Two are eQUEST manuals; Module 1: Basic Energy Modeling and Comparative Runs, Module 3: Life Cycle Cost Analysis. These manuals can be found under the SOFTWARE tab, through the eQUEST section or click here.

The third manual is a design guide for daylighting in Montana and similar climates.  This manual gives the tools to optimize the building orientation, glazing specificiations, and window shading devices.  This can be found under the DESIGN GUIDE tab or click here.

Check back often for future design guide and software manuals.  An AGi32 and eQUEST Module 2: Intermediate Modeling will be added soon!

We have also added a new section explaining some projects that IDL_Bozeman helped on.  These projects include Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Missoula Federal Credit (certified LEED Platinum), Klos Building (certified LEED Platinum), Washakie Museum, and Pinnacle Bank of Cody WY.

Click the Projects tab on the left menu sidebar to learn more about IDL_Bozeman and these projects!

Many designers have risen to the challenge of creating a design that can be produced multiple times, in a variety of orientations and locations.

Some key components throughout LEED certified buildings are:

1. Native landscaping
2. Materials with high recycled content
3. Passive solar shading
4. Motion sensor exterior lights for drive ways
5. Automatic daylighting controls
6. Resource-efficient pre fabricated construction systems
7. White, reflective roofs
8. High efficient glazing systems

Brad Pease has used these items throughout many PNC projects.  The buildings use an average of 35% less energy and 28% less water than non-green branches.

On a smaller scale, Linda Taalman has designed a compact home, itHouse, that is assembled from a similar kit of parts.  This kit of parts can be tweaked to be situated on a variety of site configurations.

To read the full article, click here.



On November 17-19, the annual International Greenbuild Conference and Expo will be held in Chicago, Illinois. 

With 2,000 exhibit booths, it is an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the latest innovations, explore new products, and exchange ideas with other professionals.  This year’s opening speaker is General Colin L Powell.

Chicago is home to more LEED certified buildings than any other city; as well as the largest LEED certified building in the world, Merchandise Mart.  It also has more square footage of green roofs than any other North American city.

Click here for more information or to register for the event.



Click here!

Nominations are now open for the 2010 Montana BetterBricks Awards.  These awards honor the vision and commitment of leaders who dedicate themselves to high performance buildings in Montana.

Nominations are due by September
Ceremony will be held in October
Location TBD

The BetterBricks Award salutes the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency.  Award ceremonies take place in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. 

The categories available for navigation are as follows:

ARCHITECT:  individuals who design buildings and lead design teams on projects that consistently achieve high levels of energy efficiency for both new construction and major renovations

DESIGN ENGINEER:  those who contribute significant solutions to the energy efficient design of mechanical and electrical systems, both passive and active systems

ADVOCATE:  advocates and supporters of design and operation of high performance buildings including consultants, government, non-profit, educators, etc.

OWNER/DEVELOPER:  decision makers about strategic investments in high performance buildings including executives, developers, owners, and managers authorize and enable high performance buildings to be built

Visit the BetterBricks website, or click here to make your nominations today!

BetterBricks partners with local organizations to offer educational opportunities to building professionals about the benefits of energy efficient buildings.  For this lecture series, BetterBricks teamed up with IDL - Boise to provide tools, strategies, skills, and case studies to help incorporate energy efficiency into design and business practices. 

The spring 2010 series was comprised of 5 lectures, each centered around the topic Shaping Architecture.  The videos are all available for viewing at the Integrated Design Lab - Boise website.  Simply log-in to click on any of the following lectures.

Passively Aggressive: Strategies for High Performance Buildings
Presented by:  Rob Pena

The Design and Construction of a High Performance Building--An Integrated Methodology College of Southern Idaho's HSHS Building
Presented by:  Jason Butler, Ken Tewksbury, Ken Butler, Michael Arrington, and Dr. Mark Sudgen

"Right" Sizing Roof-top Units
Presented by: Dr. Ery Djunaedy

Operating the Genzyme Building to Achieve Energy Savings
Presented by: Louis Capozzi, Genzyme

Envisioning High-Performance Hospitals: Implications for a New, Low-Energy, High-Performance Prototype
Presented by: Heather Burpee, Washington IDL

Seattle's Lighting Design Lab is coming to Bozeman to share with us their wealth of knowledge about the lighting design field.  Don't miss this spring's two lectures:  The Impact of New Legislation on Lighting, and Effective Use of the Newest Lighting Controls -- Beyond the Basics.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Wednesday April 28th
Homewood Suites
1023 Baxter Lane, Bozeman

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