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.
Showing posts with label GreenBuild. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GreenBuild. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
GreenBuild Update
What a difference a year makes.
No lines. Well, no unreasonable or infuriating lines.
Check in was uneventful (therefore brilliant)!
There hasn't been any seating issues.... yet. (The breakout sessions begin this afternoon.)
The expo is huge and roomy.
And the opening plenary was inspirational.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Wow. Just wow. He is the type of person that reminds you that simplicity is genius. That we cannot get bogged down in the weeds of doing right. That tinkering with the process and logistics of social responsibility should not be the focus. That simply making the decision to change is enough. Yesterday, I may not have believed that. Today, I think I do.
And, like all people of greatness, he ended with one simple action - help. Help change the world. Just help. That's simple, right?
I swear, I really believe it is.
So that was our action item from the most reverend Archbishop. And I pass that along to you. Please help. Find your passion, whatever it is and help make the change.
OK, to change gears for a brief moment. I would be remiss if I painted the rosiest picture of Greenbuild so I will mention a few little details that have caused some frustration.
Dear USGBC Planning Committee: If you're going to start a whisper campaign of LEED 2009 changes and LEED v.3 and what's going to happen, and how it's going to change, and when it will all come together, can you PLEASE not schedule an 8-hour course for $500 called "LEED 2009 Technical Review"? One might think, at a session such as that, you would be releasing all the super-secret-squirrell information on what is happening with LEED 2009. Wouldn't you?
We did.
Let's just say that it wasn't. So, you have to imagine that the room was full of people a little disgruntled over the misperception.
Now, the good news from that bit is that they are doing a specialty update session to cover both LEED v.3 and GBCI's plan for the AP exam. Which is great. And, I'll be there.
But it would have been REALLLLLY nice to know this before we came to Boston (and saved the $500 on the LEED 2009 Technical Review).
So, on the whole, good. With little bits of 'eh'. I'm optimistic about the remainder of the week.
Stay tuned!
No lines. Well, no unreasonable or infuriating lines.
Check in was uneventful (therefore brilliant)!
There hasn't been any seating issues.... yet. (The breakout sessions begin this afternoon.)
The expo is huge and roomy.
And the opening plenary was inspirational.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Wow. Just wow. He is the type of person that reminds you that simplicity is genius. That we cannot get bogged down in the weeds of doing right. That tinkering with the process and logistics of social responsibility should not be the focus. That simply making the decision to change is enough. Yesterday, I may not have believed that. Today, I think I do.
And, like all people of greatness, he ended with one simple action - help. Help change the world. Just help. That's simple, right?
I swear, I really believe it is.
So that was our action item from the most reverend Archbishop. And I pass that along to you. Please help. Find your passion, whatever it is and help make the change.
OK, to change gears for a brief moment. I would be remiss if I painted the rosiest picture of Greenbuild so I will mention a few little details that have caused some frustration.
Dear USGBC Planning Committee: If you're going to start a whisper campaign of LEED 2009 changes and LEED v.3 and what's going to happen, and how it's going to change, and when it will all come together, can you PLEASE not schedule an 8-hour course for $500 called "LEED 2009 Technical Review"? One might think, at a session such as that, you would be releasing all the super-secret-squirrell information on what is happening with LEED 2009. Wouldn't you?
We did.
Let's just say that it wasn't. So, you have to imagine that the room was full of people a little disgruntled over the misperception.
Now, the good news from that bit is that they are doing a specialty update session to cover both LEED v.3 and GBCI's plan for the AP exam. Which is great. And, I'll be there.
But it would have been REALLLLLY nice to know this before we came to Boston (and saved the $500 on the LEED 2009 Technical Review).
So, on the whole, good. With little bits of 'eh'. I'm optimistic about the remainder of the week.
Stay tuned!
Monday, November 17, 2008
GreenBuild 2008
We're off to Boston, MA!This week, Mary, Catherine, and I will be in Boston for the USGBC Greenbuild International Conference and Expo to gather up as much green building information as we can possibly stuff into three minds.
As always, Sustainabuild will keep you up to date on what's going on, what good info there is, what innovations, updates, announcements there are, and we will make sure to pass it along to you, our faithful readers.
We expect to learn more about the LEED v.3 (or LEED 2009) updates. We plan on learning the fate of the LEED AP exam. We will be scouring the expo floor for innovations in materials and technology to enhance our green building efforts. We will hear about USGBC's Strategic Plan for the next 5 years and where the organization's focus will be.
Keep an eye out throughout the week for updates!
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
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
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...
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