News & Events

Realtors, Parade of Homes Reflect Growing Interest in Green Construction

The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders (GBAHB) will kick-off Green Home University, a program held in conjunction with the Parade of Home designed to educate home industry professionals and the public of the facts about green building, on Wednesday, April 7 with the Realtor continuing education (CE) course, “Live Green and Reap the Benefits”. The course, intended to educate Realtors about the benefits of green building, has more than 80 registered participants, showing the Realtor industry is gearing up for the spring selling season and the 2010 Parade of Homes.

“We’ve got more than 80 agents signed up for an educational seminar on Green Living,” said Bart Fletcher, GBAHB Executive Vice President. “I think this speaks volumes about the amount of interest and enthusiasm in today’s market. The agents realize green building concepts are here-to-stay and they are eager to provide their customers with as much information as possible.”

April 19-20 Green Home University will offer Green Building for Building Professionals for members of the home-building industry. The course is required for individuals to earn the Certified Green Professional designation through the National Association of Home Builders. In addition to the general green building seminars, Boral Brick will present “Bricks and More,” a lunch & learn seminar geared toward residential designers and architects on Friday, April 23.

Green Home University will offer an abundance of educational programs for home owners and potential home buyers. The following seminars are free and open to the public. They are designed to offer basic information about green building, provide tips for making your home more energy-efficient and present the latest in environmentally-friendly products and services. Courses are still being scheduled. Check www.birminghambuilder.com for a complete listing.

Green Building Basics Seminar
Saturday, April 17th 10 – 11 a.m.
Sunday, April 18th 1 – 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 24th 10 – 11 a.m.
Sunday, April 25th 1 – 2 p.m.

How to “Green Up” Your Existing Home
Saturday, April 17th 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 18th 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 24th 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 25th 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Children’s Recycled Art
Saturday, April 17th 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 18th 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 24th 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 25th 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

In the Kitchen with Chef Clayton Sherrod, C.E.C., A.A.C. – Natural Gas Cooking Demonstration
Saturday, April 17th 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Take Control of Your Energy Bills
Sunday, April 18th 2 :00 – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 25th 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Outdoor Living Spaces & Sustainable Backyards
Saturday, April 17th 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 24th 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

The Cutting Edge in Recycled Flooring
Saturday, April 24th 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Green Lighting Solutions to Fit Any Budget
Saturday, April 17th 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 24th 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Home Buyer Tax Credits – Don’t Miss this Once in a Lifetime Opportunity
Date & Time TBA

Green Home University (GHU) is an exciting new event to be held in conjunction with the 2010 Parade of Homes at the Viridian community in Vestavia Hills off of Tyler Road. GHU will feature a green showcase home built by Wedgworth Construction, educational seminars and the Green Home Expo featuring the latest in environmentally-friendly products and services. The Parade of Homes is April 16-25 and will feature more than 100 new homes across the Greater Birmingham area. Parade of Homes magazines can be found at local BBVA Compass locations. Find all Parade of Homes info, including house pictures, direction, floor plans and more at www.birminghambuilder.com.