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Welcome!

This site is dedicated to connecting people with green building practices through workshops, topic meetings, a professional membership directory and online resources.

Upcoming Events

TOPIC MEETING:

High Performance Natural Building for Cold Climates 2012 Series

“‘What is a high-performance building?’ Racusin and McArleton answer that question by taking a values-based approach that integrates social and ecological good with health, resource efficiency, and durability. Fusing the knowledge of the building-science community with the wisdom and experience of the best natural building practitioners, The Natural Building Companion provides plenty of detailed, how-to information to help readers create structures and communities that are, as the authors put it, ‘worthy of our highest aspirations.’”
—Marc Rosenbaum, founder, Energysmiths

Rebuild VT Resource Guide

A collaborative effort has been undertaken to organize a resource for those looking to rebuild after this year's devestating storms. Many builders, architects and others interested in offering a hand have offered their services on a voluntary or discounted basis for these recovery efforts. For a view of the list click: RebuildVTResourceGuide.

Stay up to date with Hurrican Irene Relief Efforts by following these links:

#VermontResponse
Mad River Valley Hurricane Irene Relief
Efficiency Vermont – Irene
VPR.net

The BSR Mission

To promote sustainable building and energy strategies.

Building for Social Responsibility (BSR) a group of Vermont development professionals and others who are concerned with the impact of our work on our communities and environment. We believe that the construction of environmentally sound, healthy, durable green buildings offers one of the most significant solutions to the threats of global warming and resource depletion. To this end we work to advance technologies and practices that reduce our impact on the environment, while supporting sustainable communities and economies.

Member List
See who supports the BSR mission: Professional Member List

BSR Objectives

• To encourage green development principles which include healthy and environmentally sound building materials and practices, renewable energy resources, energy efficient building principles, responsible land use and socially responsible zoning.
• To encourage the construction of quality homes that are comfortable, durable, and affordable to a broad spectrum of people.
• To encourage green development principles through educating development professionals, legislators, and the public about sustainable building practices, renewable energy technologies, environmentally friendly site design techniques and responsible zoning practices.
• To encourage and support the entry of women into the building profession.
• To promote the businesses of our members by: networking, education, marketing, client referrals, information resources and technical support.

• Arranging lectures at meetings covering building related topics. Topics have included: Solar for the Home, Micro-hydro Power Systems, Sustainably Harvested Lumber, Cellulose Insulation, Green Building Materials, High Efficiency Heating Systems, Insulated Concrete Forms, Construction Waste Reduction, Manufactured Housing, etc.
• Providing resource and technical assistance to our members and to the general public
• Providing a forum for our members to network, share ideas, and receive training and education. Workshops have included: Residential Green Building and LEED, Healthy House Construction, Building the Green Home, Straw Bale Construction, and Environmental Design.
• Keeping our members and the public aware of issues relevant to our mission and objectives

Vermont Building Greener (VBG) Program
Visit the VBG Page

The Vermont Building Greener Program is a voluntary certification program for residential buildings in Vermont. The VBG program quantifies that homes participating in the program are constructed to sustainable criteria. VBG is an initiative of Building for Social Responsibility, and is the first green building certification program in the Northeast. The VBG program criteria have been created and supported by regional experts, and are being used as a sustainable standard in Vermont and elsewhere. Contact BSR for information on the VBG Program.

Building for Social Responsibility
P.O. Box 8882
Burlington, Vermont 05402

802.735.2192

Hillary Hunter
hhunter@bsr-vt.org

The members of Building for Social Responsibility are dedicated to exploring new paths in residential construction that might lead to a more sustainable future. In our work we strive for viable construction practices and for enduring quality. In every sense, we intend to build for life. Together we are making a difference. Please join us.