Submittal Deadline: Wednesday, August 31st
The 2011 Green Neighborhood Scorecard is now ready for download or can be filled out online. The accompanying Resource Guide provides helpful advice and tips concerning how to assess neighborhood environmental and sustainability factors, where improvements might be made, and how to begin that process.
Neighborhoods that complete and submit the Scorecard will help the Green Neighborhood Council do the following:
• Assess current livability and environmental sustainability of Omaha neighborhoods
• Determine resources needed by Omaha neighborhoods to achieve greater livability and sustainability
• Develop practical projects to support the creation and advancement of green neighborhoods
• Establish a baseline to help you measure your neighborhood’s environmental progress.
Neighborhoods with high scores will be announced at the Green Home Tour 2011 on Saturday, October 15th, and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be awarded: $300, $250, and $200, respectively.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Cleaner Greener Lincoln uses federal stimulus money for many projects
Contrary to popular belief, it's buildings, not cars, that are the biggest energy users.
That's why Lincoln's broad sustainability program -- Cleaner Greener Lincoln -- focuses on buildings, says Milo Mumgaard, senior aide to Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler.
Transportation is responsible for about 36 percent of the overall energy use in the city, Mumgaard said.
The rest occurs inside buildings -- homes, industrial and commercial buildings -- based on city Planning Department analysis.
So the Cleaner Greener Lincoln program is helping reduce energy costs in buildings by installing 8,000 LED lighting products in city-owned structures; encouraging home owners to caulk windows, use more efficient light bulbs and add insulation; and helping non-profits pay for fuel-efficient heating and air-conditioning systems.
Cleaner Greener Lincoln is using about $5.4 million in federal stimulus funding on 19 activities -- from replacing all city traffic signal lights with LED products to revising building codes so they encourage green building practices.
The federal funds first became available in December 2009.
The last penny must be spent by the end of May 2013.
Read more: http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_53c481f2-3477-5ee9-9fca-2e925ed0bbe1.html#ixzz1QbGcirxe
That's why Lincoln's broad sustainability program -- Cleaner Greener Lincoln -- focuses on buildings, says Milo Mumgaard, senior aide to Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler.
Transportation is responsible for about 36 percent of the overall energy use in the city, Mumgaard said.
The rest occurs inside buildings -- homes, industrial and commercial buildings -- based on city Planning Department analysis.
So the Cleaner Greener Lincoln program is helping reduce energy costs in buildings by installing 8,000 LED lighting products in city-owned structures; encouraging home owners to caulk windows, use more efficient light bulbs and add insulation; and helping non-profits pay for fuel-efficient heating and air-conditioning systems.
Cleaner Greener Lincoln is using about $5.4 million in federal stimulus funding on 19 activities -- from replacing all city traffic signal lights with LED products to revising building codes so they encourage green building practices.
The federal funds first became available in December 2009.
The last penny must be spent by the end of May 2013.
Read more: http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_53c481f2-3477-5ee9-9fca-2e925ed0bbe1.html#ixzz1QbGcirxe
Friday, June 24, 2011
Greenbuild Announces 2011 Programming & Scholarship
The education program is live for the 2011 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, being held Oct. 4-7 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Featuring more than 90 education sessions, this year's education program is packed with the latest information you need to thrive in the green building industry. Once you've registered for Greenbuild use the scheduler to secure your seat in the education sessions of your choosing.
All concurrent education sessions have been approved for GBCI and AIA CE hours, and many courses are LEED-specific. Check the scheduler for more information about CE credit.
Register for Greenbuild »
Reserve your education sessions & learn about CE credit »
Greenbuild offers you ways to capitalize on your time at the show beyond the slate of top-notch education. From the pre-show USGBC LEED Workshops to the off-site education sessions to the green building tours coordinated by the Canada Green Building Council and the expansive exhibit hall, you will leave Greenbuild with the information you need to take on what's next.
Learn more about Greenbuild Events »
Greenbuild Scholarship Program
Designed for low-income individuals entering into the green building industry the Greenbuild Scholarship Program provides all-inclusive trips to the Greenbuild International Conference to those without the means to attend. Greenbuild is the ideal setting for those new to the green building industry to learn from green building experts, discover innovative technologies and companies that are transforming the industry, and to form worthwhile relationships within the green building movement.
Learn about requirements and apply »
All concurrent education sessions have been approved for GBCI and AIA CE hours, and many courses are LEED-specific. Check the scheduler for more information about CE credit.
Register for Greenbuild »
Reserve your education sessions & learn about CE credit »
Greenbuild offers you ways to capitalize on your time at the show beyond the slate of top-notch education. From the pre-show USGBC LEED Workshops to the off-site education sessions to the green building tours coordinated by the Canada Green Building Council and the expansive exhibit hall, you will leave Greenbuild with the information you need to take on what's next.
Learn more about Greenbuild Events »
Greenbuild Scholarship Program
Designed for low-income individuals entering into the green building industry the Greenbuild Scholarship Program provides all-inclusive trips to the Greenbuild International Conference to those without the means to attend. Greenbuild is the ideal setting for those new to the green building industry to learn from green building experts, discover innovative technologies and companies that are transforming the industry, and to form worthwhile relationships within the green building movement.
Learn about requirements and apply »
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Draft Revised WaterSense Product Certification System
In March 2009, EPA released Version 1.0 of the WaterSense Product Certification System to guide its independent, third-party product certification process. Since that time more than 3,500 tank-type toilets, bathroom sink faucets and faucet accessories, showerheads, and flushing urinals have been certified to meet EPA’s criteria for efficiency and performance.
As the WaterSense program continues to grow and expand to cover new product categories, EPA has identified several changes that are necessary to improve the certification process and balance the cost and burden of certification with the rigor the program needs to maintain the WaterSense label’s integrity. Additionally, since the initial release of the product certification system, EPA released its Third-Party Certification Procedures for the ENERGY STAR® program, which went into effect January 1, 2011. In order to facilitate future joint-labeling opportunities with ENERGY STAR, where appropriate, EPA has revised the WaterSense product certification system to complement ENERGY STAR’s system. With these changes, EPA’s goal is to better focus the resources of the WaterSense program and accommodate future growth.
EPA is accepting written comments on the Draft Revised Product Certification System through July 25, 2011, and will hold a public meeting via webinar and conference call on July 13, 2011, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. EST to discuss the draft revisions. To review the Draft Revised Product Certification System or for information on how to submit comments, please visit the WaterSense website.
As the WaterSense program continues to grow and expand to cover new product categories, EPA has identified several changes that are necessary to improve the certification process and balance the cost and burden of certification with the rigor the program needs to maintain the WaterSense label’s integrity. Additionally, since the initial release of the product certification system, EPA released its Third-Party Certification Procedures for the ENERGY STAR® program, which went into effect January 1, 2011. In order to facilitate future joint-labeling opportunities with ENERGY STAR, where appropriate, EPA has revised the WaterSense product certification system to complement ENERGY STAR’s system. With these changes, EPA’s goal is to better focus the resources of the WaterSense program and accommodate future growth.
EPA is accepting written comments on the Draft Revised Product Certification System through July 25, 2011, and will hold a public meeting via webinar and conference call on July 13, 2011, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. EST to discuss the draft revisions. To review the Draft Revised Product Certification System or for information on how to submit comments, please visit the WaterSense website.
LEED APs facing deadline to add a specialty to their green building credential
Washington, D.C. (June 23, 2011)– Time is running out for LEED APs to take advantage of a limited opportunity to add a specialty to their green building credential for free. The staggered enrollment windows close beginning in August. Specialties identify a LEED AP’s expertise within a specific segment of green building practice, and each directly aligns with a LEED rating system. The LEED AP with specialty is available for Building Design + Construction, Interior Design + Construction, and Operations + Maintenance, Neighborhood Development and Homes.
Following the introduction of specialty designations to the LEED AP credential, all LEED APs who tested between 2001 and June 2009 were offered a two-year window of opportunity during which they may earn the new specialty credential without having to take the full exam — and at no cost. LEED APs must enroll by this deadline, but they will have two years upon enrollment to complete the required education hours to earn the specialty.
The LEED AP with specialty credentials allow green building professionals to demonstrate their proficiency in a specialized field within green building. Maintained through 30 hours of flexible continuing education every two years, the specialty credentials ensure that credential holders are keeping pace with the rapidly evolving body of knowledge around green building design, construction and operations. They allow professionals to grow their skills and show clients and employers that their expertise and sustainability knowledge is current and meaningful in today’s dynamic green building marketplace. Industry professionals who hold LEED AP with specialty credentials are frequently sought out in hiring announcements and requests for proposals. Additionally, all candidates for the LEED Fellow distinction, which honors the most accomplished green building practitioners in the field, must hold a LEED AP with specialty credential to be eligible for nomination.
Alexa Stone, LEED AP O+M and Principal with Florida-based ecoPreserve, enrolled to add the Operations + Maintenance specialty to her credential last year. “My specialty credential confirms my experience in implementing upgrades and process innovations to improve the operations of existing buildings,” said Stone. “It also qualifies me to work with organizations that are not yet ready to move directly to LEED certification but do want to take strategic steps toward increased sustainability.”
There are two enrollment pathways by which LEED APs may add a specialty. To add the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance, Building Design + Construction, or Interior Design + Construction specialties, LEED APs can enroll into prescriptive credential maintenance, which allows them to begin using the LEED AP with specialty title immediately. They will then complete 30 hours of prescriptive continuing education within their first two-year reporting period.
The second path to adding the specialty credential is through retesting. During their enrollment window, LEED APs can add the specialty by taking just the specialty portion of any one of the new LEED AP exams.LEED APs who do not add a specialty to their credential during this enrollment period will retain their listing as a LEED AP without specialty in the LEED Professional Directory. However, should they decide to become a LEED AP with specialty after the enrollment period closes, they will need to meet all eligibility requirements, pay applicable fees, and pass the full exam.
The Green Building Certification Institute’s (GBCI) credential maintenance program (CMP) is unique among other continuing education programs in that it offers eight flexible options for earning hours, ranging from working on LEED projects to reading case studies to taking professional development courses. LEED Professionals can often earn hours while performing activities they are already doing for their jobs.
“I qualify for most of my continuing education hours from my involvement with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Chapter Committees, training and instruction I provide, the classes I took at Greenbuild and managing LEED certification on one of my projects, the Orange County Convention Center,” said Stone. LEED APs with specialty can earn up to a third of their CMP hours for their work on LEED projects alone.
Current LEED APs looking to take advantage of the limited-time opportunity to enroll into the specialty credential will find relevant information on prescriptive CMP requirements and testing options in the new CMP Wizard.
Maintaining LEED Professional Credentials is especially relevant in today’s economic climate. The practice of green building is in high demand, with more than one million square feet of construction space certifying to the LEED rating system every day. Earlier this month, President Obama introduced the Better Buildings Initiative, which provides incentives for green building. Green building demand is expected to rise greatly as building owners take advantage of the momentum afforded by the President’s new policy, which catalyzes private-sector investment through a series of incentives to upgrade offices, stores, schools and universities, hospitals and other commercial and municipal buildings.
“Green building is a critical element to a jobs creation program,” said Peter Templeton, President, GBCI. “Professionals who are knowledgeable about green building and the LEED process are today, more than ever, being sought after by employers, clients and project teams.”
View article...
Following the introduction of specialty designations to the LEED AP credential, all LEED APs who tested between 2001 and June 2009 were offered a two-year window of opportunity during which they may earn the new specialty credential without having to take the full exam — and at no cost. LEED APs must enroll by this deadline, but they will have two years upon enrollment to complete the required education hours to earn the specialty.
The LEED AP with specialty credentials allow green building professionals to demonstrate their proficiency in a specialized field within green building. Maintained through 30 hours of flexible continuing education every two years, the specialty credentials ensure that credential holders are keeping pace with the rapidly evolving body of knowledge around green building design, construction and operations. They allow professionals to grow their skills and show clients and employers that their expertise and sustainability knowledge is current and meaningful in today’s dynamic green building marketplace. Industry professionals who hold LEED AP with specialty credentials are frequently sought out in hiring announcements and requests for proposals. Additionally, all candidates for the LEED Fellow distinction, which honors the most accomplished green building practitioners in the field, must hold a LEED AP with specialty credential to be eligible for nomination.
Alexa Stone, LEED AP O+M and Principal with Florida-based ecoPreserve, enrolled to add the Operations + Maintenance specialty to her credential last year. “My specialty credential confirms my experience in implementing upgrades and process innovations to improve the operations of existing buildings,” said Stone. “It also qualifies me to work with organizations that are not yet ready to move directly to LEED certification but do want to take strategic steps toward increased sustainability.”
There are two enrollment pathways by which LEED APs may add a specialty. To add the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance, Building Design + Construction, or Interior Design + Construction specialties, LEED APs can enroll into prescriptive credential maintenance, which allows them to begin using the LEED AP with specialty title immediately. They will then complete 30 hours of prescriptive continuing education within their first two-year reporting period.
The second path to adding the specialty credential is through retesting. During their enrollment window, LEED APs can add the specialty by taking just the specialty portion of any one of the new LEED AP exams.LEED APs who do not add a specialty to their credential during this enrollment period will retain their listing as a LEED AP without specialty in the LEED Professional Directory. However, should they decide to become a LEED AP with specialty after the enrollment period closes, they will need to meet all eligibility requirements, pay applicable fees, and pass the full exam.
The Green Building Certification Institute’s (GBCI) credential maintenance program (CMP) is unique among other continuing education programs in that it offers eight flexible options for earning hours, ranging from working on LEED projects to reading case studies to taking professional development courses. LEED Professionals can often earn hours while performing activities they are already doing for their jobs.
“I qualify for most of my continuing education hours from my involvement with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Chapter Committees, training and instruction I provide, the classes I took at Greenbuild and managing LEED certification on one of my projects, the Orange County Convention Center,” said Stone. LEED APs with specialty can earn up to a third of their CMP hours for their work on LEED projects alone.
Current LEED APs looking to take advantage of the limited-time opportunity to enroll into the specialty credential will find relevant information on prescriptive CMP requirements and testing options in the new CMP Wizard.
Maintaining LEED Professional Credentials is especially relevant in today’s economic climate. The practice of green building is in high demand, with more than one million square feet of construction space certifying to the LEED rating system every day. Earlier this month, President Obama introduced the Better Buildings Initiative, which provides incentives for green building. Green building demand is expected to rise greatly as building owners take advantage of the momentum afforded by the President’s new policy, which catalyzes private-sector investment through a series of incentives to upgrade offices, stores, schools and universities, hospitals and other commercial and municipal buildings.
“Green building is a critical element to a jobs creation program,” said Peter Templeton, President, GBCI. “Professionals who are knowledgeable about green building and the LEED process are today, more than ever, being sought after by employers, clients and project teams.”
View article...
The Nine Types of Greenwashing
by Tristan Roberts, via BuildingGreen.com
Most of the greenwashing we see falls into one of these nine types. Here are tips on how to spot them.
I am going to go out on a limb here, but I would bet that sometime in the last 24 hours you have received a marketing message centered around how "green," how "environmentally friendly," or (if it's really serious), how "sustainable" something is.
Whether or not we believe in these claims is a matter of some debate. The 2011 Cone Green Gap Trend Tracker found that an 97% of Americans believe they know what common environmental marketing claims such as "green" or "environmentally friendly" mean. Apparently we have seen enough of these claims to know what they're all about.
But do we? Our interpretations are often inaccurate, according to the researchers. More than two in five of us (41%) erroneously believe that these terms mean a product has a beneficial impact on the environment. Only about one in three (29%) understand that these terms more accurately describe products with reduced environmental impact compared with competing products.
That study seems to indicate a lot of willingness to believe what the marketers tell us. However, a study from the U.K. has a somewhat different story to tell. In that study, by the Carbon Trust, only 7% of respondents take companies at their word when they say that they are reducing their climate impacts. More than half (53%) say they are concerned that companies make one-time improvements to win publicity, before returning to business as usual. Did the study ask different questions, or are the Brits more skeptical?
Sorting out the green from the greenwash has become a necessity for U.S. consumers. To help, my colleague Jennifer Atlee and I have developed a guide to common problems: we cleverly named it "Nine Types of Greenwashing" when we included it in our dare-I-say essential report on green building product certifications. We also have eagle eyes for these types of issues when we are setting standards and selecting green products for our GreenSpec product guide
Here are the nine types.
Most of the greenwashing we see falls into one of these nine types. Here are tips on how to spot them.
I am going to go out on a limb here, but I would bet that sometime in the last 24 hours you have received a marketing message centered around how "green," how "environmentally friendly," or (if it's really serious), how "sustainable" something is.
Whether or not we believe in these claims is a matter of some debate. The 2011 Cone Green Gap Trend Tracker found that an 97% of Americans believe they know what common environmental marketing claims such as "green" or "environmentally friendly" mean. Apparently we have seen enough of these claims to know what they're all about.
But do we? Our interpretations are often inaccurate, according to the researchers. More than two in five of us (41%) erroneously believe that these terms mean a product has a beneficial impact on the environment. Only about one in three (29%) understand that these terms more accurately describe products with reduced environmental impact compared with competing products.
That study seems to indicate a lot of willingness to believe what the marketers tell us. However, a study from the U.K. has a somewhat different story to tell. In that study, by the Carbon Trust, only 7% of respondents take companies at their word when they say that they are reducing their climate impacts. More than half (53%) say they are concerned that companies make one-time improvements to win publicity, before returning to business as usual. Did the study ask different questions, or are the Brits more skeptical?
Sorting out the green from the greenwash has become a necessity for U.S. consumers. To help, my colleague Jennifer Atlee and I have developed a guide to common problems: we cleverly named it "Nine Types of Greenwashing" when we included it in our dare-I-say essential report on green building product certifications. We also have eagle eyes for these types of issues when we are setting standards and selecting green products for our GreenSpec product guide
Here are the nine types.
1.) Green by Association
A company slathers itself and its marketing thoroughly in environmental terms and images so that even if its products have no environmental benefits, consumers associate them with positive environmental attributes. Examples: Gas-guzzling cars and trucks pictured in remote natural settings, or housing developments named for natural features that they have destroyed, e.g., "Conifer Lane."
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Omaha Business Breaking Ground For New Campus
From WOWT.com
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held Wednesday at the future home of a new 208,000-square-foot, two-building corporate campus at the northwest intersection of 180th Street and West Dodge Road.
The two three-story buildings will house more than 1,100 CSG employees and will feature sustainable design and building methods including day lighting, water-efficient fixtures, energy-efficient HVAC designs, automated energy controls for lights and water and more.
CSG Systems has been a long-time employer of Nebraska and Metro area residents since the company’s inception in 1994.
The company now employs more than 1,300 employees in Omaha, many of whom will move from the company’s main location on North 117th Ave to occupy the new location.
Construction on the new location is scheduled to begin this month and be completed in August 2012.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held Wednesday at the future home of a new 208,000-square-foot, two-building corporate campus at the northwest intersection of 180th Street and West Dodge Road.
The two three-story buildings will house more than 1,100 CSG employees and will feature sustainable design and building methods including day lighting, water-efficient fixtures, energy-efficient HVAC designs, automated energy controls for lights and water and more.
CSG Systems has been a long-time employer of Nebraska and Metro area residents since the company’s inception in 1994.
The company now employs more than 1,300 employees in Omaha, many of whom will move from the company’s main location on North 117th Ave to occupy the new location.
Construction on the new location is scheduled to begin this month and be completed in August 2012.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Using the LEED Pilot Credit Library
via LEEDUser.com
About the LEED pilot credit library
According to USGBC on its LEED Pilot Credit Library page, the LEED Pilot Credit Library is intended to facilitate the introduction of new credits to LEED. The process allows projects to test more innovative credits that haven't been through the complete drafting and balloting process.
Projects who want to participate in a credit pilot need to register with USGBC on this page. Questions about pilot credits can be directed to USGBC at pilot@usgbc.org
For more information on the pilot credits, including language and submittal requirements, LEEDuser has a complete credit-by-credit guide
Earning the credits: trying is no longer enough
All LEED projects can earn points for piloting credits through IDc1 (or IOc1 for EBOM projects). To earn a point, projects must do the following.
- Comply with the credit requirements. Note that when the Pilot Credit Library was launched, it was enough to try to comply, but it has become more difficult: actual achievement according to the language is now necessary, with one exception....
- You can fail to achieve a pilot credit, and still earn a point through IDc1, if you demonstrate that the credit is "broken," or unusable by all projects, or certain projects, in its current form.
- You can demonstrate this by showing that metrics are unachievable with current technology, and providing more suitable metrics; by showing that credit requirements are contradictory, and providing suggested revisions; or showing that requirements result in an outcome antithetical to LEED, and providing an alternative that better meets the intent. The idea is that if the credit is not working, the project should help improve it.
- Complete the required documentation.
- Actively participate on related conference calls.
- Provide thorough data on their use of the credit.
- Submit additional feedback to USGBC as requested.
- Participate in the LEEDuser forum for the credit you're working on
Rating system limitations
USGBC only makes certain pilot credits available to certain applicable rating systems. Here is a full chart showing which credits are available to which systems
About LEEDuser's pilot credit pages
LEEDuser is a website, unaffiliated with USGBC or GBCI, that offers how-to help on achieving LEED credits. Through a special arrangement with USGBC, LEEDuser has posted the official language of the LEED pilot credits in order to make it more accessible to interested project teams.
We at LEEDuser encourage project teams using them or thinking about using them to discuss them and share experiences in the comments area on each of the credit pages.
Because these pilot credits are so new, LEEDuser does not provide the kind of how-to guidance on these pages that we normally include on our credit pages. To see LEEDuser's guidance on standard LEED credits, please view our credit listings page
About the LEED pilot credit library
According to USGBC on its LEED Pilot Credit Library page, the LEED Pilot Credit Library is intended to facilitate the introduction of new credits to LEED. The process allows projects to test more innovative credits that haven't been through the complete drafting and balloting process.
Projects who want to participate in a credit pilot need to register with USGBC on this page. Questions about pilot credits can be directed to USGBC at pilot@usgbc.org
For more information on the pilot credits, including language and submittal requirements, LEEDuser has a complete credit-by-credit guide
Earning the credits: trying is no longer enough
All LEED projects can earn points for piloting credits through IDc1 (or IOc1 for EBOM projects). To earn a point, projects must do the following.
- Comply with the credit requirements. Note that when the Pilot Credit Library was launched, it was enough to try to comply, but it has become more difficult: actual achievement according to the language is now necessary, with one exception....
- You can fail to achieve a pilot credit, and still earn a point through IDc1, if you demonstrate that the credit is "broken," or unusable by all projects, or certain projects, in its current form.
- You can demonstrate this by showing that metrics are unachievable with current technology, and providing more suitable metrics; by showing that credit requirements are contradictory, and providing suggested revisions; or showing that requirements result in an outcome antithetical to LEED, and providing an alternative that better meets the intent. The idea is that if the credit is not working, the project should help improve it.
- Complete the required documentation.
- Actively participate on related conference calls.
- Provide thorough data on their use of the credit.
- Submit additional feedback to USGBC as requested.
- Participate in the LEEDuser forum for the credit you're working on
Rating system limitations
USGBC only makes certain pilot credits available to certain applicable rating systems. Here is a full chart showing which credits are available to which systems
About LEEDuser's pilot credit pages
LEEDuser is a website, unaffiliated with USGBC or GBCI, that offers how-to help on achieving LEED credits. Through a special arrangement with USGBC, LEEDuser has posted the official language of the LEED pilot credits in order to make it more accessible to interested project teams.
We at LEEDuser encourage project teams using them or thinking about using them to discuss them and share experiences in the comments area on each of the credit pages.
Because these pilot credits are so new, LEEDuser does not provide the kind of how-to guidance on these pages that we normally include on our credit pages. To see LEEDuser's guidance on standard LEED credits, please view our credit listings page
LEED Pilot Credit to Promote Product Transparency—Not Performance
via LEEDuser.com
USGBC wants to increase product transparency through certifications, but will its members buy the idea that approved standards are not being endorsed?
In its newly released Pilot Credit 43, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has created a new incentive for product manufacturers to obtain third-party certification of their environmental claims, and to release environmental footprint data. The new credit is available for use immediately and applies to all the Building Design & Construction and Interiors Design & Construction LEED rating systems, such as LEED-NC and LEED-CI. The credit includes two parallel tracks: products can either be certified to approved standards or manufacturers can offer product data in approved formats.
For more information on this pilot credit, including disclosure, performance vs. transparency, and different rewards for different certifications, read the full article at LEEDuser.com
Also read:
Pilot Credit 43: Certified Products
LEEDuser's commentary on Pilot Credit 43
USGBC wants to increase product transparency through certifications, but will its members buy the idea that approved standards are not being endorsed?
In its newly released Pilot Credit 43, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has created a new incentive for product manufacturers to obtain third-party certification of their environmental claims, and to release environmental footprint data. The new credit is available for use immediately and applies to all the Building Design & Construction and Interiors Design & Construction LEED rating systems, such as LEED-NC and LEED-CI. The credit includes two parallel tracks: products can either be certified to approved standards or manufacturers can offer product data in approved formats.
For more information on this pilot credit, including disclosure, performance vs. transparency, and different rewards for different certifications, read the full article at LEEDuser.com
Also read:
Pilot Credit 43: Certified Products
LEEDuser's commentary on Pilot Credit 43
Thursday, June 16, 2011
As Green Building Codes and Standards Emerge – Where Do We Go from Here?
Jeremy Sigmon, LEED® AP BD+C, Manager, Building Codes Advocacy, U.S. Green Building Council
The success of the LEED green building rating systems in driving amazing amounts of green building activity focus on a broader spectrum of human and environmental health issues and leadership in achieving a more sustainable future has created space for many other conversations to take place – from the bleeding edge to the minimum code level. A year after the launch of a previously unimaginable code framework, Standard 189.1 to advance regulatory change towards better, greener building practice, where are we? And where do we go from here?
The industry is abuzz with questions about how a green building code may change their business outlook, change the laws or even change the world. There’s no doubt that broadly-applied minimum regulations for better, healthier, more efficient and environmentally sensitive building practices necessarily push a lot of buildings, professions and professionals forward. For jurisdictions that are interested in upping their minimum requirements, USGBC is encouraged that there are now tools available to facilitate that critical piece of the green building policy puzzle.
But there is nothing gained by added confusion, or by a diminished understanding of what a green building is or aspires to be. Codes can do an effective job of delivering minimum performance – and that’s important. But if you’re looking for a non-mandatory approach to build greener buildings, a green building code is not designed for you.
As we draft the updates to LEED, there is so much progress that we can point to as reasons to keep driving onward toward restorative and regenerative buildings and communities. We invite you to participate in that development (LEED is re-opening for second public comment on July 1, 2011) and also in the final rounds of development of these green building codes and standards. The balance is nuanced but codes and rating systems fundamentally serve different functions, and we need to focus on improving all of them so that they each may fulfill their maximum potential. Neither one nor the other alone is as strong as both push and pull forces working collaboratively.
It’s not a choice between codes or rating systems – one is a decidedly rigid mandatory minimum (with a handful of jurisdictional and performance pathways built in) and the other a leadership engagement tool that intentionally (and in its next version, increasingly) steps out of the way of design professionals to innovate and improve green building outcomes. We need both improved minimum codes and voluntary beyond-code rating systems to get the job done (see related policy brief).
Clearly the only way to go from here is onward, which is what USGBC intends to do. We hope you’ll work with us to achieve truly sustainable buildings and communities using all the best tools for the job.
For more information, review USGBC’s white paper: Greening the Codes.
The success of the LEED green building rating systems in driving amazing amounts of green building activity focus on a broader spectrum of human and environmental health issues and leadership in achieving a more sustainable future has created space for many other conversations to take place – from the bleeding edge to the minimum code level. A year after the launch of a previously unimaginable code framework, Standard 189.1 to advance regulatory change towards better, greener building practice, where are we? And where do we go from here?
The industry is abuzz with questions about how a green building code may change their business outlook, change the laws or even change the world. There’s no doubt that broadly-applied minimum regulations for better, healthier, more efficient and environmentally sensitive building practices necessarily push a lot of buildings, professions and professionals forward. For jurisdictions that are interested in upping their minimum requirements, USGBC is encouraged that there are now tools available to facilitate that critical piece of the green building policy puzzle.
But there is nothing gained by added confusion, or by a diminished understanding of what a green building is or aspires to be. Codes can do an effective job of delivering minimum performance – and that’s important. But if you’re looking for a non-mandatory approach to build greener buildings, a green building code is not designed for you.
As we draft the updates to LEED, there is so much progress that we can point to as reasons to keep driving onward toward restorative and regenerative buildings and communities. We invite you to participate in that development (LEED is re-opening for second public comment on July 1, 2011) and also in the final rounds of development of these green building codes and standards. The balance is nuanced but codes and rating systems fundamentally serve different functions, and we need to focus on improving all of them so that they each may fulfill their maximum potential. Neither one nor the other alone is as strong as both push and pull forces working collaboratively.
It’s not a choice between codes or rating systems – one is a decidedly rigid mandatory minimum (with a handful of jurisdictional and performance pathways built in) and the other a leadership engagement tool that intentionally (and in its next version, increasingly) steps out of the way of design professionals to innovate and improve green building outcomes. We need both improved minimum codes and voluntary beyond-code rating systems to get the job done (see related policy brief).
Clearly the only way to go from here is onward, which is what USGBC intends to do. We hope you’ll work with us to achieve truly sustainable buildings and communities using all the best tools for the job.
For more information, review USGBC’s white paper: Greening the Codes.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Learn How to Become a Qualified Contractor for Omaha's New reEnergize Program
Take part in a new energy upgrade market of over 3000 homes - Become a Qualified Contractor for the City's reEnergize Program.
An informational forum for contractors interested in participating in the city of Omaha’s reEnergize Program will be hosted by the Greater Omaha Chamber.
Wednesday, June 15 from 2 - 3 p.m.
Greater Omaha Chamber, Board Room
1301 Harney St. Omaha
Highly qualified contractors will complete energy evaluations on 263 buildings and make energy upgrades on 3,193 residences throughout the five stages of the program.
Come learn how you can become a qualified contractor and access this new and growing market.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are necessary since space is limited. Sign up at http://www.omahachamber.org/chamber/EventDetail.aspx?EventDateID=20507
You do not need to be a member of the Greater Omaha Chamber to attend.
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s BetterBuildings Program, the reEnergize Program is a collaborative effort between the cities of Omaha and Lincoln to build energy smart communities.
To learn more about the reEnergize program visit http://www.reenergizeprogram.org/
An informational forum for contractors interested in participating in the city of Omaha’s reEnergize Program will be hosted by the Greater Omaha Chamber.
Wednesday, June 15 from 2 - 3 p.m.
Greater Omaha Chamber, Board Room
1301 Harney St. Omaha
Highly qualified contractors will complete energy evaluations on 263 buildings and make energy upgrades on 3,193 residences throughout the five stages of the program.
Come learn how you can become a qualified contractor and access this new and growing market.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are necessary since space is limited. Sign up at http://www.omahachamber.org/chamber/EventDetail.aspx?EventDateID=20507
You do not need to be a member of the Greater Omaha Chamber to attend.
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s BetterBuildings Program, the reEnergize Program is a collaborative effort between the cities of Omaha and Lincoln to build energy smart communities.
To learn more about the reEnergize program visit http://www.reenergizeprogram.org/
2011 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition: Snapshot of Applicants
On May 2, 2011, EPA launched the 2011 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings. Building off the successes of last year's competition, teams from 245 buildings of all shapes and sizes from across the country will battle it out to see who can reduce their energy use the most.
EPA's Battle of the Buildings is designed to raise awareness among Americans that the buildings where we work, play, and learn are responsible for a significant portion of our overall energy use and greenhouse gas emissions—about 20 percent at a cost of more than $100 billion annually.
This year, the energy use (or "weight") of every competitor will be measured at the start of the competition and again at the midpoint when the field of 245 competitors will be narrowed down to a smaller group of 10 to 15 finalists. Among the finalists, the building that demonstrates the greatest percentage-based reduction in energy use intensity (EUI) will be declared the winner on November 2, 2011.
The 2011 competition includes a substantially expanded field of participants. This year's competitors include 26 different types of commercial buildings, such as retail stores, schools, hotels, and museums, and hail from 33 states and the District of Columbia. Eleven buildings are 100 years old or greater, the smallest building is just over 6,000 square feet, and 15 buildings cover more than 1 million square feet of floor space, with the largest totaling nearly 3 million square feet!
Follow along and watch this year's competitors battle it out at www.energystar.gov/battleofthebuildings. See how small actions can add up to big energy savings, and learn a few tips to use in your own building.
EPA's Battle of the Buildings is designed to raise awareness among Americans that the buildings where we work, play, and learn are responsible for a significant portion of our overall energy use and greenhouse gas emissions—about 20 percent at a cost of more than $100 billion annually.
This year, the energy use (or "weight") of every competitor will be measured at the start of the competition and again at the midpoint when the field of 245 competitors will be narrowed down to a smaller group of 10 to 15 finalists. Among the finalists, the building that demonstrates the greatest percentage-based reduction in energy use intensity (EUI) will be declared the winner on November 2, 2011.
The 2011 competition includes a substantially expanded field of participants. This year's competitors include 26 different types of commercial buildings, such as retail stores, schools, hotels, and museums, and hail from 33 states and the District of Columbia. Eleven buildings are 100 years old or greater, the smallest building is just over 6,000 square feet, and 15 buildings cover more than 1 million square feet of floor space, with the largest totaling nearly 3 million square feet!
Follow along and watch this year's competitors battle it out at www.energystar.gov/battleofthebuildings. See how small actions can add up to big energy savings, and learn a few tips to use in your own building.
ECO-Network Beta Organization
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, June 21st
In May 2011, the Urban Sustainability Directors Network awarded the City of Omaha an Innovation Opportunity Grant to pursue the development of a web-based tool to support implementation of municipal sustainability plans. Working in partnership with the City of New Haven, CT, the City of Omaha will contract with a web development firm to design and launch the tool by mid-September 2011. The Cities of Omaha and New Haven propose developing a member-sustaining web-based tool for creating an inventory of local activities and helping users navigate the information with a guided search function. This grant will fund the development of a general template site with a basic package of tools and the customization and deployment of the web-tool in the two communities. The resulting web-based tool will be customizable for replication in other communities across the United States.
The City of Omaha is seeking approximately ten organizations to help Beta Test a new web-based tool for enhancing connectivity and networking toward implementation of community-wide sustainability plans. If your group is interested in being a Beta-organization to test ECO-Network, please send a brief description of your organization (250 words or less) and a bulleted list of your typical activities by June 21 to Kristi Wamstad-Evans at Kristina.wamstad-evans@ci.omaha.ne.us.
For more information, click here.
In May 2011, the Urban Sustainability Directors Network awarded the City of Omaha an Innovation Opportunity Grant to pursue the development of a web-based tool to support implementation of municipal sustainability plans. Working in partnership with the City of New Haven, CT, the City of Omaha will contract with a web development firm to design and launch the tool by mid-September 2011. The Cities of Omaha and New Haven propose developing a member-sustaining web-based tool for creating an inventory of local activities and helping users navigate the information with a guided search function. This grant will fund the development of a general template site with a basic package of tools and the customization and deployment of the web-tool in the two communities. The resulting web-based tool will be customizable for replication in other communities across the United States.
The City of Omaha is seeking approximately ten organizations to help Beta Test a new web-based tool for enhancing connectivity and networking toward implementation of community-wide sustainability plans. If your group is interested in being a Beta-organization to test ECO-Network, please send a brief description of your organization (250 words or less) and a bulleted list of your typical activities by June 21 to Kristi Wamstad-Evans at Kristina.wamstad-evans@ci.omaha.ne.us.
For more information, click here.
Order LEEDuser today and get their 'Cost of LEED' report for Free
From Tristan Roberts, LEED AP, LEED User Editorial Director:
There are at least 8 reasons the "father of LEED," Rob Watson, called LEEDuser "a goldmine of professional insights."
We've made it our business to keep you covered on the nuts and bolts that count. Check out what LEEDuser can do for you:
1. Insider tips, checklists, and sample documentation for six major LEED commercial rating systems.
2. A professional forum where you can call on the expertise of your peers as well as dedicated staff ready to answer your toughest certification questions.
3. Targeted game plans for achieving every LEED credit available to you.
4. Checklists that cover each stage of your project, from pre-design, through construction, to operation and maintenance.
5. An exclusive agreement with the U.S. Green Building Council that allows you to perform searches on key credit language, making it easy to find your specific LEED topic.
6. Better understand the costs of certification, and where you can trim expenses.
7. Learn about credits you may have never even heard of and get a leg up on getting those coveted Gold and Platinum certifications.
8. For every credit, a list of resources to help you achieve it - from publications to expert consultants.
And now there's another excellent reason to join LEEDuser right now—the chance to get our essential report The Cost of LEED, free with your one-year subscription to LEEDuser.
Normally selling for $49, this 47-page, no-nonsense guide gives you the information you need about LEED credits and what it costs to achieve them, including:
• Cost premiums for hundreds of individual components or strategies.
• Multiple cost scenarios for credits.
• Cost synergies and notes on which credits don't cost more.
And by subscribing to LEEDuser now, you get this $49 report FREE.
It’s easy: Just visit LEEDuser.com and have a credit card handy. The free report price will be reflected at the bottom of the order page.
Or, order by phone. Call toll free at 800-861-0954 or (if calling from outside the U.S. and Canada) 802-257-7300.
P.S. Your LEEDuser membership is always 100% guaranteed. If you are ever dissatisfied, right up to the last day of your membership, you may cancel and receive a full refund -- and keep your free copy of The Cost of LEED.
There are at least 8 reasons the "father of LEED," Rob Watson, called LEEDuser "a goldmine of professional insights."
We've made it our business to keep you covered on the nuts and bolts that count. Check out what LEEDuser can do for you:
1. Insider tips, checklists, and sample documentation for six major LEED commercial rating systems.
2. A professional forum where you can call on the expertise of your peers as well as dedicated staff ready to answer your toughest certification questions.
3. Targeted game plans for achieving every LEED credit available to you.
4. Checklists that cover each stage of your project, from pre-design, through construction, to operation and maintenance.
5. An exclusive agreement with the U.S. Green Building Council that allows you to perform searches on key credit language, making it easy to find your specific LEED topic.
6. Better understand the costs of certification, and where you can trim expenses.
7. Learn about credits you may have never even heard of and get a leg up on getting those coveted Gold and Platinum certifications.
8. For every credit, a list of resources to help you achieve it - from publications to expert consultants.
And now there's another excellent reason to join LEEDuser right now—the chance to get our essential report The Cost of LEED, free with your one-year subscription to LEEDuser.
Normally selling for $49, this 47-page, no-nonsense guide gives you the information you need about LEED credits and what it costs to achieve them, including:
• Cost premiums for hundreds of individual components or strategies.
• Multiple cost scenarios for credits.
• Cost synergies and notes on which credits don't cost more.
And by subscribing to LEEDuser now, you get this $49 report FREE.
It’s easy: Just visit LEEDuser.com and have a credit card handy. The free report price will be reflected at the bottom of the order page.
Or, order by phone. Call toll free at 800-861-0954 or (if calling from outside the U.S. and Canada) 802-257-7300.
P.S. Your LEEDuser membership is always 100% guaranteed. If you are ever dissatisfied, right up to the last day of your membership, you may cancel and receive a full refund -- and keep your free copy of The Cost of LEED.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
ESRI Map Story is now Live
The ESRI Map Story is a unique way to explain LEED visually, and the site is now live. Take a tour, explore LEED projects and view LEED stats by state at http://mapstories.esri.com/leed/.
USGBC Accepting LEED Pilot Credits From National Members
Beginning this month, USGBC is considering LEED pilot credit ideas from USGBC membership. This new user-generated pilot credit application is available at usgbc.org/submitapilot. Proposals will be reviewed by USGBC committees and staff, and considered for inclusion in the LEED Pilot Credit Library on a competitive basis.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
How to Read (Those Darn) Window Performance Stickers
Posted May 30, 2011 6:28 AM by Tristan Roberts at BuildingGreen.com
Before you peel that NFRC sticker off the window, check the numbers and ask whether you got the right window for your climate.
Have you ever found yourself picking a sticker off a building product or material from the store, and wondering, why did they put the sticker here? I have often had this thought with everything from stovepipe to plumbing fittings, but the classic example in the building world is probably windows.
The glass part of the window is for looking through, right? Then why does every window manufacturer put two are three large stickers right in that area? Sometimes these come off easily--sometimes they are a real pain to remove. Sometimes they don't come off at all: I have seen window stickers, or remnants of them, still in place years after construction.
The next time you encounter one of those stickers--in your house, on the construction site, or at the showroom, take a close look. The different values that appear on them can mean a world of difference in terms of how those windows will perform in your building.
Read More about NFRC, U-factor, SHGC and what it all means for the building envelope.
Before you peel that NFRC sticker off the window, check the numbers and ask whether you got the right window for your climate.
Have you ever found yourself picking a sticker off a building product or material from the store, and wondering, why did they put the sticker here? I have often had this thought with everything from stovepipe to plumbing fittings, but the classic example in the building world is probably windows.
The glass part of the window is for looking through, right? Then why does every window manufacturer put two are three large stickers right in that area? Sometimes these come off easily--sometimes they are a real pain to remove. Sometimes they don't come off at all: I have seen window stickers, or remnants of them, still in place years after construction.
The next time you encounter one of those stickers--in your house, on the construction site, or at the showroom, take a close look. The different values that appear on them can mean a world of difference in terms of how those windows will perform in your building.
Read More about NFRC, U-factor, SHGC and what it all means for the building envelope.
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