Project Owners: Participate in Building Performance Partnership

USGBC's Building Performance Partnership (BPP) seeks to establish a comprehensive data-collection and analysis infrastructure that is capable of capturing feedback from all LEED-certified projects that will help guide the ongoing development of the LEED rating systems.

The first phase of the data-collection effort has begun, and we're asking owners of all LEED projects– regardless of what version or rating system you used – to participate. In addition to helping improve the way LEED promotes the ongoing performance of buildings, you will also receive information about how your project is performing to help you fill any gaps that may exist. Learn more at www.usgbc.org/bpp

LEED for Healthcare: Public Comment and Consensus Body Opt-in

The LEED for Healthcare green building rating system was developed to meet the unique needs of the healthcare market. It is imperative that the spaces used to both provide preventative care to maintain health and provide treatment to those who are sick are facilities that support the health and well-being of staff and patients.

As with all LEED rating systems, LEED for Healthcare's success is driven by the USGBC member community and the input of stakeholders from throughout the industry.The healthcare market has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by designing, constructing and operating facilities that have less of an environmental impact and the best indoor environmental quality possible. The need for quality healthcare spaces will only increase with an aging population as evidenced by the increase in not just healthcare facilities but green healthcare facilities in recent years.

The third public comment period for LEED for Healthcare is now open.The changes made to the rating system since the last public comment period can now be viewed, and comments on the changes may be submitted through 5 p.m. PT Sept. 5. USGBC will only accept comments on the revised credits.

Green Buildings of West Michigan Tour

From our friends at the the U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan Chapter.

With over 120 LEED certified buildings in West Michigan, and that number continues to grow, we have the perfect opportunity to prove the benefits and showcase green building design as a region. Grand Rapids is a leader, fourth in the nation with LEED certified buildings, and yet we find very few of those building owners sharing their story in an organized way to attract tours and visitors and as an economic development tool for our region.

We are assisting those building owners to pull their case studies together, measuring the results of their green building choices, and to organize tours of these buildings to highlight the features. The diversity in the types of buildings that have been certified will provide a tour in each of the following market segments: office, manufacturing, small project, health care, education, homes, hospitality, and non-profit.

Tours will be September 10th & 11th 2010 for the building tour event sponsored by the USGBC West Michigan Chapter.
Cost of Tours (lunch included):
Friday Only - $60.00; register by August 15th and cost is $50.00
Saturday Only - $60.00; register by August 15th and cost is $50.00
Both Friday and Saturday - $100.00; register by August 15th and cost is $90.00
Add breakfast (a joint breakfast with Greentown participants/keynote address by Mayor George Heartwell) an additional $20.00
Students (must show valid student ID at registration)- $25.00 per tour per day

Visit http://www.usgbcwm.org/green-buildings-of-west-michigan for more information on the buildings that will be featured on the tour and to register. Discounted registrations available until August 15th!

Creighton Boosting Sustainability Efforts Across Campus

Creighton University will harness Nebraska's sunshine and wind this spring as the University begins assembling a large array of solar panels and wind turbines at various locations across campus. When completed, the solar array will be the largest in the state.

The alternative energy project will be part of a new degree program for students studying technology and applied science in the College of Arts and Sciences. They will have research opportunities to assist with the building of the solar array, which will be located in a University parking lot.

Students in the atmospheric sciences program will be able to track the efficiency of the panels through a weather station, using computerized weather models developed by the students. The collective analysis, along with a Web-cam presentation and a dashboard showing "right-now" production, will all be visible on a dedicated Web site and on digital displays found in the Hixson-Lied Science Building.

For more information, visit Creighton University's News Center.

Take the Downtown Improvement District Survey

The Omaha Downtown Improvement District (DID) was created to develop and carry out downtown improvement programs funded by an assessment on downtown properties. On behalf of the DID board, this survey seeks your opinions about existing programs and ideas to help define the priorities for the future of Downtown Omaha. Click here to take the survey and submit your opinions. One lucky respondent will win a $100 gift certificate to the downtown restaurant or shop of their choice!

Environment Omaha: Creating a More Sustainable City

When: Wednesday, August 4th at 5:30pm, Where: Slowdown (729 N. 14th St.)

Do you have an idea about how to make Omaha a greener community? Attend an educational happy hour with Environment Omaha and other young professionals. Environment Omaha, a partnership of the City of Omaha and Omaha by Design, is a new policy development initiative that’s creating a comprehensive environmental section for the city’s master plan. There will be a presentation to give an overview of the initiative, its economic impact and highlights from five major areas: the natural environment, urban form and transportation, building construction, resource conservation and community health. This event is open to the public and free to attend.

Presenters:Rick Cunningham, director, City of Omaha Planning DepartmentConnie Spellman, director, Omaha by DesignMike McMeekin, president, Lamp, Rynearson & Associates (co-chair, Environment Omaha)

For more information, visit www.environmentomaha.com or call 554-4010.The Greater Omaha Chamber is also hosting an Environment Omaha educational event on Wednesday, August 11th at 3:30pm at the Chamber’s downtown office located at 1301 Harney St. Space is limited, so please contact Tim Stuart to register: tstuart@omahachamber.org.

Alternative Transportation Survey

The City of Omaha Planning Department is organizing a community-wide effort dedicated to making Douglas County a healthier and more active place to live. Currently a team of 20 organizations have come together under the Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant with the task to address the state of alternative forms of transportation in Omaha.Please help by filling out a short survey and sharing your opinions about cycling and walking in Omaha. Your input will contribute to a foundation of knowledge that will help the community work towards an even better city for everyone! https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/bikewalkomaha