OXFORD — Want to find out how to greatly reduce your home energy bills, if not eliminate them completely?

Attend Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center’s “Lessons from the Zero Energy Home” seminar, presented by nationally recognized architect Christina Snyder, from 1 to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 9 in Oxford.

Snyder, an architect and principal of Sustainable Spaces, specializes in appropriate architecture, such as passive solar design, natural building materials and systems. As an adjunct professor at Lawrence Technological University, she coached the first- and second-place winning student teams in the first Michigan Zero Energy Home Competition, and will present the results of the her students’ entries in various competitions. Participants will discover how these lessons can be applied to owner’s or renter’s home construction and remodeling projects now, as well as future directions in sustainable design.

“For most homeowners, getting to zero home energy use is not a practical goal, but they can learn a great deal about reducing energy bills and improving the functioning of their home from the experience of Christina and her students in designing zero energy housing,” said John Batdorf, UHEAC executive director.

The seminar will be followed by a tour of Upland Hills’ building and grounds, led by Clifford Scholz, UHEAC education coordinator. Built in the ‘70s as an example of thoughtful ecological design, the UHEAC continues to demonstrate the latest in renewable energy technology. The tour includes information on energy basics and conservation, and participants are encouraged to ask questions and investigate ways to improve energy use in their own homes.

The seminar is open to the public and a minimum donation of $10 is requested at the door. Registration is encouraged but not required. To register for the seminar, send an e-mail to clifford@uheac.org with the contact information for each attendee. For directions or further information, visit www.uheac.org or call 248-693-1021.

— Christa Buchanan