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With the presidential election of 2008 now over, I hope that all Americans-regardless of which candidate they supported-will rally behind our next President. I also hope that our Indiana Chapter members have been inspired by a renewed sense of citizen participation and a desire to serve. I encourage everyone to get involved and serve in your community, school, church, and other organizations that are representative of your values and your passion...
Of course, I encourage and invite you to actively participate in the mission of USGBC. Most people simply equate the USGBC to green buildings and LEED. However, at the core of USGBC's mission is the very meaningful pursuit of sustainable balance in the form of a 'Triple Bottom Line' - Economy, Environment, and social Equity. The concept of the TBL obviously covers a whole range of issues worthy of our time and attention, many of which are critical right now in our country and in our communities.
Become a 'community organizer' through the USGBC. Consider joining up with a local branch group (or help start a new one), or participating on a Chapter Committee, or running for a Board of Directors seat in our own forthcoming election. The opportunities to serve through USGBC are numerous and our relevance and influence continue to grow both locally and nationally. I am intrigued by the opportunities for positive change that lie in the year ahead.
Let's all join in!
Mac Williams, LEEP AP
USGBC-IN Chair |
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Achieving Green Building Goals By Establishing "High Performance Buildings for Life (tm)"
By Dave Sommer, LEED-AP
Trane - Indiana
Thanks to the availability of new technologies, we now have a distinct opportunity to change the paradigms we use to operate and maintain buildings to enhance the comfort and the productivity of its occupants - as well as ensure the continued achievement of our original green building goals.
"High Performance Buildings™" are green buildings and facilities built for sustainability and energy efficiency. But a high performance building can only retain that designation if its long-term operational and maintenance program sustain the high levels of performance originally designed into the facility.
Unfortunately, traditional approaches to building systems maintenance aren't enough.
Pros & Cons of Traditional Approaches to Maintenance
Traditional maintenance programs feature the use of defined service tasks and a calendar or hour meters to determine frequency of service. A disconnect exists, however, between system performance as compared to original design and the frequency and diligence of maintenance. It's because maintenance program "compliance" has been tied to whether or not tasks have been performed at certain times rather than how a system is actually operating in terms of efficiency, capacity and performance.
New technology allows us to set standards that require systems and components to deliver and sustain "Original Design Performance" (ODP). Performance-based maintenance is service undertaken to sustain ODP at all times. Compliance is tied to how closely the design conditions for efficiency, capacity and other requirements are met.
Categorically, there are three approaches to maintenance:
"Deferred Maintenance" also known as "Reactive Maintenance" which in simpler terms refers to the absence of a maintenance program.
Pro: Proponents say that by spending nothing on preventive maintenance and having adequate system redundancy, then repairs can be made on the fly with less staff and little noticeable degradation of performance.
Con: This short-sighted approach can be maintained only for a fraction of the expected life of the system. Generally, efficiency and performance degrade quickly, equipment life is shorter, and the cost of making repairs at or near failure is far higher than when repairs are made prior to an "event."
"Preventive Maintenance" (PM) refers to the traditional scheduling of maintenance tasks at pre-defined frequency intervals.
Pro: This approach provides visual and operational inspection to assure failure is not imminent and that systems are performing adequately. Failure frequency and repair costs should be kept in check while negative impacts on system life should be minimal.
Con: The cost of "PM" is fairly high as tasks are undertaken according to schedule rather than need. There is also a disconnect between performing a service task and assuring that the performance of the task has resulted in sustaining design efficiency and capacity unless testing is being done to validate the performance - which most often is not the case.
"Predictive Maintenance" (PdM) or "Reliability Centered Maintenance" (RCM) uses testing, predictive technologies and diagnostics to determine maintenance needs. PdM is sometimes referred to as, or more accurately integrates, with "Proactive" maintenance. This approach requires testing and diagnostics that establish baseline performance criteria and compare conditions to detect or anticipate abnormal wear or small events which degrade performance. This is the basis for sustaining a "High Performance Building for Life." By deploying PdM practices, a maintenance program becomes integral to delivering on this concept.
Pro: Eliminating scheduled but unnecessary tasks reduces total program cost, including testing, over the long run. Reliability is improved as intervention repairs are undertaken prior to component wear or performance degradation.
Con: Requires upfront training, hardware and software tools, and a understanding of how the technology is applied to focus on desired outcomes.
Acquiring the technology or third-party support for an effective PdM program is not cost-prohibitive and lends credibility to any formal maintenance program
The New, Green building Approach: High Performance Buildings for Life
What can we do to assess the correct approach to maintain a green building throughout its life as a useful facility? A basic audit and analysis should be able to help determine the following critical factors:
- What are the critical systems for which performance criteria have been or should be established?
- What are performance criteria for the equipment (efficiency, capacity, control, etc.), and what can be used as a baseline against which we can compare future performance?
- Are there more urgent issues that should be considered in our systems analysis?
- Does adequate redundancy for critical systems exist?
- Is there a contingency plan in place to manage incidents?
- Examine the current maintenance program and identify "gaps" that could cause performance degradation
- Do we have manufacturer recommended maintenance practices from which we can enhance the current program?
- Can we identify testing and diagnosis procedures to help us move towards a more proactive maintenance future?
Given the environmental, energy, and budgetary challenges that are our responsibilities today, now is the time to use the availability of new technologies to our best advantage - by beginning the implementation of a "Predictive Maintenance" program. By doing so, we will ensure that the green facilities we've constructed for comfort, safety, productivity, and energy efficiency remains true to our original green design throughout their life - as "High Performance Buildings."
For more information, contact Dave Sommer, LEED-AP, Trane - Indiana, phone: 317-255-8777 or email.
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USGBC-Indiana to Host Greenbuild Reception
The Chapter will host a reception at the Westin Waterfront Hotel, adjacent to the Greenbuild site, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
The reception will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 in the Paine Room on the hotel's lobby level and is free to Chapter Members.
USGBC-Indiana Member Gala Set!
The Chapter is a party mood as it sets the date and location of its annual Member Gala (OK, it's not black tie. In fact, it's definitely casual!).
The annual event is made possible through the generous support of J.F. New.
We'll gather at Business Furniture, located at I465 and 71st Street in Indianapolis from 5:30 to 8:00 on December 4.
This is a members-only event and one of the benefits of joining USGBC-Indiana.
Speakers Bureau to be Formed; Participants Sought
USGBC-Indiana will form a speakers bureau that will allow all members to help spread the good news and support the Chapter's Mission.
The Communications Committee is developing the program, which it expects to launch in the first quarter of 2009.
A Call for Speakers will be announced soon. Anyone interested in participating as a speaker should contact Mark Darrall.
Advocacy Report: "Mr. Williams Goes to Washington"
Indiana Chapter Chair Mac Williams recently took part in the first ever USGBC national "legislative fly-in" to Washington, DC and Capitol Hill. USGBC representatives chosen from all across the country were invited to meet with USGBC's Advocacy Staff on day one, and then meet with state representatives and staffers on Capitol Hill the following day.
Chapter participants formed teams of three and collectively met with more than ninety offices of the US Congress, discussing current pro-green building legislation and advocating for green schools.
Mac was able to meet with staff from Indiana Representatives Dan Burton (District 5) and Andre Carson (District 7) and offer materials to inform and educate about the merits of green buildings. Representative Burton held a green buildings discussion session one month later in Indianapolis where local experts (including Chapter members) and stakeholders were able to further discuss both the incentives and roadblocks to green building here in Indiana.
USGBC Chapter advocates gather on the steps of the US Capitol in Washington
Draper to Sponsor Social at Greenbuild
Draper Industries of Spiceland, IN, a sponsor of USGBC-IN, will sponsor The Greenguard Environmental Institute's "Pub Night" to be held the evening of November 19 at Ned Devine's in Fanueil Hall in Boston. RSVP here.
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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. |
USGBC-IN is supported with a 2008-2009 IOED development grant |
Last update: 9:30 a.m. EST Nov. 7, 2008
MUNCIE, Ind., Nov 07, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Architecture students at Ball State University will learn how to save the environment one building at a time as Dave Sommer, business leader for Trane Indiana, discusses how green architecture incorporates innovative designs and technologies to significantly reduce a building's negative impact on the environment...
New airport terminal could start push in Indiana toward green building practices
By Erika D. Smith
Posted: November 1, 2008
Indiana is known for many things, but putting up environmentally friendly buildings isn't one of them.
That, however, may begin to change with the opening this month of Indianapolis International Airport's new terminal.
The facility is on track to become one of the greenest in the nation. It's likely to be among the first to receive certification from the U.S. Green Building Council -- an honor reserved for buildings that promote water and energy conservation, recycling, incorporating renewable energy sources, and construction that spares the surrounding habitat.
Until now, Indiana lacked such a massive $1.1 billion example of environmentally friendly design. Experts say the terminal may stimulate similar projects throughout the state.
Indianapolis, IN---Community Hospital South announced today that its emergency room expansion project has been awarded LEED NC Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the USGBC's leading rating system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, most energy efficient and high performing buildings. Community Hospital South is the first hospital to receive gold certification in the state of Indiana.
"While our focus has always been on getting patients well and back to their lives, we are also committed to caring for our planet," said Mitch Breeze, facilities director at Community Hospital South. "Though it may not be obvious in the midst of an emergency situation, a lot of thought goes into how we create an exceptional experience for our patients, and that includes taking care of our environment."
The emergency room construction, which was completed in August of 2007, expanded the facility from 11,000 to 30,000 square feet, including 26 all-private rooms equipped with the most advanced emergency technology; trauma rooms for the most critical trauma needs; a comfortable waiting area; and an enclosed bay that can accommodate four ambulances.
The project was designed by Schmidt Associates to achieve LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use. It also incorporates a variety of other sustainable strategies. "Community Hospital South and the project team set goals during the design phase to create an energy efficient building with optimal indoor air quality," said Craig Flandermeyer, RLA, LEED AP, a landscape architect with Schmidt Associates. "The LEED NC Gold Certification provides third-party verification that the end results not only met those goals, but also compare favorably to national standards for protecting the environment. Community Hospital South patients, employees and the operating budget should all benefit."
"Community Health Network continually measures the quality of the health care it provides, as well as the satisfaction of its patients," Breeze said. "We feel it's important to apply similar measurements to our building projects. LEED was a good way of getting a third-party grade on how well we're doing."
with information from Community Health Network |
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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. | |
| Emerging Green Builders Indiana Names Directors
The Branch Directors for the Emerging Green Builders have been chosen. Those chosen are as follows:
Muncie - Amanda Bosse
Lafayette - Jamie Metzinger
Fort Wayne - Tyler Gerig, Laura Martin
South Bend - Jonathan Hamm, Andrew Avara, Kyle Moore
Bloomington - Patrick Foley, Brian Thorne
NW Indiana - Roy Evans, Dennis Korchek
The process to coordinate the various branches is still underway, and we will keep everyone up to date on the progress and of future kick-off meetings for the various branches.
We look forward to a very strong, active, and influential Emerging Green Builders group across the entire state! Stayed tuned for our continued progress!
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USGBC Honored for Work to Green Travel Industry
By GreenBiz Staff, GreenBiz
Published October 21, 2008
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Travel + Leisure magazine named the U.S. Green Building Council, Marriott International and Enterprise Rent-A-Car among its winners of the 2008 Global Vision Award, honoring the three for their work to make the travel and tourism industry more Earth-friendly...
Green vs. Greed -- An Open Letter to Green Building Professionals
By Rick Fedrizzi, October 23, 2008
Dear USGBC Constituents:
In recent weeks, a wave of fear and pessimism propagated by the world financial crisis has stolen the headlines, gripped the nation and challenged our movement. In conversation after conversation, people are asking what will happen to the green building movement if our community is plunged into a recession.
And I have an answer for them. The greed that led the world economy into crisis will not defeat our commitment to good work. Fear will not dominate our agenda. And our commitment to change - even in the face of so great a challenge - will not waver.
Change doesn't wait on Washington. And it doesn't depend on Wall Street. Change comes from within. The green building movement has been demonstrating that fact for more than 15 years. Before there was a single government green building policy, before the business community stood up and took notice, before there was a LEED - there was you. Thousands upon thousands of committed individuals dedicated to doing better by doing good. You've built this movement. You're building sustainable communities. And every single one of us has a contribution to make towards pulling our country out of this crisis.
We cannot lose sight of our mission. It is within reach.
By Leslie Guevarra
Published September 29, 2008
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- As a relatively new industry, green construction has its own set of legal risks and those who build, market and sell eco-friendly structures need to know how to minimize their vulnerability, attorneys told an audience at the West Coast Green Conference.
"Green means better buildings, it also means you have to have better contracts," said real estate and land use attorney Douglas White with Hoge, Fenton, Jones and Appel Inc. "The sophistication level required in documents has shot way up with green building."
By Al Gore
Published: November 9, 2008
The inspiring and transformative choice by the American people to elect Barack Obama as our 44th president lays the foundation for another fateful choice that he - and we - must make this January to begin an emergency rescue of human civilization from the imminent and rapidly growing threat posed by the climate crisis...
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BSA LifeStructures supports the work of USGBC-IN through its generous in-kind contribution of services. |
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November
19-21: Greenbuild Expo 2008
Location: Boston, MA
See Greenbuild Expo 2008 for more information
20: ENERGY STAR NEW HOMES Training Workshop
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Vincennes University Construction Technology
324 W. Red Skelton Blvd.
REGISTRATION: $20 per person.
Information: (812) 882-5162 or email.
December
Business Furniture
I465 and 71st Street, Indianapolis
5:30 to 8:00PM
Members only, please!
5: LEED Technical Review (Rating system TBD)
6: Environmental Policy Forum
TBD
Please email your event notices to the Editor. Thank you! | |
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From the Editors
In a recent conversation about green design with a well-respected colleague from out-of-state, I received a sentiment that I suspect may permeate much of the design profession. He remarked, "The problem with sustainable design is that it's so darn earnest."
He had a point insofar as much of the case for green building revolves around environmental benevolence and valiant countermeasures to combat carbon emissions. Green product and certification logos frequently contain silhouettes of trees or leaves. The very term "green" evokes a natural, organic reference. At its origins, the word "green" is closely linked to the Old English verb growan, which means "to grow".
Beyond the environment, there's always the altruistic case for green building. Who can argue against improving indoor air quality, daylighting, and views? (And when did such features become design premiums, anyway?)
While we're on the subject of "green," there's always the monetary aspect of going green. Some may simply wish to pursue green building in order to gain a marketing advantage, reduce utility costs, or because they project that their building will lease for $0.50 more per square foot if it's LEED certified.
All of these reasons for going green are valid. In fact, many contend that truly green (or sustainable) design is actually derived from a balanced combination of economic, environmental, and altruistic pursuits. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development puts it this way, "Sustainable development involves the simultaneous pursuit of economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social equity. Companies aiming for sustainability need to perform not against a single, financial bottom line, but against [this] triple bottom line."
At the end of the day, if you're in favor of green building, does it really matter what someone's reason is for going green, so long as they do it as well as they possibly can?
Mark Darrall, LEED AP
Daniel Overbey, LEED AP, Assoc. AIA
USGBC Indiana Communications Co-Chairs |
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