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Proposed LEED Certified Development in Evansville to Overcome Unique Obstacles
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Feature Article
Despite Challenges, it is "Game On" for Evansville's New Arena
For years the city of Evansville, Indiana has quietly discussed the construction of an expanded and updated arena. An aging Roberts Stadium was becoming too small for a city that was growing, a city with factories that are expanding during this economic recession. Evansville will be constructing a new arena and Mayor Weinzapfel will see to it that it is state of the art and LEED Silver certified.
Standing in the way is a large hotel and several near-vacant businesses. The City of Evansville, in partnership with Browning Investments of Indianapolis, has decided that a partial demolition of the hotel and a leveling of surrounding buildings will to occur in order to allow for the new arena. The hotel demolition is no ordinary project.
At its peak is a 12-story tower housing the elevator shaft. Insurance requirements alone preclude many contractors from considering the demolition contract. Further, it is in the middle of downtown Evansville. The demolition schedule will be very complicated and in order to earn certain LEED points, recycling will be a major concern. As it turns out recycling is the easy part.
Klenck Company, the demolition contractor selected to do the complex demolition, has built partnerships within the city for vast amounts of material to be diverted from the waste stream. Klenck Company can best be described as a localvore. By employing subcontractors from the Evansville area, Klenck is putting its friends and neighbors to work. GAMI Windows of Evansville will be removing the large plate glass windows prior to demolition of the building. D & L Innovative Materials, also of Evansville, will be recycling said glass. Carpet will be removed from the building and recycled in Indianapolis at Kruse Carpets. The concrete and brick will be taken to Henry Fligeltaub Recycling for crushing and reuse in local projects in Vanderburgh County. And ferrous and nonferrous metals will also be processed by Fligeltaub. Klenck Company is in the process of finding an outlet for wood and drywall.
The City of Evansville has made a commitment to its citizens - the construction of a new arena. As it turns out, the city has also made a commitment to the environment. This new arena will be energy and water efficient, recycle and reuse materials during demolition and construction, and provide great jobs during this economic downturn. Evansville is known for its common sense approach. This new arena is no different.
This article was contributed by Nicholas Funke, Chair of Communications for the USGBC Indiana Southwest Branch. Mr. Funke can be reached at [email protected].
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From the Chair
When Keep Indianapolis Beautiful presents its prestigious Monumental Awards design awards program November 18, a new category for green projects, the USGBC-sponsored (re) thINk award, will be presented.
Three years ago it would have been difficult to find enough green buildings to have an awards program. In fact, there were only ten LEED registered projects in 2006 and five that achieved certification. Today there are 32 LEED certified projects in Indiana, including two platinum and eleven gold projects.
Over 200 registered projects are pursuing LEED certification as I write this. Clearly, green buildings have passed the tipping point and the perception of risk has shifted from going green to not going green. USGBC is projecting the market for green buildings in the U.S. for 2010 to be $60 billion.
The other perception that is changing rapidly is the mistaken notion that you have to throw aesthetics out the window to do a green building. In truth, high-performance, sustainability and beauty are all integral to good design and, as you will see from the entries at Monumental Affairs, beauty is much more than skin deep.
Bill Brown, AIA, LEED AP
USGBC Indiana Chair
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USGBC Indiana Chapter News & Events
USGBC-IN Central Indiana Branch Monthly Program:
Reviewing LEED Return on Investment
Wednesday, October 21th
 Join the USGBC Central Indiana branch for an interactive presentation led by Ted Krasnesky, Pepper Construction Company's Director of
Sustainability. This program will explore the decision-making process behind selecting which LEED credits to pursue on a project. Audience
members will participate by representing the design team, contractor, and
owner perspectives as different strategies are discussed. Together the
group will decide which credits to pursue to bring the most value to the
owner.
This program will be held at the offices of American Structurepoint.
Date: October 21, 2009 (third Wednesday)
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (EST)
Location: American Structurepoint, Inc.
7260 Shadeland Station
Indianapolis, IN 46256
See location in Google Maps
Cost: Free to USGBC members;
$15 for non-USGBC members (pay at the door)
Register: Click here to make an advance reservation.
Advance reservations are strongly suggested.
Registration ends 24 hours prior to the event.
North Central Branch Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The North Central Branch has announced the details regarding their upcoming monthly meeting.
Date: October 13, 2009
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (EST)
Location: The Troyer Group
550 Union Street
Mishawaka, Indiana 46544
See location in Google Maps
Cost: Email Mike Reese at [email protected]
Register: Email Mike Reese at [email protected]
South Central Branch Monthly Meeting
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The South Central Indiana Branch of the US Green Building Council would like to invite you to their Monthly Meeting for October.
Southern Indiana Renewable Energy Network (SIREN) is a grass roots non-profit organization dedicated to helping people become more independent and self sufficient through the use of renewable energy technologies, conservation and life style enhancements. Members assist each other and the general public through workshops, education and other forms of out-reach. Terry Usrey and Jack Urrutia of SIREN will share some of the history of the group and explain some of the exciting programs currently taking place.
Further information about SIREN may be found at their website: www.sirensolar.org
*Please attend this month's program to find out more about USGBC membership.
For more information, send an email to Jacqui Bauer or Adam Wason.
Date: October 15, 2009 (Third Thursday)
Time: 65:30 PM - 8:00 PM (EST)
Location: Monroe County Public Library
Meeting Room 1C
303 East Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47402
See location in Google Maps
Cost: Free
Register: Click here to register.
Registration is encouraged but not required.
LEED for Existing Buildings Workshop
Wednesday, November, 18, 2009
 The Green Building Operations & Maintenance: The LEED Implementation Process workshop being held in Bloomington, IN on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 has been posted to the USGBC-IN website and registration is now open for up to 80 attendees.
This workshop is intended for building owners, operators and suppliers who are familiar with the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Rating System, but new to implementing it on projects or looking to brush up on implementation best practices. It is also useful for design professionals, investors and others seeking to enhance their existing buildings with green operations. It is appropriate for new LEED APs, as well as those pursuing GBCI's LEED AP Building Operations + Maintenance credential.
Date: November 18, 2009
Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (EST)
Location: Indiana University
Indiana Memorial Union
Frangipani Room
900 E. 7th Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
See location in Google Maps
Details: Click here for the event flyer.
Click here for instructions on how to register to this workshop.
Please visit the USGBC Workshops List for more information.
USGBC Indiana 2009 Membership Gala Save-the-Date!
The USGBC Indiana is happy to announce that the year-end Membership Gala will be held on Thursday, December 3rd. Details will be announced soon.
USGBC Indiana Chapter on LinkedIn
 USGBC-IN has established a group on LinkedIn.
Click here to join.
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Join USGBC-IN Today!
Join the Indiana Chapter of USGBC today to enjoy the many benefits of membership that help your organization stay competitive, grow your business, and make the best contacts in the green building industry.
Indiana Chapter members receive the following benefits:
- Member-only discounts and networking events - local event fees are discounted for chapter members. Monthly meetings are free!
- Get a fantastic array of green building tools and educational resources.
- Be noticed - membership sets your organization apart.
- Build relationships in the local construction industry.
- Meet, learn and network with other building professionals who share the same passion for green building.
- Benefit from company and individual names being listed in one of the largest directories of green building practitioners and supporters via the USGBC National website and our local chapter homepage.
- Get involved - help build much-needed awareness for green building in Indiana.
- Be recognized as a leader in supporting a better built environment.
- Shape and proactively promote local green initiatives through chapter and committee involvement.
- Vote in local chapter business/issues.
Sign up today and receive a one-year membership for only $50 (less than 14 cents per day)!
For more information regarding USGBC Indiana, please visit our web site at usgbc-in.org.
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Indiana Green Building Events
CNT Working with USGBC to Assess
Transportation Energy Intensity
 The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) in Chicago is working with the US Green Building Council (USGBC) to develop a matrix that will assess the transportation energy intensity (TEI)
of buildings. TEI is a measure of the amount
of energy associated with getting people to and from a specific building.
CNT is looking for businesses and organizations
that would be willing to participate in data collection for the project. Parties interested in participating would be asked to supply background information about the building in which they are located and send out an inquiry to building staff asking them to take a short survey that explores employee commuting patterns.
The building does not have to be LEED certified for inclusion in the project. Attached is a fact sheet with more information, please contact Sofia Becker at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to take part..
INASLA Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation
October 23, 2009
 The Indiana Chapter of the American Society of
Landscape Architects (INASLA) is putting on their
Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation on
October 23, 2009 at University Place Conference
Center. The theme for this year's event will be
"Strategies in Sustainability: Providing the Tools
to Go Green."
Please visit the INASLA website at inasla.org for
additional information.
Sustainable Design Assistance Team (SDAT) Workshop
October 28 - 30, 2009
 The biggest public design charrette to come to Indianapolis since the White River State Park AIA R/UDAT of the late 1970s is coming soon, and you're invited to participate! The Indianapolis Smart Growth Neighborhood Renewal Workshop will be held October 28-30th, 2009.
The American Institute of Architects' Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program selected Indianapolis through a competitive process late last year. SDAT is a community assistance program that focuses on the principles of sustainability. SDATs bring teams of volunteer professionals (such as architects, urban designers, planners, landscape architects, hydrologists, economists, attorneys, and others) to assist community decision-makers and stakeholders to help them develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future.
In Indianapolis, the SDAT will focus on developing a new model of sustainable neighborhood renewal focused on neighborhoods around 22nd Street and the Monon Trail.
Complete information about how you can help, including a workshop schedule, participation opportunities, and online, is available on the project website at www.smartgrowthindy.org. Questions can be directed to Project Coordinator Brad Beaubien at [email protected] or 317-822-6170.
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Emerging Green Builders (EGB) News
 Who We Are
Emerging Green Builders are students and young professionals dedicated to becoming and recruiting the future leaders of the green building movement. EGB Indiana, part of the Heartland Region, offers you the opportunity to get involved in green building locally, access USGBC resources, and particiate in local events.
EGB Call-Out Scheduled for October 28th!
If you are interested in joining the local chapter of EGB, we would like to invite you to join us for a call-out session on Wednesday, October 28th at the Broad Ripple Tavern.
Broad Ripple Tavern
745 Broad Ripple Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
See location in Google Maps
All Things EGBPlease 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.
Report Offers Road Map to a Green Indiana
Author: Todd Woody
Source: Green Inc., New York Times
Date Written: 10/09/2009
Coal-dependent Indiana could become one of the nation's greenest states by tapping rural resources to generate renewable energy, according to a new report issued by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The Hoosier State now obtains 95 percent of its electricity from plants running on coal - largely imported from Wyoming and elsewhere - but it could profit as an exporter of wind energy and machinery, the report said.
"Indiana has some of the best wind potential in the eastern U.S. and has a competitive advantage as a wind producer over most other states because of its location," said the report's author, Martin R. Cohen, said during a conference call on Wednesday.
Mr. Cohen noted that while the wind blows stronger in states like North Dakota and Nebraska, Indiana already has the transmission system in place to bring wind-generated electricity to eastern cities.
Read more...
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Add Your LEED Projects to USGBC-IN.org
Submit Your LEED Certified Projects
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 complete the Green Project Profile
form and submit entries to [email protected].
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National USGBC NewsItems are linked back to their sources and are the property of their owners. Click on heading for complete article.USD/CBRE Study Finds That Employees in Green Buildings Are More Productive then Those...
Source: Reuters
Date Written: 09/15/2009
Researchers at the University of San Diego's Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate and CB Richard Ellis have found that employees who work in green buildings are more productive than their counterparts who work in non-green buildings. Green buildings were defined as those that are LEED-certified at any level or those that bear the Energy Star label.
In the study, researchers Norm Miller, Ph.D., academic director at the
Burnham-Moores Center, and David Pogue, national director of sustainability at CBRE, surveyed 154 green buildings nationwide containing over 2,000 tenants, 534 of which participated in the study. The study is the largest of its kind by far; a 2003 study looked at productivity levels in just 33 green buildings. Miller and Pogue used two measurements of productivity: sick days and the self-reported productivity percentage change after moving into a new building.
Forty-five percent of respondents reported that they had experienced an
average of 2.88 fewer sick days at their new, green office location vs. their
previous non-green office location. An equal amount noted no effect, while 10
percent reported more sick days. The 10 percent that reported more sick days were residents of Energy Star-labeled, not LEED-certified buildings. Unlike LEED buildings, Energy Star buildings do not have air quality requirements.
Based on the average salary of the tenants, an office space of 250 square feet per worker and 250 workdays a year, the 2.88 fewer sick days translate into a net impact of $4.91 per employee, according to the authors.
Read more... |
Get Involved with USGBC-IN
Become a Volunteer Today!
USGBC-IN is looking for motivated
volunteers to assist with several upcoming projects. There has never been a better time to get involved with USGBC. For more details
on upcoming opportunities, please contact
USGBC-IN at [email protected].
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From the Editor
Emerging Data, Criticisms Spur Building Performance Initiative
There is report quickly circulating around the web. It's from a study conducted by the New Building Institute (NBI) in which the energy performance of 121 new buildings certified through 2006 was analyzed (click here to access report through USGBC.org). It's a detailed report with some very noteworthy information. Interestingly, both USGBC and critics of the LEED rating system have referenced this report to support their respective cases. For instance, consider the portion of the report germane to energy performance and theoretical application to the Energy Star program:
The NBI report, as posted on USGBC's website, states the following:
"EPA's Energy Star program rates a building's energy use in relation to existing national building stock for the same activity type. The calculations are further normalized for temperature and other key variables, such as schedule and occupancy. The average Energy Star rating of LEED buildings was 68 (meaning better than 68% of similar buildings), compared with a median rating of 50 for the complete national building stock. Nearly half of LEED buildings had Energy Star ratings of at least 75, meeting the qualification level for an EPA-certified Energy Star building."
Stated a different way, Mireya Navarro offered the following
commentary in a piece recently posted by the New York Times:
"But in its own study last year of 121 new buildings certified through 2006, the Green Building Council found that more than half - 53 percent - did not qualify for the Energy Star label and 15 percent scored below 30 in that program, meaning they used more energy per square foot than at least 70 percent of comparable buildings in the existing national stock."
Jacob Gordon, a host of TreeHugger Radio, offered the following verbiage in the Fall 2009 issue of GOOD Magazine in an article titled Follow or Get out of the Way: The household name in green construction needs to innovate in order to keep up with the competition:
"There is even inspiration here at home. Energy Star certification, administered by the EPA, has none of the sexy strut of LEED, but is quite rigorous, and includes actual performance testing. In fact, according to the USGBC, the average LEED building doesn't even qualify for an Energy Star label."
Clearly, neither Navarro or Gordon were satisfied with the data offered by the NBI report and used the data as an opportunity to criticize LEED. Yet, USGBC interpreted the data as an indication of LEED's success. This is an example of how varying "statistical truths" can be extracted from identical data.
But there is an important subtext to the discourse as a whole: Despite LEED certification, projecting actual building performance is not nearly an exact science. Yet to many, actual building performance is also the most important factor in a green building project. It is understandable that many professionals were becoming frustrated that a rating system as popular and far-reaching as LEED has thus far neglected to critically address the post-occupancy performance of buildings certified by the rating system.
Enter the Building Performance Initiative. Several weeks ago, USGBC announced that it had heard the clarion call of a growing faction of frustrated green building leaders and would require ongoing performance data from buildings as part of the LEED certification process.
Certification is not contingent on the results of post-occupancy performance data, but USGBC and the American public must be made aware of the actual performance of LEED projects if the rating system is ever to truly effect deep change regarding the building sector's energy consumption.
Daniel Overbey, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP
USGBC Indiana Communications Chair
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Calendar at a Glance
October
November
11 - 13: Greenbuild International Conference and Expo Location: Phoenix, AZ 18: Monumental Affair 2009 Award Ceremony Location: Indianapolis, IN
19: USGBC-IN Central Indiana Branch Monthly Program Location: Indianapolis, IN December
3: USGBC Indiana Membership Gala
Location: TBA
Please email your event notices to the Editor. Thank you!
All dates are subject to change. For a complete list of upcoming events, please log-in to usgbc-in.org.
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Platinum Sponsor
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In Kind Sponsors
_____________________
USGBC-IN is supported with a grant from the Indiana Office of Energy Development
.
_____________________
Partner Organization
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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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GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK
Let us know how we can improve the USGBC-IN newsletter. Contact Daniel Overbey, Communications Committee Chair.
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