Building Science Week is a statewide celebration of high-performance design, smart construction practices and the people shaping Maine’s built environment. Taking place the first full week of November each year, this event features hands-on workshops, expert-led programs, community site walks, exh ibits and networking, all centered around building science education. Whether you're a homeowner, builder, designer or just curious about how buildings can work better for people and the planet, there’s something here for you.
Building Science Week overview
Throughout the week, explore a variety of topics and activities designed to engage both professionals and the broader community, presented in a variety of formats including in person, virtual and hybrid. These will include:
building science basics,
the role of buildings in our health,
high-performance building,
building efficiency and electrification,
hands on, high-performance materials demonstrations,
and more!
Check out all the 2026 Building Science Week events
phME Retrofit Webinar Series: Building Science & Retrofits
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Join us for our quarterly phME Retrofit Webinar Series! This month our webinar falls during Building Science Week and we'll be hearing from the experts about the role that Building Science plays in your retrofit, and giving you the foundational basics you need to make strong choices with your projects.
Thank you to our Retrofit Webinar Series Sponsor, Evergreen Home Performance!
Northeast Passive House Chapter Online Meeting
Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Can Passive House Ease New England’s Grid?
Paul Ormand of DOER will share key statistics and lessons from Passive House in Massachusetts, exploring how high-performance buildings can reduce peak grid demand, lower electricity use and system costs, and help address grid capacity constraints as housing grows. Practitioners across New England will be invited to share state-specific perspectives and identify opportunities to advance Passive House, housing, and regional energy solutions together.
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Paul Ormond is a building decarbonization and energy policy expert at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), where he has worked since 2015. He also teaches a course on building-sector decarbonization strategies and policy at Harvard Extension School.
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All are welcome. AIA/PHI CEs pending.
phME Lunch & Learn Series: Zehnder America
Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Zehnder America delivers high-performance ventilation systems that enhance indoor comfort while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency. Their Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators work seamlessly with precision air distribution systems and dependable filters to keep your home or building consistently fresh, quiet, and comfortable – no matter the weather outside. They will provide an overview of their systems and the benefits to homes you're living in or building.
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association Meetup
Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 5:00PM - 7:00PM
On November 5, NESEA will be hosting an in-person meet-up for people working in industries connected to NESEA who have identities that are traditionally underrepresented in the field. This is a follow-up to similar events we have run in Boston and New York City.
The goal of the meet up is to foster connections, share experiences, and to help inform NESEA's next steps related to our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), as we look for ways to best support our community. NESEA envisions a vibrant and resilient built environment that supports climate justice and equity. Events like this are in service of that vision.
We are specifically inviting people who have marginalized identities, including women, LGBTQIA, BIPOC individuals, people living with a disability, and others who could benefit from this community building. If you are interested in this event but have questions about whether or not you should attend, please email NESEA Executive Director, Florence MacGregor, at fmacgregor@nesea.org.
Refreshments will be provided. We are working on confirming our venue based on registration interest. We will contact you with the specific location as soon as it is finalized.
2026 Green Home + Design Awards
Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 5:00PM - 7:30PM
Join us as we celebrate the best of green building, showcasing projects that minimize operational energy needs, reduce embodied carbon, emphasize occupant and environmental health, and prioritize sustainability in home and landscape.
Browse the submissions, network with industry peers and celebrate the 2026 winners!
Building Tools That Matter: Head, Heart & Hands
Friday, November 6, 2026 | 4:00PM - 7:00PM
Tour the first Passive House manufacturing facility in the country, where high performance buildings are crafted as prefab panels that create efficient, resilient homes.
Engage with presentations from thought leaders on putting our values to work with the tools at our disposal.
Discuss timely choices around pressing issues affecting our communities, built environment, and precious natural world. Drinks, light refreshments, and reception to follow.
