'Green' is key in building

The pink styrofoam blocks resemble giant Legos and are quickly stacked into place to form walls. Filled with concrete, the walls are said to provide better insulation than conventional wood-frame walls, a big help for consumers concerned about high heating bills.

The demonstration was one of several attractions at a recent event introducing local vocational students to the latest techniques in energy-efficient building and ways they can incorporate ''green" practices into their work.

Anticipating increased demand because of rising energy costs, some vocational schools are beginning to teach students about energy-efficient building. The hope is that the methods will become more commonplace in an industry that is sometimes reluctant to try new and potentially more costly techniques.

Paul Wolff, technical school outreach manager for Conservation Services Group in Westborough, a nonprofit that specializes in energy efficiency programs, said that with support from several utility companies, he has been working to introduce the schools to energy-conscious practices, such as more careful insulation.

The idea is to familiarize a new generation of students with the techniques before they begin their careers.

''We'll have to know all these things. . . so it's a good head start," said Brett McCurdy, a junior at Keefe Technical School in Framingham who was checking out the various demonstrations at the event.

Conservation Services Group also helps to administer the federal Energy Star Homes program, which certifies energy-efficient homes.

John Livermore, the group's new construction program manager, estimates that the average cost to upgrade to an energy-efficient house is $2,000 to $3,000. While some homeowners opt for more elaborate devices such as solar panels, the typical ways to reduce energy costs include better insulation and sealing, along with more efficient heating and cooling equipment, Livermore said.

At Keefe Technical, students have been learning about energy efficiency techniques for about three years.

This year they have used cellulose insulation, which is sprayed into place and provides a better seal, on a home they're building for a local family, said Mike Newell, a carpentry instructor.

He agrees that certain products and practices can be more expensive, but he also notes the long-term savings.

''Over the lifetime of the house you're probably going to get your money back and more," Newell said.

Emily English, green building specialist for the National Association of Homebuilders, said the organization's guidelines suggest orienting a house so it takes advantage of natural light, using less wood and recycling on the job site.

Some builders have been hesitant, she said, thinking the added costs might not be worth it.

''Builders have been concerned about investing more up front," English said.

But a report commissioned by the association shows that a majority of builders in the United States are expected to be involved in green building over the next couple of years.

English considers this an indication of demand.

''That implies that consumers are asking for it," she said.

According to the state Division of Energy Resources, the retail price of home heating oil was about $2.42 per gallon this winter, up from $1.97 the previous winter.

At an average usage of about 750 gallons -- slightly less than normal because of mild winter weather -- that puts the average bill at just over $1,800 between October and March.

The estimated average bill for natural gas was $238 per month.

Students at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational High School in Marlborough have been learning about energy efficient building techniques for about two years, said John Parsons, the school's lead drafting instructor.

The concept, he said, often means new ways of designing homes.

''It's not complicated, but it is different," Parsons said.

Conservation Services Group organized the I-SMART Massachusetts Technical School Outreach Learning Exchange, which was held late last month at a Marlborough hotel and drew about 120 students from 10 schools statewide.

Although they were new to some of the practices being taught at the event, students could see the value of learning about energy efficient building.

''You save more money," said Albert Puma, a junior at Keefe Tech. ''In my house, I would do it too."

Emily Shartin can be reached at eshartin@globe.com.