The City of Bloomington's Environmental Commission and Commission on Sustainability, in partnership with EnergyPros, will present "Home Construction and Remodeling for Energy Conservation" on Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. The free, public seminar will take place in the Cook West Room of the Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S College Avenue, from 7-9 p.m.

The information presented in this seminar on high-performance, energy-efficient homes is helpful to both current and prospective homeowners who want to cut their energy bills and carbon emissions. Architects, designers, builders, realtors and developers also are encouraged to attend. The seminar qualifies for Continuing Education Credit for Realtors.

Presenter Bob Geswein from the Harrison County REMC will cover basic building science relevant to energy efficiency, including foundations, framing, caulking, windows and doors, insulation, heating and cooling, ventilation and water heating.

On average, 35 percent of greenhouse gas is emitted from buildings (Scientific American, Sept. 2006). Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas, resulting from the burning of coal, natural gas and petroleum. Almost 95 percent of Indiana's electricity is produced from coal, and Indiana ranks first in the nation in CO2 emissions per capita.

To reduce the City's impact, Mayor Mark Kruzan signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which calls for a 7 percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2012. Other grassroots efforts such as "Step It Up," and "Earth Care - Bloomington's Interfaith Group for the Environment" are encouraging Bloomington residents to cut the carbon at home and work.

This educational forum is sponsored by the City of Bloomington Commission on Sustainability and the Environmental Commission as part of their effort to encourage Bloomington residents, businesses, churches, schools and other organizations to take up the challenge presented by the Mayor - and cut down that carbon!