Home buyers, owners and builders are invited to attend "High Performance Green Building and Renovation: Why You Can't Afford Not To Go Green" on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at Coastal Carolina University's Waccamaw Higher Education Center. The seminar, about designing and constructing residential buildings that are affordable and environmentally friendly, is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

High performance green building, also known as sustainable building, refers to building houses that are durable, energy and water efficient, use materials of low environmental impact, protect the natural surrounds, minimize waste and have high indoor air quality.

Presenters will include Jeff Huntley of Atlanta's Southface Energy Institute, and Daniel Abel, director of Coastal's Campus and Community Sustainability Initiative. Huntley will discuss EarthCraft Homes, which are designed for the climate of the Southeast.

A major focus of this presentation, according to Abel, is debunking the myth that building green costs more than building conventionally. The presentation will also include an introduction to 21st century building materials and practices.

The public seminar precedes an all-day workshop on Thursday, Oct. 12 also at the Waccamaw center, for developers, architects, landscape architects, engineers, planners and those with conservation interests. This workshop will address regulations, site design, indoor air quality, green and affordable Habitat for Humanity projects and more.

Coastal's Campus and Community Sustainability Initiative, in partnership with the North Inlet-Winyah Bay Coastal Training Program (CTP) is offering both workshop and public session.

There is no fee for registering for the Oct. 12 workshop, but seating is limited, and registration will be on a first come, first served basis.

The Oct.12 workshop will provide design, development and construction professionals with practical strategies for designing and building houses that balance the complementary goals of environmental sustainability and economic viability.

A box lunch from Kudzu Bakery will be available for $7, or attendees may bring their own lunch.

The Waccamaw Center is located at 160 Willbrook Blvd., west of S.C. 17 next to the Hampton Inn in Litchfield. For more information or to register, call 349-2257, or e-mail Dan Abel at dabel@coastal.edu.