LOCAL SEMINAR OFFER LESSONS FROM THE ZERO ENERGY HOME
This Saturday, August 9th from 1pm to 3pm at Upland Hills EAC in Oxford, MI

Oxford, MI – How would you like to completely eliminate your home energy bills? Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center, located in northern Oakland county, will offer a presentation by a nationally-recognized architect that designs houses that do just that. This Saturday, August 9th, from 1pm to 3pm, UHEAC will host a seminar entitled “Lessons from the Zero Energy Home”, with Christina Snyder. Snyder is an architect and principal of Sustainable Spaces, where she specializes in appropriate architecture, such as passive solar design, natural building materials and systems. She is an adjunct professor at Lawrence Tech. University and coached the first and second place winning student teams in the first Michigan Zero Energy Home Competition.
 
“For most home owners, getting to zero home energy use is not a practical goal, but they can learn a great deal about reducing energy bills and improving the functioning of their home from the experience of Christina and her students in designing zero energy housing”, said John Batdorf, UHEAC Executive Director.
 
Snyder will present the results of the her students’ entries in various competitions. Participants will discover how these lessons can be applied to owner’s or renter’s home construction and remodeling projects now, as well as future directions in sustainable design.
 
“Christina is a leading energy educator whose students have participated in the most rigorous competitions, including the Solar Decathlon which matches 20 college and university teams in a competition - held annually on the National Mall in Washington DC - to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered house. Christina is one of our most popular presenters and having her here is a great opportunity for local homeowners,“ continued Batdorf.
 
The seminar will be followed by a tour of the EAC building and grounds, led by Clifford Scholz, UHEAC Education Coordinator. The EAC was built in the 70’s and continues to provide an example of thoughtful ecological design. It demonstrates the latest in renewable energy technology, including wind and solar electric, as well as solar space and water heating. The tour includes information on energy basics and  conservation. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and investigate ways to improve energy use in their own homes.
 
The seminar is open to the public and recommended for adults and older students. Registration is encouraged but not required. To register for the seminar, send an email to clifford@uheac.org <mailto:clifford@uheac.org>  with the contact information for each attendee. A minimum donation of $10 is requested at the door. For directions or further information, visit www.uheac.org <http://www.uheac.org>  or call 248-693-1021.

Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center is a 501c3 organization. It is a designated Michigan Energy Demonstration Center, located in northern Oakland County. It provides experiences and resources that promote a sustainable relationship with the natural world and each other. UHEAC is the producer of major annual events including a fall state-wide energy conference and the Earth Day Expo at OU. The staff can be reached at www.uheac.org <http://www.uheac.org> , info@uheac.org <mailto:info@uheac.org>  or 248-693-1021.

 
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