Building knowledge

The average homeowner may know nothing about the emissivity of windows or just how simple it can be to make a rain barrel, but if they wanted to learn, they now have somewhere to go.

Green-building initiative Greenspaces has launched a series of lunch discussions for people who want to make their homes more energy efficient. The series, the brainchild of Greenspaces co-director Anj McClain, brings professionals and homeowners together for this free bi-monthly series that started in August.

"In the past our classes have targeted specific audiences, and we thought it was important to offer general information," Ms. McClain said. "We are trying to have these on a variety of topics, with something for homeowners and the general public."

Kevin Osteen with RKO Properties will lead today's lunch discussion on green renovation versus the standard way of renovating a home. Mr. Osteen's company specializes in renovating older homes, specifically those in St. Elmo and Highland Park. He'll talk about green renovation and how people can weatherize their home in the process of the renovation.

"Doing some things right on the front end of a renovation is not that much more expensive than it is to try and cut corners and stick with traditional construction methods to get the same results," he said.

Mr. Osteen has attended several of the sessions, and attendees seem to be interested in taking a hands-on approach, he said.

Future topics will be on tankless water heaters and energy efficient windows.

Previous topics have included airsealing a home, rain gardens and bioswells -- retention ponds that collect rainwater -- and even how to make a rain barrel.

"It actually is really simple," Ms. McCain said.