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This Month: Building Sector has greatest potential for greenhouse gas emmission reductions |
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Feature Article
From Cancun Compromises to Concrete Action:
We Don't Need a Binding Deal to Act Now on Efficiency
Author: Roger Platt and Jane Henley
Source: Huffington Post
Date Written: 1/6/2011
What if you were told that the United Nations -- and its scientists and economists -- had already identified the biggest opportunity for greenhouse gas emission reductions? And that the U.N. had further determined that the key strategies for pursuing that opportunity were also the least costly to society? And finally -- what if these greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies worked in tandem with successful economic development of emerging economies, and to the long-term resiliency of communities?
It would be fair to say that you might expect action on this solution. We certainly do. The opportunity that the U.N., the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the International Energy Agency (IEA), and countless other climate and economic experts are talking about is the world's building stock. Experts have identified the building sector as having the single greatest potential for greenhouse gas emission reductions. They have also determined that energy efficiency -- including efficiency in new and existing buildings -- is a highly profitable strategy with economic development benefits for entire societies.
Read more...
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Calendar at a Glance
January
3-31: USGBC-IN Chapter and Branch Business Meetings
Check with your local branch to get involved and attend these first of the year board and committee meetings and be a part of the dynamic governance that is shaping the future of your chapter!
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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Indiana Chapter News & Events
North Central Branch Update
In 2011 the North Central Branch is looking forward to continuing its mission of educating and promoting sustainability in north central Indiana. The branch plans to host monthly programs that will focus on topics from continuing education in sustainable design to legal and financial issues, as well as touring some LEED certified buildings such Merry Lea and the new Transport facility in South Bend . Other plans include hosting an interdisciplinary event with college and high school students in the area and a green publisher/author book signing event.
1st Monthly Program:
When: Thursday January 13th at 5:30pm
Presenter: Neil Myers from Williams Creek Consulting will present the Washington University at St. Louis Tyson Living Learning Center , and the process of the Living Building Challenge where a building requires net zero energy usage and net zero wastewater production over the course of a year. For more Information, contact Communications Chair: Mike Reese, mwr@troyergroup.com.
There is no cost to attend the program.
Northeast Branch Update
The New Year promises to be a strong continuation of last year. Good programs, growing membership, and more success stories on Fort Wayne's sustainable growth. Look for more specifics in our Branch Newsletter and send requests for information to either our Communications Chair: Jill Gibson, jgibson@ahattersley.com, or our Branch Chair: Jeremy Hatfield,
jhatfield@designcollaborative.com
Central Branch Update 
Branch Committees are organizing fast, contact the committee chair for getting involved and earning those CEU's for your LEED CMP's
Sponsorship Chair: Stewart Whitcomb, stwhitcomb@gmial.com
Membership Committee Chair: Heather Zeto, hazeto@platinumearth.com
Programs Committee: position open
Communications Committee: Kris Rubino, rubinok@mayerfabrics.com
South Central Branch Update 
Preliminary Goals for 2011 include finding more ways to connect with our community and continue to improve and refine the local collaborative website. Additional goals for 2011 will be discussed at our January meeting
We welcome our SC Branch Officers for 2011-2012:
Chair - Ted Mendoza
Vice Chair/State Liaison - Heidi Russell-Wagner
Secretary - David Gulyas
Finances - Ted Mendoza
Education - Aaron Wagner
Communications - Susan Douglas: sdouglas@bluemarble.net
Southwest Branch Update 
Second Wednesday Lunch & Learn Programs continue in earnest. The next four months will span topics from site to furniture manufacturing. Look for USGBC Webinar programs to be available soon! January 12th Second Wednesday Lunch & Learn qualifies for 1.5 GBCI CE units: "The GBCI Credential Maintenance Program: Delivery Methods & Qualifying Content for Earning and Reporting CE" with Darren Savage, LEED AP BD + C. For more information contact our Branch Chair: Richard Kuhn, rtk@efficientenergytechnologies.net.
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| From the Chair
I'd like to start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year. I know I speak for the Chapter Board when I say that we are looking forward to what 2011 will bring. Please be on the lookout for new educational opportunities that the Chapter will be providing to our membership. These opportunities will help all of the LEED APs maintain their accreditation with GBCI approved credits.
The difficult economy in 2010 has forced our hand financially, the duties of the Chapter Executive Director have been absorbed back into the rank and file of our volunteer organization. The Board would like to thank Liz Ellis for the work that she has put in over the past two years, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors.
The Chapter must now focus on a grassroots level to overcome these recent financial difficulties. If you have any suggestions about how the Chapter can better serve the membership and support the mission of the USGBC, your chapter program needs, and LEED AP CMP requirements, please contact any of the Board Members.
The Chapter and its branches are searching for key volunteers motivated to support our committees for education, membership and advocacy and make a difference in your community and our state at large. Please reach out to the USGBC-IN Board, or your Branch representatives if you would like to be more involved in these areas.
I hope everyone has a prosperous 2011! John O'Brien
2011 USGBC Indiana Chair |
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Join USGBC-IN Today! 
Joining USGBC is a corporate opportunity, join USGBC-IN Chapter and your individual voice can be heard. Enjoy the many benefits of chapter membership that help you 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
Indianapolis Sustainability Award Applications
Due February 4th, 2011
The awards, presented by the Office of Sustainability, McKinney Green Initiatives Fund and the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, are designed to inspire innovation, showcase impact, reward leadership and promote education around the principles of sustainability. Projects must have been completed in Marion County between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2010
The 2010 Indianapolis Sustainability Awards will be presented by Mayor Ballard at a March 24 luncheon, held at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. The awards will again be emceed by local green living expert Sara Snow. For tickets and sponsorship information or to apply for a Sustainability Award, visit www.sustainindy.org/awards
LEED Green Associate Training Registration Deadline: February 18th, 2011 IMSDC, BSA LifeStructures and USGBC are offering LEED Green Associate Training. The $550.00 Fee includes light Dinner each of the 3 days of training along with course material and a membership to the USGBC-IN Chapter Read more...
The Construction Networking Event of the Year
February 24th, 2011
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Indiana Green Building News
Items are linked back to their sources and are the property of their owners. Click on Read more... for complete article.
State Law Bans Electronic Trash
Author: Molly Deuberry, Director of Communications
Indianapolis Department of Public Works
Source: Press Release -sustainindy.org Date Written: December 27, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS - CITY REMINDS RESIDENTS OF ALTERNATES FOR ELECTRONICS DISPOSAL
Effective January 1, 2011, Indiana households, public schools, and small businesses will no longer be allowed to mix unwanted electronics with municipal waste that's intended for disposal at a landfill or by burning or incineration. This ban is implemented in cooperation with state law.
Indianapolis and Marion County residents can properly dispose of, or e-cycle, unwanted electronics such as computer monitors and equipment, televisions, printers, DVD players, and fax machines through the City's ToxDrop program. The program is opened to all City residents to drop off their electronic and household hazardous waste to be recycled and/or disposed of properly.
The term used to describe the recycling of electronics is e-cycle. Everything from cell phones to computers needs to be disposed of properly instead of thrown away. Electronics may contain hazardous materials such as lead and mercury. These materials, if buried in a landfill, can contaminate groundwater and cause serious health issues for people. Instead of throwing electronics away, residents can recycle them through the City of Indianapolis ToxDrop Program.Residents are limited to disposing of five computer systems per visit. ToxDrop locations are open year round and the service is free of charge. For more information about the ToxDrop program, visit www.sustainindy.org/toxdrop or call 327-4TOX (327-4869).
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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 Read more for complete article.
LEED Rating System Draft:
First Public Comment Period Open Through Jan. 14
-Last week to comment
Author: LEED Rating System Development
Source: USGBC Website
Date Written: 11/08/10
USGBC has opened the first public comment period, to run through Jan. 14, 2011, for the next update to the LEED rating system. The proposed update is a general technical update to the rating system content, and will undergo at least two public comment periods and a member ballot vote, per LEED development requirements. The first public comment period is open to all interested stakeholders.
Read more...
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From the Editor
Keeping the lean years Green!
Moving forward into 2011 I am encouraged by the growth of the USGBC-IN Chapter. During the past few years I've stepped out of chapter leadership and entered into the trenches of the LEED certification process experiencing a whole new set of challenges not just encouraging a change in the market place, but actively changing our built environment 'one building at a time' -as observed by Mindy Hanni, mentor, friend, and one of Indiana's first LEED AP's.
The USGBC had already exploded from grass roots to national impact in just over a decade, prior to my involvement. Once on board it was easy to understand why. Human nature seems to repond better when we hold one another accountable while expecting the most out of ourselves. The real voice in our membership gets heard when we get involved.
Future discussions will offer varied perspectives on sustainable growth. I look forward to your comments whenever you feel so inspired
Thank you for taking time to catch up on your chapter news,
Connie Torres, RA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
USGBC Indiana Communications Committee Chair
2010ct@comcast.net |
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