PATHWAYS to SUCCESS Written by Scott Gerdes Stationed just outside of Taos at the Veterans Off Grid (VOG) property in Canon, Mark Goldman, the coordinator for the Construction Mark Goldman and Amplacing w UNM-Taos Construction Tech Program Paves the Way for Affordable and Sustainable Building Technology program, recently shared his view about sustainable building practices and the transformative power it holds for both aspiring bulders and the environment. Goldman wants to see more affordable hybrid and natural building be able to design and build their own sustainable homes one project at a time on At the Carson construction explained that the cument undertaking by UNM Taos students is the building of an off-grid healing center for veterans and the pub intended to be a peaceful space by offering yoga, meditation and outdoor healing services Additionally it will serve as a community center The course including student scholarship instructional support and lunches were provided by a grant from Chevron LR Jordan, Megan Justin Hannah For Goldman, the project holds great significance in these mice warm summer days we can teach construction on an off-campus construction site and help Veter's Off God in their mission emphasizes the importance of showcasing an affordable and natural building method, one that not only benefits the environment but is also approved for building permits. The construction unes a highly sustainable approach employing in a conventional American construction site you have a lot of materials with volatile organic chemicals Goldman says "There's not a lot of The materials used in this project are a testament NM TAOS How did you spend summer? taos.unm.edu 575.737.6215 and Hanish Al prepares natural walaulation to the program's commitment to sustainability From timber to mud and straw the construction embraces a range of natural resources Goldman explains that the term "natural refers to material that are minimally processed For instance the foundation utilizes gravel obtained on reducing the need for excessive concrete significant contributor to use emissions. The clay used for insulation and plaster is also sourced from the site, creating a local and co-endy building process Mark Goldman Inspires Students to Build Healthier and Cost-Effective Homes Green Building Council is the most widely used green building rating system Goldman explains You get ful LEED credit for using a local building material it's within 500 miles I think the vast majority of our materials are within 500 feet of the It's not only the environment that benefit from these sustainable practices students at un To gain the invaluable knowledge and sk to build their own homes using affordable natural materials Students went through a one- week intensive course where they excavate the foundation form the walls, and complete the finishing touches-truly immersive and transformative experience natural materials and alternative techniques that of the US The UN-Tos Construction Tech program is adhere to safety standards Goldman Nighlights the significance of avoiding hazardous building materials, commonly found in standard construction sites and promoting healthier alternatives "We are getting as much interest from students in building their own houses as those who want a career to build for other people." The students enrolled in the program come from diverse backgrounds and hold a range of aspirations Goldman is pleasantly surprised by the changing demographics in construction, with more women entering the field The students don't look like the stereotypical conservative male construction workers. I do know women here today that are planning construction careers Goldman says. "We are getting as much interest from students in building their own houses as those who want a career to build for other The high cost of buying home these days many people feeling they won't be able to afford the American Dream That's another reason for increased interest in this program Hegan and volunteer at Veterans Off-Grid Students today are learning that you can't afford it right now, you can build Goldman says "We're in a time and a place where it makes much sense the windows open not just about constructing buildings it's about constructing lives. Through hands-on learning and the use of natural materials students gain more than practical skills-they gain the ability to take care of themselves, build economic stability and develop a foundation of elec Building a house doesn't just build your house builds your confidence" Goldman adds a of hard work. But instead of it being a labor of love E's a love of labor PATHWAYS to SUCCESS Written by Scott Gerdes Stationed just outside of Taos at the Veterans Off Grid ( VOG ) property in Canon , Mark Goldman , the coordinator for the Construction Mark Goldman and Amplacing w UNM - Taos Construction Tech Program Paves the Way for Affordable and Sustainable Building Technology program , recently shared his view about sustainable building practices and the transformative power it holds for both aspiring bulders and the environment . Goldman wants to see more affordable hybrid and natural building be able to design and build their own sustainable homes one project at a time on At the Carson construction explained that the cument undertaking by UNM Taos students is the building of an off - grid healing center for veterans and the pub intended to be a peaceful space by offering yoga , meditation and outdoor healing services Additionally it will serve as a community center The course including student scholarship instructional support and lunches were provided by a grant from Chevron LR Jordan , Megan Justin Hannah For Goldman , the project holds great significance in these mice warm summer days we can teach construction on an off - campus construction site and help Veter's Off God in their mission emphasizes the importance of showcasing an affordable and natural building method , one that not only benefits the environment but is also approved for building permits . The construction unes a highly sustainable approach employing in a conventional American construction site you have a lot of materials with volatile organic chemicals Goldman says " There's not a lot of The materials used in this project are a testament NM TAOS How did you spend summer ? taos.unm.edu 575.737.6215 and Hanish Al prepares natural walaulation to the program's commitment to sustainability From timber to mud and straw the construction embraces a range of natural resources Goldman explains that the term " natural refers to material that are minimally processed For instance the foundation utilizes gravel obtained on reducing the need for excessive concrete significant contributor to use emissions . The clay used for insulation and plaster is also sourced from the site , creating a local and co - endy building process Mark Goldman Inspires Students to Build Healthier and Cost - Effective Homes Green Building Council is the most widely used green building rating system Goldman explains You get ful LEED credit for using a local building material it's within 500 miles I think the vast majority of our materials are within 500 feet of the It's not only the environment that benefit from these sustainable practices students at un To gain the invaluable knowledge and sk to build their own homes using affordable natural materials Students went through a one week intensive course where they excavate the foundation form the walls , and complete the finishing touches - truly immersive and transformative experience natural materials and alternative techniques that of the US The UN - Tos Construction Tech program is adhere to safety standards Goldman Nighlights the significance of avoiding hazardous building materials , commonly found in standard construction sites and promoting healthier alternatives " We are getting as much interest from students in building their own houses as those who want a career to build for other people . " The students enrolled in the program come from diverse backgrounds and hold a range of aspirations Goldman is pleasantly surprised by the changing demographics in construction , with more women entering the field The students don't look like the stereotypical conservative male construction workers . I do know women here today that are planning construction careers Goldman says . " We are getting as much interest from students in building their own houses as those who want a career to build for other The high cost of buying home these days many people feeling they won't be able to afford the American Dream That's another reason for increased interest in this program Hegan and volunteer at Veterans Off - Grid Students today are learning that you can't afford it right now , you can build Goldman says " We're in a time and a place where it makes much sense the windows open not just about constructing buildings it's about constructing lives . Through hands - on learning and the use of natural materials students gain more than practical skills - they gain the ability to take care of themselves , build economic stability and develop a foundation of elec Building a house doesn't just build your house builds your confidence " Goldman adds a of hard work . But instead of it being a labor of love E's a love of labor