Building Knowledge is a leading developer of national programs, educational, training, and marketing materials on homebuilding best practices. BKI is a leading industry expert in residential green building, managing the USGBC's LEED for Homes Program. They have been involved in 96 USGBC LEED for Homes projects to date which represents roughly 8% of all LEED for Homes projects certified.

BKI has trained and consulted with thousands of builders, and other professionals and has been the curriculum developer and trainer for the Energy and Environmental Building Association’s (EEBA) Houses that Work education series.

Ed VonThoma was the project manager and editor for Building Science Corporation’s, Ventilation Guide and Insulating Guide. He currently serves on the Advisory Committee for MN Green Communities. Pat O’Malley currently serves on the Board of Directors for Minnesota GreenStar and is Chairperson of the Technical Committee.

More about Ed and Pat...

Ed VonThoma has over 20 years experience with the design, contracting, construction, sales and marketing of over 10,000 homes and neighborhood development. He has traveled the country to work directly with builders in the classroom and on site to teach best building construction techniques. He has developed and delivered training for the MPCA including programs on Advanced Framing Techniques.

He was the project manager and editor for Building Science Corporation’s, Ventilation Guide and Insulating Guide. Ed VonThoma currently serves on the Advisory Committee for MN Green Communities. Pat O’Malley currently serves on the Board of Directors for Minnesota GreenStar and is Chairperson of the Technical Committee.

Pat O’Malley has been assisting builder and architect clients for over twelve years on the application of green building strategies using the LEED for Homes, Minnesota GreenStar, and Energy Star programs. Pat has worked with over 70 builders in implementing the Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) and provides services including: Plan review, anaysis using REM/Design; on-site consultations and inspections.

He has conducted education classes for builders through the Builders Association of MN, Journal of Light Construction, The national Energy and Environmental Builders Association Conference, and the Duluth Energy Design Conference.