Monday, January 31, 2011
State & Local Energy Report
State & Local Energy Report is the only publication written for energy decision makers that merges energy news with policy updates, including the underlying science and innovative successes. The magazine is published every quarter, and the redesigned site, www.stateenergyreport.com, is updated daily with state and local energy news, multi-media, an Energy Directory and more. If you would like to sign up to receive a complimentary subscription please send your name and address to subscriptions@stateenergyreport.com.
Performance Beyond the Plaque
By Jeremy Cohen, Government Sector Manager, USGBC
Green building is fundamentally about performance. As green becomes the norm for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of public buildings, LEED certification is understood as an important performance milestone as opposed to an end in and of itself. Government organizations are endeavoring to better communicate the performance behind the LEED plaque and to ensure progress toward the next milestone. Read more »
Green building is fundamentally about performance. As green becomes the norm for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of public buildings, LEED certification is understood as an important performance milestone as opposed to an end in and of itself. Government organizations are endeavoring to better communicate the performance behind the LEED plaque and to ensure progress toward the next milestone. Read more »
Omaha North High School addition earns LEED Silver certification
Published: 28-Jan-2011, Omaha North High School’s four-storey addition in Nebraska, US has been recognised with LEED-Silver certification, becoming the first facility in the state of Nebraska to earn LEED certification under the LEED for Schools rating system.This project is also the Omaha Public School's first LEED-certified project. The 1922-built school was in dire need of expansion as a result of expanding enrollment. Omaha North High School’s new building spanning 32,092 square feet has been designed by RDG Planning & Design to house science classrooms and labs, besides accommodating the school’s media technology and engineering programmes.
A string of sustainable features have been integrated into the facility, which helped it in acquiring the LEED-Silver certification. The building features a green room for video production with support rooms for sound recording and digital editing, and new practice facilities for the wrestling programme. Sustainable strategies paid full attention to energy efficiency, acoustics, day lighting, building as a learning tool, and the responsible use of materials.
The construction and design project has made use of 81% of wood harvested from FSC-certified sources. The building features a two-level greenhouse for biology which opens onto a green roof. This green roof, which can be used as a secondary teaching space, is totally covered by SRI-compliant material. The school building follows water-efficient landscaping. Harvested rainwater meets 100% of the irrigation needs.
The facility is fitted with low-flow sinks and dual-flush toilets reducing potable water use by 43%. Indoor air quality is enhanced by the use of low-emitting paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, flooring materials and composite woods.
Almost 19% of the building materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the jobsite, and 32% of the building materials constituted recycled content. Vrana diverted about 87% of the construction waste from the landfill, recycling scrap metal, concrete asphalt, wood drywall, cardboard packaging and landscaping waste.
Vrana Construction served as the construction manager for the project and Vertegy served as the LEED consultant. View the story from WIDN here.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
LEED 2009 Sample Forms
Sample forms for all LEED 2009 rating systems (including LEED for Neighborhood Development and LEED for Retail) are now available. To download, log into LEED Online and click "Sample Form Download" at top right. Sample forms are available in two formats. Project registration is not required. See LEED Online for more information.
Green Online Classes at Iowa Western Community College
Green Building and LEED's Rating Certificate - When: January 31st - March 27th, Where: Online, Cost: $695 Get the knowledge to excel as a green professional in the new economy. Acquire an introduction to sustainability and how it lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of the green building process. Participants who successfully complete this course are eligible and prepared to sit for the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate exam. To Register: http://www.yougotclass.org/courses.cfm/Iwcc/Green-Buildings-and-Preparing-for-the-LEED-Green-Associate-Exam
Green Workplace - When: February 7th - March 4th, Where: Online, Cost: $195 - Includes a green workplace toolkit. A greener workplace can provide substantial benefits to your organization’s triple bottom line – people, planet and profits. By reducing the energy intensity their buildings and materials demand and waste, green workplaces can save money and reduce their impact on the environment. Come discover the keys to making green workplaces a success for you and your organization. This course is suitable for those new to green workplaces or already working in a green space and interested in enhancing their knowledge of what makes it a green space. To Register: http://www.yougotclass.org/courses.cfm/Iwcc/Green-Workplace
Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Accepting Comments on the Nebraska State Implementation Plan
Today is the last day to provide comments.
EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the Nebraska State Implementation Plan (SIP), which were recently submitted by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ). These revisions include proposed changes to Nebraska's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program, submitted by NDEQ to EPA on November 19, 2010 and proposed changes to Nebraska's greenhouse gas (GHG) construction permit related regulations, submitted by NDEQ to EPA on October 19, 2010. EPA is soliciting comments from the public on whether it should initially only approve Nebraska's October 19, 2010 submittal and address Nebraska's November 19, 2010 submittal in a subsequent final action.For more information and to submit your comments, visit: http://www.waste-management-world.com/index/from-the-wires/wire-news-display/1329954844.html
EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the Nebraska State Implementation Plan (SIP), which were recently submitted by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ). These revisions include proposed changes to Nebraska's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program, submitted by NDEQ to EPA on November 19, 2010 and proposed changes to Nebraska's greenhouse gas (GHG) construction permit related regulations, submitted by NDEQ to EPA on October 19, 2010. EPA is soliciting comments from the public on whether it should initially only approve Nebraska's October 19, 2010 submittal and address Nebraska's November 19, 2010 submittal in a subsequent final action.For more information and to submit your comments, visit: http://www.waste-management-world.com/index/from-the-wires/wire-news-display/1329954844.html
Green Omaha Coalition Grassroots Competition Underway
USGBC Nebraska Flatwater Chapter is proud to sponsor the GOC Grassroots Competition.
The GOC will continue the Grassroots Competition for 2011! Now in its THIRD year, the annual Grassroots Competition was developed as an incentive for students who want to help green their schools. Students are required to have a teacher or administrator as a sponsor, but they are the driving force in putting together a project that will improve their school’s environmental impact.
If your school is a winner, you could get a $1,000 grant for your school! The competition is currently offered to junior high and high school students in the Omaha metro-area. Entries will only be accepted until February 11th, so register today!
To learn more, visit the GOC website.
ECOmaha website now live!
The mission of ECOmaha is to promote integrated decision-making and strategic actions by City government and the community-at-large that foster environmental quality, build community capacity, and advance economic opportunities for residents, businesses, and government.
ECOmaha is a collaborative effort to realize the goals identified in the Environment Element, a section of the City’s Master Plan approved by City Council in December 2010. The Environment Element offers a comprehensive and unifying vision, developed through a two-year community-based process, for the long-term environmental health and sustainability of the Omaha community and the natural resources and ecosystems on which it depends. To view the entire Environment Element including background issues and recommended strategies, visit City of Omaha’s Environment Element (PDF).
ECOmaha is coordinated by the City of Omaha’s Office of Sustainable Development, under the direction of the city’s Planning Department. The ECOmaha web site will be used to identify and communicate the Policies, Programs, Projects, and Progress related to Omaha’s sustainability initiatives. View the site at http://www.cityofomaha.org/ecomaha/
ECOmaha is a collaborative effort to realize the goals identified in the Environment Element, a section of the City’s Master Plan approved by City Council in December 2010. The Environment Element offers a comprehensive and unifying vision, developed through a two-year community-based process, for the long-term environmental health and sustainability of the Omaha community and the natural resources and ecosystems on which it depends. To view the entire Environment Element including background issues and recommended strategies, visit City of Omaha’s Environment Element (PDF).
ECOmaha is coordinated by the City of Omaha’s Office of Sustainable Development, under the direction of the city’s Planning Department. The ECOmaha web site will be used to identify and communicate the Policies, Programs, Projects, and Progress related to Omaha’s sustainability initiatives. View the site at http://www.cityofomaha.org/ecomaha/
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Last Chance :: FREE Building Science 3 R's Workshop
Building Science 3 R's Workshop with Joseph Lstiburek :: January 27 & 28 at MCC's Fort Omaha Campus
Last Chance for this great workshop! - Please sign up by Wednesday (1/26) at 12noon.
Please share this great opportunity with anyone working in the building trades. This is normally a workshop which costs $795, but it is provided to Omaha at no cost because of grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Labor syNErgy Grant.
Details at this link: http://www.mccneb.edu/publicaffairs/html/Faculty_Development_Workshop_Building_Science.html
The Three R's is designed for builders, architects, engineers, building science consultants, building code officials, facility managers, building product manufacturers, government officials, and disaster and damage restoration professionals who specialize in water loss.
See full seminar agenda below at: www.buildingscienceseminars.com/seminars/the-three-rs-2010.aspx
Continuing Education for:AIA, BPI, ACAC, AIBD, IICRC, and RIA (details available at the above building science website.
Last Chance for this great workshop! - Please sign up by Wednesday (1/26) at 12noon.
Please share this great opportunity with anyone working in the building trades. This is normally a workshop which costs $795, but it is provided to Omaha at no cost because of grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Labor syNErgy Grant.
Details at this link: http://www.mccneb.edu/publicaffairs/html/Faculty_Development_Workshop_Building_Science.html
The Three R's is designed for builders, architects, engineers, building science consultants, building code officials, facility managers, building product manufacturers, government officials, and disaster and damage restoration professionals who specialize in water loss.
See full seminar agenda below at: www.buildingscienceseminars.com/seminars/the-three-rs-2010.aspx
Continuing Education for:AIA, BPI, ACAC, AIBD, IICRC, and RIA (details available at the above building science website.
Voluntary Initiatives Through-out the Country
From coast to coast, cities, regions, and organizations around the country are sponsoring voluntary campaigns challenging building owners and managers to evaluate and reduce building energy consumption. Help your customers participate and be recognized for reducing their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. A few examples follow:
- International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has launched the IFMA Energy Challenge for facilities to reduce their facility energy use by 15 percent or more.
- BOMA International’s 7-Point Challenge urges the industry to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings 30 percent by 2012.
- BOMA Portland and BetterBricks launched Carbon4Square to challenge teams in the Northwest to improve building performance in four categories: energy, water, transportation, and waste.
- Arlington County, Virginia’s “Arlington Green Games” is a competition for commercial properties to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Participants commit to a year-long program in which they receive ongoing training and support.
Measuring and Reporting Requirements for ARRA-Funded Programs
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as “the stimulus bill”, included billions of dollars for energy efficiency and clean energy investments. Two programs – the State Energy Program and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, each are channeling about $3 billion to state and local government grantees. The largest single use of these funds is to improve existing state and local government buildings, presenting opportunities for ENERGY STAR Service & Product Providers working with public buildings.
All ARRA-funded programs require measurement and reporting of performance, with many programs – from Maine to Utah – requiring or recommending Portfolio Manager as the preferred tool. Learn more.
All ARRA-funded programs require measurement and reporting of performance, with many programs – from Maine to Utah – requiring or recommending Portfolio Manager as the preferred tool. Learn more.
Federal Agencies Now Required to Lease Space in ENERGY STAR Buildings
ENERGY STAR requirement for Federal Leases. As of December 2010, federal agencies can only lease space in buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR, according to the Energy Independence and Security Act, 2007. The new requirement affects all federal agencies renewing or entering into a new lease for more than 10,000 square feet.
Federal High Performance and Sustainable Buildings. EPA has partnered with DOE and the General Services Administration to incorporate the Federal High Performance Sustainable Buildings Checklist (i.e., “Guiding Principles Checklist” under Executive Order 13423) into Portfolio Manager. View an overview of using the checklist feature, and live and recorded training sessions.
Visit www.energystar.gov/EISA for more information and to register for a free webinar on the new leasing requirements tonsure that your buildings are “Federal ready.”
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Are you EV ready?
Reposted from http://aimgreenomaha.com/?p=1213 Two major auto companies have brought electric vehicles (EVs) into the mainstream recently by launching the all-electric Nissan Leaf and General Motors’ plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt. The Volt was recently awarded 2011 North American Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show.
Electric vehicles are now rolling off assembly lines and are expected to hit the Omaha market later this year. With some of its customers planning to get their transportation fuel from the power grid instead of a gas pump, the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) has undertaken studies as to how this might affect its operations.
One of its first discoveries was that customers have a lot of questions about the new technology. To help keep its customers updated with the most current EV information, OPPD has launched a new website, www.OPPD.com/EV.
OPPD customers interested in purchasing an EV have many questions and pros and cons to consider. They can research types of EVs, learn about charging options and environmental benefits, complete an EV readiness checklist and find the latest incentives, news and resources at www.OPPD.com/EV. Site information includes:
• What You Need to Know Before You Buy an Electric Vehicle
• The Difference Between Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Battery Electric Vehicles
• Three Important Steps to Making Your Home Ready for an Electric Vehicle
• How OPPD is Preparing for Electric Vehicles
• Electric Vehicle Readiness Checklist
“The site will be continually updated with the latest, most relevant information related to EV advancements, so that EV purchasers can find everything they need in one place,” said Buettner.
For more information about EVs in the OPPD service area, visit www.OPPD.com/EV, call 1-855-OPPD4EV (1-855-677-3438) or send an email to oppd4ev@oppd.com.
New ConAgra plant sets ‘green’ standard
By Ross Boettcher
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER. View the article in its entirity at http://www.omaha.com/article/20110122/MONEY/701229877
ConAgra Foods’ sustainable sweet potato plant in Delhi, La., is being dubbed “Platinum” for being “green.”
Friday, the Omaha-based packaged food giant announced that its new Lamb Weston processing plant became the first frozen food manufacturing facility in the world to earn a platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Platinum certification is the highest level offered.
The recognition for ConAgra is more than ceremonial and could break new ground for food manufacturing companies designing and building more energy-efficient and sustainable buildings and manufacturing plants in the future, an Omaha-based sustainability expert said.
“It’s exciting for a large organization like ConAgra to take these steps,” said Craig Moody, who is principal owner of Verdis Group, a “green” consulting firm in Omaha, and serves in leadership positions on numerous sustainability organizations. “When designing a building like this, it starts at day one. ConAgra made a commitment to make this a great, energy-efficient building.”
The Lamb Weston facility processes and packages sweet potatoes from Louisiana and surrounding states with cutting-edge equipment and materials, ConAgra said. It went online in September 2010. It’s the only platinum LEED-certified building in Louisiana.
Nebraska has two platinum LEED-certified buildings, the M.E. Group Office Building, 8040 Davenport St., and the headquarters building for Morrissey Engineering, 4940 N 118th St.
Moody said designing and constructing sustainable structures for LEED certification typically is more expensive, but most companies view those upfront charges as an investment for the utility and other cost savings that will take place in the future.
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, the sustainability of the building site; water efficiency; energy and atmosphere; materials and resources; indoor environmental quality; and the innovation and design process all are considered when certifying a structure under LEED guidelines.
Some of the features that helped the ConAgra facility earn certification were:
>> Interior climate control, which helps keeps workers safe from slipping because condensation and water buildup on plant floors is avoided.
>> Organic carpeting, cleaning products and paints, which reduce employee exposure to pollutants.
>> The piping of Biogas, a bi-product of treated wastewater, into the plant’s boilers to produce steam. The process offsets about 20 percent of the facility’s annual natural gas costs and prevents methane, a harmful gas, from entering the atmosphere.
>> At least 100 acres of surrounding land, including wetland areas and ponds, will be protected.
>> Priority parking for drivers of low-emission vehicles like hybrids and electric cars.
“We had an opportunity to build something from scratch and set out to build a great sustainable plant because it was right for the business and who we are as a company,” said Rick Martin, vice president for manufacturing at Lamb Weston. “We’ve been producing quality sweet potato products for the past 10 years, which allowed us to bring the best of what we’ve learned during that time to the design and construction of the Delhi plant.”
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER. View the article in its entirity at http://www.omaha.com/article/20110122/MONEY/701229877
ConAgra Foods’ sustainable sweet potato plant in Delhi, La., is being dubbed “Platinum” for being “green.”
Friday, the Omaha-based packaged food giant announced that its new Lamb Weston processing plant became the first frozen food manufacturing facility in the world to earn a platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Platinum certification is the highest level offered.
The recognition for ConAgra is more than ceremonial and could break new ground for food manufacturing companies designing and building more energy-efficient and sustainable buildings and manufacturing plants in the future, an Omaha-based sustainability expert said.
“It’s exciting for a large organization like ConAgra to take these steps,” said Craig Moody, who is principal owner of Verdis Group, a “green” consulting firm in Omaha, and serves in leadership positions on numerous sustainability organizations. “When designing a building like this, it starts at day one. ConAgra made a commitment to make this a great, energy-efficient building.”
The Lamb Weston facility processes and packages sweet potatoes from Louisiana and surrounding states with cutting-edge equipment and materials, ConAgra said. It went online in September 2010. It’s the only platinum LEED-certified building in Louisiana.
Nebraska has two platinum LEED-certified buildings, the M.E. Group Office Building, 8040 Davenport St., and the headquarters building for Morrissey Engineering, 4940 N 118th St.
Moody said designing and constructing sustainable structures for LEED certification typically is more expensive, but most companies view those upfront charges as an investment for the utility and other cost savings that will take place in the future.
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, the sustainability of the building site; water efficiency; energy and atmosphere; materials and resources; indoor environmental quality; and the innovation and design process all are considered when certifying a structure under LEED guidelines.
Some of the features that helped the ConAgra facility earn certification were:
>> Interior climate control, which helps keeps workers safe from slipping because condensation and water buildup on plant floors is avoided.
>> Organic carpeting, cleaning products and paints, which reduce employee exposure to pollutants.
>> The piping of Biogas, a bi-product of treated wastewater, into the plant’s boilers to produce steam. The process offsets about 20 percent of the facility’s annual natural gas costs and prevents methane, a harmful gas, from entering the atmosphere.
>> At least 100 acres of surrounding land, including wetland areas and ponds, will be protected.
>> Priority parking for drivers of low-emission vehicles like hybrids and electric cars.
“We had an opportunity to build something from scratch and set out to build a great sustainable plant because it was right for the business and who we are as a company,” said Rick Martin, vice president for manufacturing at Lamb Weston. “We’ve been producing quality sweet potato products for the past 10 years, which allowed us to bring the best of what we’ve learned during that time to the design and construction of the Delhi plant.”
Friday, January 21, 2011
ASHRAE Scholarship Fundraiser Tourey
Help support local Engineering Students with ASHRAE at their Lucky Bucket Brewery Tour. All proceeds go to provide (4) $1,000 scholarships to students in Engineering programs. $20 per reservation, Students and ASHRAE Guest receive a $5 discount!
Where: Lucky Bucket Brewing Company (11941 Centennial Road, Suite 1, La Vista, NE 68128-5623)
Date: February 18th, 2011
Time: 6pm - 10pm
RSVP: tyler.glesne@MEGroup.com
Where: Lucky Bucket Brewing Company (11941 Centennial Road, Suite 1, La Vista, NE 68128-5623)
Date: February 18th, 2011
Time: 6pm - 10pm
RSVP: tyler.glesne@MEGroup.com
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sustainable Energy Program Information Meetings for 2011 LES Financial Incentives
The following content appears courtesy of Lincoln Electric System's EnergyLine Newsletter.
If you are planning any projects that could increase your organization’s energy efficiency, you may be interested in LES financial incentives that will be available beginning Feb. 1. The first step for project eligibility is to attend one of the program meetings scheduled for 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 25 or Jan. 27 at The Center for People In Need, 3901 N. 27th St. Lincoln, NE.
Attendance is required at one of these meetings to be eligible to apply for incentives, even if you attended a meeting in 2010, because there are changes to the program. This meeting is for both Sustainable Energy Program participating contractors and business customers planning their own projects. Register now.
In 2010, over 800 customers received LES financial incentives for energy efficiency projects. Read about some of the projects:
- Lighting projects from Pfizer, Hy-Vee and Capitol City Church. Read the article.
- Pfizer’s chiller replacement , Capitol City Church’s energy management system, Hidden Valley - Golf Club’s variable frequency drive equipment and Universal Cold Storage’s quick freeze racking system. Read the article.
Following is a summary of the financial incentives.
- Residential Efficiency Incentives
- Whole-House Sealing and Insulation
- High-Efficiency Heat Pump and Central Air Conditioning
- Facility Efficiency Incentives
- Chiller Replacement at Pfizer Global Manufacturing
- Chiller Replacement
- Energy Management System Upgrade or Installation
- Heat Pump and Central Air Conditioning
- Lighting Retrofit
- Operations or Processes Efficiency Incentives
- Compressed Air System Audit
- Variable Frequency Drive Replacement
- Systems commissioning
The terms and conditions for each program will be available by visiting les.com after Feb. 1.
If you are planning any projects that could increase your organization’s energy efficiency, you may be interested in LES financial incentives that will be available beginning Feb. 1. The first step for project eligibility is to attend one of the program meetings scheduled for 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 25 or Jan. 27 at The Center for People In Need, 3901 N. 27th St. Lincoln, NE.
Attendance is required at one of these meetings to be eligible to apply for incentives, even if you attended a meeting in 2010, because there are changes to the program. This meeting is for both Sustainable Energy Program participating contractors and business customers planning their own projects. Register now.
In 2010, over 800 customers received LES financial incentives for energy efficiency projects. Read about some of the projects:
- Lighting projects from Pfizer, Hy-Vee and Capitol City Church. Read the article.
- Pfizer’s chiller replacement , Capitol City Church’s energy management system, Hidden Valley - Golf Club’s variable frequency drive equipment and Universal Cold Storage’s quick freeze racking system. Read the article.
Following is a summary of the financial incentives.
- Residential Efficiency Incentives
- Whole-House Sealing and Insulation
- High-Efficiency Heat Pump and Central Air Conditioning
- Facility Efficiency Incentives
- Chiller Replacement at Pfizer Global Manufacturing
- Chiller Replacement
- Energy Management System Upgrade or Installation
- Heat Pump and Central Air Conditioning
- Lighting Retrofit
- Operations or Processes Efficiency Incentives
- Compressed Air System Audit
- Variable Frequency Drive Replacement
- Systems commissioning
The terms and conditions for each program will be available by visiting les.com after Feb. 1.
Benchmarking for Energy Success
The following content appears courtesy of Lincoln Electric System's EnergyLine Newsletter.
The concept of benchmarking began in the manufacturing sector as a component of total quality management (TQM). It is used as a performance-measurement tool by which companies compare themselves to their competitors as a means of instituting process improvement measures. Energy benchmarking is the collection and analysis of energy-use data that provides facilities with a context for making comparisons. Armed with this information, facility managers can spot inefficiencies, identify energy-saving opportunities, and monitor performance improvements over time.
Energy benchmarking will benefit your facility in a number of ways, including the prioritization of your energy investments. Across your building portfolio, benchmarking provides a foundation for making solid energy-management decisions. Moreover, by comparing benchmarking scores, you can assess the cost-saving potential of efficiency improvements; tracking and evaluating them over time. Finally, by documenting superior energy performance, you can generate positive publicity for your organization by communicating a green image.
Read more, including steps for energy benchmarking, at http://members.questline.com/Article.aspx?articleID=5001&accountID=82&nl=10370&userID=149277
Key Points
- Benchmarking is a comparison of your energy performance with similar facilities.
- Benchmarking programs spot inefficiencies and provide information for energy-management decisions.
- The benchmarking process includes a focus on continuous improvement.
The concept of benchmarking began in the manufacturing sector as a component of total quality management (TQM). It is used as a performance-measurement tool by which companies compare themselves to their competitors as a means of instituting process improvement measures. Energy benchmarking is the collection and analysis of energy-use data that provides facilities with a context for making comparisons. Armed with this information, facility managers can spot inefficiencies, identify energy-saving opportunities, and monitor performance improvements over time.
Energy benchmarking will benefit your facility in a number of ways, including the prioritization of your energy investments. Across your building portfolio, benchmarking provides a foundation for making solid energy-management decisions. Moreover, by comparing benchmarking scores, you can assess the cost-saving potential of efficiency improvements; tracking and evaluating them over time. Finally, by documenting superior energy performance, you can generate positive publicity for your organization by communicating a green image.
Read more, including steps for energy benchmarking, at http://members.questline.com/Article.aspx?articleID=5001&accountID=82&nl=10370&userID=149277
Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Accepting Comments on the Nebraska State Implementation Plan
Accepting comments through January 26th! EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the Nebraska State Implementation Plan (SIP), which were recently submitted by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ). These revisions include proposed changes to Nebraska's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program, submitted by NDEQ to EPA on November 19, 2010 and proposed changes to Nebraska's greenhouse gas (GHG) construction permit related regulations, submitted by NDEQ to EPA on October 19, 2010. EPA is soliciting comments from the public on whether it should initially only approve Nebraska's October 19, 2010 submittal and address Nebraska's November 19, 2010 submittal in a subsequent final action.
For more information and to submit your comments, visit: http://www.waste-management-world.com/index/from-the-wires/wire-news-display/1329954844.html
For more information and to submit your comments, visit: http://www.waste-management-world.com/index/from-the-wires/wire-news-display/1329954844.html
UnderTheSink's Solid Waste Service Survey
Survey closes January 24th!
The Omaha Public Works Department is the owner and operator of the UnderTheSink facility on behalf of Douglas and Sarpy counties. Currently, the Public Works Department is conducting a survey of the solid waste services provided by the City of Omaha, including several questions about UnderTheSink.Please share your input by completing the survey at: http://survey.wasteline.org
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
USGBC Education & Training Offerings
Whether you are interested in LEED specific webinars, online courses, case studies - or a brand-new way to chat online with the experts - USGBC is your source for excellence in green building education.
Meeting IEQp1: Common Pitfalls and How To Avoid Them This all-new webinar provides strategies for HVAC design professionals to overcome these obstacles in LEED projects and successfully meet the minimum indoor air quality requirements set by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007. Session Cost: $60 for members, $75 for non-members
Wednesday, Jan. 19, Join Live Chats with USGBC: This all-new, free educational resource gives you a chance to chat online with the experts at no-cost. This new program, Exploring EA Credit 1 with the Experts, features Chris Schaffner of The Green Engineer, and Marcus Sheffer of 7Group. This program will run live Jan. 19, 2011, from 2-3 p.m. EST.
Get LEED right the first time with USGBC’s LEED Stories from Practice. Read, see, and hear about real projects, told from the diverse perspectives of multiple project team members. Come away with effective LEED strategies, best practices, lessons learned and integrative process tips to make your next project a success. Register today »
Meeting IEQp1: Common Pitfalls and How To Avoid Them This all-new webinar provides strategies for HVAC design professionals to overcome these obstacles in LEED projects and successfully meet the minimum indoor air quality requirements set by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007. Session Cost: $60 for members, $75 for non-members
Wednesday, Jan. 19, Join Live Chats with USGBC: This all-new, free educational resource gives you a chance to chat online with the experts at no-cost. This new program, Exploring EA Credit 1 with the Experts, features Chris Schaffner of The Green Engineer, and Marcus Sheffer of 7Group. This program will run live Jan. 19, 2011, from 2-3 p.m. EST.
- Interested in learning more about EAc1? Check out the three-part webinar series, EA Credit 1: Successful Implementation Beyond Baseline Performance.
Updated LEED201 Online Course: Calling All Prospective Green Associates!USGBC's popular LEED201 Online Course has been updated for 2011. Self-paced, interactive and all about LEED and sustainable building design. Just what you need to kick-start your pursuit of the LEED Green Associate Credential. Register today »
Learn From Your Peers: LEED Stories from PracticeGet LEED right the first time with USGBC’s LEED Stories from Practice. Read, see, and hear about real projects, told from the diverse perspectives of multiple project team members. Come away with effective LEED strategies, best practices, lessons learned and integrative process tips to make your next project a success. Register today »
Habitat Omaha's First LEED Certified Home
USGBC Nebraska Flatwater Chapter will host several volunteer days to help with the construction of this home. These work days will be eligible for CEU credits for LEED Professionals. Watch our events calendar and stay tuned to our mailing list for more information.
From www.habitatomaha.org/ and goodwillomaha.org/: It's a status most builders dream of - a LEED Certification. This year Habitat Omaha and Goodwill's YouthBuild are striving for the Gold level certification. It will be the first Habitat Omaha LEED Certified Home in Nebraska.
So what does it mean? It means a few changes to the traditional Habitat home in order to make sure it's not just good for the new homeowner, but also good for our environment. Changes like ceramic tile flooring instead of vinyl in the entry, kitchen and bathroom will receive green building points. The location of the house is also key to gaining more LEED points. The new house is located within .05 miles of public transportation. We also receive points for developing a recycling system on the construction site. This means we have committed to diverting at least 75% the build site waste materials from the landfills.
Who we Are
The Goodwill YouthBuild program is currently working on installing the house wrap, and prepping the house for window installation. HDR, professional consultants for this project, will soon volunteer to construct the front porch and do the basement framing.
For 75 years in Omaha, Goodwill Industries has pursued its mission of changing lives and strengthening the community through education, training, and work. One piece of Goodwill’s Employment and Training arm, is YouthBuild. This program is a department of labor program, that allows youth between the ages of 16-24 to gain their GED’s while learning on the site construction skills, as they construct a home for Habitat for Humanity. In 2010 Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill’s YouthBuild program, began the planning and construction phase for their first LEED certified home Green home.
What we've Done
In this partnership with Habitat for Humanity we are building the first low income single-family home in the state of Nebraska. This project is planned to receive LEED gold status, as measured by the United States Green Building Council. (USGBC) The building methods used on this home will seek to improve the quality of homes that Habitat for Humanity is already building. In 2011, this cooperation will lead to construction of 3 LEED certified homes by Habitat and Goodwill. With increased insulation measures, and environmentally aware water fixtures, these homes will provide more durable homes for the home owners. These measures will also reduce overall energy usage and utility expenses for those living in the home.
Home Specifics
Sustainability – By building an environmentally friendly home, while staying within Habitat’s average cost margins, we are creating a model that shows the importance and practicality of building homes that have both immediate costs benefits, long term environmental impact, and are a practical next step towards the future of affordable homes in Omaha’s redeveloping communities.
Increased insulation Measures – 2 inch Foam on Exterior, Spray & Batt system inside that creates a much more efficient home seal, lowering overall utility and upkeep costs.
Durable Exterior – Fiber cement siding, and trim are installed and sealed all around the home, emphasizing the long term durability and sustainability of the home.
Waste Management – The amount of waste created in this project is limited by strict ordering and tracking the waste or specifically recycling the lumber not used in the project.
Planning – Much of the LEED for Homes building process emphasizes the use of existing lots, sites that are accessible to community resources (such as public transit, groceries, and places to work), as well as making the most of the environmental impact of the building of the home on the site and neighborhood.
Where We are Going
With the current development happening in North Omaha, this partnership feels that this area is ripe for redevelopment, specifically with more sustainable building practices. This is where our YouthBuild trainees build affordable homes now – and where our green capacity-building efforts will make the most impact for young people and their families. Through our proposed green initiative, we will train our key staff in nationally-recognized green-building standards, acquire new technology. This new level of training will then allow us to teach our trainees about home energy efficiency, augment our training curriculum, and outfit a shop for training in weatherization and much needed Green building skills. YouthBuild Omaha will target occupations in construction that see greater demand or require enhanced skills in the emerging green-building industry.
How to Get Involved
Volunteering- We regularly have volunteer days, where people can get hands on experience with Green building techniques and products.
Donating – We are always looking for new types of products, supplies, and building methods that will allow us to be more affective at both job training and construction of our homes.
Partnering – We are looking for individuals, businesses and community groups that are trying to create a network of Environmentally minded people who can move Omaha, and specifically Green affordable housing into the forefront of development and job creation in North Omaha, and Omaha’s other lower income communities.
From www.habitatomaha.org/ and goodwillomaha.org/: It's a status most builders dream of - a LEED Certification. This year Habitat Omaha and Goodwill's YouthBuild are striving for the Gold level certification. It will be the first Habitat Omaha LEED Certified Home in Nebraska.So what does it mean? It means a few changes to the traditional Habitat home in order to make sure it's not just good for the new homeowner, but also good for our environment. Changes like ceramic tile flooring instead of vinyl in the entry, kitchen and bathroom will receive green building points. The location of the house is also key to gaining more LEED points. The new house is located within .05 miles of public transportation. We also receive points for developing a recycling system on the construction site. This means we have committed to diverting at least 75% the build site waste materials from the landfills.
Who we Are
The Goodwill YouthBuild program is currently working on installing the house wrap, and prepping the house for window installation. HDR, professional consultants for this project, will soon volunteer to construct the front porch and do the basement framing.
For 75 years in Omaha, Goodwill Industries has pursued its mission of changing lives and strengthening the community through education, training, and work. One piece of Goodwill’s Employment and Training arm, is YouthBuild. This program is a department of labor program, that allows youth between the ages of 16-24 to gain their GED’s while learning on the site construction skills, as they construct a home for Habitat for Humanity. In 2010 Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill’s YouthBuild program, began the planning and construction phase for their first LEED certified home Green home.
What we've Done
In this partnership with Habitat for Humanity we are building the first low income single-family home in the state of Nebraska. This project is planned to receive LEED gold status, as measured by the United States Green Building Council. (USGBC) The building methods used on this home will seek to improve the quality of homes that Habitat for Humanity is already building. In 2011, this cooperation will lead to construction of 3 LEED certified homes by Habitat and Goodwill. With increased insulation measures, and environmentally aware water fixtures, these homes will provide more durable homes for the home owners. These measures will also reduce overall energy usage and utility expenses for those living in the home.
Home Specifics
Sustainability – By building an environmentally friendly home, while staying within Habitat’s average cost margins, we are creating a model that shows the importance and practicality of building homes that have both immediate costs benefits, long term environmental impact, and are a practical next step towards the future of affordable homes in Omaha’s redeveloping communities.
Increased insulation Measures – 2 inch Foam on Exterior, Spray & Batt system inside that creates a much more efficient home seal, lowering overall utility and upkeep costs.
Durable Exterior – Fiber cement siding, and trim are installed and sealed all around the home, emphasizing the long term durability and sustainability of the home.
Waste Management – The amount of waste created in this project is limited by strict ordering and tracking the waste or specifically recycling the lumber not used in the project.
Planning – Much of the LEED for Homes building process emphasizes the use of existing lots, sites that are accessible to community resources (such as public transit, groceries, and places to work), as well as making the most of the environmental impact of the building of the home on the site and neighborhood.
Where We are Going
With the current development happening in North Omaha, this partnership feels that this area is ripe for redevelopment, specifically with more sustainable building practices. This is where our YouthBuild trainees build affordable homes now – and where our green capacity-building efforts will make the most impact for young people and their families. Through our proposed green initiative, we will train our key staff in nationally-recognized green-building standards, acquire new technology. This new level of training will then allow us to teach our trainees about home energy efficiency, augment our training curriculum, and outfit a shop for training in weatherization and much needed Green building skills. YouthBuild Omaha will target occupations in construction that see greater demand or require enhanced skills in the emerging green-building industry.
How to Get Involved
Volunteering- We regularly have volunteer days, where people can get hands on experience with Green building techniques and products.
Donating – We are always looking for new types of products, supplies, and building methods that will allow us to be more affective at both job training and construction of our homes.
Partnering – We are looking for individuals, businesses and community groups that are trying to create a network of Environmentally minded people who can move Omaha, and specifically Green affordable housing into the forefront of development and job creation in North Omaha, and Omaha’s other lower income communities.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Nelson Tours Norfolk, Green City Even in Winter
From http://www.1011now.com: Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson was in Norfolk where he heard about a new Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce and Madison County Visitor Center that will be a LEED certified “green” building, only the 3rd LEED certified Chamber facility in the United States. He also toured the Nebraska Public Power District’s Norfolk Operations Center that is LEED certified, meaning it used environmentally-friendly building practices and is energy-efficient.
“Green energy is the future and I am thrilled that Nebraska and Norfolk, in particular, are taking a lead role in its development,” Senator Nelson said at the NPPD facility. “Norfolk has been working hard for the past year and-a-half to lay the foundation to build a community which will attract green businesses to town, which is essential toward the building of a ‘green’ economy.
“This initiative is a source of great pride for many involved with the community’s economic development and for a number of active citizens,” Nelson added. “By using energy wisely, Norfolk can be a model for communities across our state, which also is developing ‘green energy’ from the wind, the sun and our crops. (Read More...)
“Green energy is the future and I am thrilled that Nebraska and Norfolk, in particular, are taking a lead role in its development,” Senator Nelson said at the NPPD facility. “Norfolk has been working hard for the past year and-a-half to lay the foundation to build a community which will attract green businesses to town, which is essential toward the building of a ‘green’ economy.
“This initiative is a source of great pride for many involved with the community’s economic development and for a number of active citizens,” Nelson added. “By using energy wisely, Norfolk can be a model for communities across our state, which also is developing ‘green energy’ from the wind, the sun and our crops. (Read More...)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Free GBCI CE Hours: 2011 Educational Webcast Series for Members
USGBC's third-party Education Providers offer LEED Professionals a unique opportunity to round out their professional development and are a great supplement to USGBC's core LEED curriculum. National USGBC is currently offering all employees of USGBC member organizations a series of Education Provider webcasts, free of charge. All are qualified for GBCI Continuing Education (CE) hours toward your LEED Professional Credential maintenance. Visit USGBC Webcasts & Podcasts to register for these and other members-only webcasts.
Jan. 20, 3-4:30 p.m. ET: Material Strategies that Work for LEED presented by Green Ideas
Feb. 17, 3-4:30 p.m. ET: LEED Credits in Energy and Atmosphere presented by RedVector.com, Inc.
March 15, 3-4 p.m. ET: Advanced Building Envelope Solutions presented by Environmental Design & Construction Magazine
May 19, 3-4 p.m. ET: Integrated Project Collaboration Software. The Missing Link for IPD presented by Submittal Exchange
June 21, 3-4 p.m. ET: Electric Radiant Heat presented by InfoSpec, Inc, an affiliate of Ron Blank & Assoc., Inc.
July 21, 3-4 p.m. ET: Energy Systems Introduction presented by Energy Onion
Aug. 18, 3-4 p.m. ET: Light Control for Energy Savings presented by Lutron Electronics Co, Inc.
Sept. 22, 3-4 p.m. ET: Case Study: Selective Demolition and Dismantling presented by Green Path Corp.
Oct. 20, 3-4 p.m. ET: Cost-Effective Energy Savings with Drain Water Heat Recovery presented by RenewABILITY Energy Inc.
Nov. 17, 3-4:30 p.m. ET: Case Study: What's Your Score? Benchmarking Energy Use through ENERGY STAR® presented by Facility Engineering Associates PC
Dec. 13, 3-4:30 p.m. ET: Exemplary Performance Opportunities for LEED NC Projects presented by Green Education Services
Each webcast is eligible for at least 1 GBCI CE hour, and because these webcasts have been reviewed by USGBC, a GBCI-approved Education Reviewing Body, they may be reported to GBCI under the unrestricted "professional development" activity type for LEED Professional Credential maintenance. Visit USGBC Webcasts & Podcasts to register for these and other members-only webcasts.
Jan. 20, 3-4:30 p.m. ET: Material Strategies that Work for LEED presented by Green Ideas
Feb. 17, 3-4:30 p.m. ET: LEED Credits in Energy and Atmosphere presented by RedVector.com, Inc.
March 15, 3-4 p.m. ET: Advanced Building Envelope Solutions presented by Environmental Design & Construction Magazine
May 19, 3-4 p.m. ET: Integrated Project Collaboration Software. The Missing Link for IPD presented by Submittal Exchange
June 21, 3-4 p.m. ET: Electric Radiant Heat presented by InfoSpec, Inc, an affiliate of Ron Blank & Assoc., Inc.
July 21, 3-4 p.m. ET: Energy Systems Introduction presented by Energy Onion
Aug. 18, 3-4 p.m. ET: Light Control for Energy Savings presented by Lutron Electronics Co, Inc.
Sept. 22, 3-4 p.m. ET: Case Study: Selective Demolition and Dismantling presented by Green Path Corp.
Oct. 20, 3-4 p.m. ET: Cost-Effective Energy Savings with Drain Water Heat Recovery presented by RenewABILITY Energy Inc.
Nov. 17, 3-4:30 p.m. ET: Case Study: What's Your Score? Benchmarking Energy Use through ENERGY STAR® presented by Facility Engineering Associates PC
Dec. 13, 3-4:30 p.m. ET: Exemplary Performance Opportunities for LEED NC Projects presented by Green Education Services
Each webcast is eligible for at least 1 GBCI CE hour, and because these webcasts have been reviewed by USGBC, a GBCI-approved Education Reviewing Body, they may be reported to GBCI under the unrestricted "professional development" activity type for LEED Professional Credential maintenance. Visit USGBC Webcasts & Podcasts to register for these and other members-only webcasts.
Linear Regression Analysis w Degree Days.net
Anyone who has to answer questions like, "why did our utility bill go up last month?" should already be familiar with the website www.degreedays.net. If you're not, though, get ready for a crash-course in this fantastic resource... The information below are just several small examples of what you'll find on the site.
There's more to degree days than many people realize... And understanding them well is the key to using them effectively... Because in addition to being very helpful in data analysis for energy professionals, degree days can be uncommonly good at leading the best intentioned energy-saving efforts in the wrong direction!
For the professional energy manager or consultant:
If you take the time to read their "Degree Days - Handle with Care!" article, we believe that you will gain a level of understanding that will put you head and shoulders above the majority of your peers. It's long, and it's pretty heavy going, but we're confident that you will find it a worthwhile investment of your time.
Quite likely you will also find our article on regression analysis useful. It explains a little-known, but highly-effective technique for determining the base temperature of a building.
For the beginner:
We've written an easy-going introductory guide to degree days - it explains exactly what degree days are, where they come from, and why people typically use them. You're already here getting data so you probably know why you want to use them, but if you're uncertain about the rest you should find the article pretty helpful.
There's more to degree days than many people realize... And understanding them well is the key to using them effectively... Because in addition to being very helpful in data analysis for energy professionals, degree days can be uncommonly good at leading the best intentioned energy-saving efforts in the wrong direction!
For the professional energy manager or consultant:
If you take the time to read their "Degree Days - Handle with Care!" article, we believe that you will gain a level of understanding that will put you head and shoulders above the majority of your peers. It's long, and it's pretty heavy going, but we're confident that you will find it a worthwhile investment of your time.
Quite likely you will also find our article on regression analysis useful. It explains a little-known, but highly-effective technique for determining the base temperature of a building.
For the beginner:
We've written an easy-going introductory guide to degree days - it explains exactly what degree days are, where they come from, and why people typically use them. You're already here getting data so you probably know why you want to use them, but if you're uncertain about the rest you should find the article pretty helpful.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
LEED Next Version 1st Public Comment - Final Week to Submit Comments
LEED Next Version (estimated 2012) 1st Public Comment Period Closing January 14th, 2011
In early November, the first public comment period for the next update to the LEED (estimated 2012) green building rating systems opened. This public comment period includes all LEED rating systems, including the BD+C, ID+C and O+M rating system groups, LEED for Neighborhood Development, and LEED for Homes.
The public comment period is an important phase of the consensus-driven LEED development process. It's during this phase that USGBC relies on the users and stakeholders to give input on the direction of the proposed rating systems. LEED will continue to evolve, improve, and move forward as the industry benchmark for green buildings, and as it does so, it is imperative that we receive industry-wide input through public comment.
Step 1:
LEED Rating System Development Page
Visit the LEED Rating System Development Page for information on the
schedule and to download public comment-specific documents.
Step 2:
LEED Public Comment Page
Visit the LEED Public Comment Page. This page includes a description
of the comment process. At the bottom of this page you will find the
rating system drafts. You will
be asked to sign in to your USGBC user account to comment.
Step 3:
Once you are signed in, you will have the ability to navigate through
the credit categories and comment on specific measures.
Thanks to DLR Group
Thanks to DLR Group, the newest Silver sponsor of the USGBC Nebraska Flatwater Chapter! DLR Group is an integrated design firm providing architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design. Their promise is to elivate the human experience through design. This promise inspires sustainable design for corporate, higher education, justice, K-12 education, and sports clients across the country.
DLR’s new 3 story 39,000 square foot building at 6457 Frances Street in the middle of the Aksarben Development in Omaha is pursuing LEED Gold certification. The building will provide employees with outdoor workspaces, a green roof, and landscaping using native plants.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Mammel Hall Becomes First Gold LEED Building at NU
2011.01.04 > For Immediate Releasecontact: Wendy Townley - University Relationsphone: 402.554.2762 - email: wtownley@unomaha.edu
Omaha - Mammel Hall, the new home to the College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), has become the first building within the University of Nebraska system to earn LEED gold certification for its green and energy saving features.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green building certification system. LEED provides third-party verification on construction projects that are built using strategies aimed at energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
Ground broke on the 120,000-square-foot Mammel Hall construction project, located at 67th and Pine Streets, in June 2008. The $34 million facility opened to UNO students, faculty and staff in August 2010.
Mammel Hall received LEED certification in 2010 based on the following features:
Development Density and Community Connectivity
The building’s design works to support connectivity between UNO and the adjacent Aksarben Village development.
Alternative Transportation: Public Transportation Access
Mammel Hall is located within a quarter-mile of one existing campus bus route and two existing city bus routes, thus promoting the use of public transportation and reducing pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.
Daylight and Views, Daylighting 75 Percent of Spaces
Daylight fills nearly 75 percent of the offices, conference rooms, open work areas, workstations, administrative areas and the dean’s suite. This feature provides students, faculty and staff a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors, which, according to LEED standards, promotes productivity, comfort and wellbeing.
Water Reduction
The unique plant species used in the outdoor landscape design will reduce water consumed for irrigation by 52 percent.
Construction Waste Management
More than 97 percent of construction waste from Mammel Hall was diverted from landfills.
Thermographic Imaging
Infrared thermographic analysis of the exterior building’s envelope was conducted to insure the maximum thermal integrity.
Low Mercury and Energy Efficient Lamps
Mammel Hall construction crews established and maintained a toxic material source-reduction program to reduce the amount of mercury brought onto the building site and removed from the site in waste through the lamping of low mercury, energy efficient luminaires.
Optimize Energy Performance
Energy efficient light fixtures are used throughout Mammel Hall. Overall energy consumption has been reduced to 30 percent below the standard to reduce environmental impacts associated with excessive energy use.
Stormwater Management
About 20 percent of the rainwater that falls on and around Mammel Hall is fed to basins and allowed to percolate below ground to recharge the aquifer and reduce the demand on storm sewers.
“Many businesses have and are making the change to be more green, and many businesses are being created to provide green services and products,” said Rick Yoder of the Pollution Prevention Regional Information Center and the Nebraska Business Development Center at UNO. “What I think most of us are happiest about is that Mammel Hall – and the evolving initiative in sustainability – is representative of what can be accomplished through the great work of a team of many people from across the campus and the community. As nice as it is to be working in a great facility, it’s even nicer to have the collective efforts of campus and community working for future improvements.”
Among those community partners is Holland Basham Architects, who designed Mammel Hall.
“Mammel Hall not only serves as an iconic getaway to UNO’s Pacific Street campus, but also demonstrates a leadership attitude of doing ‘the right thing’ in terms of sustainability and positioning itself as a leader among peer institutions,” said Curt Witzenburg of Holland Basham Architects in Omaha. “With the College of Business Administration and Mammel Hall adopting a sustainable philosophy, the facility not only generates an increased level of interest within the community, but also has the potential to aid in student and faculty recruitment, as these groups become more aware of the positive effects these concepts have.”
Witzenburg added that designing buildings with an eye toward total “life cycle costs” makes good fiscal sense.
“A large percent of construction materials used on Mammel Hall were produced within a 500-mile radius, encouraging job growth while reducing transportation costs,” Witzenburg said. “Through creative daylighting strategies, innovating design of the building’s heating, cooling and lighting system, Mammel Hall is expected to see energy savings that result in less cost to taxpayers for the duration of the building.”
It is important to note that UNO is a campus that preserves its facilities. The oldest building at UNO – Arts and Sciences Hall, the university’s first building dedicated on Nov. 4, 1938 – is 73 years old.
College of Business Administration Dean Louis Pol said he anticipates Mammel Hall to continue serving students for the next 50 to 75 years, following the precedent set by older facilities on the UNO campus that are renovated and made anew for years to come.
Omaha - Mammel Hall, the new home to the College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), has become the first building within the University of Nebraska system to earn LEED gold certification for its green and energy saving features.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green building certification system. LEED provides third-party verification on construction projects that are built using strategies aimed at energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
Ground broke on the 120,000-square-foot Mammel Hall construction project, located at 67th and Pine Streets, in June 2008. The $34 million facility opened to UNO students, faculty and staff in August 2010.
Mammel Hall received LEED certification in 2010 based on the following features:
Development Density and Community Connectivity
The building’s design works to support connectivity between UNO and the adjacent Aksarben Village development.
Alternative Transportation: Public Transportation Access
Mammel Hall is located within a quarter-mile of one existing campus bus route and two existing city bus routes, thus promoting the use of public transportation and reducing pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.
Daylight and Views, Daylighting 75 Percent of Spaces
Daylight fills nearly 75 percent of the offices, conference rooms, open work areas, workstations, administrative areas and the dean’s suite. This feature provides students, faculty and staff a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors, which, according to LEED standards, promotes productivity, comfort and wellbeing.
Water Reduction
The unique plant species used in the outdoor landscape design will reduce water consumed for irrigation by 52 percent.
Construction Waste Management
More than 97 percent of construction waste from Mammel Hall was diverted from landfills.
Thermographic Imaging
Infrared thermographic analysis of the exterior building’s envelope was conducted to insure the maximum thermal integrity.
Low Mercury and Energy Efficient Lamps
Mammel Hall construction crews established and maintained a toxic material source-reduction program to reduce the amount of mercury brought onto the building site and removed from the site in waste through the lamping of low mercury, energy efficient luminaires.
Optimize Energy Performance
Energy efficient light fixtures are used throughout Mammel Hall. Overall energy consumption has been reduced to 30 percent below the standard to reduce environmental impacts associated with excessive energy use.
Stormwater Management
About 20 percent of the rainwater that falls on and around Mammel Hall is fed to basins and allowed to percolate below ground to recharge the aquifer and reduce the demand on storm sewers.
“Many businesses have and are making the change to be more green, and many businesses are being created to provide green services and products,” said Rick Yoder of the Pollution Prevention Regional Information Center and the Nebraska Business Development Center at UNO. “What I think most of us are happiest about is that Mammel Hall – and the evolving initiative in sustainability – is representative of what can be accomplished through the great work of a team of many people from across the campus and the community. As nice as it is to be working in a great facility, it’s even nicer to have the collective efforts of campus and community working for future improvements.”
Among those community partners is Holland Basham Architects, who designed Mammel Hall.
“Mammel Hall not only serves as an iconic getaway to UNO’s Pacific Street campus, but also demonstrates a leadership attitude of doing ‘the right thing’ in terms of sustainability and positioning itself as a leader among peer institutions,” said Curt Witzenburg of Holland Basham Architects in Omaha. “With the College of Business Administration and Mammel Hall adopting a sustainable philosophy, the facility not only generates an increased level of interest within the community, but also has the potential to aid in student and faculty recruitment, as these groups become more aware of the positive effects these concepts have.”
Witzenburg added that designing buildings with an eye toward total “life cycle costs” makes good fiscal sense.
“A large percent of construction materials used on Mammel Hall were produced within a 500-mile radius, encouraging job growth while reducing transportation costs,” Witzenburg said. “Through creative daylighting strategies, innovating design of the building’s heating, cooling and lighting system, Mammel Hall is expected to see energy savings that result in less cost to taxpayers for the duration of the building.”
It is important to note that UNO is a campus that preserves its facilities. The oldest building at UNO – Arts and Sciences Hall, the university’s first building dedicated on Nov. 4, 1938 – is 73 years old.
College of Business Administration Dean Louis Pol said he anticipates Mammel Hall to continue serving students for the next 50 to 75 years, following the precedent set by older facilities on the UNO campus that are renovated and made anew for years to come.
BOD Election Results
The 2011 USGBC Nebraska Flatwater Board of Directors has been chosen. It was a very close election, and we're excited that those who wern't selected for the two available spots have committed to staying involved and helping lead the chapter within our various committees.
Congratulations to Shawn Parmley and Chad Johansen who will be joining the Board of Directors in 2011!
Thanks to our other candidates, and we look forward to working with you all in the coming year. Make sure to stop by our Holiday Sweater party at Noodle Zoo next Wednesday to congratulate the new board members and meet the other candidates.
Congratulations to Shawn Parmley and Chad Johansen who will be joining the Board of Directors in 2011!
Thanks to our other candidates, and we look forward to working with you all in the coming year. Make sure to stop by our Holiday Sweater party at Noodle Zoo next Wednesday to congratulate the new board members and meet the other candidates.
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