As part of the Intertribal COUP vision of tribal sustainability through renewable energy and energy efficient, affordable housing, and given the growing interest in straw bale housing construction, here is a preview of what COUP and GreenWeaver, Inc., will be offering at Sinte Gleska University, starting this Fall semester.

The program will have several courses with the hours concentrated into several days rather than drawn out over an entire semester. One of the reasons for this is that those interested on other reservations might be better able to attend with limited travel expenses.

Registration is currently underway. Sinte Gleska University 605-856-8300.

Bob Gough, Secretary
IntertribalCOUP.org

Sustainability in Housing:

A Three Course Straw Bale Building Program at Sinte Gleska University

Professor Laura Bartels, Greenweaver, Inc.

Sustainability in Housing: Introduction to Straw Bale Building

September 29-30 Straw Bale Efficient Housing Symposium, Ramkota Hotel in Pierre, SD
October 2, 3,16,17,18 SGU, Mission, SD
9 am – 5 pm
4 Credit Hours

This course begins with an exploration a variety of concepts in sustainability, energy efficiency, economic development and healthy housing in part through attendance at the Straw Bale Efficient Housing Symposium hosted by the Department of Interior and the Intertribal Council on Utility Policy. After an overview of natural building technologies, the course will cover design concepts and construction techniques of straw bale building. Straw bale building creates highly energy efficient homes using local materials that are healthy and beautiful when designed and built well.

Topics include history and current use of straw bale building, building qualities of plastered straw, building science basics, designing for passive solar and natural materials, straw bale wall systems, basic bale building techniques, plumbing and electrical in straw, plaster systems, understanding clay, and basics of plastering. Students will gain introductory hands-on experience with bales and plaster.

Transportation to the Housing Symposium from SGU in Mission to Pierre is included in course.

Straw Bale Construction
Spring Semester Dates to be determined.
4 Credit Construction Lab

This course will provide students with the opportunity for hands-on learning through construction of a straw bale structure.

Natural Plasters and Finishes
Summer Semester Dates to be determined.
4 Credit Construction Lab

This course will provide students with the opportunity for hands-on learning through construction of a straw bale structure.