Courses and Seminars
Courses at South Yorkshire Energy Centre - 2008
Low-Impact Living Initiative courses - 2008
The following courses are being run by the Low-Impact Living Initiative (LILI), a non-profit organisation whose mission is to help people reduce their impact on the environment, improve their quality of life, gain new skills, live in a healthier and more satisfying way, have fun, and save money.
Wattle and Daub.
Saturday 16th August, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
For details, see LILI - wattle & daub.
Fees: £60.00 per person.
Venue: SYEC
Roofing.
Saturday 6th September, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
For details, see LILI - roofing.
Fees: £60.00 per person.
Venue: SYEC
The Chemical-free Home.
Saturday 20th September, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
For details, see LILI - the chemical-free home.
Fees: £60.00 per person.
Venue: SYEC
Heating with Wood.
Saturday 27th September, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
For details, see LILI - heating with wood.
Fees: £60.00 per person.
Venue: SYEC
Advanced Composting.
Saturday 4th October, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
For details, see LILI - advanced composting.
Fees: £60.00 per person.
Venue: SYEC
How to make a Wood-burner from a Gas Bottle.
Saturday 25th October, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
For details, see LILI - how to make a wood-burner from a gas bottle.
Fees: £60.00 per person.
Venue: SYEC
Keeping Chickens.
Saturday 15th November, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
For details, see LILI - keeping chickens.
Fees: £60.00 per person.
Venue: SYEC
Also see LILI - courses in the north of England for other courses being run by the Low-Impact Living Initiative at Unstone Grange and Ecclesall Woods.
Courses at South Yorkshire Energy Centre - 2008
An introduction to solar water-heating.
Next dates to be confirmed
Presented with David Garlovsky of the Schools and Homes Energy Education Project,
this course covers the basics of solar water-heating through a mix of theory and practical. During the course
each student will construct a small working model solar water-heater. Past students have gone on to use these
for camping, on the allotment, or simply to surprise their friends with the power of the sun.
No previous experience necessary.
At the end of the course you should be able to:
- Understand the theory behind solar water heating, and understand its capabilities and limitations.
- Construct a simple timber box for a solar panel, including insulation and glazing.
- Assemble a complete working model solar panel (excluding cylinder and connecting pipework).
- Understand how solar water heating works in a domestic setting, and how it integrates with existing water heating systems.
Maximum course numbers: 10 people
Fees: £150 per person including materials.
Venue: SYEC
An introduction to straw-bale building.
Next dates to be confirmed
Learn the theory behind straw-bale building, and learn the practicalities by building a corner of a load-bearing straw-bale building. The course will include a chance to begin the repair of an existing load-bearing building, and the opportunity to mix and apply lime render.
At the end of the course you should be able to:
- Recognise the 2 major types of straw-bale building used in the UK.
- Understand the practical issues relating to load-bearing straw-bale construction.
- Answer typical questions concerning thermal performance, moisture ingress, rodent attack and fire resistance.
- Identify further sources of information, volunteering and training opportunities in straw-bale building.
Maximum course numbers: 10 people
Fees: £60.00 per person.
Venue: SYEC
An introduction to timber-frame building.
Next dates to be confirmed
Another mix of theory and practical sessions. We will look at the background to the Walter Segal method of timber-framed building, and will construct and erect simple frames for a single-storey building.
At the end of the course you should be able to:
- Recognise the basic principles of post-and-beam timber-framed construction.
- Understand the applicability of this building type to 'difficult' sites.
- Answer typical questions concerning thermal performance, fire resistance and stability.
- Identify further sources of information, volunteering and training opportunities in timber-framed building.
Venue: National Stone Centre, Wirksworth
For further details see: College of the Peak
Green Refurbishment and alternative energy.
Next dates to be confirmed
A theoretical course covering energy efficient refurbishment and limiting environmental impact. Covers all aspects of refurbishment and takes a look at renewable energy options for household use. The course will be held in the eco-refurbished South Yorkshire Energy Centre, and includes discussions of the improvements carried out to that building, and a visit to another building of environmental interest.
At the end of the course you should be able to:
- Recognise poorly-heated and insulated homes.
- Understand the application of energy ratings for homes and appliances.
- Know sources of information and materials for 'green' building and refurbishment, and know the compromises with which you will be faced.
- Have a basic knowledge of solar water heating and photovoltaics, and their applications in normal domestic settings.
Fees: Fees approx £50 (t.b.c: This course is run through the Workers' Educational Association and we await their 2007/8 fee scale).
Venue: SYEC
An introduction to lime in buildings.
Next dates to be confirmed
A mixed theory and practical course covering the science of lime and its use as a sustainable breathing building material. Students will have the opportunity to practice lime rendering and block-laying using lime mortar.
At the end of the course you should be able to:
- Understand the processing of lime.
- Understand the health and safety issues involved in the use of lime.
- Mix lime mortar and lime render.
- Undertake simple lime rendering.
- Undertake basic blockwork using lime render.
Maximum course numbers: 8 people
Fees: £60.00 per person.
Venue: SYEC
To book a place or for further details, please contact Nick Parsons at South Yorkshire Energy Centre.