Friday, November 30, 2007

The cost... It's always about the cost

So, what's the biggest barrier to buildng green? The cost, you say?

But, is it the actual cost or the percieved cost?

Here's a good article from CoStar written by Andrew C. Burr that addresses this issue and how the commercial real estate industry sees it:

Rising Energy Concerns Buoy Green Building Industry

Ever-Increasing Energy Costs Boosting Demand for Sustainability in Corporate Real Estate, But is it Enough to Overcome Green Building Barriers?

There are a lot of reasons behind the green building industry's quick ascent into mainstream commercial real estate. At the center of the surge, global CRE giants like CB Richard Ellis, Transwestern and Jones Lang LaSalle are offering clients sustainability programs and pushing LEED and Energy Star certification. On the outskirts, retailers and tech firms like Wal-Mart, Google and IBM are retrofitting their real estate portfolios and pressing the issue with suppliers. Banks are starting to recognize the fiscal soundness of sustainable buildings, lawmakers are becoming braver on regulation, and global real estate-centric programs from former U.S. presidents (the Clinton Climate Initiative) haven't hurt, either.

But in perhaps the biggest boon for green building, the industry hasn't had to do a thing. Concern over spiraling energy prices in the U.S. have forced tenants and landlords, particularly among institutional owners and big corporate occupiers, to reevaluate their energy options, creating a market-based demand for solutions. "Energy is a pressure point that's causing people to focus on sustainability," says Eric Bowles, vice president and director of research for corporate real estate trade group CoreNet Global. "When companies look at what's busting their budget this year, it's rising energy costs. Essentially, the energy issue is creating the attention."

CoreNet, in conjunction with Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), recently released the findings of a global survey conducted over the past year on sustainability perceptions and trends in corporate real estate. The survey found that energy concerns dominated corporate thinking on critical sustainability issues. "Energy, at least currently, is the most important factor to corporate occupiers for sustainability. That's a direct reflection on the extremely high energy costs and the fact that it's a little more of a directly approachable and actionable item," said Ben Breslau, vice president and director of JLL's occupier research. The market has flocked to find ways to cut energy consumption, in part because the business case is clear -- or what Breslau means when he says "approachable." Less energy means fewer dollars.

A survey earlier this year of North American business leaders by Johnson Controls, an automotive and real estate consulting firm, found a compelling business case for slashing energy consumption. More than half of respondents cited cost savings as the primary motivator behind their company's investments in energy-efficient technology, whereas just 13 percent cited environmental concern as the prime reason.

And energy utilization solutions -- some as simple as switching off workplace computers and lights at night -- can also be easier to implement than other sustainable items, such as installing a green-rooftop or rainwater harvesting system.

But while the industry didn't create demand for energy efficiency, it isn't sitting back. Big firms like JLL, CB Richard Ellis, Transwestern and USAA Real Estate have established energy management programs across their managed portfolios, pitching big energy savings to clients.

Other industries are making inroads into commercial real estate energy solutions too, from intriguing new solar power platforms (you don't actually have to buy the panels) to HVAC cooling systems that rely on melted ice rather than electricity.

The correlation between rising energy prices and green building hasn't been lost on The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) either. The organization -- which advertises an energy reduction of 20 to 50 percent in buildings certified under its LEED rating program -- pitched environmental consciousness in its early days before becoming much more effective by advertising the business case for sustainability. This summer, it added two new mandatory energy efficiency requirements to LEED.

Other drivers of sustainability in corporate real estate, according to the CoreNet/JLL survey, include energy and emissions regulations -- in other words, the threat of regulation -- and corporate social responsibility. Both trail energy concerns in the survey but are significant factors, according to Bowles and Breslau. "In North America, there is at the senior level an increasing expectation that there will ultimately be some sort of regulation around carbon and around sustainability," Bowles says, citing the fact that many global corporations are already partially regulated in other parts of the world. "Look at New York. Look at San Francisco. Look at Washington, D.C. You have a proliferation of municipalities, and in some cases states, that are adding their own mix to the regulation. You've got to be a bit ahead of that curve," he said.

According to Breslau, corporations are facing immense pressure to spend capital on sustainability initiatives, including greening their real estate portfolios. "[The pressure] is coming from shareholders, employees, clients and customers. In terms of the willingness to pay more, there's a recognition that this is going to be a positive thing and a necessary thing in the long run," he said. "Obviously, real estate plays a big part in that."

Overall, the survey found that most respondents (79 percent) considered sustainability to be a critical near-term business issue in corporate real estate, and that roughly the same number are willing to pay a premium for sustainability. That's the good news. But the survey also concluded that a number of misperceptions and barriers exist, hampering green building from rooting itself more firmly in corporate real estate culture.

Only 17 percent of respondents said that "good" or "widely available" sustainable real estate solutions exist where their companies need to relocate their offices, with most other respondents describing availability as patchy, limited or minimal. The survey also pegged the commercial real estate industry as decisively reactive rather than proactive in terms of sustainability, with just 8 percent of respondents describing landlords as proactive, and a mere 3 percent calling brokers proactive.

But the biggest concern remains sustainability cost misperceptions, a problem that doesn't seem to be going away. "It's not that the information isn't there, it's that a lot of the stakeholders are not being proactive in talking about [cost issues]," says Bowles. "In many cases, they're simply accepting the premise that it's more expensive." Increased construction costs under the LEED system are generally held to be between 1 and 5 percent, with some levels of certification achievable at no cost premium.

The survey, however, found that more than half of respondents expected green construction to add between 5 and 10 percent to construction costs, a figure that has been roundly disputed by organizations including USGBC, construction consulting firm Davis Langdon, institutional investor Prudential Real Estate Investors and publisher McGraw-Hill.

A recent white paper by CB Richard Ellis also found that cost misperceptions continue to present the most serious barrier to green building acceptance. "The perceived increased cost of green construction spurs fears for developers who are already concerned about the cost of short-term debt and conventional building materials," the report said.

"It's a big obstacle," USGBC Director of Communications Taryn Holowka says of the cost misperception, adding that USGBC works to educate the industry on the cost of LEED through local advocacy and outreach at its 72 chapters, and through hundreds of workshops it hosts in-person and online.

This article can be found here.

So, it's pretty clear that the cost of green building isn't the issue. The percieved cost of going green is the issue.

Education is, and will continue to be, the solution. Keep talking and spreading the word!

Green Building Ordinance: Make your voice heard!

Today is the last day to offer public comment on the proposed Green Building Ordinance drafted by the Environmental Protection Board for the City of Jacksonville.

Here is the ordinance as it is currently drafted.

Please take the time to read it and submit comment to:

Robert Schuster, P.E.
Environmental Protection Board
117 W. Duval Street, Suite 225
Jacksonville, Florida 32202

Or, Christi Veleta will accept e-mail correspondence at veleta@coj.net

If you're reading this, that means you already have a commitment to sustainability. Be sure our government know, too. Take a moment today to make a difference.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

There's a new AP in town...

LEED AP, that is...

I passed! I passed my test! I'm a LEED AP.

Hi, my name is Ellen Reed, LEED AP.

All my time and commitment to green building finally came together and, despite a harrowing hour, I came out of it alive and accredited.

The test administrator said everyone comes out slightly flushed and shaking after that exam, which may have been said to make me feel better. It did.

She also said that they were watching the video monitor of my expressions because they found them "comical". Glad to know my pain brought them joy.

But, it's all good because it's all done! I can go forth and continue to spread the green joy.

Thanks to all of those who helped answer my questions (and phone calls), who gave me encouragement and inspiration, and to my Study Group buddies and instructors (whose success rate continues to improve!).

Thank you thank youthankyou!

Ellen Reed, LEED AP

Friday, November 16, 2007

File under: Gross Abuse of Wealth

As if the average Joe didn't have enough reason to resent the massively wealthy...

From the Wall Street Journal Online:

The American Southeast has been suffering from one of its worst droughts in
years. But you wouldn't know it from looking at the emerald-green estates of
Palm Beach.

There, despite water restrictions and low reservoirs, lush lawns and
verdant hedges line the Florida island's biggest mansions, awaiting the start of
the annual winter "season" after Thanksgiving.

To keep their thirsty estates running over the summer and fall, Palm
Beachers have been more than willing to pay water surcharges and even fines. And
many have found a loophole in the local water rules, allowing them to spritz
more often if they pay up to plant new lawns and shrubs.

Consider Nelson Peltz. The investor and food magnate's oceanfront
estate, called Montsorrel, is among the island's biggest water consumers. His
13.8-acre spread, which combines two properties, used not quite 21 million
gallons of water over the past 12 months -- or about 57,000 gallons a day on
average -- at a cost of more than $50,000, according to records obtained from
the local water utility. That compares with 54,000 gallons a year for an average
single-family residence in Palm Beach, says Ken Rearden, assistant city
administrator of West Palm Beach. (West Palm Beach supplies Palm Beach's
water.)

'An Outrage'

To be sure, Mr. Peltz is cutting back: During the previous 12-month
period, he used 24 million gallons. Through a spokeswoman, Mr. Peltz said water
usage at his Florida is estate is "under review with the intent of identifying
ways to significantly lower consumption."
Then there's Dwight Schar,
executive chairman of home builder NVR. His six-acre estate, with more than a
dozen bathrooms, guzzled 15.4 million gallons of water over the past 12 months.
A spokesman for Mr. Schar declined to comment.
WATER
GUZZLERS

Some Palm Beach estates use huge amounts of water despite
the city's restrictions. Chart shows gallons consumed in the 12 months ended
Oct. 1, 2007.

OWNER
SIZE OF PROPERTY
GALLONS USED
Nelson Peltz Investor
13.8 acres
20,863,216
Dwight Schar Executive chairman, home-builder
NVR
6 acres
12,155,000 3,253,052*
William L. Koch President, mining
concern Oxbow
7 acres
4,519,416 695,640**
James H. Clark Netscape
co-founder
5 acres
3,452,020
Sydell Miller Co-founder, Matrix
hair-care products
4 acres
1,032,240
*second property; **adjoining
property he owns

Palm Beach's water world highlights the drain on natural resources
caused by today's wealthy and their ever-bigger estates. Efforts by everyday
families to take shorter showers and let their lawns go brown are a drop in the
bucket compared with the water use of mansion owners -- even when they're
"conserving."

"It's an outrage that so much water is being used for single
residences," says Eric Draper, deputy director of Audubon of Florida, an
environmental group. "Our water supplies are at historically low levels and yet
you see these big homes with perfectly green lawns." Mr. Draper added that it's
"very difficult to tell Joe Homeowner to cut back on his water use if he knows
that in Palm Beach they're not cutting back at all."

While not as severe as Atlanta's drought, Florida's dry spell -- the
state has labeled it a "rainfall deficit" -- has forced locals to curb lawn
watering and caused Palm Beach to impose "Phase III" restrictions. Palm Beach's
main backup supply for water, Lake Okeechobee, is about five feet below desired
levels for this time of year, and weather experts predict more dry conditions in
the coming months.

The water rules, which border on the arcane, state that residents with
odd-numbered addresses can water their lawns and wash vehicles from 4 a.m. to 8
a.m. on Saturdays only. Residents with even-numbered addresses can do so during
those same hours on Sundays. The city recommends that lawns be watered for only
12 to 15 minutes during each four-hour watering period. Separately,
hand-watering with one hose and "an automatic shut-off nozzle" is allowed from 5
p.m. to 7 p.m. on people's regular watering day.

So how are wealthy Palm Beachers using so much
water?


The restrictions don't cap total water use, only the times of use --
and today's mansions have high-tech irrigation systems that can douse an entire
estate at once. Most wealthy residents say they are honoring the restrictions
and that their water usage, while large, is still within the rules. Many also
point out that they have reduced their water use since last year.

$100 Fines

An estate owned by William L. Koch, president of mining and energy
company Oxbow Corp., used about 3.9 million gallons over the past 12 months,
down from more than six million in the prior 12-month period. A spokesman for
Mr. Koch says he has "taken significant steps to reduce water usage" over the
past year and that "we follow all of the water restrictions and abide by the
law."

Still, many Palm Beachers seem happy to pay the 30% surcharge on
their water bill that is imposed when a resident consumes more than 6,000
gallons a month. Others are violating the Phase III restrictions and incurring
fines to keep their grounds green. The Palm Beach Police, whose officers hand
out water citations during their daily rounds, say that over the past three
months alone they've written 370 citations totaling $54,700. Singer Jimmy
Buffett, who owns a mansion in town, was fined $100 for unspecified water
violations, as was buyout king Stephen Schwarzman, according to city records. A
spokesman for Mr. Schwarzman said the Blackstone Group CEO wasn't available to
comment. A representative for Mr. Buffett didn't return a call.
Other Palm
Beach residents have found a loophole. According to the rules, residents who put
in "new landscaping" can water three days a week, instead of the usual one, for
30 days after the planting. Once that period ends, homeowners can plant yet
again -- and resume the thrice-a-week watering. That has led some Palm Beachers
to put in new trees, shrubs and turf -- often at a cost of tens of thousands of
dollars per residence -- just so they can run their irrigation systems more
frequently.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said he returned to Palm Beach
after the summer and found that he had the only brown lawn on the block. "When I
asked everyone how they were watering, they all said 'new plantings,' " he
said. "So that's the loophole. We're all just ripping out the old lawn and
shrubs and putting in new ones."

Write to Robert Frank at robert.frank@wsj.com

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Jacksonville's Proposed Green Building Ordinance

We need you!

From Christ Veleta, programs administrator for Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board:

"On November 15th at 5:00 P.M. the EPB will host a public meeting to discuss
the proposed ordinance. The meeting will be held in Conference Room 3C,
City Hall - St. James. Please feel free to pass the proposed ordinance
along to your colleagues or any group that you feel may be interested."


Here's the proposed wording (in draft form):

Introduced by Council President at the request of the Mayor:

ORDINANCE 2007-
AN ORDINANCECREATING A NEW CHAPTER ___, ORDINANCE CODE, ESTABLISHING A GREEN BUILDING PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE; SETTING FORTH INTENT, APPLICABILITY, DEFINITIONS, STANDARDS, AND INCENTIVES FOR PROGRAM; CREATING A TEMPORARY GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION REFUND GRANT PROGRAM; APPROPRIATING $100,000 FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TRUST FUND FOR THE GRANT PROGRAM; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, sustainable development helps balance the expansion of the City and preservation of our quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Jacksonville has demonstrated its commitment and leadership through the Green Homes Initiative; and
WHEREAS, architects, developers, builders and owners are voluntarily making the commitment to design and construct green buildings and homes in Duval County; and
WHEREAS, Jacksonville commits to high performance building practices that protect the quality of our air, water and other natural resources; provide employees, the public and the owners with safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environments, reducing developments impact on our God-given environment: and
WHEREAS, the Florida Green Building Coalition has developed voluntary programs for the development and operation of sustainable commercial, residential buildings and planned use developments; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Green Buildings Council has developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating systems for new and renovated commercial buildings, and new residential buildings and developments; and
WHEREAS, standards adopted for the Green Building Program will advance the Jacksonville Green Homes Program, the Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Program, the Water Management District Florida Water Star Program, and other programs advancing the goals of the Jacksonville Green Building Program; now therefore
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Jacksonville:
Section 1. Creation of New Chapter ____, GREEN BUILDING PROGRAM. There is hereby created a new Chapter ____, Ordinance Code, entitled GREEN BUILDING PROGRAM, to read as follows:
CHAPTER ____. GREEN BUILDING PROGRAM
Section ___.101. Intent.
It is the intent of the Council in creating this Green Building program to demonstrate a substantial commitment on the part of the City to finance, plan, design, construct, manage, renovate, commission, maintain and deconstruct County Buildings with sustainable building standards and to support development of privately owned buildings in Jacksonville to sustainable standards. The purpose of this program is to provide the City with a certification-based "green building" program to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices of design, construction, commissioning, maintenance and retirement for buildings.
Section ___.102. Applicability.
(a) All new civic or office construction projects owned by the City, including its independent agencies or authorities, will follow the requirements of this Chapter, unless the Council makes a determination that the costs of compliance with this Chapter significantly outweigh the benefits to the City of compliance. All new City-owned civic or office construction projects shall, at a minimum, obtain LEED certification for any buildings in the project.
(b) For all other construction projects, including all private construction projects and existing City-owned buildings, compliance with this Chapter is voluntary.
Section ___.103. Definitions.
For purposes of this Chapter, the following terms, words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
FGBC means the Florida Green Building Coalition.
FSEC means Florida Solar Energy Center, a unit of the University of Central Florida.
GHDS means the Green Home Designation Standard of the Florida Green Building Coalition.
Green building means generally the resource efficient design, construction, and operation of buildings by employing environmentally sensible construction practices, systems, and materials. Green building also means an office, residential or civic structure which has obtained LEED certification.
LEED means the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Rating System of the U.S. Green Building Council. Program certification means the final designation awarded to a program participant for satisfying all requirements associated with the program for a particular project.
Third party rater means an independent third party certified by the USGBC as a green building rater qualified to verify that the building project has satisfied all of the requirements associated with the standards applicable to a particular project.
USGBC means the U.S. Green Building Council.
Sec. _____.104. Administration.
(a) The Public Works Department Engineering and Construction Management Division is responsible to ensure compliance with applicable requirements of this Chapter in the construction of new City-owned civic and office buildings. The Engineering and Construction Management Division is also responsible for reviewing, assessing and making recommendations concerning existing City owned buildings being considered for participation in the Green Building Program and, in the event such buildings are so included, for ensuring compliance with the requirements of this Chapter.
(b) The Environmental Protection Board shall review and approve requests for Green Building Certification Refund Grants pursuant to section ___.107. The Environmental Protection Board shall also hear appeals from persons or entities denied access to future fast track development review pursuant to section ___.106(a).
(d) The Environmental Protection Board, in cooperation with FSEC and others, coordinate at least one training workshop per year for the purpose of educating current and potential participants in the Jacksonville Green Building Program on the program and its benefits and requirements.
(e) The Planning and Development Department shall provide fast track development review pursuant to section ___.106(a).
(F) The Green Building Program shall be administered on either a per-unit or per-development basis, as specified at the time of permitting. "Per-unit" means each unit built, except that any multi-family dwelling or similarly clustered structure may count as one unit. “Per-development” means each Planned Use Development, subdivision, or business park.
Sec. _____.105. Standards.
Published LEED standards of the USGBC shall be used to measure compliance of buildings participating in the Green Building Program.
Sec. _____.106. Incentives.
The incentives contained in this section are intended to encourage the construction of green buildings. For any program participant seeking program certification for new residential or commercial construction, residential or commercial retrofitting/remodeling or new City-owned civic or office construction, the following incentives shall be made available:
(a) Fast track development review:
(1) Construction permit applications submitted or resubmitted for review for Green Building projects shall be given priority over projects which are not Green Building projects by all City departments reviewing such applications.
(2) Applications for administrative deviations pursuant to section 656.109, when submitted to facilitate Green Building program certification, shall be given priority over other applications which are not Green Building projects, to the extent possible consistent with the time requirements of section 656.109.
(3) Applications for plat approval pursuant to Chapter 654 shall be given priority over other applications provided the developer records on the public records of Duval County covenants or other restrictions sufficient to require that all homes in the subdivision will be constructed so as to qualify for LEED certification.
(4) Requests for relief from the requirements of section 656.607(i), when submitted to facilitate Green Building program certification, shall be liberally construed to promote such certification.
(5) Applicants who obtain priority status pursuant to this section shall provide to proof of LEED certification to __________________ within 30 days of obtaining such certification. Applicants who obtain priority status but fail to obtain program certification may be denied future priority status by the Director of the Planning and Development Department. Any person or entity so denied priority status may appeal such determination to the Environmental Protection Board. Eligibility for priority status may also be restored upon proof of LEED certification of a building permitted through regular review after denial of priority status.
(b)
(c) Refund of certification expenses: Subject to, and within the limits of, funds appropriated by the Council for the purposes set forth in this subsection, owners or developers of Green Building projects may receive a refund of the actual costs of Green Building program certification pursuant to section ___.107.
Sec. ___.107. Green Building Certification Refund Grant Program.
(a) Creation and Purpose. There is hereby created a Green Building Certification Refund Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to establish a temporary source of funds to be used to create an incentive to achieve Green Building program certification through refunds of the actual cost of such certification. The program is intended to be a start-up program to encourage initial participation in the Green Building program and shall terminate upon disbursal of any funds appropriated by the Council for this grant program.
(b) Responsibility. The grant program established by this section shall be administered through the Environmental Protection Board, which shall review and approve disbursements from such funds as may be appropriated by the Council for this program.
(c) Application for certification refund grants. Property owners desiring to participate in this grant program shall submit an application to the Environmental Protection Board on a form prescribed by that Board or its staff. Application shall be made following certification of Green Building status and shall be accompanied by proof of certification and evidence of the actual costs associated with obtaining such certification. Certification shall be made by an independent third party rater that the owner has received LEED green building program certification for the buildings that are the subject of the application. Grants pursuant to this program shall be made by the Environmental Protection Board and shall be for reimbursement of actual cost of obtaining certification, which costs may include fees for application and inspection for LEED certification, but shall not include cost of any construction necessary to achieve LEED certification or permitting or other fess associated with such construction. Grants made pursuant to this program shall me limited to the following amounts:
Certification Level Maximum Amount per Building
LEED Certification $500
LEED Silver $1000
LEED Gold $1500
LEED Platinum $2000
Section 2. Appropriation. For the 2007-2008 fiscal year, within the City’s budget, there are hereby appropriated the indicated sum(s) from the account(s) listed in subsection (a) to the account(s) listed in subsection (b):
(B.T. ______ attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and incorporated herein by this reference)
(a) Appropriated from:
See B.T. ______ $100,000.00
(b) Appropriated to:
See B.T. ______ $100,000.00
Section 3. Purpose. The purpose of the appropriation in Section 1 is to provide funding for a Green Building Certification Refund Grant Program established by Sec. ___.107, Ordinance Code, which program is temporary in nature and intended to create incentives to achieve Green Building program certification as provided in Chapter ___, Ordinance Code.
Section 4. Carryover. The funds appropriated in this ordinance shall not lapse but shall carryover to fiscal year 2008-2009.
Section 5. Waiver. Section 111.755 (Environmental Protection Fund), subsection (f), Ordinance Code, is hereby waived so as to allow the use of the Environmental Protection Board Trust Fund for the purposes set forth in Section 3, notwithstanding the existing limitations on use of the funds.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective upon signature by the Mayor or upon becoming effective without the Mayor's signature.
Form Approved:

__________________________________________
Office of General Counsel
Legislation Prepared By: Tracey I. Arpen, Jr.
G:\SHARED\LEGIS.CC\ARPEN\Green Buildings Odinance draft 11.7.2007.doc


Please make EVERY possible attempt to be present tonight. We need your support!

Friday, November 9, 2007

GreenBuild Update: Thursday morning

Yesterday's sessions were good enough to make up for the exhausting lines (but enough about lines).

First, the Women in Green session was inspirational, provocative, and enlightening. Sitting amongst women that were actively making a difference in sustainable construction and design is something every woman in the industry should do at some point.

On the panel: Christine Ervin from the Christine Ervin Company, Rebecca Flora with the Green Building Alliance (and Chair-elect of USGBC), Sandra Mendler with HOK, Tracie Rider with Trace Collatorative, and Kira Gould, co-author of _Women in Green_.

The panel format was informal open discussion with questions about women's leadership roles in the design and construction industry, how our passions and values determine how we drive projects, what are our challenges in what is still considered a predominantly male industry, and how we're going to make the next step in sustainability.

Comments made:

1. Women seem to use a collaborative approach to their work and leadership practices, which will lend itself very well to the integrated design process. Women may be the natural fit for the future of sustainable design.

2. Step forward, be strong. Take leadership positions and don't self-doubt.

3. It's about having the right people and the right process.

4. "Feminine sensibilities": we are mediators, we listen, we are willing to change our mind and be open to other solutions, protective nature, partner our work with our core values.

5. Once we successfully marry our core values with green passion, the work will take on a "Deep green".

6. Share the "story" behind green projects, and you will better convince. People like to hear about the process or the journey.

7. Our challenges: We're too busy, we say yes far too often, we want it to happen "right now" which often involves a lot of work "right now", we have 'obligations' that we feel we need to do.

8. Parenting: The industry of the built environment (and arguably most others) does not foster a family-friendly workplace. Women propogate the species and that must be addressed for a healthy culture. We should not forget, though, that men deserve an opportunity for support as a father as well.

9. How do we foster a sustainable work environment? Be mentors, take positions of authority, clarify your corporate culture, influence your leadership.

(A sidenote: these thoughts are an overview of those presented by the panel and the audience, and do not necessary reflect those of the writer. This should give you a picture of what went on.)

On that note, off to my last educational session. More updates to come

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Greenbuild Update: Lines, lines....

... everywhere there's lines.

Lines for registration (thankfully, I didn't have to stand in, but were reportedly at 1.5 hours long)...

Lines for Starbucks (which I did stand in. 30 minutes)...

Lines for the restrooms...

Lines to get into the breakout sessions...

Lines to NOT get into the breakout sessions (yes, I stood in line only to be turned away at the door because the room was full)...

Lines for breakfast...

Lines for boxed lunches...

Lines to speak to the vendor/suppliers in the exhibit hall...

Lines to get a glass of water...

Lines to get onto the shuttle...

Now, for the highlights:

Great breakout sessions. Yesterday, I attended a "Developer's Perspective" session that was thoroughly inspiring. Affordable housing with high-tech green features. These workforce homeowners will receive checks in the mail each month from the utility company. Now, that's a good thing.

Fascinating products and suppliers. When finally able to get close to the exhibits, I was impressed. Products are catching up with green needs and that is evident on the exhibit floor.

Good company. As Bill Clinton said in yesterday's opening plenary, it's like preaching to the saved. It's exciting to be around so many people passionate about sustainability. You can feed off the energy in the room (which is a very 'green' thing to do, of course).

Currently, I'm getting ready to hear "Women in Green" session which is about how women are influencing the 'green' market and becoming drivers in the environmental/economic movement.

I'll keep you posted!

Ellen

Monday, November 5, 2007

GreenBuild Chicago 2007

Well, I'm off to Chicago to spend four days with 25,000 of my closest green building buddies. If you're going to be there, or would like me to keep an eye out for a particular product, shoot me an e-mail as I'll be checking periodically.

If possible, I'm going to make every effort to update the blog with cool "GreenBuild" things, so keep an eye out throughout the week.


I fully anticipate returning with all sorts of exciting ideas, information, products, and new green buddies!


See you in Chi-town...

Friday, November 2, 2007

Drink for a Cause

OK, I'm not one to promote drinking nor do I do much drinking myself, but...

If I were, this is the product I'd buy:


Vodka360 is an environmentally-friendly product manufactured by McCormick Distillery. Not only is the vodka distilled 4 times and filtered 5 times using an energy efficient process, they also use recycled glass bottles, post-consumer recycled labels (and marketing material), and offer a Close the Loop Program which takes back their metal closures. When you return your metal closure in their pre-paid envelope, they donate $1 for each closure to environmental causes, such as the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida. Vodka360 is also Green-e certified.


Drink vodka, save the world.


They also have partnerships with the Rocky Mountain Institute and their website is full of eco-factoids and an incredible video detailing why McCormick has decided to go in this direction.


Well worth viewing, especially if your business has a corporate social responsibility program. (Even MORE importantly, if your company doesn't! This should spark some ideas.)


Kudos to McCormick for doing the right thing and for being an example for their industry of what is possible if you're passionate about sustainability.

Riverside Harvest Gala

Jennifer McCharen and Jill Liberatori at RADO sent me some information about their Riverside Harvest Gala tomorrow night, 7-11, at 5 Points Theater. According to the invite:

"Price at the door includes food, beverage tickets, and entertainment by DJ Triclops I and The Royal Treatment. Fundraiser benefitting RADO in an effort to continue building sustainable and obtainable communities."




Sustainable and obtainable. What more can you ask for?


RADO is really doing wonderful things to make Riverside/Avondale a great place to live for diverse groups of people. Anything you can do to support them is time and money well spent.


And, there's breakdancing! (All this and breakdancing, too?)


Go. Have fun. Help good people doing good things.