EPA and Greenhouse Gases

First:  Did you know that there's a climate summit thing going on?  http://en.cop15.dk/

Second:  Did you know that the EPA has officially stated that Greenhouse Gases Threaten Public Health and the Environment?  See below...

EPA: Greenhouse Gases Threaten Public Health and the Environment / Science overwhelmingly shows greenhouse gas concentrations at unprecedented levels due to human activity


Release date: 12/07/2009

Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn, Milbourn.cathy@epa.gov, 202-564-7849, 202-564-4355; En español: Lina Younes, younes.lina@epa.gov, 202-564-9924, 202-564-4355

EPA: Greenhouse Gases Threaten Public Health and the Environment

Science overwhelmingly shows greenhouse gas concentrations at unprecedented levels due to human activity

WASHINGTON – After a thorough examination of the scientific evidence and careful consideration of public comments, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that greenhouse gases (GHGs) threaten the public health and welfare of the American people. EPA also finds that GHG emissions from on-road vehicles contribute to that threat.
GHGs are the primary driver of climate change, which can lead to hotter, longer heat waves that threaten the health of the sick, poor or elderly; increases in ground-level ozone pollution linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses; as well as other threats to the health and welfare of Americans.
“These long-overdue findings cement 2009’s place in history as the year when the United States Government began addressing the challenge of greenhouse-gas pollution and seizing the opportunity of clean-energy reform,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Business leaders, security experts, government officials, concerned citizens and the United States Supreme Court have called for enduring, pragmatic solutions to reduce the greenhouse gas pollution that is causing climate change. This continues our work towards clean energy reform that will cut GHGs and reduce the dependence on foreign oil that threatens our national security and our economy.”
EPA’s final findings respond to the 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision that GHGs fit within the Clean Air Act definition of air pollutants. The findings do not in and of themselves impose any emission reduction requirements but rather allow EPA to finalize the GHG standards proposed earlier this year for new light-duty vehicles as part of the joint rulemaking with the Department of Transportation.
On-road vehicles contribute more than 23 percent of total U.S. GHG emissions. EPA’s proposed GHG standards for light-duty vehicles, a subset of on-road vehicles, would reduce GHG emissions by nearly 950 million metric tons and conserve 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of model year 2012-2016 vehicles.
EPA’s endangerment finding covers emissions of six key greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride – that have been the subject of scrutiny and intense analysis for decades by scientists in the United States and around the world.
Scientific consensus shows that as a result of human activities, GHG concentrations in the atmosphere are at record high levels and data shows that the Earth has been warming over the past 100 years, with the steepest increase in warming in recent decades. The evidence of human-induced climate change goes beyond observed increases in average surface temperatures; it includes melting ice in the Arctic, melting glaciers around the world, increasing ocean temperatures, rising sea levels, acidification of the oceans due to excess carbon dioxide, changing precipitation patterns, and changing patterns of ecosystems and wildlife.
President Obama and Administrator Jackson have publicly stated that they support a legislative solution to the problem of climate change and Congress’ efforts to pass comprehensive climate legislation. However, climate change is threatening public health and welfare, and it is critical that EPA fulfill its obligation to respond to the 2007 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that determined that greenhouse gases fit within the Clean Air Act definition of air pollutants.

EPA issued the proposed findings in April 2009 and held a 60-day public comment period. The agency received more than 380,000 comments, which were carefully reviewed and considered during the development of the final findings.

Information on EPA’s findings: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment.html

So, there you go.  I don't like to make environmental responsibility a political thing.  There's enough of a mess out there for it NOT to be a political issue.  As my kids say, "Climate change, blah blah blah...  Pollution's still bad, right?"

Yeah, it's still bad.  So, whatever we can do to decrease our impact on the environment is a good thing.  You can't look out at all the cars on the road and say that's healthy.  Bulldozing trees isn't really a good thing.  More green space is good.  Smart building design and construction is good.  If the EPA studies state that we should be gentler on the planet, I'm a fan of that.

So, read up on it and know what's going on.  Knowledge is always a good thing!

Can't we all just conserve?

My top ten list of things we, as a nation, try to ignore but can't:

10. Brittany Spears

9. Our mothers

8. Spam

7. Politicians

6. Radios playing too loudly in cars

5. Complaining teenagers

4. Bad news

3. Climate change

2. Water shortages

1. Gas prices

OK, maybe we can't ignore many of those, especially items 1-4, but we sure do have our heads in the sand about them. In the last two days, I've read very enlightening articles by two Jacksonville citizens on the impact of ignoring critical issues, both of which relate to the biggies on the list.

First, from Professor Al Tilley at the University of North Florida. Professor Tilley has arguably done more to educate North Florida on the challenges of climate change than anyone else in this area. One of the many actions he takes is to coordinate information and articles for dissemination to his e-mail list. Today I received the following commentary from him:

"The Bush-McCain proposal to open new areas for oil exploration and to process oil shale is not at base wrong because it won't drop the price of gas much or soon (though it won't), or because it panders to public ignorance (though it does), or because it is a giveaway to oil companies who are already exploiting little of the resources now available (though it is). It is fundamentally wrong because it attacks the wrong problem. Our concern now is to move towards zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, and it trumps all other concerns. I have not seen that obvious point made, even in the following prominent discussions. We should not speak as if the problem were to end dependence on foreign oil. Our own is as bad. "

That last line was an eye-opener. He's absolutely right. Should we take aggressive measures to fuel our consumptive way of life? Or should we (and I know this is utterly outre') just use less?

I know. It's sadly laughable, isn't it?

He added the following weblink with an article from the LA Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-campaign18-2008jun18,0,7455120.story

The next eye-opener I received is from Rob Overly, architect, and world-changer. :-) He made the following point:

"Abu Dhabi and Dubai, two regions in the United Arab Emirates that are “floating in oil”, are also in the news. Both are building cities that are striving for a zero carbon footprint: Masdar City in Abu Dhabi and EcoStar in Dubai. Having a “zero carbon footprint” implies that among other things fossil fuels such as oil will not be used to provide energy, including transportation.

Interesting contrast: a region that sits on one of the world’s largest oil reserves is investing in a future without oil while a country that relies mainly on foreign oil to run its petroleum-based economy is turning to drilling off the coast of Florida to gain two and a half more years of oil consumption at current rates."

You can read more of his thoughts in Tuesday's Times Union who immediately picked up this Op Ed piece and will be leading with it. Thank goodness.

So, what's your breaking point? How high will gas prices need to be before you will consider public transportation? How much will a gallon of milk run before you consider growing a vegetable in your own backyard? What will your electricity bill be before you hang some clothes out to dry?

When you set your own "That's it, I need to cut back" goal, remember that there's already someone out there that hit their threshold a while back and has jumped on the conservation track. (They've been crossing their fingers for you).

But, remember there's also someone else willing to wait it out a little longer. And they will readily vote to eke a little more oil out of a precious natural resource to get it.

Don't be that person.

As they say over at Despair.com, None of us is as dumb as all of us. When we all collectively get together and pursue a bad idea, there's no end to what we can't do. If we all hang on to hope that we can sustain a wasteful lifestyle, we will find ourselves coming up with irrational idea after irrational idea to maintain it. Conversely, if we gather our forces, and our intellect, to embrace conservation and true sustainability, we can make it happen.

So, conserve. Cut back. Sacrifice a bit. Let's not ignore the problem, but embrace the obvious solution.

Why do I need the LEED Plaque?

That's a fair question. If you build responsibly, follow LEED guidelines, incorporate best practices and focus on sustainability, why do you need the added expense of certification?

How about this... According to a recent article in Urban Land Magazine, ULI's periodical, not having the third-party certification may hurt future sales opportunies. Charles Lockwood, a green real estate authority and consultant in southern California, had some interesting things to say about green real estate space:

"Green is now becoming the rule - not the exception - in some office markets. Expect other building types - retail, industrial, warehouse and hotels - to go green shortly.

This past May, a top New York real estate broker, in a conversation at a conference with ULI president, worldwide, Richard M. Rosan, told him: 'You won't believe what's happened. Today, none of the leading companies will look at office space in New York unless it's green. They won't look at it.'

Companies are not restricting their green demands to New York. Brokers in Washington, DC, report that Class A buildings without a LEED plaque are at a disadvantage.

Around the world, companies are insisting on green workplaces. In Australia, for example, 'Every commercial tenant seeking more than 10,000 square meters requires five- or six-star Green Star space, the equivalent of LEED-Gold or Platinum,' says Che Wall, chair of the World Green Building Council.

Driving the green juggernaut are all the familiar benefits of green: lower operating costs, improved workforce productivity, reduced employee absenteeism, lower health care costs, greater drawing power to attract and retain skilled workers, higher property values, and increased profit for building owners and investors. More recently, green also is being driven by a greater awareness of how buildings contribute to global climate change, by a major shift in how many corporations view the environment, and by worker and shareholder demand for green workplaces.

How does the green juggernaut affect tenants? Green development results in healthier workplaces that are most competitive in terms of attracting desirable skilled workers, lowering operation costs, and providing a green image that will gratify shareholders and lore clients.

How does the green juggernaut affect building owners and investors? They will need to prepare for the looming obselescence of their existing conventional buildings. But, that massive obsolescence will, in turn, create a major new profit center for owners and investors and the entire real estate industry - the green renovations of existing convential buildings."

This market transformation has well-surpassed the "this is just another trend" stage. It will take a special kind of traditionalist to continue to say this is another passing phase. Green's here to stay and will only continue to transform real estate, development, design, and construction. The question then becomes: Are you going to be part of the transformation? Or are you going to be the one running from behind the industry to catch up?

Part of the transformation, then? Great choice!

So, back to our initial question: Why do I need the LEED Plaque? Not only does the third-party certification ensure sales and occupancy opportunity in future transactions, but it also affirms that the building meets or exceeds certain standards. It's your report card. It's something you can bring to the table and say, "Look what we did!"

And, most importantly, it is your Statement of Authenticity. When faced with the choice between purchasing the LEED-Silver Building A and 'green' Building B, what are you going to choose? There is simply too much greenwashing out there to risk Building B, no matter how much the agent tells you. I want to see the Report Card and the LEED-Silver Building has one.

An important note on the cost of certification: In a 50,000 square foot building, the cost for certification (for a USGBC member) is $1750.

Is that report card worth $1750? Absolutely.

Have a Cool Holiday!

With one week left until Christmas Eve, many (if not all) of us are still shopping around for last-minute gift items for friends and family. Take a moment to consider what we can do during this time of excess and indulgence to conserve and protect our natural resources and the environment.

The National Resource Defense Council has offered a few hints on how we can continue to be good stewards of our environment during the holiday season:

1. Ground Shipping: The early bird... cuts pollution? It's true: Do your online and catalog shopping early and you'll be able to request ground shipping. It is six times more efficient than overnight air shipping. It saves fuel and reduces global warming pollution.

2. LED lights: Holiday lights are a fun way to make your home feel festive, inside and out. But to save energy, remember to turn them off when you're not at home and before you go to sleep. Shopping for new lights? Energy-efficient LED lights are the best choice, and they're not available at most major retailers. LED holiday lights use about 90% less energy than conventional lights. They'll help make the season bright while substantially lowering your holiday electric bill. (From the PG&E website: Based on annual operation costs of 225 hours of use (5 hours a day for 45 days), large incandescent holiday lights cost approximately $70 to run, mini-incandescents $5, and LEDs $0.45. Big difference there!)

3. Energy Star: Hoping to unwrap a computer, TV, washing machine, or dishwaser this year? Make sure your loved ones know about the Energy Star label. Home appliances and electronics bearing this label must exceed minimum standards for energy consumption; an Energy Star appliance can lower your utility bills and help reduce the heat-trapping pollution that causes global warming at the same time. (Also, from today's Times-Union, watch out for those snazzy flat-panel TVs: a 28-inch convention television set containing a cathode-ray picture tube, often uses about 100 watts of electricity. A 42-inch LCD set requires about 200 watts of electricity. a 42-inch plasma set sucks up 200 to 500 watts. A 60-plus-inch plasma screen can consume 500 to 600 watts, depending on the model and programming. In the biggest screen sizes, a projection television consumes about 150 to 200 watts. All according to the EPA.)

4. Environmental gifts: Stumped on a gift for that neighbor or second cousin? How about a hand-cranked radio or flashlight? They're climate friendly, and outdoorsy types swear by 'em -- no need to worry about batteries. Also, consider gifts that encourage connecting with nature, like national park passes, binoculars, or a holiday wreath made of birdseed and fruit for birding in your backyard. For a bit of 'good feeling', purchase a TerraPass for your SUV-driving family-member with all the kids. They'll feel better about their impact (even if it isn't much consolation at the pump).

5. Reusable or recycled packaging: When you're stocking up for a holiday feast, look for products that go easy on the packaging, or come in reusable or recyclable wrapping. You'll save the energy that would be used to manufacture and ship the ecess packaging, and shrink your personal contribution to global warming.

6. Hybrid cars: Put a hybrid car on your wishlist this year! It might be a long shot, but if it works out you'll get a shiny new car and the satisfaction that you're really making a difference. A hybrid car saves big money at the pump, and is much more climate friendly than the car it replaces.

7. Remember to recycle: Holiday enertaining can leave behind lots of cans, bottles, and cardboard. Recycle whatever you can in your area to make your home more climate smart. Use recycled paper to wrap your presents. Or, if you're feeling artistic, don't buy gift wrap at all. Get creative with old newspapers, magazines, or fabric, and you'll add a little extra personalization to each present. And be sure to recycle your Christmas tree, which can be turned into mulch for the spring. Go to Earth911 to find a local tree recycler in your area.

8. Beat the traffic: Share a ride or take public transit while doing your holiday shopping. If you must drive to get to the shops, bring a friend or two along. Cars are responsible for 20% of the CO2 pollution the US produces, so carpooling really helps (And you'll get to swap gift ideas with your shopping buddies.)

9. E-mail: Instead of mailing holiday cards and letters to loved ones, try using e-mail. You'll save paper -- and the carbon-sequestering trees it is made from -- and reduce emissions from delivery vehicles. You'll reach your friends and family faster, too. While you're at it, browse through NRDC's Earth Action Center and send a heart-warming message to your elected officials expressing your concern about global warming, air pollution, and other environmental issues.

10. Give a gift: Another way you can make a difference is with a gift to NRDC (or an environmental stewardship organization close to your heart). A membership makes a great gift for an environmentally conscious friend or relative, or a great treat for yourself -- either way, you're giving the Earth a gift too.

And remember, recycle, reduce, rejoice this holiday season!

How to get through to Mushy Green clients?

Joel Makower, renowned author, consultant, and environmentalist, has a great article at his website, Two Steps Forward, about a recent study conducted by the data analysts at Yankelovich on how conscious the population really is on the environment.

Many of those involved in green industries will tell you they are excited to hear so many talking about the environment. They feel the movement is reaching the mainstream. But is it?

According to the Yankelovich study, it might not be. Their recent study, "Going Green", which is based on attitudes AND actual behaviors, states that there's something missing between belief and action.

Here's some uncomfortable statistics, especially for those of us that thought this was in the spotlight:

• Only 37% of consumers feel "highly concerned" about environmental issues.


• 25% of consumers feel "highly knowledgeable" about environmental issues.


• And, a meanger 22% of those feel they can make any difference at all in the environment.

The Yanelovich study also segments their consumers into categories, (which you can probably figure out their mindset based on the name):

• 13% are considered Greenthusiasts


• 14% Greenspeaks


• 25% Greensteps


• 19% Greenbits


• 29% Greenless

Ouch. The largest group of consumers have either no interest in Green, no knowledge, or no desire.

According to Walker Smith from Yanelovich, Green attitudes don't always predict green behaviors. For example, Greenbits SAY they are likely to pay more for green products than Greenspeaks, but they rarely do.

Yankelovich uses the Mushiness Index to determine the firmness of an opinion. Using a system they developed, the index measures how sure a consumer is about their own opinion.

Consumers are very mushy on this subject.

Smith goes on to say that when it comes to getting through to the Greenless and the Greenbits, education is NOT the key. They way to get through to them is to make it personally relevant.

All the studies in the world about raging weather, rising shorelines, global warming, and carbon emissions mean nothing to them... Unless all those things affect them directly.

As we continue to promote sustainable behaviors, it helps to understand that our clients may be vacillating over environmental subject matter. If we can approach their concerns in a way that is relevant to them, we have a better shot at success.

I encourage you to visit Joel Makower's website and read his article.

Jacksonville Mayor Signs it!

Wow! This is a bigger wow than the Governor's Wow!

Copied directly from Flog, Folio Weekly's blog. Kudos to them for getting the information so quickly:

Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton has signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection
Agreement, in which cities commit to scaling back their greenhouse-gas
emissions in accordance with the international Kyoto Protocol’s
target for the U.S.: to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. Peyton’s prior and
conspicuous lack of participation in the initiative has been covered
continuously by Folio Weekly.

Peyton spokesperson Susie Wiles tells Folio Weekly that until recently,
all conversation about committing to greenhouse-gas reductions had been related
to The Sierra Club’s Cool Cities
program, which the Mayor’s Office and The Sierra Club discussed about a year
ago. Peyton promised to consider joining the program, but after JEA urged him
not to, he “somewhat reluctantly” decided to back away, says Wiles, rather than
commit to something unattainable.
“We were persuaded we could not meet [the
goals of Cool Cities],” says Wiles. Nonetheless, Peyton remained interested in
making efforts to fight global warming, she says.

More recently, and after learning more about the USMCPA from the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Peyton was
formally asked to join the agreement by Miami Mayor Manny Diaz. Perhaps
anticipating federally mandated greenhouse-gas cuts (post-2008, obviously), the
city of Jacksonville’s lobbyists in Washington also advised Peyton to do so. JCCI’s
recently released report on local air quality was also a factor, says
Wiles.

In fact, Peyton signed the agreement six or seven weeks ago, Wiles
estimates. Because the city is still mapping out the plan it will implement to
meet USMCPA goals, Wiles declined to talk about specific measures. What with all
this budget business, the Mayor’s Office isn’t planning to announce the decision
until late this summer, she says.
Sorry to spoil it, guys.

Philip Ramsey of the Jacksonville
Carbon Neutral Initiative, a group that was founded chiefly to lobby the
mayor to join the USMCPA but has since expanded its mission, reacted to the news
with a bit of skepticism. The schedule for reducing greenhouse gases laid out in Gov.
Crist’s recently issued executive orders — to 2000 levels by 2017, to
1990 levels by 2025, and to 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050 — is superior to
and more realistic than that of the USMCPA, he says.

Even if only symbolic, Peyton’s decision to commit to specific
climate-protection goals is exciting news for local environmentalists. Now comes
the hard part — Wiles says Peyton will soon have to begin persuading his city
“partners” to get onboard the effort to fight global warming.

Again. Wow. I'm really blown away by this. We had just recently discussed how to get the mayor to sign off of the agreement. And now it's done. More to follow....

Blessed Sustainability

The Vatican has made the decision to become carbon neutral by planting a forest in Hungary that will offset the carbon emissions of the sovereign state:

The Holy See has accepted an offer from a climate solutions company to
plant a forest in Hungary which will offset the Vatican's carbon dioxide
emissions and make it the "first entirely carbon neutral sovereign
state".The
Vatican is pushing its green agenda, joining a reforestation
project aimed at
offsetting its CO2 emissions for this year, PR Inside
reports.

Cardinal Paul Poupard of the Pontifical Council for Culture accepted a
certificate from Hungarian-based firm Planktos/KlimaFa stating that the
reforestation of a large area of the Bukk national park in Hungary would
compensate for all its emissions this year."This donation means an entire
section of a national park in central Europe will be reforested," Cardinal
Poupard said. "In this way, the Vatican will do its small part in contributing
to the elimination of polluting emissions from CO2 which is threatening the
survival of this planet."

As the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, had recently stated, the international
community needs to respect and encourage a 'Green Culture,' characterized by
ethical values. The Book of Genesis tells us of a beginning in which God placed
man as guardian over the earth to make it fruitful. When man forgets that he is
a faithful servant of this earth, it becomes a desert that threatens the
survival of all creation…"

Monsignor Melchor Sanchez de Toca, the undersecretary for the Pontifical
Council of Culture, told The Associated Press that polluting emissions from the
Vatican would be offset by the reforestation. "To eliminate emissions, there are
two ways: either you reduce them by renouncing the use of cars or heating
systems, for example, or you do something good to compensate them, such as
planting trees," he said.The company is planting the trees and the Vatican's
acceptance of the move is purely symbolic."These are small initiatives that try
to send a signal," Monsignor Sanchez de Toca said. "We hope that other churches
contribute with small gestures to spread the concern for the protection of the
environment.

Just how much of the national park will undergo the reforestation project
will be determined by this year's energy usage in the Vatican and its other
emission reduction efforts, the Planktos/Klimfa statement said.

The reforestation project is part of a broader effort by the Vatican to go
green.Some of the Holy See buildings will start using solar energy next year,
with photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity being placed on the
roof of the Paul VI auditorium, which is used for the pontiff's general
audiences.Last summer, Pope Benedict XVI called on Christians to unite to take
"care of creation without squandering its resources and (share) them in a
convivial manner". He said lifestyle choices were damaging the environment and
making «the lives of poor people on Earth especially unbearable.

The Vatican is also considering solar energy for other Holy See buildings,
though historic landmarks like St Peter's Basilica will not be touched.

According to Planktos CEO and KlimaFa Managing Director, Russ George, "the
Holy See's increasingly creative environmental leadership is both insightful and
profound. Not only is the Vatican steadily reducing its carbon footprint with
energy efficiency and solar power, its choice of new mixed growth forests to
offset the balance of its
emissions shows a deep commitment to planetary
stewardship as well. It eloquently makes the point that ecorestoration is a
fitting climate change solution for a culture of life."

Source: http://www.cathnews.com/news/707/76.php

There have been many reasons presented to embrace sustainability. Some want to reduce our carbon emissions. Some want to preserve our resources. Some want to reduce our dependency on foreign oil. Some want to save the planet. Some believe humans were appointed to steward the planet.

Whatever your reasons, it's one common goal that can bring us all together.

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.

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.

How to Grow Fresh Air

There's so much talk about Indoor Environmental Air Quality, and reducing our carbon footprint... Former NASA scientist, BC Wolverton, PhD. reminds us that we have a very simple tool available to us:

Plants.

*insert 'duh' here*

Of course... Plants.

"Plants are the lungs of the earth: they produce the oxygen that makes life possible, add precious moisture, and filter toxins. Houseplants can perform these essential functions in your home wih the same efficiency as a rain forest in our biosphere." -BC Wolverton, PhD "How to Grow Fresh Air - 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office"

Betsy Robinson recently wrote an article for Spirituality and Health Magazine that focuses on how plants can improve your health, your well-being, and most importantly, your actual indoor air quality. Here's an interesting statistic quote from her January/February 2007 article:

"Since room conditions are unique, it's impossible to prescribe how many plants are needed to clean a given space, but consider this: a 100-square foot room with an 8-foot ceiling contains 22,640 liters of air filled with perhaps 3,917 micrograms of formaldehyde, the predominant indoor pollutant. The common Boston fern removes 1,863 micrograms of formaldehyde per hour."

Makes you want to go buy a plant, doesn't it? Well, if you do, here's a list of plants to consider. Wolverton rates these as the top ten in terms of their pollutant filtering capabilities, ease of growth and maintenance, and resistance to pests:

1. Areca Palm
2. Lady Palm
3. Bamboo Palm
4. Rubber Plant
5. Dracaena "Janet Craig"
6. English Ivy
7. Dwarf Date Palm
8. Ficus Alii
9. Boston Fern
10. Peace Lily

Want to make a difference today? Go to your local nusery, buy one of these for every member of your staff and get one for yourself, too.

Give the gift of fresh air to your staff, your family, your friends and your clients.

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.

Cool Globes in Chicago! Cool Globes Jacksonville?

Thanks to Mary, Breaking Ground's passionate-for-sustainability-President, for informing me of the Cool Globes Project happening in Chicago over the next few months. I think Jacksonville is the perfect location for something like this:

• From June-September 2007, the City of Chicago is
  hosting “CoolGlobes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet,” an innovative project that
  uses the medium of public art to inspire individuals and organizations to take
  action against global warming.
  
  The exhibit features over 100 painted
  globes, each five feet in diameter, displayed along
  Chicago’s lakefront from The Field Museum north and at Navy Pier. Artists from
  around the world, including Jim Dine, Yair Engel, Tom Van Sant and Juame Plensa,
  designed the globes, using a variety of materials to transform their plain white
  sphere to create awareness and provoke discussion about potential solutions to
  global warming.
  
  Leading by example, CoolGlobes is a carbon neutral
  project. To offset the carbon emitted from the
  energy needed to create and maintain the exhibit and related events, CoolGlobes
  has developed a diversified strategy that includes donated “green tags”
  (renewable energy certificates), investments to plant trees and foster
  environmentally friendly agricultural practices, and in-kind donations from
  alternative energy companies.
  
  CoolGlobes was launched in Chicago because of the
  City’s leadership and dedication to promoting environmentally sound policies.
  Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s goal is to make our city the greenest in the
  nation through the promotion of environmental programs and practices, including
  a bike initiative, adding hybrid buses to the city’s mass transit system, and
  building “green” libraries, public schools and police stations. Mayor Daley is
  serving as honorary co-chair of the CoolGlobes project.
  
  CoolGlobes also features 200 mini-globes displayed
  around the city throughout the summer; again, each mini-globe depicts a solution
  to global warming. Mini-globes were designed by some of the same artists who are
  working on the full-size globes, as well as by celebrities, including actor
  Chris O’Donnell, U.S. Senator Barack Obama and documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.
  Students participating in Chicago’s After School Matters Gallery 37 after-school
  arts program for teens designed 40 of the mini-globes.
  
  The CoolGlobes project has been underwritten by a
  variety of corporate and individual sponsors, including Exelon, Pepsi, Medline, Abbott, Toyota and
  Hyatt.
  
  FOCUSING ON SOLUTIONS
  
  The popularity of Al Gore’s documentary “An
  Inconvenient Truth” has led to growing public concern about the issue of global
  warming. CoolGlobes leverages this heightened awareness by using the medium of
  public art to unite corporate, government and nonprofit organizations in issuing
  a call-to-action to encourage changes in day-to-day lifestyle and business
  operations that will reduce adverse environmental impact.
  
  Throughout the summer, Chicagoans and other exhibit
  visitors will be challenged to implement five changes in their daily lives or
  business operations to combat global warming. Pledges can be made at the CoolGlobes and Chicago
  Sun-Times Web sites. At the end of the summer, a
  raffle will be held to award a Toyota Prius to one of the pledge
  participants.
  

Jacksonville already has so much in place to promote something like this... First Wednesday ArtWalk... Museums like MOCA... Tony? Heather? Any ideas on how we can make this happen?

How about our business owners that promote sustainability? Sponsorship opportunities?

To learn more about it and spark ideas on how we can do it, visit their website at CoolGlobes.org.