By MIKE REILLY

The 10th Better Building by Design Conference, presented by Efficiency Vermont, brought together more than 1,000 building designers, construction professionals and contractors, as well as interested homeowners and homebuyers.

The two-day event, held at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center in February, also included interactive workshops, breakout sessions, an exhibit hall trade show and display of winning designs from conference design competitions.

Peter Schneider, residential project manager with Efficiency Vermont, says the conference "lets attendees - particularly building designers and contractors - address topics they don't have the opportunity to discuss on a daily basis. And they can do it with other professionals in intensive seminars."

Having worked in housing construction for several years prior to joining Efficiency Vermont, Schneider says he understands the difficulty for building professionals to think beyond their current. "It took me a couple of years here to learn how little I knew on some of these topics, and how little time I'd had to think about them, because of all the other things I dealt with on a daily basis."

The demand for the conference, participation at the event, and the response from those who attended, convince Schneider that interest in better, more sustainable, and highly energy-efficient designs is growing.

"People are starting to understand even small things make a big difference when you look at the big picture," he says. "From new efficient lighting to new insulation to new super-insulated, air-tight, modular homes, we're seeing a shift in what manufacturers have to offer."

Schneider said Cusato's discussion of the Katrina Cottage, and ideas from her forthcoming book "The Value of Design," fit well at a conference focused on environmentally smart, energy-efficient design, and were in line with emerging developments in Vermont.

"We used to talk about three things in construction." says Schneider. "Build the project at or under budget, provide great quality and craftsmanship, and deliver it on time. And we were happy with two out of three."

Schneider says Marianne Cusato, designer of the celebrated "Katrina Cottage," reminded participants during her keynote address that there are other important things to consider. "You can build what is needed, with 'incremental design' that allows for additions," says Schneider. "And you include energy-efficiency measures that reduce maintenance and energy costs and provide good indoor air quality."

Beyond that, Schneider says smart and sustainable design can help create "a sense of place" that add an element of character to neighbors that residents are excited to be a part of and maintain.

Cusato's original 308-square-foot home design came response to the housing crisis in Gulf Coast areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina and offered as an alternative to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailers. The Katrina Cottage has since evolved into a series of designs ranging up to 1,800 square feet.

For Schneider, the cottages reflect a broader trend in building and neighborhood design toward clustering smaller homes around a community center and retaining more open space around the community. He says Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) seeks to "take back town centers" and create communities with a sense of place, character and a concern for the environment.

Schneider points to South Village in South Burlington, developed by The Retrovest Companies, as an example of TND. Construction is under way on a 220-acre development inspired by traditional Vermont villages. The development plan calls for architecture built along narrow streets with walking trails, wetland areas, substantial open space and a community farm.

In Burlington, Schneider says the Burlington Co-Housing East Village next to Centennial Woods incorporates many TND concepts. Construction of housing was completed at East Village in October 2007, and only four of the 32 homes remain unoccupied.

Joan Knight, one of the original developers at Burlington Co-Housing Development LLC., says the development reflects, "a move toward sustainability, in all aspects. We have a smaller ecological footprint here, and economically we can share some resources."

In recent new home construction, Schneider has seen a trend toward smaller, more crafted homes. Given the market, he also sees more updating and renovation of existing properties, particularly in town centers. Either way, energy efficiency is receiving emphasis.

"Every decision a person makes when building, remodeling or upgrading has consequence to the environment," Schneider said, adding, "whether it's site location, house or building size, design, or materials selection."

Efficiency Vermont's mission is to encourage and help Vermonters incorporate energy efficiency into their homes and businesses.

"We're here to serve all Vermont ratepayers, and provide an objective voice throughout the design and construction process to help Vermont builders, architects, and homeowners build the most energy-efficient and healthy structures possible." says Schneider. "Our services are free, and we are very user-friendly."

Schneider offers a number of suggestions for anyone interested in reducing energy consumption:

* Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.

* Annual heating system maintenance.

* Insulate basements and air sealing attics.

* Hiring someone to do a home energy audit.

For new construction, he recommends enrolling in the ENERGY STAR Homes program, incorporating incremental design, orienting the home or building toward the sun, and designing a home to be at least 50 percent more energy efficient than code requirements.

For more information, go to http://www.efficiencyvermont.com or call 888.921.5990.