The Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC) will host a “Day of Sustainability” in West Des Moines on Oct. 6 in support of that city’s sustainable building initiatives.

“The courses will appeal to not only building professionals, but also homeowners and others eager to learn about the benefits of sustainable building,” said Lynnae Hentzen, COSC’s executive director. Instructors from RDG Planning & Design and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will also participate in the event.

COSC was recently named a U. S. Green Building Council education provider, which means that courses it offers are now approved for credit toward the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credential maintenance program.

“The Fundamentals of Green Roofs in an Urban Environment,” the first of several COSC workshops to be approved for continuing education credit hours, will be offered during the Day of Sustainability, which will be held at West Des Moines City Hall.

Offered free of charge, the daylong seminar will begin at 9 a.m. with “Integrating Sustainable Storm Water Management Systems,” which will explore the impacts of a rainstorm’s “first flush” and teach techniques for reducing runoff and improving water quality. Then, after a networking lunch, “The Fundamentals of Green Roofs in an Urban Environment” will review case studies and the substantial sustainable benefits of green roof designs.

Those interested in attending are required to register and should contact COSC’s Leslie Berckes at (515) 707-2787 or Leslie@icosc.com.