USGBC-IN Newsletter: May 2009

MAY 2009.

This Month: The Ripening of the New
Green Economy

Feature Article

Are You Ready For the New Green Economy?
Sustainability Strategist Argues Benefits of Being Green

Author: Heather Gadonniex
Source: Shelter Magazine
Date Written: 4/27/2009

The Dow has fallen below 9,000 points for the first time since 2003, and the stock market is down more than 30 percent this year. The housing market has crashed, and as of last month, the national debt topped $10.8 trillion dollars. Yes folks, there is no denying that we are living in harsh economic times.

Enter sustainability, more commonly known as "going green." It is important to note that there is a distinction between these two terms. Sustainability encompasses social and environmental aspects while "green" covers strictly environmental issues.

Green and sustainability are more than just buzzwords floating off of the lips of every marketer in the nation.

It is a viable solution to many of our financial crises, particularly when it comes to our businesses and the products we make. Green and sustainability are the foundation for a new, thriving economy. From President Obama to New York Times best-selling author Van Jones, people are talking about how green-collared jobs, eco-efficiency, and sustainability can make our economy flourish again.

Study after study proves that incorporating sustainability measures into your organization improves profit by increasing operational efficiencies, reducing employee turnover and improving profit margins on products. Plus, you'll enjoy the benefits of building a 'green' brand.

Companies are realizing that "going green" is not a trend. And, it's not just individual businesses that are benefiting from mimicking nature. In fact, entire industry sectors have seen increased growth and profits after developing and implementing industry best practices for going green. The cost for incorporating sustainability into your organization varies and is based on an organization's needs, number of employees and size. More often that not implemented efficiency measures and increased risk mitigation offset the costs associated with sustainability program development and implementation.

In spite of this tough economy, the green-building movement continues to grow. According to a recent report published by McGraw Hill, environmentally friendly home building is projected to generate between $12 billion and $20 billion in sales this year - accounting for a 6-10-percent share of the housing market. Over the next five years, these numbers are projected to double.

Similar trends are seen in the green building products market. According to The Green Building Alliance, the green building products market is projected to be worth $30-$40 billion annually by 2010.

Consumers are asking for greener products, products that are healthier for their families and products that were created in a socially responsible manner. More importantly, savvy consumers no longer are looking at products from a single dimension. They are looking at products from a comprehensive lens of sustainability and asking about multiple attributes of the product. Soon, it will not be enough that a product contains a small amount of recycled content or to have a certification that covers one green attribute such as indoor air quality.

Consumers want to know how if a 'green' company made the product, how the product will affect them in their workspace and home, and how they will dispose of the product. Certification bodies, particularly those in the building industry, are realizing this trend and developing certifications based on life-cycle assessment, which take into account material impacts from raw material extraction through disposal.

Additionally, member organizations such as the Sustainable Furnishings Council are basing exemplary membership on requirements that look beyond traditional business operations. While anyone can become a member, they require exemplary members to supply data on their carbon footprint, materials supply chain and sustainable business policies.

Straight Talk for Distributors

With more green homes and commercial buildings going up and increased consumer demand for non-toxic, sustainable products, there are big opportunities for distributors and dealers to grow sales. Plan-It Hardware, a green distributor in California, was one of the first to catch this wave. "We serve over 60 dealers with a catalog of over 1500 green products that meet green-building guidelines or are other sustainability criteria," says Jay Tompt, vice president of Plan-It Hardware. "The dealers love the program because it doesn't cost them any more and we support them with training and signage," Tompt added.

When considering "going green", distributors and dealers should look at their own operations, as well as their supply chain. Developing a plan for reducing waste, cutting energy costs and shifting supply purchases to environmentally preferred choices will create the right organizational foundation for selling green-building products. When evaluating what green products to purchase, buyers should follow a standardized product screening process when evaluating new products, both of which will establish trust and credibility with customers. In addition, key staff members should get educated in green building 101 and the various green-building rating systems. This will allow all employees to effectively sell green products to environmentally minded consumers.

Given the proven savings generated by the incorporation of sustainability into your organization (and the remarkable market opportunity generated by selling green products), the question shouldn't be, "Can we afford to go green?" You should ask yourself, "Can we afford not to?" Greening your business opens the doors to reduced risk, reduced costs, increased positive employee relations and a wealth of marketing potential. Are you prepared for the new green economy?

Heather Gadonniex, LEED AP, is founder and president of Green it Group, a sustainability strategy firm that helps companies assess and green their products, and incorporate sustainable business strategies into the core of their organization. Ms. Gadonniex is also the co-author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Greening Your Business, published by Alpha Books. Mrs. Gadonniex's comments are solely her own and do not necessarily reflect those of this magazine. Contact Heather at heather@greenitgroup.com or visit the Green it Group website. www.greenitgroup.com.

From the Chair

New branches springing up!

As I write this, the trees in my backyard are a riot of spring color and flowers are pushing up through the mulch so fast you can almost watch them grow. USGBC is moving toward a model of having just one chapter per state with multiple branches in each state. Unlike some states that had multiple chapters, Indiana has had an easier time of implementing that plan; since we don't have to dismantle anything that was in place, just branch out.

New branches have been springing up like tulips in Indiana! The Northeast Branch, centered in Fort Wayne, was first on line and is now a flourishing group with outstanding local programs and events. Bloomington's efforts to launch the South Central Branch a couple of months ago brought over 100 people together for the kick-off meeting. A North Central Branch is moving forward centered around South Bend and Evansville will have it's kick-off meeting for a Southern Indiana Branch on May 20th at a new LEED Silver certified School of Business on the University of Evansville's campus.

Our Branch development committee is also working on a transition to a Central Indiana Branch that would serve the Indianapolis region. When that branch forms, the state chapter governance will be separated from the Central Indiana branch and the transformation from one state chapter to a state chapter with multiple branches will be in full bloom. If you would like to start a new branch, please contact Executive Director Liz Ellis or me so we can help you green your region of Indiana.

Bill Brown, AIA, LEED AP
USGBC Indiana Chair

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USGBC-IN Chapter News

USGBC-IN Chapter Program: Green Communities
Wednesday, May 20th

Join us on Wednesday, May 20th, as USGBC-IN holds its May 2009 program. This month's topic focuses on Green Communities.

Date:        May 20, 2009 (third Wednesday)

Time:           5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Location:     Parkwood 9 - 5th Floor
                   900 East 96th Street
                   Indianapolis, IN
                   See location in Yahoo! Local Maps

Cost:          Free to USGBC members;
                   $15 for non-USGBC members (pay at the door)

Register:    Click here to register

                 Advance reservations are strongly suggested.
                   Registration ends 24 hours prior to the event.

USGBC Workshop: LEED for Schools Technical Review
Friday, April 24, 2009

Presented by the U.S. Green Building Council, this course is designed to provide a complete review of the LEED� for Schools Rating System™ and how to apply it on school projects including the tools and insights needed to incorporate green building practices into projects. Case studies of certified school projects illustrate successful strategies and practices for improving school design and performance..

Date:        April 24, 2009

Time:           8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Location:      Michigan Wildlife Conservancy
                   Bengel Wildlife Center
                   DeVlieg Conservation Hall
                   6380 Drumheller Road
                   Bath, MI 48808
                 See this location in Google Maps

Cost:          Click here to access the event flyer

Register:    Click here to register

2009 Greening the Heartland Conference
May 31 - June 2, 2009

One of the largest and most successful conferences on green building practices and initiatives is coming to Detroit. The USGBC Detroit Regional Chapter and The Engineering Society of Detroit will present the Greening the Heartland Regional Conference May 31 - June 2, 2009, at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in partnership with COBO Center.

The theme of the conference is "ability," which illustrates that an approach to projects and practices with sustainability as a goal leads to multiple benefits. Attendees will receive the necessary tools to achieve this goal through programs, outstanding education sessions, keynote speakers, tours, and other activities.

Date:        April 24, 2009

Time:           8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Location:      Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
                   100 Renaissance Ctr
                   Detroit, MI 48243
                 See this location in Google Maps

Cost:          Click here to access cost information

Register:    Click here to register

USGBC Indiana Chapter on LinkedIn

USGBC-IN has established a group on LinkedIn.
Click here to join.

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Become a Sponsor! USGBC-IN Logo

The Indiana Chapter of USGBC 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 Elizabeth C. Ellis, Executive Director.

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USGBC-IN Branch News

Northeast Branch Program: 1st Annual USGBC Indiana Chapter Northeast Branch Golf Outing
Monday, August 24th

The Northeast Branch of the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) Indiana Chapter will be holding our 1st Annual Golf Outing on August 24, 2009 at Coyote Creek Golf Club in Fort Wayne. The goal of this outing is to raise funds for the Northeast Branch and to promote the benefits of becoming a member of the USGBC. (Rain date is August 31st)

The day's events will include:

11:00am open registration, with a shotgun start @ 12:30pm.

Box lunch w/ drink will be provided. (Beverage carts will be circulating through out the day).

Buffet dinner featuring BBQ ribs & chicken will follow immediately after golf.

A brief presentation on the benefits of becoming a member of the USGBC.

LOTS of give-a-ways and door prizes.

Program information is as follows:

Date:         August 24, 2009

Time:            Registration begins at 11:00 AM

Location:       Coyote Creek Golf Club
                    4935 Hillegas Rd
                    Fort Wayne, IN 46818
                    See location in Google Maps

Cost:           Varies; see registration

Register:     Click here to access the event flyer and
                    registration information.

                  Advance reservations is required for this event.
                    Registration ends July 24th.

Bloomington's Green Building Tour a Great Success!

The USGBC-IN South Central Branch co-sponsored the first annual and very successful Green Building Tour on Saturday, April 25th. The tour was sold out and quite the success. It highlighted various sites, buildings and homes throughout the community that had a wide array of green building features.

USGBC-IN would like to extend a special thanks to all who made this event possible!

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.Indiana Green Building Events

APA Indiana's Spring Conference
Friday, May 29, 2009

The Indiana Chapter of the American Planning Association will hold their Spring Conference on May 29, 2009 at the Marriott North at Keystone at the Crossing. This conference typically attracts over 100 planning professionals, elected officials, planning commission and board members, zoning inspectors, and attorneys.

This year's Spring Conference will be focusing on sustainability. In particular how communities can specifically implement sustainability principles into their comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances and working with developers.

The conference program is online at www.indianaplanning.org.

IRC's 2009 Conference and Exhibition
June 2 - 4, 2009

The Indiana Recycling Coalition's 20th Annual Conference and Exhibition is coming to the Bloominton Convention Center June 2 - 4. Join approximately 200 recycling program managers, local and state government officials, environmental educators and advocates, consumers and waste management professionals for this information packed event including timely educational topics and dozens of exhibitors!

For more information, please visit http://www.indianarecycling.org/node/28.

Greening of the Campus VIII: Embracing Change
September 20 - 23, 2009

If you enjoyed AASHE2008, you'll want to mark your calendar now for Greening of the Campus VIII. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) will be partnering with Ball State University to bring you this event. The conference has traditionally been held on Ball State's campus, but this year will be in the Indianapolis Convention Center in order to accommodate the growing campus sustainability community.

Greening of the Campus VIII will be held Sept 20 - 23, 2009 at the Indianapolis Convention Center. More information can be found at http://www.bsu.edu/greening/.

Labs21 2009 Annual Conference
September 22 - 24, 2009

Laboratories for the 21st Century (Labs21) is designed to meet the needs of laboratory and high performance facility designers, engineers, owners, and facility managers. Co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Labs21 offers professionals worldwide an extraordinary opportunity for information exchange and education with regard to high-performance laboratories and related facilities.

As official co-sponsor of the Laboratories for the 21st Century (Labs21) Annual Conference and workshops, the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) will facilitate a network of technical capabilities to address global needs while incorporating the Labs21 Approach to sustainable, high performance, and low-energy laboratories.

Please visit I2SL's web site at www.i2sl.org for the most up-to-date conference and workshop information.

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Emerging Green Builders (EGB) News

Nominations Now Open!

Submit to become an Executive Committee Officer or Branch Director for 2009-2010!

Current Branch Directors and the Executive Committee will be reviewing self-nominations and making selections in the coming weeks.

Visit www.usgbc-in.org/egb to find out how to run for - and read discriptions of - these positions:

Executive Committee:

EGB Indiana Chair,
Advocacy Chair,
Communications Chair,
Programs Chair,
Secretary

Branch Directors of:

Bloomington (including Indiana University),
Fort Wayne,
Indianapolis (including area colleges and universities),
Muncie (including Ball State University),
Northwest Indiana (including Chicagoland),
South Bend (including the University of Notre Dame),
Terre Haute (including Indiana State University),
West Lafayette (including Purdue University)

EGB Indianapolis May Social

Date: Monday, 18 May 2009

Time: 6pm-7pm

Place: Bazbeaux Pizza - Broad Ripple (811 E. Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis)

Come join us for an upcoming Social for Emerging Green Builders.

All Things EGB

Please visit us at usgbc-in.org/egb for all the latest events, resources, and local branch information.

Indiana Green Building News
Items are linked back to their sources and are the property of their owners. Click on heading for complete article.

State goes greener, with room to grow

Author: Jesse Kharbanda
Source: Indianapolis Star
Date Written: 05/08/2009

This legislative session, Indiana came astonishingly close to fostering a genuinely new era of green energy technology development for our state. With bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, our legislature seemed poised to adopt a renewable electricity standard and an upgraded net metering program, long-delayed policies that would spark job growth and investment in commercial-scale and home and business-based renewable energy systems. Ultimately, the renewable electricity standard died as some state Senate negotiators insisted on adding several provisions that neither chamber approved of in the original bills. Net metering died, too, with some Senate negotiators not willing to meet House negotiators halfway on a compromise, despite years of debate and support from Indiana's green energy entrepreneurs.

Indiana's legislators did make progress in other areas, showing that thoughtful, effective advocacy yields results.

Read more...

Showcase Your Project on USGBC-IN.org USGBC-IN Logo

Register your project today!

USGBC Indiana is in the process of adding in-state LEED certified projects to the website's "Green Projects" showcase. If you would like to submit your LEED certified project, please visit http://www.usgbc-in.org/.

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National USGBC News
Items are linked back to their sources and are the property of their owners. Click on heading for complete article.

The Cost Efficacy of Building Green

Author: Debra Hazel
Source: GlobeSt.com

Date Written: 05/07/2009

The economic crisis continues, but that shouldn't preclude investing in sustainability which can lead to both short and long-term financial benefits, said speakers at the RealShare Green Buildings virtual conference, held Wednesday.

These can include higher rents, stronger tenant relationships, and better sales values over time. "Two thousand and seven was undeniably the year of green," said keynote speaker Mark Hansen, senior vice president-value added conversions, AMB Property Corp. "Interest in LEED certification exploded. It also was a year of [another type of] green--there was a lot of cheap money." Last year, however, saw a major shift, with new development scarce.

"Now the real interest is in existing portfolios," said Brenna Walraven, managing director and national property management portfolio manager for USAA Real Estate. "The real focus is on the operating expense side."

Read more...

LEED Regional Priority Credits: What They Mean to You

Author: Chris Marshall

Source: Building Design + Construction

Date Written: 05/05/2009

This spring marks the evolution of the LEED green building certification program with the launch of LEED 2009. The new version of the rating system introduces major technical advancements to the LEED credits and points. One of the most widely anticipated updates to the certification program is the launch of Regional Priority Credits, or RPC's. These credits are designed to provide incentives for the achieve-ment of credits that are considered most important for defined environmental areas. The development of the Regional Priority Credits is a first step towards making LEED even more responsive to local environ-mental necessities.

Because environmental priorities may differ between different bioregions, the Regional Priority Credits tackle the unique challenges and opportunities for addressing critical environmental issues for various bioregions throughout the country.