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This Month: The Benefits of Making Affordable Housing as Green as Possible
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Feature Article
Bringing the Benefits of Green Building to Everyone
Author: Nate Kredich
Source: Reuters / Greener World Media
Date Written: 10/29/2010
More than a decade ago the U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit coalition of 16,000-plus member companies and organizations from throughout the building industry, launched the LEED green building certification program -- a voluntary program that defines high-performance green buildings.
Since then, LEED has certified more than 13,500 green commercial buildings and homes with nearly 60,000 more seeking certification.
Today, 42 percent of all LEED-certified homes qualify as low-income housing, thanks in large part to a grant from The Home Depot Foundation that helps affordable housing projects achieve certification.
But much work remains to be done to extend the benefits of green homes to everyone who wants them. Numerous studies show that affordable green housing is not only beneficial for low-income households, but also the businesses that build them and the environment.
First, affordable green homes provide healthier and more comfortable living environments. Inhabitants of low-income housing have disproportionately higher rates of asthma and upper respiratory diseases.
However, studies demonstrate that people in green buildings have 40-60 percent fewer incidents of colds, flu and asthma due to access to fresh air, better ventilation systems and use of non-toxic paint and furniture.
Affordable green homes also result in significant cost savings for low-income renters and owners. Low-income families typically spend 17 percent of their income on energy bills each year. But due to environmentally sound practices inherent in green design, affordable green homes have lower energy and water bills.
Second, investing in affordable green housing also makes good business sense. Studies show that green design, construction and operations can be achieved without any additional upfront costs and can result in lifecycle savings of 20 percent of the total construction cost. In addition, use of durable, sustainable materials in construction can further decrease operating and maintenance costs.
Third, buildings -- including affordable housing units -- account for over 40 percent of total energy consumption and produce 39 percent of total carbon dioxide emissions. Affordable green homes reduce the environmental impact of residential units through sustainable design and construction and use of energy- and resource-efficient materials. Affordable green homes built in green communities also reduce sprawl and the resulting environmental impact by providing easier access to shopping, jobs, recreation and public transportation.
At USGBC, we believe that affordable green housing is not just an environmental issue but a social imperative. True sustainability promotes the triple bottom line: economic, environmental and social prosperity.
That is why in 2008 USGBC added "Foster Social Equity" as an organizational Guiding Principle. And as part of this year's Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, taking place Nov 17-19 in Chicago, Ill., USGBC, Habitat for Humanity Lake County and Bank of America have teamed up to build two affordable green homes in Lake Country, Ill. Currently, both homes are aiming to achieve LEED for Homes Platinum certification-- the highest certification for residential buildings.
There are many remarkable non-profits, community groups, foundations, government agencies and businesses working to advance the cause of green building and affordable housing. On November 16, the Affordable Housing Summit at Greenbuild will convene these diverse groups for a robust conversation on innovative policy efforts as well as proven design and construction techniques aimed at ensuring long-term affordability and improving living conditions through green building for low-income families across the country.
The Affordable Housing Summit offers attendees a momentous opportunity, as Generation Green, to work towards redefining a socially equitable and environmentally responsible future for all. Learn more about the Affordable Housing Summit at www.greenbuildexpo.org/affordable.
This article originally appeared Reuters / Greener World Media on October 29, 2010 at http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS304875890320101028.
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Calendar at a Glance
November
10: USGBC-IN Northeast Branch Program
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
11: A Monumental Affair Awards Ceremony
Location: Indianapolis, IN
17 - 19: Greenbuild 2010
Location: Chicago, IL
18: USGBC Indiana Chapter Reception at Greenbuild
Location: Chicago, IL
December
1: USGBC Indiana Chapter Holiday Gala
Location: Indianapolis, IN
8: USGBC-IN Northeast Branch Holiday Gala
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
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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USGBC Indiana Chapter News & Events
USGBC Indiana Chapter Reception at Greenbuild
Thursday, November 18th
 BSA LifeStructures is proud to host the
Indiana Chapter Reception at Greenbuild
on Thursday, November 18th, from
5:30 - 7:00 PM at the BSA LifeStructures
Chicago Office.
Program information is as follows:
Date: Thursday, November 18, 2010
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PM
Location: The Jewelers Building
35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 800
Chicago, Illinois 60601
See location in Google Maps
Cost: Free to Indiana Chapter Members
USGBC Indiana 2010 Holiday Gala
Thursday, November 18th
 All USGBC Indiana members are invited to attend the annual year-end membership gala. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, networking, and more. Meet Board members, Branch members, and Chapter members and hear about sustainability across Indiana.
Program information is as follows:
Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM PM
Location: Allison Mansion - Marian University
3200 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46222-1960
See location in Google Maps
Cost: Free to Indiana Chapter Members
RSVP: http://usgbcin20101201.eventbrite.com/
Northeast Branch Program:
LEED Tour and Panel Discussion: Indiana Tech.
Wilfred Uytengsu, Sr. Center
Wednesday, November 10th
 Design Team will detail just what it took to turn this 153 year old building into a LEED building.
Built in 1857 (pre-Civil War / pre- Pres. Lincoln) the building is approximately 11,500 square foot. It has a load-bearing brick wall system and structural wood floor and roof framing systems. It is still being used for its original purpose, education.
See how this building has been transformed into an energy efficient, LEED Certified Building without its historical integrity being compromised.
Program information is as follows:
Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM - Registration and
Networking;
6:00 PM - Panel Discussion
Location: IndianaTech Campus
Andorfer Commons Building, 2nd Floor
1600 E. Washington Boulevard
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46803
See location in Google Maps
Cost: Individual Chapter Members - FREE
Non-Members - $10 (Pre-Pay online)
Appetizers and Cash Bar Available
Register: http://usgbcin20101110ne.eventbrite.com/
Notes: Please meet at the Andorfer Commons Building, 2nd Floor.
Northeast Branch Program:
2010 Holiday Gala
Wednesday, December 8th
Please join the USGBC-IN Northeast Branch for their 2010 Holiday Gala.
Event information is as follows:
Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Columbia Street
Back Fireplace Room
135 West Columbia St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
See location in Google Maps
Cost: Individual Chapter Members - FREE
Non-Members - $10 (Pre-Pay online)
Appetizers and Cash Bar Available
Register: http://usgbcin20101208ne.eventbrite.com/
Notes: Register by Wednesday December 1st,
to receive one FREE drink ticket.
 Save the Date:
2011 Indiana Green Building Symposium
May 5 - 6, 2011
SAVE THE DATE - The 2011 Indiana Green Building Symposium (IBGS) will be held on Thursday, May 5th, and Friday, May 6th, 2011. More details as they become available.
USGBC Indiana Chapter on Flickr
 USGBC-IN has established a freely accessible
photostream on flickr. Click here to find out more.
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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:
$65 for regular membership, $50 for national members, $25 for students.
For more information regarding USGBC Indiana, please visit our web site at usgbc-in.org.
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Indiana Green Building Events
A Monumental Affair Awards Ceremony
Thursday, November 11th
 Join us for the 2010 A Monunmental Affair Awards Cermony on Thursday, November 11, 2010. Please visit www.kibi.org/monumental for details.
RSVP by November 5, at www.kibi.org/monumental. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Fox at 317.264.7555 ext. 100 or lfox@kibi.org.
Greenbuild 2010: Registration Now OpenExpo Date: November 17 - 19, 2010As one of the first cities to adopt LEED for public buildings and the city that is home to more LEED-certified buildings than any other, Chicago is truly committed to leadership as a "next-generation" city - the perfect place for us to celebrate being part of Generation Green. Registration to Greenbuild 2010 in Chicago is now open. Please visit: http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/
Greenbuild 2010: Looking for Volunteers
Expo Date: November 17 - 19, 2010
Join us at Greenbuild 2010 in Chicago, and engage in the conversation we must have to bring green to everyone, and everyone to green. The success of Greenbuild is due in no small part to the efforts of the many volunteers who give their time and energy each year towards organizing and staffing the event. We are excited to present you with this opportunity to take part in this great event. The time that you will be volunteering is greatly appreciated and we will do everything that we can to make your volunteer and conference experience a meaningful one. RequirementsVolunteers must be a full-time college student or professional age 25 and under. You must volunteer a minimum of eight hours of volunteer time. What You Receive Once Your Time is Filled For your efforts, you'll receive free admission as a student to the conference which will provide exciting educational opportunities on the latest in the green building movement and amazing networking opportunities. Now What?Volunteers can sign up for shifts when registration for Greenbuild 2010 opens this summer. Learn more about volunteering at the event by joining our distribution list and filling out this form. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB229YZJRES72 To find this link, you may also visit our Chicago Chapter website at www.usgbc-chicago.org, click on Greenbuild FAQs. If you have questions about volunteering, please email volunteers@usgbc-chicago.org.
Greenbuild 2010: "I Am Generation Green" Video Blog
Expo Date: November 17 - 19, 2010
 USGBC is proud to introduce
the Greenbuild 2010 "I Am Generation Green" video blog! The green building community
is at the core of our best hope for redefining our future, and this year especially - as economic, environmental and social opportunities converge more than ever before - we hope
you're taking this year's theme to heart. "Generation Green: Redefining Our Future." Every day, in ways big and small, our community is taking important steps to redefine our future.
Send us your videos! What are you doing to redefine our future? We're not looking for expensive, well-produced videos. Your ideas can be simple or profound, general or specific. Just tell us, in 30 seconds or less, how you are building a future of economic, environmental and social prosperity. You are Generation Green, and your ideas will inspire the world to act today. And they may be featured at Greenbuild 2010 in Chicago!
Please visit the video blog at:
http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/GenGreen
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Indiana Green Building News
Items are linked back to their sources and are the property of their owners. Click on heading for complete article.
City Partners with USGBC and SCCAP to Offer Free Home Energy Assessments to Bloomington Residents
Urban Pollution
Author: Jacqui Bauer and Jared Schlemmer Source: City of Bloomington
Date Written: 11/01/2010
Bloomington, IN -- Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today that several local agencies will partner together to offer free energy assessments to any homeowner who asks - regardless of income - during the "Beat the Meter Blitz" week, Dec. 6 - 10. After deciding that they want to make home energy efficiency investments, many homeowners struggle knowing where to start. Home energy assessments can help prioritize projects, but their price tag of $300 or more can be a barrier to homeowners who are interested in making improvements. To help address this challenge, the City Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) and Economic and Sustainable Development (ESD) Departments will partner with the local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) to complete as many audits as possible to owner-occupied homes free of charge.
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 info@usgbc-in.org.
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National Green Building News
Items are linked back to their sources and are the property of their owners. Click on heading for complete article.
GSA Raises Federal Building Requirement to LEED Gold
Author: Eco-Structure Staff
Source: Eco-Structure Magazine
Date Written: 11/01/2010
Google released SketchUp 8 on September 1, 2010, with a number of notable enhancements, many of which will make SketchUp more useful as a sustainable design tool. Environmentally speaking, the two big innovations with this release are volumes and geographical context. As with past versions, most of these features are available in the free product, but improved tools are reserved for SketchUp Pro.
SketchUp 8 improves support for defined volumes, which are needed to create accurate energy models, among other things. Volumes can now intersect and combine without losing their boundaries. In the past, to run EnergyPlus on a SketchUp model users had to trace over the model's images to define the volumes for the energy calculations. Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) has improved on that recently with an energy modeling plug-in for SketchUp 7; this new version should further improve that workflow.
Read more...
Free Download of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007
Source: ASHRAE
To promote energy efficiency, ASHRAE and the US Department of Energy are making Standard 90.1-2007 (I-P Edition) available for free download (PDF).
Standard 90.1 has been a benchmark for commercial building energy codes for over 35 years. It is an indispensable reference for engineers and other professionals involved in the design of buildings and building systems. The 2007 edition serves as the basis of many building codes.
The print edition of 90.1-2007, a User's Manual, and the latest version of the standard, 90.1-2010, are available for purchase in the ASHRAE bookstore.
Read more...
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| From the Editor
What the IgCC Will Mean for LEED
This week, the International Code Council (ICC) released Public Version 2.0 of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC).
For those who may be unfamiliar with the IgCC, in 2009 the ICC launched an initiative to develop a model code for the new and existing commercial building sector that would address green building design and performance.
The AIA and ASTM International served as Cooperating Sponsors and played vital roles in the development of the IgCC. Additionally, ASHRAE, IESNA, and USGBC joined the team and offered support. However, it was just last year that ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2009 for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings was released. Would not Standard 189.1 kind of compete with the IgCC in certain ways?
Actually, as a result of the ICC bringing all of the aforementioned parties to the IgCC table, Standard 189.1-2009 was included as an alternative jurisdictional compliance option for the IgCC.
The IgCC is important because it embodies the first "code-friendly" outline for greening building design and construction projects. Similar to LEED, the IgCC addresses green building design and performance through a holistic approach, including topics such as: site development and land use, material resource conservation, energy efficiency, water use reduction, indoor environmental quality and comfort, commissioning, and specific requirements for existing buildings.
Within professional circles, I've noticed a few common misconceptions or inaccurate assertions regarding the IgCC as it relates to the LEED rating system. Some people believe the IgCC will soon make LEED somehow obsolete or irrelevant. Such notions speak to a misunderstanding regarding the unique purposes served by the IgCC and LEED. What follows are three important points that I would like to make to help clear the air about how the IgCC will differ from LEED:
1. Compliance with the IgCC will not equate to LEED certification.
With the release of LEED Version 3, USGBC has committed to a predictable, revolving schedule for future versions of LEED. Similar to model codes developed by the ICC and ASHRAE standards such as Standard 90.1, it is expected that LEED will adhere to a three-year development cycle. LEED Version 4 should be released in 2012, Version 5 in 2015, and so on.
With each new version of LEED, USGBC intends to "raise the ceiling" on high-performance green building projects. According to the USGBC white paper, "Greening the Codes," as each new iteration of green building codes such (as the IgCC) "raises the floor" on minimum building performance benchmarks, LEED will fulfill the implications of its acronym and lead the market into even higher building performance benchmarks.
2. The IgCC is designed to be accepted as code; while, LEED is a voluntary (third-party verified) rating system.
Make no mistake, the IgCC is designed to be adopted as code; yet, USGBC has never intended for LEED to be interpreted as code. USGBC has acknowledged that LEED is one of several "voluntary, above-code green building rating systems." This is a key point because if a municipal government mandates LEED, that government has no way of providing a proper mechanism for oversight and enforcement because an independent third-party (i.e. GBCI) evaluates the LEED documentation for approval.
3. The advent of the IgCC does not mark the "beginning of the end" for LEED.
As alluded to above, USGBC intends for LEED to always outperform the IgCC and most other green building codes. Consider the graphic below from USGBC's "Greening the Codes" white paper:
 Image property of U.S. Green Building Council
Moreover, neither USGBC or ASHRAE have been shy about supporting Ed Mazria's 2030 Challenge. Historically, LEED has typically required at least base-level compliance with the latest version of ASHRAE Standard 90.1. Recently, ASHRAE has offered projected future targets for Standard 90.1 (which I first learned of at an ASHRAE workshop at last year's Greenbuild) that aim for net-zero energy use intensity (EUI) by the 2030 version of the standard.
By my math, this suggests that by LEED Version 10, all certified buildings will be required to be net-zero energy. Perhaps by that time, LEED will begin to venture down the road of becoming obsolete.
For more information on IgCC, Public Version 2.0, please visit: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/igcc/
Daniel Overbey, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C
USGBC Indiana Communications Chair
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OUR SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsor
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USGBC-IN is supported with a grant from the Indiana Office of Energy Development
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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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USGBC Indiana is now accepting individual donations. The Indiana Chapter is a non-profit organization solely funded by its membership through donations and sponsorships. If you would like to contribute to the organization, you can make a secure payment using PayPal. Individuals donating $50 or more will be recognized through USGBC-IN.org.
Click here to make a donation.
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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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