'Green' bldg. sites wanted for open house The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) is seeking owners of "green," energy-efficient buildings to participate in a Green Buildings Open House Saturday, Oct. 6. The NESEA hosts the annual Green Buildings Open House in conjunction with the American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour. The open house allows the public to learn first-hand how incorporating green elements into buildings can help reduce heating costs and even generate surplus clean energy that goes back into the grid to power other buildings. Visitors to local green buildings learn directly from their neighbors who live and work happily with their green, energy-efficient choices. Last year, thousands of people toured over 400 energy-efficient buildings, including homes, schools, public buildings, churches and nature centers, from Pennsylvania to Maine, to learn about the variety of ways presently available to conserve energy, save money on energy bills, use sustainable and healthy building materials, and help reduce the carbon footprint of their home or other building. The Green Buildings Open House is an opportunity for the public to visit numerous green buildings that prove lifestyle, comfort, and attractive architecture are not sacrificed by utilizing energy-efficient features. NESEA invites new sites to join the extensive list of those welcoming the public Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. "With the increased interest in reducing energy bills and slowing climate change, we would like to extend an invitation to new green buildings and those who have not participated in the past to help educate the public about ways they can join this important effort," said David Barclay, executive director of NESEA. There are many features that qualify a building to be a host site. Examples include, but are not limited to, installation of photovoltaic panels, wind turbine, geothermal heat pump, radiant floor heating, or energy-saving appliances, incorporation of passive solar heating or solar hot water collection and storage, and use of sustainable or recycled building materials. This one-day event offers the opportunity to share the benefits of becoming green, how to save on energy bills, and give feedback on product brands, and contractor names. The Green Buildings Open House provides the perfect opportunity to help others learn ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their home or building and increase energy-efficiency. To register your site for Green Buildings Open House, visit the NESEA Web site at www.nesea.org or call (413) 774-6051 ext. 30. Registration ends Sept. 1.