EPA has been working with the data center industry to develop a 1-to-100 energy performance score for data centers that will be launched in Portfolio Manager on June 7, 2010. To develop the rating system, EPA collected data on energy use and operating characteristics from a large number of existing data centers. The statistical regression analysis employed for all of EPA’s energy performance rating models was then applied to the data set, resulting in a score that is applicable for stand alone data centers AND buildings that contain data centers within them.
Join us on Wednesday, May 19 at 2 PM EDT to learn more about the new rating and data required to accurately incorporate data center spaces in Portfolio Manager. Specifically, the session will cover the following topics:
§ Definition of data center and the key characteristics to define a space as data center;
§ Common industry metrics and requirements for Portfolio Manager, including Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and information technology (IT) energy; and
§ Data center energy consumption data required to receive a rating in Portfolio Manager.
To attend this private session on May 19, you must register for it. Click now on the following link to register for this session. Once you have registered for the session, you will receive an email message confirming your registration. This message will provide the information that you need to join the session.
Registration Link: https://energystar.webex.com/energystar/k2/j.php?ED=136877302&UID=1130327342&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D&FM=1
Session Number: 715 610 882
Registration password: This session does not require a registration password.
We look forward to your participation. If you have any questions, please contact ENERGYSTARdatacenters@icfi.com.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
My First Official CEU Credit Reporting
Vice-Chair/Communications Chair Sarah G. here. I thought I'd share with everyone my first experience with the CEU reporting system.
I watched a webinar available from http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1975. It was USGBC Members-Only Webcast: “Sustainability and the Dynamics of Green Building” with Prof. John Quigley and Dr. Nils Kok.
Underneath the title, there were two links:
Eligible for one LEED Professional Credential continuing education (GBCI CE) hour »
Download "Sustainability and the Dynamics of Green Building" (.pdf) »
So when the webinar was finished, I clicked on the 'CE hour' link and was taken to a PDF that listed step-by-step instructions for reporting. It all went very smoothly until I got entering the Subcategory, at which the directions only said, "Select appropriate subcategory for your specialization". My two options were "Design Workshop/Charrette" or "Ways to Earn Credit". I honestly had no idea which to put and tried to click on the 'What is this?' help link from the GBCI website, but got an error message saying that page had moved.
I settled on "Design Workshop/Charrette", but I don't feel very confident about it... does that mean that my specialization (BD+C) isn't applicable for credit from this webcast? At this point I'm not feeling too certain, but I submitted it and the CE hours are under review. So I'll follow-up at some point to let everyone know.
I watched a webinar available from http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1975. It was USGBC Members-Only Webcast: “Sustainability and the Dynamics of Green Building” with Prof. John Quigley and Dr. Nils Kok.
Underneath the title, there were two links:
Eligible for one LEED Professional Credential continuing education (GBCI CE) hour »
Download "Sustainability and the Dynamics of Green Building" (.pdf) »
So when the webinar was finished, I clicked on the 'CE hour' link and was taken to a PDF that listed step-by-step instructions for reporting. It all went very smoothly until I got entering the Subcategory, at which the directions only said, "Select appropriate subcategory for your specialization". My two options were "Design Workshop/Charrette" or "Ways to Earn Credit". I honestly had no idea which to put and tried to click on the 'What is this?' help link from the GBCI website, but got an error message saying that page had moved.
I settled on "Design Workshop/Charrette", but I don't feel very confident about it... does that mean that my specialization (BD+C) isn't applicable for credit from this webcast? At this point I'm not feeling too certain, but I submitted it and the CE hours are under review. So I'll follow-up at some point to let everyone know.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Volunteer to Green the Special Olympics!
The Public Works and Utilities, Solid Waste Operations and Keep Lincoln & Lancaster County Beautiful at the Health Department are working with the Special Olympics to increase recycling and decrease trash at all the Olympic events July 18-23.
The overall goal is to divert at least 50% of the waste generated by the Special Olympics throughout the week’s games, including the diversion of 67% at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and Oympic Town through zero-waste efforts. This can only be accomplished with the help of volunteers.
Zero-waste shifts:
Shifts are approximately 8 hours and will be specified by the Special Olympics after registration.
· Opening ceremony at Devaney, Sunday, July 18
· Closing ceremony at Devaney, Friday, July 23
· Olympic Town at Pershing, July 19 - 22.
Volutneer duties will include:
§ assisting spectators, athletes and other participants properly separate materials at the zero-waste stations before and after ceremonies
§ walking through the Devaney Center stands during and after the ceremonies collecting recyclables and compostables
Volunteers will receive a meal, a Special Olympics t-shirt and for those who volunteer at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, entrance to those events. Only about 400 tickets will be available to the general public for each ceremony, so this is one way to secure your seat!
How to register: go to www.2010specialolympics.org and sign up as a volunteer. Please specify your group affiliation as “Zero Waste” and your position preference as “Green Team”. The volunteer deadline is May 1, 2010.
If you have already volunteered for another area of the Special Olympics but would like to switch to or add the zero-waste effort, please contact Kelly Heavey.
For more information: Kelly Heavey, Kheavey@lincoln.ne.gov, 402-441-6845.
The overall goal is to divert at least 50% of the waste generated by the Special Olympics throughout the week’s games, including the diversion of 67% at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and Oympic Town through zero-waste efforts. This can only be accomplished with the help of volunteers.
Zero-waste shifts:
Shifts are approximately 8 hours and will be specified by the Special Olympics after registration.
· Opening ceremony at Devaney, Sunday, July 18
· Closing ceremony at Devaney, Friday, July 23
· Olympic Town at Pershing, July 19 - 22.
Volutneer duties will include:
§ assisting spectators, athletes and other participants properly separate materials at the zero-waste stations before and after ceremonies
§ walking through the Devaney Center stands during and after the ceremonies collecting recyclables and compostables
Volunteers will receive a meal, a Special Olympics t-shirt and for those who volunteer at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, entrance to those events. Only about 400 tickets will be available to the general public for each ceremony, so this is one way to secure your seat!
How to register: go to www.2010specialolympics.org and sign up as a volunteer. Please specify your group affiliation as “Zero Waste” and your position preference as “Green Team”. The volunteer deadline is May 1, 2010.
If you have already volunteered for another area of the Special Olympics but would like to switch to or add the zero-waste effort, please contact Kelly Heavey.
For more information: Kelly Heavey, Kheavey@lincoln.ne.gov, 402-441-6845.
Plain Green Conference & Marketplace - Last Chance to Register
It's not too late. Even with Pre-conference workshops beginning this morning, there's still time to be part of the Plain Green 10 experience. The Conference opens tonight with the Steve Clark keynote brought to you by Argus Leader Tour de Kota and the Marketplace Opening Night Party sponsored by Johnson Controls and Argus Leader Media. Rock the night away with 35 exhibitors and hundreds of world-changers in the making. Registration will remain open online until the conference starts. Get your ticket now at plaingreen.org.
Choose Your Breakout:
You've heard about our star keynotes:
- Mitchell Joachim is re-designing cities all over the world from scratch. He'll show you what future "carborexic" cities will look like, and why "sustainability" is a sissy.
- Cameron Sinclair is making sustainable design a matter of life over death. He'll show you why green architecture changes lives all over the planet.
- Steve Clark is rebuilding Minnesota's transportation system for walkers and bikers. He'll pedal his bicycle from St. Paul to show you tools that will change the planet and set us free.
- Brian Dunbar is creating buildings that teach sustainability. He'll show us if cool buildings can save a hotter world.
Now we've made it easier for you to pick your favorite breakouts too. Click here to see the learning objectives for all ten sessions.
The Historic Farnam 1600 Design Competition
The owners at the FARNAM 1600 Building, originally the First National Bank Building designed by prominent Chicago firm Graham, Burnham and Company, are holding a design competition through the month of May for the redesign of the main entrance canopy/awning located on the East side lower level of the 14 story building.
Calling all Architects, Artists, Designers and those who value the significance of Omaha’s Historic Buildings…The FARNAM 1600 Building (the original First National Bank Tower) is accepting designs for a new front entry canopy/awning! This Neo-Classic building is located along the 16th Street Corridor on the Southwest corner of 16th and Farnam.
The building’s sophisticated composition and styling, accompanied by its height, make it one of Omaha’s landmark skyscrapers. Submit a design (schematic at minimum) for the front awning/canopy via presentation board (36”x36” maximum) to the FARNAM 1600 Condo Association by Monday, May 24th at 6pm for judging.
Include at a minimum: Floor Plans, Roof Plans, and Building Elevations. Alternate mediums, 3-D Models...etc, are acceptable for additional information. A cash prize of $250.00 is offered if selected design is implemented through design and construction phase.
CRITERIA: Aesthetics - Note your consideration of the building’s historic architectural character. Direct incorporation of historic features is not required. Concept - Awning (Cantilevered w/ Tie back to Facade) vs. Canopy (Columns installed) Cost - Construction Budget to be $7000.00 Flow - Versatility – Design concept to compliment the 16th Street Corridor and function with potential changes the City plans with the redevelopment of 16th Street.
CONTACT: Ryan Curtis rbcurtis@leoadaly.com Awning/canopy presentations are to be delivered to Terrie Busacker, building manager on the 2nd Floor, by 6pm on Monday, May 24th. Presentations will be on display to Condo Residents through May 31st. The potential winning design is to be selected during the week of June 2nd. Note: Potential for a formal presentation and interview with the Condo Association to occur pending final selections.
FARNAM 1600 CONDOMINIUMS Blend historic charm with modern amenities in an elegant 14-story building located in the heart of Omaha's downtown.The building offers some of the city's best residential views of downtown Omaha and the riverfront.Built in 1916 for First National Bank, The building is listed on the National Register. It has been completely remodeled to offer the best of the old and the new.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Upcoming Improvements to Portfolio Manager
These updates to the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager are planned for June 7, 2010. If you have any questions about these changes, please contact buildings@energystar.gov.
1. New Rating for Data Center
A rating will now be available for Data Centers. Spaces that are currently defined as Computer Data Center will be automatically converted to the new Data Center space type. In order to compute the new rating, there are two new required inputs: IT energy configuration; and IT energy meters (IT energy loads will be tracked similar to building energy meters). When the updates are released on June 7, 2010, estimates will be used for the IT energy load until it is updated with actual values by the user. The use of estimates will be permitted for the first two years of implementation (until June 2012) to allow users to get proper IT energy metering in place. After that time, IT energy metering will be required. In order to earn a rating, a Data Center space using estimates for IT energy cannot be more than 10% of the building’s floor area, per the current requirement. When actual data is entered more accurate ratings can be obtained and there is no size restriction. Note: Data Centers achieving a rating of 75 or higher will be eligible to apply for the ENERGY STAR label.
2. Updated Rating Methodology for Office and Retail
EPA has made minor adjustments to the energy performance methodologies used for Office and Retail facilities. The purpose of these adjustments is to ensure accurate ratings for very large buildings, and for buildings with extremely high densities of computers and/or cash registers. In the cases of these extreme values, net adjustments in the rating equation are limited, to reflect expected behavior as observed in the CBECS survey. When the updates are released on June 7, 2010, the values previously entered by users for Office and Retail attributes will not change. However, the energy performance ratings may change.
3. Updated Space Attributes for Water Treatment and Distribution Utilities, and Wastewater Treatment Plants
You will now be able to track the average flow on a monthly basis for Water Treatment and Distribution Utilities, and Wastewater Treatment Plants. When the updates are released on June 7, 2010, the most current existing average flow entries will be valid through December 2010; however you are encouraged to begin updating the flow meter values as soon as possible, in accordance with this new functionality.
4. Removal of Distribution Center from "Other" Space
Spaces that are currently defined as "Other - Distribution Center" will be automatically converted to the "Unrefrigerated Warehouse" space type. This change is consistent with the definition for the updated Warehouse model released in August 2009, which includes Distribution Centers. Please note that as a result of this update, Distribution Centers previously ineligible for an energy performance rating may be able to see a rating using the Warehouse model after June 7, 2010.
5. New Standard View - "Performance: Water/Wastewater Treatment Facilities"
A new standard view will be available on the "My Portfolio" and "Facility Summary" pages. The "Performance: Water/Wastewater Treatment Facilities" view will contain the following metrics:
- Facility Name
- Current Rating
- Average Flow (MGD)
- Current Weather-Normalized Source Energy per Flow (kBtu/gpd)
- National Average Source EUI (kBtu/gpd)
- Current Site Electric Use (kWh)
- Annual Energy Cost ($)
- Current Total GHG Emissions (MtCO2e)
6. New Standard View - "Performance: Data Centers"
A new standard view will be available on the "My Portfolio" and "Facility Summary" pages. The "Performance: Data Centers" view will contain the following metrics:
- Facility Name
- Current Rating
- Current Energy Period End Date
- Current Data Center PUE
- Current Source IT Energy (kBtu)
- Current Total Source Energy (kBtu)
- Current Source Energy Intensity (kBtu/sq. ft.)
7. New Display of Default Space Attribute ValuesIf default values are being used for specific space attributes, you will now be able to view the rounded default attribute value in Portfolio Manager. Note: Facilities cannot earn the ENERGY STAR label when default values are used.
8. New Source Energy MetricsTwo new source energy metrics will be available for you to view.
- Current Total Source Energy Use (kBtu)
- Baseline Total Source Energy Use (kBtu)
9. New and Revised Building Import Templates
Effective May 31, 2010, new and revised building import templates will be available for downloading and previous versions of the templates will no longer be accepted. New import spreadsheets sent to buildings@energystar.gov the week of May 31, 2010 will be processed after the June 7th release.The following template changes will be made:
- New template for Data Center
- Updated templates to add the new Data Center IT Energy tab, including: Bank; Courthouse;
- Dormitory; Hospital; Hotel; Medical; Office; Other; Refrigerated Warehouse; Retail; School; Supermarket; Unrefrigerated Warehouse; Worship
- Removal of the Distribution Center category from the Other template
- Updated Wastewater template to include a new Influent Flow tab
- Updated Water Treatment template to add a new Average Flow tab
10. Updates to Parking Space Adjustment
Effective June 7, 2010, a minor defect will be corrected in the calculation of ratings for buildings that contain "Open" parking area. Buildings that contain "open" parking square footage will be affected and may see a small change in their rating.
1. New Rating for Data Center
A rating will now be available for Data Centers. Spaces that are currently defined as Computer Data Center will be automatically converted to the new Data Center space type. In order to compute the new rating, there are two new required inputs: IT energy configuration; and IT energy meters (IT energy loads will be tracked similar to building energy meters). When the updates are released on June 7, 2010, estimates will be used for the IT energy load until it is updated with actual values by the user. The use of estimates will be permitted for the first two years of implementation (until June 2012) to allow users to get proper IT energy metering in place. After that time, IT energy metering will be required. In order to earn a rating, a Data Center space using estimates for IT energy cannot be more than 10% of the building’s floor area, per the current requirement. When actual data is entered more accurate ratings can be obtained and there is no size restriction. Note: Data Centers achieving a rating of 75 or higher will be eligible to apply for the ENERGY STAR label.
2. Updated Rating Methodology for Office and Retail
EPA has made minor adjustments to the energy performance methodologies used for Office and Retail facilities. The purpose of these adjustments is to ensure accurate ratings for very large buildings, and for buildings with extremely high densities of computers and/or cash registers. In the cases of these extreme values, net adjustments in the rating equation are limited, to reflect expected behavior as observed in the CBECS survey. When the updates are released on June 7, 2010, the values previously entered by users for Office and Retail attributes will not change. However, the energy performance ratings may change.
3. Updated Space Attributes for Water Treatment and Distribution Utilities, and Wastewater Treatment Plants
You will now be able to track the average flow on a monthly basis for Water Treatment and Distribution Utilities, and Wastewater Treatment Plants. When the updates are released on June 7, 2010, the most current existing average flow entries will be valid through December 2010; however you are encouraged to begin updating the flow meter values as soon as possible, in accordance with this new functionality.
4. Removal of Distribution Center from "Other" Space
Spaces that are currently defined as "Other - Distribution Center" will be automatically converted to the "Unrefrigerated Warehouse" space type. This change is consistent with the definition for the updated Warehouse model released in August 2009, which includes Distribution Centers. Please note that as a result of this update, Distribution Centers previously ineligible for an energy performance rating may be able to see a rating using the Warehouse model after June 7, 2010.
5. New Standard View - "Performance: Water/Wastewater Treatment Facilities"
A new standard view will be available on the "My Portfolio" and "Facility Summary" pages. The "Performance: Water/Wastewater Treatment Facilities" view will contain the following metrics:
- Facility Name
- Current Rating
- Average Flow (MGD)
- Current Weather-Normalized Source Energy per Flow (kBtu/gpd)
- National Average Source EUI (kBtu/gpd)
- Current Site Electric Use (kWh)
- Annual Energy Cost ($)
- Current Total GHG Emissions (MtCO2e)
6. New Standard View - "Performance: Data Centers"
A new standard view will be available on the "My Portfolio" and "Facility Summary" pages. The "Performance: Data Centers" view will contain the following metrics:
- Facility Name
- Current Rating
- Current Energy Period End Date
- Current Data Center PUE
- Current Source IT Energy (kBtu)
- Current Total Source Energy (kBtu)
- Current Source Energy Intensity (kBtu/sq. ft.)
7. New Display of Default Space Attribute ValuesIf default values are being used for specific space attributes, you will now be able to view the rounded default attribute value in Portfolio Manager. Note: Facilities cannot earn the ENERGY STAR label when default values are used.
8. New Source Energy MetricsTwo new source energy metrics will be available for you to view.
- Current Total Source Energy Use (kBtu)
- Baseline Total Source Energy Use (kBtu)
9. New and Revised Building Import Templates
Effective May 31, 2010, new and revised building import templates will be available for downloading and previous versions of the templates will no longer be accepted. New import spreadsheets sent to buildings@energystar.gov the week of May 31, 2010 will be processed after the June 7th release.The following template changes will be made:
- New template for Data Center
- Updated templates to add the new Data Center IT Energy tab, including: Bank; Courthouse;
- Dormitory; Hospital; Hotel; Medical; Office; Other; Refrigerated Warehouse; Retail; School; Supermarket; Unrefrigerated Warehouse; Worship
- Removal of the Distribution Center category from the Other template
- Updated Wastewater template to include a new Influent Flow tab
- Updated Water Treatment template to add a new Average Flow tab
10. Updates to Parking Space Adjustment
Effective June 7, 2010, a minor defect will be corrected in the calculation of ratings for buildings that contain "Open" parking area. Buildings that contain "open" parking square footage will be affected and may see a small change in their rating.
The Eco-Dictionary
Ever wondered what the difference between SEER and EER is?
The Eco-Dictionary was created to help you navigate through the often-confusing world of eco-terminology. The directory is updated regularly; and you can suggest an addition and/or change to the Eco-Dictionary, by contacting them or visiting their Forum. http://www.ecorate.com/4/eco-dictionary
The Eco-Dictionary was created to help you navigate through the often-confusing world of eco-terminology. The directory is updated regularly; and you can suggest an addition and/or change to the Eco-Dictionary, by contacting them or visiting their Forum. http://www.ecorate.com/4/eco-dictionary
Monday, April 26, 2010
Project Owners: Participate in Building Performance Initiative
For the past several months, USGBC has engaged major stakeholders in the development of a critical program focused on the operational performance of LEED buildings. Formally launched at Greenbuild in November, USGBC’s Building Performance Initiative (BPI) seeks to establish a comprehensive data collection and analysis infrastructure that is capable of capturing feedback from all LEED-certified projects. The first phase of the data-collection effort has begun, and we're asking owners of LEED projects to participate. Learn more at www.usgbc.org/bpi »
Research Webcast for USGBC Members, Thursday, April 29
"Sustainability and the Dynamics of Green Building" is an academic paper that looks at data from roughly 27,000 green buildings and conventional office buildings in an attempt to distill the financial value of a green designation (LEED and/or Energy Star). The paper uses market information to:
1) compare the differences in returns between green and control buildings during the recent economic downturn.
2) study rents and transaction prices of green and conventional office buildings, while rigorously controlling for quality differences.
3) decompose the green premium using information underlying the LEED and Energy Star label.
This paper is a follow-up to "Doing Well by Doing Good: Green Office Buildings."Professor John Quigley, Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley, and Dr. Nils Kok, Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, will be discussing their research regarding the economic benefits derived from green building certifications as well as providing further observations as their research continues. Learn more and register »
Friday, April 23, 2010
2010 BOD Picture
Finally we were able to get a picture of our 2010 BOD.
From front to back: April Miller, RDG Planning & Design (regional representative), Rebecca Hubbs, Specialized Products, Inc. (treasurer), Sarah Gudeman, Morrissey Engineering, Inc. (vice chair), Sarah Richardson, Specialized Products, Inc. (chair), Brad Carne, M.E. Group, Inc. (secretary), Avery Schwer, Peter Kiewit Institute (egb coordinator).
Not Pictured: Ron Connor, Kiewit Building Group Inc. (non-profit coordinator)
From front to back: April Miller, RDG Planning & Design (regional representative), Rebecca Hubbs, Specialized Products, Inc. (treasurer), Sarah Gudeman, Morrissey Engineering, Inc. (vice chair), Sarah Richardson, Specialized Products, Inc. (chair), Brad Carne, M.E. Group, Inc. (secretary), Avery Schwer, Peter Kiewit Institute (egb coordinator).
Not Pictured: Ron Connor, Kiewit Building Group Inc. (non-profit coordinator)
Less than One Month to Comment on International Green Construction Code
From USGBC Codes Committee: Through USGBC’s work with the nation’s building industry leaders, we are encouraged to inform you that there is large public support and industry backing behind a common vehicle for jurisdictions that are pursuing their sustainability goals in the form of the first-of-its-kind set of national model codes and standards for green buildings. The International Green Construction Code (IGCC) is open for public comment, and we need your help.
Critically important to the advancement of USGBC’s mission is that strong, adoptable and enforceable technical content be packaged and available in the form of a single model green building code. As you know, USGBC has worked with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) for several years on the development of Standard 189.1, now available as an alternate path to compliance in the IGCC.
USGBC encourages you to review the Standard 189.1 and the IGCC, and to provide comments on how the IGCC might be improved before the May 14th deadline.
Critically important to the advancement of USGBC’s mission is that strong, adoptable and enforceable technical content be packaged and available in the form of a single model green building code. As you know, USGBC has worked with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) for several years on the development of Standard 189.1, now available as an alternate path to compliance in the IGCC.
USGBC encourages you to review the Standard 189.1 and the IGCC, and to provide comments on how the IGCC might be improved before the May 14th deadline.
- Find Public Version 1.0 of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) – now open for public comment – here: http://www.iccsafe.org/CS/IGCC/Pages/default.aspx
- Find the technical content of Standard 189.1 – an alternate path to compliance in the IGCC – here: www.ashrae.org/greenstandard
- For more on the International Code Council’s public comment process for the IGCC: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/IGCC/Pages/PublicVersionDevelopment.aspx
- Public comments due by May 14!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Meeting of the Minds 2010 - Omaha, June 16 - 18
USGBC NFC Members receive a 40% discount through May 10th.
This year Omaha will play host to a national conference focusing on sustainable cities with a great line up of speakers, http://meetingoftheminds2010.org/agenda.html.
Join us for two days of intensive exchange for leaders creating more sustainable cities using smarter design tools, sounder environmental practices and cleaner energy systems. Hosted by the Joslyn Institute for Sustainable Communities in partnership with the Urban Age Institute, the Meeting of the Minds is a premier leadership summit for sustainable cities in the United States.
When:
Wednesday, June 16, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Thursday, June 17, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, June 18, 8:00 am - 2:15 pm
Where:
TBD - Opening reception (Wednesday)
Qwest Convention Center, Junior Ballroom, Omaha (Thursday & Friday)
Among the many speakers and presentations featured will be:
This year Omaha will play host to a national conference focusing on sustainable cities with a great line up of speakers, http://meetingoftheminds2010.org/agenda.html.
Join us for two days of intensive exchange for leaders creating more sustainable cities using smarter design tools, sounder environmental practices and cleaner energy systems. Hosted by the Joslyn Institute for Sustainable Communities in partnership with the Urban Age Institute, the Meeting of the Minds is a premier leadership summit for sustainable cities in the United States.
When:
Wednesday, June 16, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Thursday, June 17, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, June 18, 8:00 am - 2:15 pm
Where:
TBD - Opening reception (Wednesday)
Qwest Convention Center, Junior Ballroom, Omaha (Thursday & Friday)
Among the many speakers and presentations featured will be:
- Dutch-based Institute for Housing and Development Studies unveils Rotterdam's Climate Change Campus
- Presentations by municipal sustainability coordinators from the Midwest's largest cities
- Zerofootprint.com will showcase The Re-Skinning Award's winning projects
- San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association will offer the top five lessons from the Bay Area
- The first-ever presentation from the European Metropolitan Institute
Registration: $295 to register. Visit www.meetingoftheminds2010.org/register.html by May 17 to register and ensure your seat.
AIA Nebraska, APA Nebraska, and Nebraska Flatwater USGBC Chapter members receive a 40% discount through May 10, after which the discount is reduced to 20% through May 24, 2010.
Visit www.meetingoftheminds2010.org for additional information on registration and scheduled contributors. Download the invitation here: http://meetingoftheminds2010.org/mom2010.pdf.
Omaha, Lincoln going green
WASHINGTON - Leaky old homes and other buildings in Omaha and Lincoln will get an energy makeover, thanks to $10 million in new federal grant funding announced Wednesday.
“The educational and business opportunities that will result from this grant will leave a mark on our community for years to come,” Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle said. “This will be the beginning of major changes for our city and for our energy consumption.”
Overall, 25 communities were selected to receive up to $452 million in stimulus funding through the competitive grant program.
Omaha and Lincoln had requested $20 million in funding for their pilot project, so they will now adjust their plans to match the actual award, said Kristi Wamstad-Evans, Omaha's sustainability coordinator.
The project is intended to foster a more sustainable, ongoing effort to improve energy efficiency.
It will involve renovating residential, commercial and public buildings in “green zones” across both Omaha and Lincoln, with the goal of retrofitting 80 percent of the buildings within each zone. Read the whole story at omaha.com.
Greening the Heartland 2010 - Earth Day Discount Special!
Celebrate Earth Day with $50 Off Conference Registration to Greening the Heartland, our regional USGBC conference.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, take $50 off 2010 Greening the Heartland Conference full registration! This discount is good for today, April 22, only. To take advantage of this discount, click on the Register Now button below and select FULL Registration. In the Discount Code box, enter Earth-GTH. REGISTER NOW!
Details available at www.greeningtheheartland.org.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, take $50 off 2010 Greening the Heartland Conference full registration! This discount is good for today, April 22, only. To take advantage of this discount, click on the Register Now button below and select FULL Registration. In the Discount Code box, enter Earth-GTH. REGISTER NOW!
Details available at www.greeningtheheartland.org.
New USGBC Webinar: Greenhouse Gases and Green Buildings
If you have ever wanted to fully understand the link between greenhouse gas emissions and green buildings, this training is for you. Join USGBC for an important online session, bringing you the tools you need to understand fundamental concepts, accounting requirements, important reduction goals related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the cutting-edge strategies needed to meet these goals. Register today for the online session, Green House Gases & Green Buildings: Understanding and Achieving Key Reduction Goals, featuring these speakers:
- Matt Gray, Analyst, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Department of Energy
- Chris Pyke, Director of Research, USGBC
- Seth Schultz, Director, Climate Positive Program, USGBC
- Moderated by Melissa Gallagher-Rogers, Director, Government Sector, USGBC.
What You Will Learn
Join us as leaders in the field provide you with the lessons tools to:
Understand the nexus between built environments and greenhouse gas emissions.
Explore direct and indirect sources of greenhouse gas emissions across the lifecycle of built environments, including planning, design, construction and operations.
Employ effective resident education and foster changes in resident behavior.
Review new federal mandates for greenhouse gas emissions accounting and public disclosure for public facilities, including new reporting protocols and tools.
Summarize state-of-the-art greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals for high-performance buildings and communities, including the joint USGBC/Clinton Climate Initiative Climate Positive Standard.
$60 for USGBC members, $75 for non-members. Each session will be registered for 1.5 hours of AIA/CES and GBCI Credential Maintenance credit. Register Today
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
No Impact Man film screening & panel discussion
Tuesday, April 27, 7pm at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey Street Omaha, NE
Film Streams Page & Advance Tickets: http://bit.ly/8XKgjy
Invite your friends on Facebook: http://bit.ly/9Er1lS
Film Streams is excited to announce a very special screening coming up in April, presented in collaboration with Verdis Group and the Earth Day Omaha Coalition in conjunction with World Environment Day ARTS week. On Tuesday, April 27, at 7 pm, we will be screening the 2009 documentary NO IMPACT MAN, with a post-show panel discussion immediately following the film.
Panelists will include: moderator Craig Moody, Principal of Verdis Group; Trilety Wade, who tries to live a low-impact life and still have happy house guests; Daniel Lawse, Coordinator of Sustainable Practices at Metropolitan Community College and Co-Principal of Verdis Group, and his wife Andrea Lawse, a doctoral student in 19th Century Naturist Literature and Cultural Dietary Ideologies; and Melissa Kopplin, LCSW, Counselor, Life Coach and cofounder of The Catalyst Collective.
About the film: The documentary NO IMPACT MAN chronicles the vow made by New York-based writer Colin Beavan to make as little environmental impact as possible for one year – and just as importantly, the impact that decision has on the family members (Beavan’s wife, Michelle, and their two-year-old daughter) pulled along for the ride. As you might know, Colin Beavan is in Nebraska today (Wednesday, March 31) as the keynote speaker for the Second Annual Sustainable Enterprise Conference (held at Dana College).More information about the April 27th screening of NO IMPACT MAN and post-show discussion can be found in the attached release, or online at http://bit.ly/8XKgjy.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Kohler WAVE Exposed Flushometers
I'm very interested in these, as I've never heard of them until today. Anyone want to specify some for an upcoming project and let me know how it goes?
Putting control back in the hands of the user, flushometers with WAVE technology offer hygienic touchless operation on command. Activating only when a hand is waved directly in front of the flushometer, the sensor eliminates random flushing altogether. And by doing away with false actuations, WAVE technology provides water savings. Visit Kohler's website for more information.
International PUE agreement reached
An international agreement on power usage effectiveness (PUE) for measuring data center efficiency has been reached.
Source: internet.com -- Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 4/7/2010 8:54:55 AM
As more attention is focused on data centers and the amount of energy it takes to power them, more companies are finding the commercial and public relations value in undertaking Green IT projects, according to an internet.com blog by T. Lau. The problem, as I've blogged about previously, is that there is very little standardization on how to measure Green IT effectiveness and preventing outlandish or unprovable claims when it comes to how green a data center actually is. The EPA's forthcoming Energy Star for Data Centers program will go a long way towards establishing this common standard, but the program is for U.S.-based data centers only.
Over the weekend, news emerged of an international agreement to establish data center energy efficiency. The agreement is between The Green Grid (U.S.-based industry group), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the European Commission Joint Research Centre, the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Green IT Promotion Council (Japan-based industry group). For now the agreement is limited to these three regions, but could expand to include others such as China and India in the future.
Read the whole article here.
Source: internet.com -- Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 4/7/2010 8:54:55 AM
As more attention is focused on data centers and the amount of energy it takes to power them, more companies are finding the commercial and public relations value in undertaking Green IT projects, according to an internet.com blog by T. Lau. The problem, as I've blogged about previously, is that there is very little standardization on how to measure Green IT effectiveness and preventing outlandish or unprovable claims when it comes to how green a data center actually is. The EPA's forthcoming Energy Star for Data Centers program will go a long way towards establishing this common standard, but the program is for U.S.-based data centers only.
Over the weekend, news emerged of an international agreement to establish data center energy efficiency. The agreement is between The Green Grid (U.S.-based industry group), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the European Commission Joint Research Centre, the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Green IT Promotion Council (Japan-based industry group). For now the agreement is limited to these three regions, but could expand to include others such as China and India in the future.
Read the whole article here.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
All About LEED AP Credential Maintenance
I've compiled a document describing all the items you may or may not want to know about the new tiered LEED Professional credentials and the CMP (credentialing maintenance program). This is pretty much my current understanding of the situation compiled from various sources and I thought I'd share online with our USGBC website visitors. You can download the report here. Enjoy!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Wind Energy Bill Signed
By Paul Hammel WORLD-HERALD NEWS BUREAU
LINCOLN -- Gov. Dave Heineman signed into law Monday morning one of the major bills of the 2010 session -- a measure to encourage privately owned wind farms in Nebraska that will export electricity to other states.
Legislative Bill 1048 is designed to remove the barriers to private generation of electricty set up in the 1930s when Nebraska became the nation's only public power state.
“This legislation marks the beginning of accelerated wind energy development in Nebraska,” Heineman said.
“This legislation, combined with previous wind energy efforts, will allow Nebraska to achieve its wind energy potential. Wind energy development will foster growth of the new clean energy economy, and provide meaningful employment and educational opportunities for Nebraskans.”
LINCOLN -- Gov. Dave Heineman signed into law Monday morning one of the major bills of the 2010 session -- a measure to encourage privately owned wind farms in Nebraska that will export electricity to other states.
Legislative Bill 1048 is designed to remove the barriers to private generation of electricty set up in the 1930s when Nebraska became the nation's only public power state.
“This legislation marks the beginning of accelerated wind energy development in Nebraska,” Heineman said.
“This legislation, combined with previous wind energy efforts, will allow Nebraska to achieve its wind energy potential. Wind energy development will foster growth of the new clean energy economy, and provide meaningful employment and educational opportunities for Nebraskans.”
Thursday, April 8, 2010
LEED Certification Management to Change
GBCI, the third party organization that handles the review of projects seeking certification under USGBC’s LEED green building program, concluded evaluation of the pilot in which it engaged global certification bodies to assist with LEED certifications.
The expectation was that it would improve capacity and allow GBCI to scale the certification process while maintaining the necessary rigor and level of customer support. What GBCI found, however, was that it put too much distance between GBCI and its customers and hampered efforts to provide the clarity and consistency project teams need to successfully complete the certification process.
Therefore over the next two years, GBCI will begin to take over the management of the certification process. They anticipate this move will allow them to stay in much closer touch with customers throughout the entire certification process and better ensure the technical oversight of reviews. No change in process will be required of project teams with projects currently under review.
LEED Projects & Case Studies Directory
LEED 2009 projects are now available on the certified project directory at http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/Project/CertifiedProjectList.aspx.
Straw Bale Construction Workshop
Time: 5:00-6:30pm
Date: Monday, April 19, 2010
Location: Peter Kiewit Institute, Room 126 (1110 South 67th Street Omaha, NE 68182).
USGBC NFC's Emerging Green Builders (Omaha) will be hosting a Straw Bale Construction workshop featuring Joyce Coppinger at which you will learn the fundamentals of straw bale construction.
This event is hands on, including construction of a wall partition. Pizza will be provided. More information is available at www.egbomaha.com.
Date: Monday, April 19, 2010
Location: Peter Kiewit Institute, Room 126 (1110 South 67th Street Omaha, NE 68182).
USGBC NFC's Emerging Green Builders (Omaha) will be hosting a Straw Bale Construction workshop featuring Joyce Coppinger at which you will learn the fundamentals of straw bale construction.
This event is hands on, including construction of a wall partition. Pizza will be provided. More information is available at www.egbomaha.com.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Connect With New Customers at USGBC's GreenHomeGuide.com
A searchable services directory helps green-minded consumers connect with local green building professionals. Editorial content, written by green building pros like you, helps homeowners find answers to green home questions that are relevant to their location and project. You can get your free professional services directory listing by visiting http://lists.usgbc.org/t/1045396/27138090/3010/0/.
LEED Regional Priority Credits
For anyone who's done a little checking into the new LEEDv3 rating system, you may have noticed a new category, Regional Priority. Even I had a hard time grasping the concept of at first.
I'll admit that back when they were first announced, I thought these would be new credits specific to regions. But in fact, they’re simply extra points applicable depending on region (specifically zip code). You can download the Excel spreadsheet for your state from http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1984.
Just enter your zip code and a list of credits shows up (make sure you’re on the correct rating system tab). Then, for any of these credits that your project achieves, you can earn an extra point. Pretty simple, it seems.
You can read more at http://usgbcne.org/index.php?Resources:LEED_Regional_Credits
I'll admit that back when they were first announced, I thought these would be new credits specific to regions. But in fact, they’re simply extra points applicable depending on region (specifically zip code). You can download the Excel spreadsheet for your state from http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1984.
Just enter your zip code and a list of credits shows up (make sure you’re on the correct rating system tab). Then, for any of these credits that your project achieves, you can earn an extra point. Pretty simple, it seems.
You can read more at http://usgbcne.org/index.php?Resources:LEED_Regional_Credits
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