NOVEMBER 24, 2010

Free lecture by rainwater harvesting experts on Dec. 2

SCOTTSDALE – It doesn't rain much in Arizona, but when it does, rainwater harvesting experts Ann Audrey and Greg Shinn want people to use every drop. They know about the art of capturing and saving rainwater, and they want to teach others how they can do the same.

Audrey and Shinn will be featured speakers at the city’s Green Building lecture, “Rainwater Harvesting and Water Reuse.” The free program takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road.

Rainwater harvesting is the collection of rainwater. It’s used to provide water for irrigation and to refill aquifers. Rainwater collected from building roofs can make an important contribution toward water conservation. Collected rainwater can be used for flushing toilets, washing clothes, watering the garden and washing cars; these uses alone can halve the amount of water used by a typical household.

This is one in a series of lectures on green building topics that demonstrate energy/ resource efficient, healthy, and environmentally responsible building practices. Here’s the remaining schedule:

Feb. 3, 2011 - Energy Retrofit Programs: Many cities and utility companies offer home energy audits along with recommended improvements. Hear how you can get started on your energy improvements.
March 3, 2011 - Home Improvements and Green Remodeling: Is your home ready for the green future? Learn about green design strategies, materials and techniques to help create a healthy, earth friendly and economically sound home suitable for our Sonoran Desert environment.
April 7, 2011 - Materials and Resources: Learn about materials and resources that conserve, preserve and protect natural resources. Hear about materials that are regional, renewable and compatible with our desert environment. Learn about the reuse and recyclability of materials.
April 14 and May 5, 2011 - Interiors & Indoor Environmental Quality: Indoor air pollutants can be six times higher than outdoor air. Learn strategies for minimizing indoor pollutants including material selection, ventilation and filtration.
June 2, 2011 - Innovative Green Built Projects in the Phoenix/Scottsdale Area: Learn about local innovative projects that excel from the synergistic benefits of energy efficiency, renewable resources, water efficiency and climatic responsive design.

The lectures are free and open to the public. RSVPs are not needed. For more information, call 480- 312-3111 or visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/greenbuilding.