Wednesday, November 11, 2009

GreenBuild Tuesday Update...

Quick caveat: The Starbucks in the West Building had no line this morning. Things have changed since this afternoon. I'd like to think it's due to my post alerting our thousands of green building readers to its location. So, there's a line now. I've forewarned you.

The Corporate Sustainability session this morning was great! I will go to any session that has Harvey Bernstein from McGraw Hill Construction speaking. He always rolls out great statistics. This morning he shared with us the 2009 Greening of Corporate America SmartMarket Report and compared the numbers to the 2006 report of the same name. Very exciting stuff...

61% of polled big corporations have staff dedicated to sustainability issues.

In 2006, only 16% of companies considered themselves to be on the cutting edge of corporate sustainability, incorporating green issues into their procurement and annual reports. In 2009, this number had increased to 30%. More importantly, innovative firms that incorporate sustainability into the fiber of their companies increased from 2% to 7% this year. Remember, these are big corporations... Fortune 500s. The firms that can enact positive change on a global level when they make a move.

This year, 50% of polled companies offer green products and cite that resource-saving features of those products.

Energy savings and customer needs are the primary drivers to these initiatives.

In 2006, 31% of CEOs believed that sustainability would provide market differentiation. This year, that number is up to 61%.

Food for thought. It's encouraging to see larger organizations making sweeping change but remember that small business has the power in numbers to enact similar change. When I compared the sustainability initiatives of companies like Siemens, Owens Corning, and CB Richard Ellis with the initiatives of Breaking Ground, I was satisfied to see that our small business is, and had many years ago, incorporated similar initiatives and measurables. Many of our initiatives are loftier and and far more audacious.

My point is that big companies SHOULD be making sweeping change. They have the resources and people to make it happen. What can small business do today to affect change? Think about what Breaking Ground has done.... What can YOU do?

Challenge your people. Challenge yourself.

Greenbuild 2009: Day One

Today is the first official day of Greenbuild 2009. Yesterday was check-in day, expo opening, and chapter events. Today begins the numerous education sessions and activities closing with Al Gore and Sheryl Crow. I expect a long, highly rewarding day.

A few updates to yesterday's comments. The closest Starbucks is actually in the West Building of the Convention Center. :-) Much closer than the location in the sports arena. No line either! Good to know.

The numbers are definitely beginning to swell so we shall see if the planning and coordination meets the needs. It is rumored that attendance is slightly down this year but that is probably to be expected.

The diversity of attendees is gratifying. No longer are we a ground concentrated with architects, engineers and contractors. We have far more policy makers and developers, government entities and financial people, and literally young and old from near and far which represents a goal that extends beyond green building.

In yesterday's chapter forum, the issue of social equity was discussed quite often and really brought to light the need to pursue diversity from all perspectives. I met with the Emerging Green Builders national committee and was very impressed with their passion. They are such wonderful champions of social equity and will inspire us to embrace the knowledge and experience of numerous backgrounds.

The forum closed with Scott Horst, Senior VP of LEED for USGBC, who presented a very inspirational speech on the 'purpose' of USGBC and finding the 'purpose' beyond the organization. He reminded us that the organization, USGBC, is a vehicle to promote a greater message of environmental stewardship and market transformation. Future generations will not remember US Green Building Council, but they will remember what we did to change the planet.

So, with that, I am inspired to jump into the education sessions and learn how we can continue to transform our market and change the planet. Nothing like BHAGs to start your day.

Make it a "green" day!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Welcome to Green Build 2009

Here we are again at Green Build! This year, we're in warm, sunny Phoenix, AZ. Quite a change of pace from the last two years of the bitter cold in Chicago and Boston. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Coming from the swampy heat of Jacksonville, FL, the cold at Green Build is often a welcome change of pace.

I expect in the evening hours, we'll appreciate the brisk of 50F instead of the bite of 20F.

So, a few updates from Day One. The Convention Center is accessible, well-marked, and extremely well organized. Looking back on the dismal days of the Chicago conference, I'm actually grateful for the organizational nightmare that was that convention. It's as if the convention organizers are determined to excel each year beyond our expectations so that the memories of Chicago are blurred by the satisfaction of subsequent years.

They're doing a fine job.

A few things to know (if you are reading this before you arrive):

First, the closest Starbucks is in the United Airlines Center (the sports arena) across from the Hard Rock Cafe. Exit the Convention Center, take a left. Go to the light, take a right. It's in the bottom floor. Can't miss it. Hey, it was important to me.

Second, the light rail system is very nice and easy to navigate. Keep in mind, though, it is not a complex route; therefore it doesn't take you many places. Basically, your options are anything on South Central. If you want to go there, great. If not, take the rail to the closest point on Central and then foot it the rest of the way.

Third, registration is on the lower level. Come in to the North Building and take the escalators downstairs. Not that you'll be hurting to find a "green shirt" to guide you in the right direction. They're eager (nearly aggressive) to assist. If you have already printed out your bar code, registration will take you about 6 seconds. I checked in Monday evening and the entire process from getting on the escalator to receiving my messenger bag was 3 minutes. Granted, it was Monday night and the crowds had not arrived yet. But, still... That's not too bad. Be prepared with your Photo ID and it will progress even faster. I highly encourage you to print out that bar code.

The overall dress code is getting far more casual this year. Many people in tshirts and jeans. A few in business suits and ties are looking disappointed. I'd bet they're going to change at lunch time.
The expo is, again, HUGE. It's in an L-shape so it doesn't appear as overwhelming, but don't be fooled. It is. Plan some time to cover it completely.

The bookstore is AWESOME! Lots of good titles, lots of good merchandise. They were setting it up when I arrived and a quick scan was impressive. Keep an eye out for this cool kids book called "Me and Green". :-) Much better take-home gift for your kids than a Green Build T-shirt that they probably will only wear to do yard work. Pick up the book and transform the next generation.

There's a number of restaurants within walking distance and a small food court in the convention center. I anticipate the food court will be inundated at lunch so it might not hurt to consider venturing out.

That's it for now. More updates to come as we venture forth and hit the education sessions.

Have a "green" day!