Key Steps to Energy Efficiency" - featuring Cenergy. Held at Metro Waste Authority, 300 East Locust, Des Moines.
1st Annual Building a Sustainable Iowa Workshop
1st Annual 'Building a Sustainable Iowa' Residential Green Building Workshop - Des Moines
2005
Learn and Lunch
Incorporating "The Not So Big House" Concept
Learn and Lunch
Is It Green: The Story Behind Green Building Materials
Learn and Lunch
Common Sense Foundations and Practical Framing Techniques
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