We are delighted to announce that since the last issue of this newsletter, the USGBC has sent its approval of the Forum's application to become a Chapter! So, with great pleasure and excitement, we announce the founding of the USGBC Massachusetts Chapter. The 300+ members of the Forum are now founding members of the Chapter, and will have access to a new website which will be available online next month and other privileges available to all Chapter members throughout the country.
 
Representation in every state is an important goal for the USGBC and although an "Affiliate" status group (through the Green Roundtable) has existed in Massachusetts for many years, the green community here hasn't had an "official" state Chapter until now. The new Chapter has as a goal to be inclusive of the entire state, and to reach out beyond the world of design, construction, and development to engage as many as possible of those who share our passion for sustainability.
 
The road to this point began two years ago when the Forum was formed and since that time, progress has been steady and due to the efforts of many dedicated members. Becoming a Chapter does not happen quickly, and our national organization requires that each step be undertaken thoroughly and in sequence. The team which brought us to this point has been headed up by Leadership Councilor Bill Holland and his hardworking group with pro bono assistance from DLA Piper, Attorneys.  On behalf of the Board of Directors of the new Chapter, thanks and congratulations go out to all who gave their time and expertise to make this vision become a hard-won reality.
 
While the Green Roundtable will continue to maintain a connection to the USGBC, one of the first things the new Chapter should do is to offer our thanks and gratitude to the Green Roundtable for their past and ongoing assistance and generosity. We expect to work together with the GRT on many exciting future events and projects, be on the lookout for announcements.
 
So spread the word, build the buzz; the USGBC Massachusetts Chapter has arrived!
 
Sincerely,
Steve Benz, Chair and Bob Brooks, Vice Chair

Are you interested in running for a Board of Directors position with the new US Green Building Council Massachusetts Chapter?

Click here to learn about the election timeline, qualification criteria and download the nomination form.

The success of the USGBC Massachusetts Chapter is a reflection of the ever-increasing dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers, members and national member companies. The Board of Directors would like to extend a heartfelt, "Thank You" for all of your support. We couldn't have done it without you. As a volunteer driven organization, we look forward to your participation, membership and sponsorship in 2010.

Sign up for 2010 membership now and be eligible to take part in the upcoming Board of Directors election. 

On November 5th, roughly 111 subcontractors and another 20 Forum leaders,  volunteers, and vendors descended on the Westwood Headquarters of NSTAR for an innovative half-day workshop aimed at providing subcontractors first-hand experience in filling out the LEED forms for Materials & Resources (MR), and for Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) credits during construction. MR presenter (and Forum Leadership Council member) Bill Holland covered the types of material credits, how credits are calculated, obtaining information, and documentation. EQ presenter Marie Nolan introduced the attendees to indoor air quality and low-emitting materials. After each presentation, the subcontractors split into 13 breakout table groups led by a table leader with experience in helping subcontractors document LEED performance.

In 2008, as Legacy projects  for the American Association  of Architects (AIA) and US  Green Building Council  (USGBC), Learningby Design  in Massachusetts  (LBD:MA)  began envisioning  what a  curriculum on  sustainable  design would be.  Working  with the Boston  Society of  Architects and their  Committee on the  Environment, we hosted visioning and curriculum development workshops  attended by teachers,  architects, engineers, faculty  from colleges and  universities,  and members of  civic and community  organizations. We designed a  framework for a  green/sustainable curriculum  for grades 5-8; and presented  the work at national conventions for the AIA and USGBC.  Read more...

Two New England states have adopted innovative incentive-based legislation to encourage zoning for high density residential and mixed-use development in sensible locations. Both policies have stimulated significant local policy reforms in support of "smart growth" development. However, amid all too common fiscal woes, both programs are in danger of losing funding needed to support the incentives.

 

The Massachusetts Legislature adopted Chapter 40R "Smart Growth Zoning" in 2004 with companion school cost insurance legislation (40S) approved in 2005. To date, thirty 40R Districts have been approved in 28 cities and towns providing as-of-right zoning for over 10,000 units of housing, at least 20 percent to be affordable to households earning less than 80% of  area median income.  Connecticut adopted  similar legislation in 2007  known as Home  Connecticut, and the  program has taken off  this year with nearly 50  municipalities pursuing  funding for Incentive  Housing Zones. Read more...

A massive green project is underway in the Rocky Mountains. Snowmass Village, located near Aspen, Colorado, is home to a multi-phase construction project that may ultimately see the delivery of dozens of new LEED certified, Silver, and possibly Gold buildings as well as pursuing the LEED New Development designation for the greater village. Despite the current economic downturn having slowed progress of this project for the time being, developers Related Westpac and residents alike are excited about this new green community at 8,100 feet above sea level. The new and luxurious Viceroy Snowmass operates both residences and a hotel, and opened this Thanksgiving weekend to much fanfare. The Viceroy is anticipated to be the 2nd Silver rated hotel in Colorado. Just a few weeks ago another building completed was officially awarded Silver designation. Read more...