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From the Chair
We've now passed the half-way point for 2008 and, looking at "the list", there's still lots of goals and objectives for the Chapter to accomplish yet this year. We've had a remarkable year so far - a well attended Symposium in late January, lots of new corporate members and Chapter associate members, great turnouts for local branch startups in Fort Wayne and Bloomington, winning a 'Chapter Challenge Grant' from USGBC and a 'Community Connection' chapter award at the Greening the Heartland USGBC regional conference last month in St. Louis. And, we launched our own website and new marketing tools earlier this month. Wow! Not bad for a straggly group of non-profit volunteers!
Looking ahead, we'll be trying our best to initiate the Emerging Green Builders (EGB) program at several Indiana colleges this fall, get another regional branch startup going in NW Indiana, hold a few LEED workshops around the state (including our first ever 'LEED for Schools' workshop with assistance from Ball State), put on educational programs at various locations for our members, and continue our planning efforts for next year's legislative sessions and next March's Indiana Building Green Symposium (IBGS). That's a lot, and doesn't include the wide variety of behind-the-scenes activities like modifying our Chapter structure for the branch model, holding elections for new board positions, continuing our fund-raising activities via sponsorships, member recruiting, and grant applications, and a whole host of 'house cleaning' tasks that are just waiting for some attention.
So how does it all get done? Glad you asked! We need interested members to help us with committee activities and planning advice on many of the above mentioned issues. This is especially true with branch development. I am very proud of what we've accomplished this year in Indiana and I'm also very proud to be a part of the remarkable organization that is the USGBC. Come join us in this exciting growth; it is a challenging commitment but is every bit rewarding in advancing the green building agenda that we desperately need here and throughout the reaches of the USGBC. Contact our Chapter Coordinator, Angie Resiak for more details.
Mac Williams, LEED-AP |
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Advocacy Update
by Bill Brown, AIA, LEED AP - Advocacy Chair and Chapter Vice Chair
Prior to our Chapter's establishment of an Advocacy Committee, several members were actively involved in a two-year effort by the AIA Indiana Legislative Affairs Committee to advocate for "proactive sustainable design legislation." Toward that end we have suggested and helped sponsor and write legislation and we have taken up the cause of any legislation that seems to be moving the discussion in the right direction. Such was the case in the past session with House Bill 1280, Energy Efficient Buildings, sponsored by Representative Pierce (D-Bloomington), which passed out of the house, with the help of testimony from Chapter members, and moved to the Senate.
In the form that passed the House, The Energy Efficient Buildings Act would have required that "any government or university structure built after December 31, 2008, would have to meet standards established by the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system or an equivalent system."
In the Senate, an intense lobbying effort kicked in that involved many behind the scenes meetings to hash out differences and try to get to legislation that everyone could support. Indiana Chapter officers and our Advocacy Committee members were deeply involved in this effort at compromise and Chapter Chair Mac Williams and I testified before the Senate hearing on the merits of energy efficient state buildings. In the end, as it looked like a compromise was at hand, the legislative session ended with a commitment only to address the intent of the bill in a summer study committee.
This order is neither a mandate nor an incentive so one might be inclined to conclude that its effect will be minimal. But we applaud the Governor's action because it does open the door to discussion of the topic on both sides of the Legislative aisle, which has the potential to be an incredibly important and positive first step toward a more environmentally and economically sustainable state. If you would like to join us on the Advocacy committee as we work with allied professional organizations to move our state toward more sustainable building and community design, drop me an email. We can use your ideas, especially if you understand how the Indiana Legislature works.
USGBC-IN and Indy GreenPrints
Several of our Chapter members are also heavily involved with the Indianapolis Greenprint Commission, which is currently focusing on four task groups to identify action steps that can be immediately implemented.
Those four areas of concentration are Incentives, Center for Sustainability, Brownfield Redevelopment, and an accelerated Neighborwoods program. These focus areas were gleaned from last year's Greenprint Commission report that included 29 recommendations for action steps.
The Initiatives Task Group has identified 11 incentives for consideration. The Center for Sustainability would be a virtual and actual "one stop shop" for technical training, funding, information, education, and permitting for green development initiatives and organizations. The Brownfield Redevelopment Task Group is looking at the potential for a Smart Growth Redevelopment Zone in an area of the city that contains a high concentration of brownfields, but also has access to the Monon Greenway and future transit development potential. The Neighborwoods Task Group is looking for ways to expand the scope of the tree planting program initiated by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.
To follow along, you can get on the Greenprint newsletter list to read meeting minutes and get updates on upcoming meetings, which are all open to the public. The next full Greenprint Commission meeting will be held on August 13 from 3-5 p.m. at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful at 1029 Fletcher Avenue in Fountain Square.
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USGBC-IN, Indy Habitat Greens Homes
Chapter performs energy modeling, selects green materials
by Dan Overbey, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP
Indianapolis - Habitat for Humanity International is revered for its commitment to locally based affordable housing projects. Utilizing donated materials and a volunteer workforce, "Habitat" has emerged as one of the nation's largest homebuilders.
Locally, the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis has worked hard to provide decent, affordable housing to those who lack adequate shelter for over twenty years. While minimizing environmental impacts may not have been high on the organization's list of priorities, the Indianapolis-based affiliate is setting its sights on several green building initiatives that could have a positive impact on both the environment and the homeowner families. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis announced in May that, with the help of key donors and sponsors, it would be making its homes more energy efficient and healthful. Habitat announced that it would build its homes with the following "green" upgrades: · Recycled carpet/pad · Cabinets with low V.O.C. stains and glues · Recycled material/medical quality countertops · Paperless wall board · 25 year asphalt shingles, light color · Compact fluorescent light bulbs · Linoleum or comparable flooring · Ceiling fans · Tankless water heater · Sealed and insulated ductwork · Energy Star appliances · Solar powered attic fan · Low V.O.C. paint · Passive radon removal system This past June, USGBC-IN collaborated with Habitat to investigate the changing energy dynamics these various green building upgrades would create. The result: Per week, the aggregate effect of the conservation measures could save a family of five approximately $50 per month. However, not all of the energy savings were derived from the types of materials and appliances specified for the home. Interestingly, it was determined that almost $100 per year could be saved simply by keeping the house's electronics off of standby mode. Electronics with a standby mode, such as most new televisions, computer monitors, and stereos, will slowly siphon energy even when they're turned off. By unplugging such devices when they're not in use, homeowners can save a significant amount of energy (and money) over the course of a year. To learn more about the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis, visit their website. |
USGBC-IN is supported with a 2008-2009 IOED development grant |
Greenbuild Registration Opens
Changes for Boston to accomodate expected turnout
An announcement from USGBC summarizes some of the changes being made to Greenbuild to alleviate some of the challenges caused by 2007's unanticipated 75% increase in attendance over the previous year's.
Registration opened on June 20 and includes the ability to pre-register for special events, tours, and educational sessions.
Registration is available at the conference website. |
| LEED Workshops Update
INDIANAPOLIS - USGBC Indiana will host a LEED for Commercial Interiors Technical Review Workshop on August 15, 2008.
LEED ® for Commercial Interiors is the green benchmark specifically for the tenant improvement market. Attend the LEED for Commercial Interiors Technical Review Workshop presented by the U.S. Green Building Council to gain the knowledge needed to enhance project performance, achieve certification and prepare for the LEED Professional Accreditation Exam. Continuing education credits will be offered.
The Workshop, to be presented by USGBC faculty members Rico Cedro and Keith Winn, will be located at the Marriott Indianapolis North. The session begins at 8:30 and will end at 5:00.
Online registration is available at the USGBC website.
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Become a Sponsor!!!!
The Indiana Chapter of the US Green Building Council invites you to support the activities of the chapter by becoming a sponsor. As interest in green building gains momentum in Indiana, there has never been a better time to become involved with and support the Chapter.
Through communications, educational programs, networking events, and advocacy work, we hope to educate and create awareness of green and sustainable building strategies. Please consider becoming an annual or program sponsor and joining our effort for a better built environment.
There are several levels of sponsorships that are available. To receive a Sponsorship Registration Form, please contact Angie Resiak, Chapter Coordinator. |
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Green Jays Communications can help your organization "go green" through effective communications. Find out more at our web site.
Green Jays Communications supports the work of USGBC-IN through its generous in-kind contribution of services.
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CSI to Host Trade Show
Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 18, 2008 to be sure and attend the BEST architectural product trade show in Indiana and we think the best in the Midwest! You will not only see over 100 exhibit booths which will contain information and examples of more than 100 architectural construction products and services, but you will also have the opportunity to win booth prizes and CSI prizes including several $50 and $100 prizes, an "early bird" prize of $250, and a grand prize of $500, totaling $2500 in CASH given away during the show!
The Trade Show is from 3:00pm to 8:00pm and is preceded by an educational seminar on Design-Build in Indiana in conjunction with the local chapter of The Design Build Institute of America. The Trade Show is free, parking is free, and free appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be available throughout the show. A cash bar will also be available. The first 100 Dot Cards submitted will also each receive a FREE drink ticket good for a drink at the bar. Properly filled-out Dot Cards are required for the cash prizes.
The Trade Show and seminar will take place at the Riverwalk Banquet Center just north of Broad Ripple. More specific information will be forthcoming in our flyer and in the trade newspaper, Building Excellence. We encourage you to attend, learn about products and services you may need or want for your construction projects, win some prizes, mingle with your peers in construction, and have a great time that should also help you with your work and career! Come join us. We hope to see you there!
Informantion provided by CSI Indianapolis |
News From the Web
Items are linked back to their sources and are the property of their owners.
Global Warming Talks at G-8 Summit Leave Few Concrete Goals
On July 9, the major industrial powers and a big group of emerging nations at the Group of 8 (G-8) summit in Toyako, Japan, pledged to pursue "deep cuts" in emissions of heat-trapping gases in coming decades. The G-8 statement also pledged to increase aid to help developing countries improve energy efficiency or cut their vulnerability to climate risk. But developing countries have noted that in the past those pledges have gone unfilled.
9/11 and 4/11 By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN We are addicted to dirty fossil fuels, and this addiction is driving a whole set of toxic trends that are harming our nation and world in many different ways. New ANSI Approved Carpet and Rug Certification ProgramThe Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) is now accredited within the soft floor covering sector as a certification body for indoor air quality by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI).CRI's Green Label and Green Label Plus programs, which test for and certify low emissions from carpet, carpet cushion and adhesive, comply with the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission Guide 65, General requirements for bodies operating product certification programs.
Governor Lingle Signs Bill to Increase Solar Energy
Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle has signed into law a bill to increase the use of one of the state's most abundant renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on imported oil. Hawaii is the first state in the nation to require the installation of solar water heating systems on new single-family homes. In most cases, the new law will prohibit the issuing of building permits for single-family homes that do not have solar water heaters starting January 1, 2010.
SBIC Announces its 2008 Beyond Green™ High-Performance Building Awards Program
The Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) is now accepting applications from both the public and private sector for the 2008 Beyond Green™ High-Performance Building Awards. The Awards recognize the initiatives that shape, inform and catalyze the market for high-performance buildings, as well as the real-world application of high-performance design and construction practices. All application materials are available on the Council's Website. The application deadline for the 2008 Awards program is October 15, 2008.
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Calendar at a Glance
Marriott Indianapolis North
Clark Room
3645 River Crossing Parkway
Indianapolis, IN 46240
20: USGBC-IN Chapter Meeting
The Conference Center at Four Parkwood (tentative)
Topic: Building Envelope Design
September
17: USGBC-IN Chapter Meeting
Ball State Indianapolis Center
Topic: LEED in Progress
6729 Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis
October
10: LEED for Schools Technical Review
Ball State University (tentative)
online registration not yet open
15: USGBC-IN Chapter Meeting
Location: TBD
Topic: Sustainable Sites
Marriott Indianapolis North
Clark Room
3645 River Crossing Parkway
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Week of the 1st: USGBC-IN Chapter Membership Gala!
5: LEED Technical Review (Rating system TBD)
Please email your event notices to the Editor. Thank you! | |
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From the Editor
MORE TIGGER, LESS EEYORE!
If you've read A.A. Milne's tales, you'll know that the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood are a microcosm of us, and we are quite the bunch, we green builders.
In a recent meeting of the officers, while reviewing progress on the Chapter's strategic goals, a feeling of frustration permeated the room. Why weren't we further along on THIS? Why didn't THAT come off better? Thankfully, our former teacher-turned-architect-turned-green builder Co-chair broke in.
"You know, we should really focus instead on what we HAVE accomplished - be more like Tigger and less like Eeyore."
While we're in the middle of what USGBC euphemistically calls "market transformation," we are tempted to dwell on the negatives - the obstruction, the skepticism, the slowness of things, the inability to find the time to press our agenda for a new way of building. We invest far too much time and energy in it, like Eeyore, who can only see everything wrong around him and finds himself plodding along, downcast.
Tigger, of course, sees things differently. Endlessly optimistic, he bounces through life, sometimes a little too enthusiastically, and often overestimating his abilities. Even when he encounters a setback, he just presses on with even more energy.
We should all adopt Tigger's approach - always hopeful, confident, unafraid of failure and absolutely unwilling to invest our precious energy in negativism. Be cheerful, bouncing through our work and lives, because "It's what Tiggers do best!"
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Mark Darrall, LEED AP
USGBC Indiana Communications Chair and Newsletter Editor |
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