Green Trends in North Florida

I had the honor of presenting to Jacksonville's Meninak Club on Monday, February 1st, on the state of the 'green' union.  The topic was Green Trends in North Florida and the response was really satisfying.  The members asked great questions that revealed interest and critique.  Those are the best kinds of questions.
Included here are some insights that were shared during the presentation and some facts that are relevant to where we are in North Florida. 

First, did you know that we have (as of today) 623 LEED Accredited Professionals in Jacksonville alone?  This time last year, we were at about 160. 

We have 20 LEED Certified projects, including 5 affordable houses and 2 City of Jacksonville buildings that achieved GOLD.  Wow.  (and Go, City of Jax!)  This time last year, we had about 6 total.

Time did not permit sharing the following quotes, but I think it's important to point out that the perception in the area is still a bit conflicted.  When asked how green building would affect individual organizations, the responses were all over the chart. 

From an engineer:  "That segment [green building] of our revenue has continued to grow very steadily over the last several years and we aren't seeing any change in that.  So this is not new to us.  We expect it will continue to be an increasing percentage of our business over the next year.  However, with 'green building' submarkets, we are seeing a significant increase in energy and performance work and commissioning, which we think is reflective of tightening operational budgets and Owner's desires to spend less money on operations and utilities"

From a design professional:  "We are currently working on a LEED registered project and we hope that in 2010 more business owners will look to sustainable design when considering building or renovating space.  Our firm has always been focused on sustainable design practices so our goal is to educate clients about sustainability and introduce them to the concept of sustainable design."

From a university facilities professional:  "We believe building green to be more costly and more time consuming per unit than previous non green building activity.  So, new green buildings for us will simply consume more budget and more time than we are used to - it will be an adjustment"

Interestingly, the University quoted does not have any certified buildings to date, but they are highly receptive to learning more about how to incorporate sustainability on their campus projects while keeping within the budget and schedule.  The experience of my colleagues in the area (and myself) is that the costs and schedule can (and should) be controlled when the team has the following:  passion, education, and experience.  This is true of any project, both institutional and otherwise.  I was thrilled to have such an 'unvarnished truth' response from the university.  Those are door openeners, not closers.

Upcoming trends were also covered, many of which are nation-wide, some of which may be regionally-specific.  Here's my take:

• We will see a departure from using the phrase "green" and hearing more about "high performance" projects.  With more owners seeking out cost-saving strategies, the idea of high performance seems far more palatable.  And, with a savvy design and construction team, green strategies always find their place.

• With stimulus dollars making their way through the pipeline, more green jobs will present themselves.  The solar energy market needs boots on roofs.  Consultants that have expertise in sustainability are opening their own businesses and making a profit where larger, less-movable companies are still stuck doing business the same old way. Vendors and suppliers are setting their sights on R&D that will provide greener solutions and energy savings. 

• Retrofits and renovations are what's happening where new construction has stalled.  Anyone in construction already knows this is happening.  Weatherization programs funded by the government are getting homeowners talking about this, too.

• Renewable energy will become more mainstream as education, supply and cost align.  There still seems to be a disconnect between these three components which is halting the mainstream buying public from stepping into the renewable energy world.  Most people understand that solar thermal hot water heaters are a 'no-brainer', but why doesn't everyone have one?  As the level of understanding tightens up with costs (and the availability of qualified contractors to install.  Read:  green jobs) I expect there will be more renewable energy in the 'burbs.

• Consumers will drive supply and consequently drive decreased costs.  Duh.  I know.  Supply and Demand.  But, as consumers are asking for more recycled products or energy saving strategies, more suppliers are scrambling to meet their needs and want to be the most competitive with pricing.

• Social Responsibility Planning will become the next step beyong green building.  Once your building is green, what do you do with your supply chain, your philanthropy efforts and procurement?  Many firms are writing their CSR programs, especially small businesss which are best positioned to make some significant impact on a national scale.  It's great that the Fortune 5's are measuring their impact, but what would happen it the massive number of small businesses do the same? 

Lastly, how can we improve the quality of our environment TODAY  Instead of listing a bunch of things you can do that everyone seems to already know about (like CFLs, aerated faucets, and rain barrels), we discussed bigger-picture concepts:

• Remember that all decisions should be based on Triple Bottom Line decision-making that address People, Profit, Planet solutions.

• Voice your concerns and then seek out information.  You read an article about solar energy not being the solution?  A neighbor wants PV panels on their house but the HOA said 'no'?  Find someone that can help with information and knowledge.  There are so many organizations that make it their business to help you (like USGBC, Sierra Club, NRDC, Green Team)...  seek them out and get your questions answered.

• Write down your goals and create the benchmark for success.  You know that goals aren't real until they hit paper.  So, sit down with your team at the office, or your team at home, and create your plan for social responsibility.  Make it real and follow it throughout the year.  A year from now, you can celebrate your successes and plan for the next year's goals. 

• Lastly, and in my opinion, most importantly, start with "THE ONE THING".  It takes a while to establish a habit and the best way to do so is with one step.  Choose one sustainable practice and commit to it.  Do it diligently.  Say no to water bottles.  Bring reusable bags to the store every time.  Choose the ONE THING and make it a habit. 

Thanks again to our friends at Meninak for inviting the green building perspective and for all the tremendous work they do in our region.  I hope my action items were well-received as this is a group of 'action' people.  They will make things happen! 

Speaking of which, have you started your "ONE THING" yet?  Get to it!

LEED for New Construction Technical Review

The North Florida Chapter of USGBC is hosting a LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations Technical Review Workshop.

October 11, 2007

830am to 500pm

University of North Florida

University Center

Registration for this or any USGBC Workshop is available here.

Why learn about LEED?

Ask any of the 5000 building owners seeking LEED certification right now. Owners and developers are demanding green buildings that save money while protecting the environment and occupant health. The USGBC's LEED Rating System is the nationally recognized rating system for green buildings. LEED is already being used by green building projects in all 50 states, and the market continues to grow.

Who should attend?

Industry professionals seeking to increase their understanding of the LEED for New Construction Rating System and green building strategies, benefits and resources:

• Architects



• Engineers



• Designers



• Developers



• Consultants



• Contractors



• Owners



• Manufacturers

What's covered?

• LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations



• Technical requirements



• Certification process



• Project case studies and strategies



• Green building costs and benefits



• Available tools and resources
  

USGBC workshops are conducted by the top green building practitioners in the country. Currently, Bob Kobet and Paul Shahrari are scheduled to facilite this workshop. Between them, they have significant experience working on LEED projects around the country and promise to be excellent resources.

For information on fees or registration, visit USGBC or shoot me an email.

Charlie Crist signs off on Sustainability

Thanks to Jennifer McCharen with the Jacksonville Carbon Neutral Initiative for sending me copies of the executive orders signed by Charlie Crist this week in Miami.

Wow.

It's impressive. It's exciting. It makes one wonder how they're going to actually do it. It also makes one wonder how many lobbyists are going to fight against them.

Here's the skinny:

The State of Florida Partners with the United Kingdom:

1. We will partner in discussing and promoting concepts for a post 2012 climate
   regime that builds upon and broadens Kyoto Protocol in order to protect the
   planet's climate systems by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.


2. We will aim to increase climate-friendly commerce between the United Kingdom
   and Florida to bolster our respective economic positions while mutually
   benefitting each partner. Areas of particular emphasis will include trade
   opportunities in renewable and other advanced energy technologies, products that
   promote increased energy efficiency throughout the economy, and renewable energy
   feedstocks.


3. We will aim to improve our public policies that reduce global emissions of
   greenhouse gases. Our policy focus will include market-based incentives
   that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase our respective reliance on
   renewable energy sources, and increase the energy security of each
   partner. We will explore possible linkages between carbon markets in
   Florida and the United Kingdom.


4. We will aim to improve our science in understanding how climate change is
   affecting our respective economies, our agriculture, our natural resources, our
   environmental quality, and our public health. Our science partnership will
   include exchange of knowledge, expertise, and data that mutually benefit our
   respective scientific communities.


5. We will work to improve our technologies for reducing greenhouse gas
   emissions with a particular emphasis on technologies associated with renewable
   energy generation and storage, energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage,
   and other advanced energy technologies that may benefit our respective energy
   sectors.

The State of Florida partners with Germany:

(Pretty much identical agreements, but instead of
British "We will aim...", the Germans prefer the "We will partner..."
approach. Re-read the above, replacing phrases accordingly.)

Executive Order 07-126: Establishing Climage Change Leadership by
Example: Immediate Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Florida
State Government

(Instead of re-typing 8 pages, I'll paraphrase)

1. Section 1 establishes greenhouse gas emissions for state agencies and
   government departments by 10% from current levels by 2012, 25% by 2017, and 40%
   by 2025.


2. The Governor's office will track and report resulting financial savings and
   emissions reductions on the Florida Governmental Carbon Scorecard.


3. Section 2 directs improved climate performance of state government
   facilities. Each state agency must conduct an immediate assessment of
   energy use by their facilities during FY 2006-2007 and quantify associated
   greenhouse gas emissions for posting on the Governmental Carbon Scorecard.
   Must be completed by October 1st 2007. The Department of Management
   Services must adop[t LEED-NC standards for all new buildings. They must
   strive for Platinum level for any new building constructed for or by the State
   of Florida. The Department must immediately implement LEED-EB for all
   buildings currently owned and operated by the Department. The
   Department cannot enter into any new lease agreements for office space that
   doesn't meet Energy Star building standards. They have to develop energy
   conservation measures and guidelines for new and existing ofice space over
   20,000 square feet. This also directs development and implementation of a model
   solar project for state-owned office buildings.


4. Section 4 directs improvement of the climate performance of state government
   procurement practices: The Council for Efficient Goverment will consider
   energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions before oursourcing
   projects. The Department of Management Services will develop a "Florida
   Climate Friendly Preferred Products List" to assess products available provided by vendors that have clear energy efficience or other environmental benefits over competing products. Must be completed by October 1, 2007. As of January 2008, state agencies may no longer use meeting or conference space with hotels that have not received the DEP "Green Lodging" certification. The Department will develop bid criteria for the 2009 State Term Contract for Rental Vehicles that incorporate best practices for energy efficiency and environmental performance.


5. Section 5 directs improvement of state government fleets: All state
   agencies must conduct an assessment of transportation related energy and
   greenhouse gas emissions, to include fuel efficience and MPG. They must
   prove within 30 days that all vehicles are meeting minimum maintenance to ensure efficient fuel consumption. All state agencies will only have approval on
   new vehicles with the greatest fuel efficiency in a given class. All state
   agencies under the direction of the Governon shall use enthanol and biodiesel
   when locally available. The Department will assess and document the need
   for alternative fueling facilities to be used by state government vehicles, to
   increase public access to alternative fuel.


6. Section 6 encourages other departments not under the jurisdiction of the
   Governor's Office (ex.: Florida Senate, the State University and Community
   College Sytems, the Dept. of Agricultre) to implement these actions.

Executive Order 07-127: Establishing Immediate Actions to Reduce
Greenhouse Gas Emissions within Florida:

1. Section 1 targets greenhouse gas emissions: by 2017 reduce to 2000
   levels, by 2025 reduce to 1990 levels, by 2040 reduce to 80% of 1990
   levels.


2. Section 2 directs members of the governor's administration to produce
   immediate reductions: Secy. of Environmental Protection must immediately
   develop rules to adopt a maximum allowable emissions level for electric
   utilities (similar to the Section 1 targets). Must adopt the California
   motor vehicle emission standards. Must adopt a statewide diesel engine
   idle reduction standard. The Secy. of Community Affairs must convene the
   Fl. Building Commission to revise the Energy Building Code to inease energy
   performance by at least 15% from the 2007 code. Must imitiate
   rulemaking of Fl. Energy Conservation standards to increase efficiency of
   applicable consumer products.


3. Section 3 request the Fl. Public Service Commission to take action to
   promote an open market for clean, renewable enegy technologies. Must
   initiate rulemaking to require utilities produce at least 20% of their
   electricity fom renewable sources. Must initiate rulemaking to reduce the
   cost of connecting solar and other renewables to the grid, and to authorize a
   uniform method to enable residential and commercial customers that produce a certain level of renwable energy to offset their consumption by allowing their
   meters to run in reverse.

Lastly, Executive Order 07-128: Establishing the Florida Governor's
Action Team on Energy and Climate Change

To grossly paraphrase, this order establishes the team as gubernatorial
appointees representing consumers, environment, business, industry, energy,
state, local goverment, and academia. They shall meet and make policy
recommendations based on their findings. These will address:

1. Strategies for consolidation of energy policy.


2. Greenhouse gas reduction strategies and blueprint for actions.


3. Policies to enhance energy efficiency and conservation, along with
   targets.


4. Cap and Trade programs.


5. Diversification of electric generation fuels.


6. Emissions reporting and registry


7. Reduction of greenhouse gases from vehicles.


8. Increasing renewable transportation fuels.


9. Reduction of greenhouse gases from state and local governments.


10. Rewards for early emission reductions in advance of statewide
    programs.

The will also issue recommendations on the following:

1. Adaption strategies to combat adverse impacts to society, public health, and
   the economy.


2. Policies to reduce increases in greenhouse gas emissions from new
   growth.


3. Carbon capture and storage techniques.


4. Land use and management policies.


5. Strategic investments and public-private partnerships to spur economic
   development.


6. University based research, economic development, growth management,
   transportation, natural resource management.

The order goes on to note that the Team will not be compensated for their
services,that public access to records is governed by the Public records Law,
and meetings will be governed by the Open Meetings Law.

Admittedly, that was a pretty fat "skinny", but I hope it brought you, the reader, up to speed on what our Governor is doing to make things happen. Environmentally speaking anyway.

So, what do you think? How are they doing to do it? LEED Platinum for New Construction? LEED EB for all existing structures?

Your comments are vital.

Southeast Building Conference

Just got back from the SEBC Conference in Orlando and found several impressive products and vendors. It was especially easy to find Green products because the Conference teamed with Green Trends to highlight venors that offered them. Here are a few I was impressed with:

Green Innovations offers a MODI Porous Paving Grid which allows you to park, drive, and walk on a grass surface. It creates a natural landscape without concrete or asphalt. It's a modular system, made out of 100% recycled and recyclable HDPE. Not only does it have applications for driveways, parking lots, pathways and walkways, they also offer products with vegetative roof applications. I met Walter at the show and he not only knows his stuff, he's a pleasure to chat with (and it's much nicer to buy from people you like than people you don't). :-)

After seeing an episode of Dirty Jobs in which Mike pulls antique wood from rivers to reuse, I've been fascinated with recovered wood. So, when I saw Goodwin Heart Pine Company at SEBC, I was very excited. The nice lady at the Goodwin booth was pleased that I was excited (and probably a little confused by my zeal) but the more we talked, the more she understood. She's just taken a spot on the board for Florida Green Building Coalition, so we spoke a great deal about FGBC and USGBC. Recovered wood is great for green building because the wood is not only super-strong heart pine, but because of the nature of its origin, doesn't require living trees to fall. It's the ultimate in recycle/reduce/reuse. And, you have the benefit of a breathtakingly beautiful antique wood in your space without the guilt. And, they're local. What more could you ask for?

The Zayas booth was one of my first stops and I had a great time chatting with the staff. Not only do they promote alternative energies of all sorts (PV, wind, etc.) but they also have a cool SIP product that offers solutions for energy costs, hurricane winds, moisture and mildew, and fire safety. Not a bad deal, really. And, the time in install is apparently far less than your average walls and trusses. Here's a pretty neat stat: the walls for an 1800 square foot commercial building were set in place and ready for the roof in 4.5 hours. Regarding energy costs, they've got another great stat: a 1200 square foot residence using these SIPs averaged $25 a month in heating andf cooling costs (and, yes... that's in Florida). And, as if it couldn't get any better, they had me construct a wall piece while I was standing there. In the true spirit of "if she can do it, anyone can...."

The guys at Catec had a huge water reclamation system set up, which definitely got my attention. Obviously, water reclamation is one of those "dream points" for LEED when you're working on smaller size projects, but according to these guys, there's a water reclamation system for almost anyone out there. When he started quoting dollar figures, I was surprised to say they weren't as huge as I expected. I would definitely recommend visiting their website to learn more about the options. It's exciting to see some of this technology avilable at a significantly lower cost premium than just a few years ago.

I really fell in love with this product. 90% recycled plastics (80% POST consumer, 10% pre-consumer) mainly polystyrene. Basically, it's your packing material with a bright, shiny new future as interior moldings. Timbron produces this interior molding out of old packing material and it works almost exactly like wood, but it withstands moisture a lot better than wood. You can saw it, nail it, glue it, sand it, putty it, paint it. Or, it's lovely enough to be left in its natural white. From a green point of view, I really think this product impressed me the most.

I'm really interested to see how the Sustainable Forestry Initiative integrates itself into USGBC. According to the representative, they're in communication with USGBC to promote their independent certification for wood as a LEED standard. According to their website, their mission is to protect forests while producing the wood and paper products our economy needs. They integrate the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees with the protection of wildlife, plants, soil, water, and air quality. She also told me that it's one of the most rigorous standards in the world. The Nature Consevancy has praised their work, which should count for something. I like the fact that they implement a training program for the landowners and loggers. Check out their website and let me know wha t you think.

Those are some of the highlights. Let me know if you're interested in any of the other vendors at the show and I'm sure I can provide a little bit of insight.

Visit their website: SEBCShow.com

Sustainable Contractors: Are YOU Green?

Carol Lloyd recently wrote an article for SFGate, the San Fransisco Chronicle's online news source, and she presented some really good points on how to 'green up' your residence without spending a fortune. I was especially interested to read her take on environmental contractors, further confirming my own thoughts on the importance of working with a contractor that understands your goals:

For most of us, our homes (not our cars) are where we use the most energy and therefore create the biggest carbon footprint. If we want to avert climate crisis, our society must mainstream eco-friendly building materials, solar and other alternative energies, and highly efficient prefab construction.

But most of us are renting and buying homes that were built by developers who probably didn't have global warming in mind when they broke ground. And even for those planning a remodel or shopping for a new house today, embracing cutting-edge green building isn't always affordable. Of course, you can choose bamboo over wood, Energy Star appliances and an on-demand water heater, but unless you have a contractor who knows the green building world, you may find yourself working against decades of "we have always done it this way" objections.

If you can afford an environmental contractor, by all means do it. Or, if you have the time, do your own research.

But many contractors still don't know much about green building products and methods, and if you choose to go this route and something goes awry, you will pay the piper. (After salvaging doors and windows and appliances off Craigslist and pushing for green everything on a recent remodel, I finally broke down and bought cheap kitchen cabinets and countertops shipped from China because the costs were pushing double the contractor's estimate.) Basically, anything contractors aren't familiar with is a risk, and most homeowners can afford only so many risks before they run out of money.

She is so right. And, it goes for commercial contracting as well as residential contracting. As I've said before, when your contractor is passionate, your project is successful.

I'm not saying that it can't be done, and I would be thrilled to see more traditional contractors that have stumbled into green building stay for the joy of it. I'm just saying that it's easier. And probably more cost-effective.

Carol Lloyd's saying it. Many clients are saying it. I have a feeling the future is going to be filled with questions like, "Are you green?" You'll be able to tell the difference between those that are, and those that aren't.

Environmental contractors will jump up with excitement and say, "Yes! Yes!". Those that aren't will wonder if they look like they've had a rough night. Until they catch up with the rest of the us, they'll have more than a few rough nights.... wondering why the phone isn't ringing anymore.

Live Earth: Music Brings the Planet Together for Sustainability

Again, Ms. Tappouni is ever-vigilant to sustainable world affairs:

LiveEarth.org

Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place on 7/7/07
that will bring together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to
trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis.

Live Earth will reach this worldwide audience through an unprecedented
global media architecture covering all media platforms - TV, radio, Internet and
wireless channels.

Live Earth marks the beginning of a multi-year campaign led by the Alliance
for Climate Protection, The Climate Group and other international organizations
to drive individuals, corporations and governments to take action to solve
global warming.

Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore is the Chair of the Alliance and Partner
of Live Earth.

Live Earth was founded by Kevin Wall, the Worldwide Executive Producer of
Live 8, an event that brought together one of the largest audiences in history
to combat poverty. Wall formed a partnership with Al Gore and the Alliance for
Climate Protection to ensure that Live Earth inspires behavioral changes long
after 7/7/07.

Live Earth will stage official concerts at Giants Stadium in New York;
Wembley Stadium in London; Aussie Stadium in Sydney; Copacabana Beach in Rio de
Janeiro; Maropeng at the Cradle of Humankind in Johannesburg; Makuhari Messe in
Tokyo; the Steps of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai; and HSH Nordbank Arena
in Hamburg.

Live Earth concerts will be broadcast to a live worldwide audience by MSN
at http://www.liveearth.msn.com/. With
support from the U.S. Green Building Council, creators of the LEED Green
Building Rating System, Live Earth will implement new Green Event Guidelines.
All Live Earth venues will be designed and constructed by a team of
sustainability engineers who will address the environmental and energy
management challenges of each concert site, as well as the operations of
sponsors, partners and other Live Earth affiliates.

Each venue will not only be designed to maintain a minimum environmental
impact, but will showcase the latest state-of-the-art energy efficiency, on-site
power generation, and sustainable facilities management practices.

Live Earth is a project of the SOS campaign , which is using
a powerful multimedia platform - films, television, radio, Internet, books,
wireless and others - to move people to combat the climate crisis.

Live Earth will be transmitted worldwide, from EIGHT cities (New York,
London, Johannesburg, Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai, Tokyo, Sydney, and Hamburg) by
Intelsat (http://www.intelsat.com/) using its
industry-leading network of Satellite and terrestrial facilities in standard and
high definition, across multiple media channels - TV, radio, Internet and
wireless channels.

On July 7th, Live Earth concerts will be streamed live by MSN at http://www.liveearth.msn.com/.

In honor of the event, get out there and sing a song. Or, for those of us less musically adept, maybe you can just tune in and support the cause.

Green Flooring Options

I want to send a shout-out to my buddy, Bob Moore, at Work Place Solutions here in Jacksonville. When asked about the state of sustainable (and cost-effective) flooring, here is what he had to say:

Carpet-traditionally it is made nylon fiber(petroleum based). Some mills offer
nylon made with 1 to 100% recycled content. The higher the recycled content the
higher the cost. Recycling fiber is still in it’s infancy but gaining ground
quickly. Shaw has a great carpet tile that is 100% recyclable. On the back of
every carpet tile is an 800 phone number. Call that number and Shaw will take
the carpet back and pay for the freight. In my opinion that is the best program
in the industry. As an alternative to nylon there are mills that offer recycled
polyester fiber. Carpet backings are starting to incorporate soy oil, hemp and a
plethora of recycled petroleum based products. Grass cloth, wool and cotton are
natural alternatives for carpet fiber but are more pricey and less durable.

Commercial wood flooring is easily replaced with natural wood
laminates (only the top laminate is hardwood with the core and bottom of each
board made up of wood pulp or other materials), cork (renewable) or bamboo
(renewable).

Vinyl Tile and Vinyl Sheet Flooring- some tile
manufacturers are using post construction waste (drywall waste) for fillers. The
vct is 85% limestone with the binders being mostly vinyl products. An
alternative to vct or sheet vinyl is linoleum which is limestone, wood pulp and
resin (pine tar).

Vinyl base- Johnsonite makes a snap-on version
of base that allows you to remove it for carpet replacement. If you use toeless
base and install it before the carpet goes in you do not have to replacement it
when the carpet is changed out.

Ceramic is a fairly green product
(basically it is colored dirt) and can be very affordable. Crossville has a
product with post industrial (ceramic tile manufacturing waste) and post
construction waste (drywall waste) as the base material.

For more information, feel free to give Bob a call at 997-8878. Bob and I are both studying to sit for our LEED AP exam, so I can assure you that he has LEED in the forefront of his mind all the time. (Right, Bob? Go get that book and keep studying!) He's a great resource for sustainable flooring options and I encourage you to pick his brain.

Climate Change Action Plan

The USGBC has got it together. I love their Climage Change Action Plan:

1. Require 50% CO2 reduction for all new commercial LEED
projects.

2. Increase energy reduction prerequisites in LEED

3. Initiate CO2 offset program based on LEED performance data.

4. Provide free LEED for Existing Buildings registration for all
projects certified under LEED for New Construction and LEED for Core and
Shell.

5. Eliminate certification fees for all LEED Platinum projects.

6. Make USGBC 100% carbon neutral by end of 2007

7. Offer "portfolio performance" program for large landlords.

8. Provide professional education curriculum on reducing CO2
emissions.

I would encourage any organization focused on sustainability to develop a Climage Change Action Plan of their own. I know that companies like Avid Group (shout out to my buddy, Stacie Green, in their Jacksonville office *waves*!) have developed GREEN programs to change their daily business practice to promote sustainability. Breaking Ground, of course, promotes their Green Philosophy.

What have you done today? What can you do to ensure we have a fruitful, sustainable tomorrow?

Share with us....

Green Building Attainable for Everyone?

Is it possible?

I would argue that it is... but only if your contractor is passionate about sustainability.

Passionate. Not just "versed" in it. But passionate about it.

Your contractor has to believe in it because it's the right thing to do. Your project manager has to look at every bit of construction debris as something that can be redirected and recycled. They don't cut corners; they don't throw trash on the ground when no one's looking. Your contractor has to be the one that calls you first thing in the morning because she found a paint that's an even lower VOC than the one you'd chosen. Everyone on her team knows that those drains nearby lead right to the river and there's no way they're letting any pollutant near it.

Every day, we see something in the news about a Green Building. The Bank of America Building in New York is getting a great deal of airtime right now because of the magnitude of this project.

It's HUGE. It has state-of-the-art Green Technology. Its innovation in design is newsworthy.

It's not gonna happen in my little office. You're probably thinking the same thing, especially if you're a small business owner.

But, with the right team focused on your sustainability goals, you can earn a LEED Certification. What if your goal is water conservation? We focus on low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, aerated faucets, xeriscaping, draught-resistant local foliage. Many of these items can be found at nearly the same prices as good-quality traditional alternatives.

What if your goal is energy efficiency? Let's outfit the place with CFL's (that are rarely replaced! Mine are still running after 4 years). Let's open the blinds and let in some daylight. How about investing in a high-performance HVAC system and then do a life-cycle analysis to see what you're going to save on your electric bill over the next 5 years?

Maybe you want to recycle, reduce, and reuse? Set a goal for 90% construction debris recycled on your renovation project. We'll reuse those flourescent light fixtures, paint those doors instead of purchasing new ones, and use the money we save to purchase FSC wood book cases.

What if you wanted a little of each? A passionate, educated contractor will make it happen for you. Another contractor might tell you what you want to hear to get the job. Do you really want to be out on the site every day checking up to ensure your recycling isn't ending up in the landfill? or do you want to trust your contractor to do what's right because you know she's as passionate as you are?

I want passion. And I want sustainability.

I challenge that you can't have one without the other.

USGBC Boosting Energy Performance Requirements

You know what I love about the green building industry? We don't shy away from a challenge.

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2007 -- As part of the U.S. Green Building Council's
Climate Change Agenda, the group's membership have overwhelmingly voted to
approve a 14 percent increase the requirements for energy performance within
the
LEED standards. The change will require all LEED certified projects to
achieve
at least two "Optimize Energy Performance" points, which will
improve the energy
performance of all LEED certified green buildings by 14
percent for new
construction and 7 percent for existing buildings.

This was recently published on GreenerBuildings.com and is, of course, on the USGBC website as well. The most remarkable thing about the "green" building movement is that the construction and design industry is self-regulating. We are doing it because it's the right thing to do.

Recently, I attended a Town Hall Meeting organized by Shell Oil to discuss the "domestic oil crisis". John Hoffmeister, CEO of Shell, made the statement that government should take the lead to require use of alternative fuels, and decrease need for oil. I asked "why"? Why doesn't the oil industry do it because it's the right thing to do? Why don't they take proactive measures to create need for alternative fuels? Why don't they do what the building industry is doing? Self-regulating?

Let's just say he's very good at his job and the spin on his response could have separated chemicals in a centrifuge.

If you'd like a peek at the event, check out the video at the ABC News Website.

I'm proud of the building industry. I'm proud that we overwhelmingly voted to increase the energy standards on our buildings and set a higher benchmark. I'm proud of the good work we're doing to promote energy efficiency.