Fort Collins Building Science and Beer Group

Summary

We are...

Architects, builders, consultants, designers, and more
Working to increase the sustainability, attainability, and quantity of housing units in Northern Colorado
Meeting monthly to learn, share inspiration and knowledge, and improve our craft.

Key details

What: Group of building experts and enthusiasts which meets in Fort Collins

Who: Anyone interested in contributing to increasing the stock of high-performance, attainable housing.

Why: To enable more peoople to afford owning or renting high quality housing units, supporting our community goals that everyone in Fort Collins has "healthy, stable housing they can afford" (HSP 2021) and "lives and works in healthy...and...efficient buildings which transition to...emissions free" (OCF)( Big Move 6)

When: One evening per month from 7–9 p.m. Usually the last Thursday of the month.

Where: Purpose Brewing on South Mason Street in Fort Collins, CO.

How much: No cost to join or attend. Purpose Brewing let's us use the room for free and we buy our own drinks.

How: Become a member by signing up (it's free!) and share your interests via this survey.

Emails: Here are links to our three most recent newsletters, plus an archive link:

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Questions?: Email Erik

Our events

In 2026 we might systematically work through two 11-part series: a performance series and an affordability series, splitting our meetings between the two. And both series could leverage a parallel housing cost and affordability modeling effort.

01/29/26 - Topic TBD
02/26/26 - Topic TBD
03/26/26 - Topic TBD
04/30/26 - Topic TBD
05/28/26 - Topic TBD
06/25/26 - Topic TBD
07/30/26 - Topic TBD
08/27/26 - Topic TBD
09/24/26 - Topic TBD
10/29/26 - Topic TBD
12/03/26 - Topic TBD
2025 Events:
02/06/25 - First meeting. Introductions and discussion what we would like to get out of our group.
03/10/25 - Domestic hot water systems, with cool comparison by Jason
04/23/25 - Off-Site Construction/Prefabrication, by Max, Brad, and Ken
05/22/25 - Attainability, open discussion
06/26/25 - Sustainability, by Karen
07/31/25 - Sustainability, by Greg
08/28/25 - (Un)usual suspects, by Enrico of Emu
09/25/25 - Legislation update by Ken G, Polestar Village overview by Michael GTBD
10/30/25 - Air Sealing best practices/Blowerdoor, by Scott S
12/04/25 - A Contractor's Perspective, by Matt D

Events held by other orgs

BS+Beer National events - 'online talk show focusing on hot topics in building science'
BS+Beer Denver Metro events - 'Building Science Discussions for our Mile High City'
Colorado Green Building Guild events - CBGB 'strives to ensure the widespread adoption of sustainable building practices to increase the efficient use of resources, create healthier indoor environments, and support vibrant, sustainable communities throughout Colorado.'
Colorado Renewable Energy Society events - advocates for sustainability and sometimes discusses BS housing topics such as heat pumps, PV, etc.
Emu Passive events - 'Emu provides a fair amount of free online presentations on Passive House free education, building science presentations, ... and training.'

Additional organizations working to increase our stock of attainable and/or sustainable housing

Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity - 'mission is to build safe, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with hard-working families in need. This grassroots effort is made possible through the generous donations of materials, money, and labor from members of the Fort Collins community.'
Impact Development Fund (Community Development Financial Institution) - 'mission is to help people within our underserved communities seek fulfillment for themselves and their families by providing access to affordable living. We create these opportunities by delivering flexible capital to nonprofit organizations, developers and others who support the underserved.'
NOCO Foundation Housing Initiative - 'A Regional Approach to the Housing Challenge in Northern Colorado'
One Voice for Housing - 'network of advocates who have come together to show Fort Collins the benefits of equitable housing opportunities, and why it’s so important for every member of our community to have a safe and stable home.'
YIMBY Fort Collins - grassroots pro-housing group
CSU Institute for the Built Environment - 'IBE creates healthy thriving places by elevating the collaboration between people, project teams, and organizations.'

Articles, reports, data, newsletters, etc.:

City of Fort Collins Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (2021) - thorough, ~70 page report which advances 'twenty-six strategies designed to overcome the greatest housing challenges facing Fort Collins today.'
Northern Colorado Intersections Report 2024 or Overview - 'Pursuing Regional Well-Being'
Colorado's Housing Affordability Crisis 2025 Report - our 'crisis is real, but progress is possible'
Common Sense Institute Housing and Our Community Articles
Fort Collins Housing Affordability Report 2023 - Common Sense Institute
Colorado's Housing Affordability Mismatch - Common Sense Institute
Colorado Department of Local Affairs State Demography Office - Research briefs and data sets
Public Square - 'dedicated to illuminating and cultivating best practices in urbanism'
City of Fort Collins email newsletters - Building Services newsletter is one of the options

Videos:

Construction Instruction App - app contains a bunch of videos and other content on how to "build better, longer lasting, healthier homes." Ultimate goals are zero defects and zero carbon.
Building Science Corporation videos - promoting 'the design and construction of buildings that are healthier, less energy-consuming, and more durable and economical.'
Building Science Meets Mountain Climate - with Joseph Lstiburek, Ph.D, P.Eng.
The BS and Beer Show videos - 'online talk show focusing on hot topics in building science'
The Build Show - 'content and presenters to help you on the journey of fine craftsmanship.'
Fine Home Building videos - 'covering all aspects of residential construction and remodeling for hands-on homeowners and professional builders.'
Green Builder Media videos - 'North America’s leading green building and sustainable living media company.'
Jobsite Safety Institute videos - safety research for construction.
Passive House Accelerator videos - 'a catalyst for zero carbon building....a hub for sharing innovation and thought leadership in Passive House design and construction.'
This Old House videos - 'expert advice on home improvement, remodeling, upgrades, tools, and products.'

Podcasts:

Members:

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