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Energy Codes, studies and energy efficiency experts all agree that a critical requirement to obtaining maximum performance and efficiency from heat and cooling systems is to correctly size the equipment and distribution systems. This is the design software I used in my previous career as an HVAC contractor. In my current career as a building code official, I require a design based on this or another approved software for all new mechanical systems.

ASHRAE- American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers is THE HVAC technical expert/organization in the world. All codes and design practices are based on ASHRAE Standards. There are a number of free resources available on their website- this one is for consumers. It is a great resource for anybody looking for energy efficiency in buildings.

The International Code Council is a member-focused association dedicated to helping the building safety community and construction industry provide safe, sustainable and affordable construction through the development of codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes

US DOE Website- BECP develops and maintains free software and tools to support energy codes and standards, REScheck software for low-rise residential building energy code compliance, and the COMcheck software for commercial building energy code compliance, and conducts outreach and deployment activities related to energy codes and high-performance sustainably designed buildings

US Green Building Council is the governing body that founded, and maintains the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Thousands of residential and commercial buildings across the nation are being built to these specifications. Ratings such as Silver, Gold, and Platinum are awarded for buildings that meet the stringent energy saving design characteristics. The U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. Our community of leaders is working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.

Some LEED Platinum Skyscrapers: Taipei 101: http://inhabitat.com/taiwains-taipei-101-skyscraper-crowned-the-worlds-tallest-leed-platinum-building/ Bank of America Building NYC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_America_Tower_(New_York_City) Shenzen's Horizontal Skyscraper: http://www.evolo.us/architecture/steven-holls-leed-platinum-horizontal-skyscraper/

The Mass Green Communities initiative is a program with simple and clear criteria which a town can meet in order to gain Green Community designation. It is a program that residents can be part of and aside from the environmental benefits of meeting the criteria it makes the town eligible for various state and federal grants. One of my coworkers is involved in the initiative for the town of Northfield and it is something he feels proud as a resident to be a part of.

This is a page with instructions on how to build your own bamboo bike trailer. At the bottom there are additional links to other designs for utility trailers for bikes. I have borrowed the trailers that the Pedal People use in Northampton and they are great. You can haul up to 300 lbs and they don't compromise your stability much. The catch is that their trailers cost upwards of $450. There is a a significant community of enthusiasts that simply want to promote human power as an alternative to fossil fuel, and consequently you can find all of these trailer plans offered for free - some with Creative Commons licenses and others just there for the taking/sharing. It's great!

Here's another reason why I love where I live. We have a progressive community college that is leading the way in practical education in sustainability fields. My friend and neighbor credits this program with giving him the skills to design and build his house using highly energy efficient methods. He had no prior experience either, and now he is a solar hot water installer. Here's my friend's blog that details their entire process. (I may venture into this one year program at GCC after I finish at UMass) http://spartanandhannah.wordpress.com/

This organization is a resource for builders, architects, designers, and educators. They provide information, networking and solutions for geared toward sustainable energy solutions in the built environment. AND they are right here in Greenfield! I just used their Green Pages Directory to find a local manufacturer and installer of standing seam metal roofing.