Home Remodeling to Save Energy and Increase Value

Some good tips for home remodeling. Energy consumption in older homes can be dramatically improved with changes to heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows, doors, lighting and operating habits. At iGreenBuild.com we see an attractive market opportunity for the resale of homes that have been remodeled using eco-friendly products and sustainable concepts….even in poor market conditions for home sales.

Smart remodeling adds value to your home

Start planning for your summer remodel during Home Improvement Month

 

Des Plaines, Illinois, May 4, 2011—Spring is in the air, and homeowners are starting to plan their dream home remodeling projects. To commemorate May as National Home Improvement Month, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers homeowners a few words of advice for getting the most value out of your remodeling investment.

 

More Americans are staying in their homes rather than moving. According to Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey released in November 2010, 85 percent of the general population believed it was a bad time to sell their home. There’s a lot more to be gained through remodeling besides increased functionality, new appliances, efficient systems, updated décor, additional space or the pure enjoyment of making your home your own. There’s also the increased value your home receives when you make improvements.

 

With so many options available today, NARI offers a few considerations for homeowners who want to get the most out of their remodels.

• Curb appeal goes a long way. Exterior home improvements such as roofing, siding, windows and doors are subject to the elements and usually need to be replaced after a number of years. In terms of re-sale value, updated exteriors give sellers an edge over buyers who are attracted to your home before entering.  
• According to Energy Star, half of a home’s energy use is dedicated to heating and cooling. If a system is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. New, energy-efficient systems are not only more cost-effective but are also better quality.  
• All homes benefit from increased insulation and sealing, regardless of climate. Older homes are traditionally under-insulated compared to new homes. And recent insulation innovations like spray foam or cellulose increase the ability to trap air inside. Proper insulation evens temperature flows, reduces energy use and has long-term benefits.
• Kitchen and bath renovations are still popular—and for good reason. Homeowners continue to see the value in updating areas of the home that are used frequently and are high functioning. Universal design concepts are commonly incorporated into kitchen and bath areas to accommodate people of all sizes and abilities and conveniences for long-term residents.  

 

Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touch-ups, but it’s recommended they consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home’s structure.

 

Homeowners that need to make several updates to their homes but cannot afford a complete overhaul may be interested in phased remodeling. In this instance, remodeling projects are broken into phases over time, for a long-term project plan. This also lessens the burden of remodeling to the homeowner as they remain in the home as work is being done.

 

As of April 22, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed new regulations for contractors working in homes built before 1978. The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule mandates that remodelers who intend to work in pre-1978 homes to register their company and complete an 8-hour training and certification course with an accredited trainer. The course teaches remodelers how to safely contain lead in a home as it is being disturbed and reduce exposure to residents and workers. Homeowners should be aware that this new rule is enforced and should be skeptical of any contractors who choose not to follow the law. Visit www.nari.org to find a Certified Lead Renovator in your area.

 

NARI members represent a select group from the approximately 800,000 companies and individuals in the U.S. identifying themselves as professional remodelers.

 

NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics.  Consumers may wish to search www.nariremodelers.com to find a qualified professional who is a member of NARI. For the latest information on green remodeling, visit www.GreenRemodeling.org. Click here to see an online version of this press release.

 

# # #

About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry.  The Association, which represents more 63,000 remodeling industry professionals — is “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry.”™ To locate a local NARI chapter or a remodeling professional, visit NARI’s Web site at www.NARIremodelers.com, or contact the national headquarters, based in Des Plaines, Illinois, at 800-611-NARI.

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: NARI can provide hi-res digital before and after photos of award-winning remodeling projects to accompany your story. Contact NARI with your photo request at marketing@nari.org or ask for Morgan Zenner at 800-611-6274.

 

If you do not want to receive e-mails from NARI please click here to unsubscribe.

 

 

 

Morgan Zenner

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

780 Lee St., Suite 200

Des Plaines, IL 60016

P: 847-298-9200

E: mzenner@nari.org

 

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com, a New Venture Communications web property.

 

 

2011 ENERGY STAR Challenge: Race to New Orleans Celebration

Will you be in New Orleans for the 2011 AIA National Convention? If so, join us!

 

You are invited by the U.S. EPA to the

2011 ENERGY STAR Challenge: Race to New Orleans Celebration

 

When:  Friday, May 13, 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

Where:  AIA National Convention, Town Hall (Northeast corner of exhibit hall)  

Please join EPA in honoring the 2011 ENERGY STAR Challenge A/E firms and their projects for innovative energy efficient design and the winning region in the Race: The Big Easy Central. 

 

There will be a photo session for 2011 Challenge A/E firms with EPA and AIA Representatives. 

 

Take this opportunity to meet fellow practitioners who are bringing us another step closer to preventing carbon emissions through sustainable design and building practices. 

 

Invited Guest: Andrew Goldberg, AIA, Senior Director, Federal Relations

 

While in New Orleans, check out:

The ENERGY STAR Challenge Gallery (Main entrance to the right of Registration)
See many of the projects that achieved Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR (DEES) on display. 

 

AIA Seminar

Session # FA101

Are We There Yet? The Road to Performance with ENERGY STAR (1 HSW/SD/LU Hour)

Thursday, May 12, 11:45 AM–12:45 PM

Speakers:

·         Rives Taylor, FAIA, Gensler

·         Karen P. Butler, ENERGY STAR, Commercial Building Design Manager

 

Contacts at the AIA Convention in New Orleans

·    Luis Betanzo, The Cadmus Group, Inc., EPA Contractor

Cell: 703.258.4806

·    Vicky Kiechel, RA, LEED AP The Cadmus Group, Inc., EPA Contractor
Cell: 202.957.5763

 

 

Luis Betanzo

THE CADMUS GROUP

1555 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300

Arlington, VA  22209

Phone: 703-247-6123

FAX: 703-247-6023

www.cadmusgroup.com

 

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com, a New Venture Communications web property.

 

 

 

Urban Land Institute Real Estate Summit - May 2011

ADAPTING FOR THE FUTURE:  GET INSIGHTS AND FORECASTS FROM INDUSTRY THOUGHT LEADERS AT THE URBAN LAND INSTITUTE'S REAL ESTATE SUMMIT MAY 18-20 IN PHOENIX
 

For more information, contact: Robert Krueger 202/624-7051; robert.krueger@uli.org

Numerous industry experts and economists are talking about the 'new normal' for the real estate industry.  Land use professionals in both the public and private sector are faced with adapting to current economic realities, while making long-term plans to stay competitive in the future.

What are the investment strategies and trends that will emerge from the current recession?  Will there be funding for transportation investments and what role will real estate professionals play in helping deliver bus rapid transit, streetcars, and other new transit systems?  How are healthcare institutions serving as catalysts for new workforce housing development?   With more people expected to rent in the years ahead – either by choice or necessity – is the rental industry prepared for a possible surge in demand?

These are just a few of the many land use-related topics to be discussed by leading industry experts at the Urban Land's Institute's 2011 ULI Real Estate Summit at the Spring Council Forum in Phoenix.  The Summit is set for May 18 – 20, 2011 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.   

The real estate industry's most influential professionals from the region and across the U.S. gather to attend this event every year.  This event has a tradition of featuring prominent guest speakers, knowledgeable panelists, insightful industry experts and content-rich real estate sessions. Because this is a ULI meeting, each discussion will include all sides of all issues.  You will leave better informed, with new leads, tips, ideas and sources.  

To register for the Real Estate Summit, click HERE.

Contact:         
Trisha Riggs, 202-624-7086, priggs@uli.org   
Robert Krueger, 202-624-7051, robert.krueger@uli.org  

About the Urban Land Institute:
The Urban Land Institute (www.uli.org) is a global nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members.  Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in sustaining and creating thriving communities worldwide.  Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 30,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com, a New Venture Communications web property.

Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships Summit

 

                               Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships Hosts Summit in Rhode Island

Celebrating 15 Years of Making Energy Efficiency Matter

 

LEXINGTON, MA – NEEP announced today that that the annual Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit, the premier annual event for showcasing the region's leadership in accelerating energy efficiency, will be held in Warwick, RI June 7-8 at the Crown Plaza Hotel.  Prominent efficiency advocates, Paul Roberti, Commissioner, RI Public Utility Commission, and James Madej, National Grid, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer are the Co-Chairs for this year's summit.  The theme, Efficiency: Making it Matter, will focus on how leading policy, industry, and business leaders shape the face of energy efficiency as a tool to reduce our carbon footprint, stimulate the economy, and decrease energy costs.

 

"2011 marks NEEP's 15th anniversary and we're excited to celebrate the great strides that the Northeast has taken towards recognizing and adopting energy efficiency as an effective solution to the challenge of reliable and clean energy, said Sue Coakley, Executive Director of NEEP. "This year's Summit theme, Efficiency: Making It Matter, will focus on the key issues facing the efficiency movement today and in particular the challenge of winning hearts and minds across the region to make efficiency happen."

 

Program Overview

The Summit includes a day of workshops prior to the conference, which will target specific efficiency technologies including solid state lighting and residential lighting.  Additionally, registered attendees will also be able to attend a tour of nearby Nathan Bishop Middle School, a an existing 4-story Georgian Revival Style building constructed in 1929 designed under the new RIDE regulations, which includes the adoption of the Northeast CHPS High Performance School protocol. .  The all-day regional conference will address challenges and successes achieved in messaging the importance of energy efficiency to consumers and financing for efficiency in the Northeast.

 

The Summit will also include our successful Business Leaders program, a celebration of regional business leaders who have implemented energy efficiency measures and investments in order to gain a competitive economic advantage across a variety of industries.

 

"Energy efficiency is one of the most powerful answers to securing energy security, climate change mitigation, and environmental and economic sustainability," said Commissioner Roberti. "The state of Rhode Island continues to build on our commitment to accelerate energy efficiency in all areas of our work.  Having the NEEP Summit in Rhode Island this year allows us to showcase our successes."

 

"National Grid is committed to integrating energy efficiency into our residential and commercial programs so that our customers can realize significant savings," said Jim Madej. "NEEP contributes to our success in the Northeast and for over a decade we have been proud to partner with such a dedicated organization."

 

About our 2011 Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit Co-Chairs

Jim Madej, Senior Vice President & Chief Customer Officer, National Grid

Jim Madej is the Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at National Grid.  In this role he is responsible for brand, strategy, new products, emerging technologies and sales of gas and energy efficiency programs. Madej leads a team of dedicated staff that provides the linkages between corporate citizenship, economic development and local communities. He currently serves as a board member for the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and as Marketing Co-Chair for the Natural Gas Vehicle Association.  Mr. Madej holds a BA in Business Administration from St. Michaels College.

 

Paul Roberti, Commissioner, Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission

Prior to his appointment to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission, Mr. Roberti served for 17 years in the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, most recently as Assistant Attorney General and Chief of the Regulatory Unit. In that capacity, he has been involved in hundreds of proceedings involving public utility and energy matters before the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission, the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board, the Rhode Island Supreme Court and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

 

Exhibition

To complement the conference, the Summit will feature an exhibition of 40 leading-edge providers of energy efficiency products and services for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Exhibitors include Conservation Services Group, CREE, Embertec, ThinkEco, Enerpath, Jaco Environmental, OSRAM Sylvania, Lime Energy, and Tendril.

 

Sponsorship

The NEEP Summit regularly draws 400 to 500 attendees from all over the United States, with most coming from the Northeast region, to discuss ways of ramping up efficiency. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels. All sponsors receive significant visibility in communications and marketing materials, as well as exhibit space, complimentary passes to the Summit, and other benefits. To find out more, visit http://neep.org/neep-summit/sponsorship/opportunities.

 

About NEEP

NEEP is a non-profit organization that transforms the way we use and think about energy.  Through advocacy, collaboration and education we focus on three areas where we believe energy efficiency can have the greatest impact: buildings, high efficiency products & best practices.  Our unique approach helps bring together all stakeholders to accelerate energy efficiency and highlight its impacts on the region, the economy, and the planet.  For more information, visit www.neep.org.

 

Contact: Carrie Nash

Strategic Marketing Manager

W: 781-860-9177 Ext. 125

E: cnash@neep.org

Visit our website: www.neep.org

Follow NEEP on Twitter: www.twitter.com/NEEPenergy

 

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com, a New Venture Communications web property.

 

 

BOMA Recognizes Direct Energy Centre

Building management and green building dovetail nicely in many ways and BOMA gets it! This is a strong statement about the commitment BOMA and its members have made to designing and managing buildings intelligently not only for occupant safety and comfort but for sound environmental reasons as well.

Direct Energy Centre wins Building of the Year & Certificate of Building & Management Excellence

2011 BOMA Toronto Awards

 

For Immediate Release…Toronto, ON, May 2, 2011 – The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Toronto has honoured the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place with the 2011 BOMA Certificate of Building & Management Excellence and the 2011 Office Building of the Year (TOBY) Award “Public Assembly Facility”.

 

The BOMA Certificate of Building & Management Excellence is a five year certification and recognizes excellence and quality in property and facility management. A BOMA certified building is managed by a team of professionals who, through participation in the certification program, have met the BOMA standard of excellence in a number of key areas, which impact the safety, security and comfort of its occupants and the community. The Direct Energy Centre also won the BOMA Toronto Building of the Year “Public Assembly Facility” in 2006.

 

The Office Building of the Year (TOBY) Awards salute the stars of the commercial real estate industry, recognizing excellence in property management, operations, resource conservation, environmental awareness, leasing and building design, customer service and innovation.

“Exhibition Place and the Direct Energy Centre are committed to providing a facility for our clients that is focused on excellence in building management, operations, customer service, design and innovation. We are extremely honoured to be recognized by BOMA Toronto for these prestigious awards”, says Councillor Mark Grimes, Chair of the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place.

 

About Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Toronto is a voice of the Toronto’s commercial real estate industry. It has a network of over 700 members in the Greater Toronto Area, which consists of property management professionals, asset managers, development owners, corporate facility managers, leasing professionals, senior managers from all three levels of government, and a variety of companies that provide a product or service to the commercial real estate industry. BOMA Toronto promotes excellence in the industry through information, education advocacy and recognition.

 

 

About Direct Energy Centre and Exhibition Place

Exhibition Place is Canada’s largest entertainment venue, attracting over 5.3 million visitors a year. Direct Energy Centre’s over 1 million square feet of space available is the largest exhibition and convention centre in Canada and the sixth largest in North America.  Designed for maximum efficiency, the venue is supported by a regional population of seven million in a diverse and dynamic economy.  Exhibition Place has won several awards such as the Platinum Waste Minimization Award from the Recycling Council of Canada and the Operations Award from the UFI International Awards.

 

For additional facility information go to: www.directenergycentre.com

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com, a New Venture Communications web property.

California's Orange County is Green

Notice the diversity in the list of green companies being recognized below by OC Metro in Southern California. Firms in the recycling, medical and hospitality markets are included in the top 25 list. Hoag Hospital in Irvine achieved LEED Silver certification – that makes it one of the first of its kind in a long list of hospitals throughout the state working on green building and sustainability initiatives.

Work Green. Build Green. Live Green.
OC METRO's Annual Event Celebrates 25 O.C. Green Companies

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF. – OC METRO magazine Publisher, Steve Churm asserts, "Orange County has the big green opportunity to be a major player in this modern-day gold rush."  With an annual industry growth of 5 to 7 percent and 20,000 employed in the County alone, green is clearly the new Orange County lifestyle.  On Wednesday, April 13th, OC METRO Magazine hosted the 2nd Annual Green Team event at Sole Technology honoring twenty-five green companies making a difference in our lives in Orange County.

For four years, OC METRO magazine has annually named the top green companies changing the industry.  This year's twenty-five honorees are making incredible strides to create a more eco-friendly Orange County.  Honorees include Anaheim-based SA Recycling who diverts millions of tons of materials from landfills and even has the ability to recycle 78 percent of a car; Crow Bar & Kitchen in Corona del Mar holds the title of the first green restaurant in Orange County; Hoag Hospital Irvine is one of the first California hospitals to achieve LEED Silver Certification.

The honorees were not the only stars of the night attending the 2nd Annual Green Team Event.  Presenting sponsor, SA Recycling along with GotScrap.com arrived with an iPad contest for the two guests who could estimate the weight and number of crushed cans in a recycled bail.  The contest involved a social media factor by announcing the winners through the Got Scrap? Facebook page with the bail weighing a massive 922 lbs. and containing 24,554 cans.  Sustainability Sponsors Wells Fargo, Waste Management, Brandman University were also in attendance to educate guests on going green in business.

OC METRO echoed the green initiatives of the honorees by taking every possible effort to create an environmentally friendly event. Hosting the event at Sole Technology, an award-winning green building, creating signs on soy paper with soy ink, while making the event program entirely digital are a few examples of how this Green Event became even greener.  For more information, on
OC METRO's Annual Green Team Event, please visit OCMETROgreenteam.com.

The 2011 Green Team honorees are:

•    All Green Electronics Recycling, Tustin
•    Bentley Prince Street, City of Industry
•    Black Flamingo, Laguna Beach
•    Clean Green Technology, Huntington Beach
•    Cox Communications, Rancho Santa Margarita
•    Crow Bar & Kitchen, Corona del Mar
•    CryoPort Inc., Lake Forest
•    Earth Friendly Products, Garden Grove
•    Ecola Termite and Pest Management Company, Brea
•    FlexEnergy, Irvine
•    Goodwill of Orange County, Santa Ana
•    Hoag Hospital Irvine, Irvine
•    Jamboree Housing Corporation, Irvine
•    John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana
•    MUZEO, Anaheim
•    SA Recycling, Anaheim
•    SkyBridgeSolar, Aliso Viejo
•    Sole Technology, Lake Forest
•    Spa Gregories Day Spa & Salon, Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita & Del Mar
•    Syspro, Costa Mesa
•    Telogis, Aliso Viejo
•    Thrust Electric Bikes, Santa Ana
•    Village Green Global, Irvine
•    ViridiSTOR Green Box Solution, Tustin
•    Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa


ABOUT OC METRO MAGAZINE
Since 1990, OC METRO has been a respected source for business news and information in Orange County. The print version of OC METRO magazine is published monthly and distributed at more than 1,300 locations throughout Orange County. Combining print and online traffic, OC METRO reaches more than 300,000 business professionals and executives monthly. For more information, visit www.ocmetro.com.

ABOUT CHURM MEDIA
Churm Media is a leading regional, full-service media company based in
Newport Beach, California. The privately held company publishes 5 niche consumer magazines (OC METRO, OC Family, OC Menus, IE Family and Southland Golf) and 5 interactive Web sites serving readers and advertisers in five Southern California counties — Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino. The company prints and distributes more than 400,000 magazines per month with a total audience — print, online and events — of more than 1.5 million readers/viewers per month. RipeOrange, a full-service marketing, communications and design firm is also owned and operated under Churm Media. For more information visit www.churmmedia.com

ABOUT SOLE TECHNOLOGY
Sole Technology, Inc. is the creator of etnies, Emerica, éS, ThirtyTwo, Altamont and the Sole Technology Institute (STI). Sole Technology is the global supplier of its brands, which are responsible for many of the incredible innovations that have become staples of action sports. As a true industry leader, the company created the STI, the world's first and only biomechanics research organization, to test and develop new technologies to make the highest performing skateboard footwear. An ardent advocate for the environment, Sole Technology has a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2020 and has an environmental affairs department dedicated to turning the company's business practices green.

 This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com, a New Venture Communications web property.

 

 

Green Building Codes for Navajo Nation

Green building, sustainability and the Navajo Nation seem to fit together perfectly. We at iGreenBuild.com are very happy to read and share this news.

First tribal community in the nation adopts international green building code
EPA applauds Kayenta, located on the Navajo Nation
SAN FRANCISCO– Kayenta Township (Ariz.) is the first tribal community in the U.S. to adopt the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), a building code designed to reduce the environmental impact of construction projects while keeping safety measures intact and enforceable. 
EPA's Pacific Southwest Green Building Team worked with Kayenta and works with other tribes and federal agencies to support the development of sustainable building codes that meet tribal priorities.  In addition, Kayenta will be working with EPA's Office of Sustainable Communities to pilot community Smart Growth Guidelines for Sustainable Design and Development.
"As one of the first communities to adopt this code, Kayenta Township is forging a path for sustainable development," said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA's Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest.  "Their commitment to green building design will not only protect the public health, but water and energy savings means precious local resources will be preserved."
 "The IGCC is put in place for the community to save on energy costs, encouraging wise use of the water supply, safeguarding the depletion of natural resources, and the energy codes will be used to regulate future development practices," said Philbert Tso, Building Official for the Township.  
KayentaTownship, a political subdivision of the Navajo Nation with about 5,000 residents, is located south of Monument Valley.  Kayenta has been designated as a growth center of the Navajo Nation and hosts restaurants, shops, hotels and other businesses. Kayenta is also the future site of the Northeast Arizona Technical Institute for Vocational Education (N.A.T.I.V.E.) campus. The N.A.T.I.V.E. campus will provide quality career and technical education to tribal students upon its completion in September 2011.  This campus will also be the first project built using the IGCC code.
The IGCC Public Version 2.0, which will be a published as a model code next year, was adopted on a voluntary basis and may be incorporated into the community's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.  Kayenta adopted the code with specific requirements related to protecting greenfields, conservation areas, and agricultural land.

Follow the U.S. EPA's Pacific Southwest region on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EPAregion9and join the LinkedIn group: http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/1823773/
R9 Tribal Green Building Resources http://www.epa.gov/region9/greenbuilding/resources.html
EPA Smart Growth Guidelines http://www.epa.gov/dced/sg_guidelines.htm
Contact: Margot Perez-Sullivan, (415) 947-4149, perezsullivan.margot@epa.gov

This blog post was approved by http://www.igreenbuild.com/, a New Venture Communications web property.

Top Green Projects Selected by Architects

The American Institute of Architects select the 2011 COTE Top Ten Green Projects 

Projects showcase excellence in sustainable design principles and reduced energy consumption  

For immediate release:
Washington, D.C. – April 14, 2011 –The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment.  The projects will be honored at the AIA 2011 National Convention and Design Exposition in New Orleans.

You can see this press release online here: http://www.aia.org/press/releases/AIAB088729

The COTE Top Ten Green Projects program, now in its 15th year, is the profession's best known recognition program for sustainable design excellence.  The program celebrates projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology.  They make a positive contribution to their communities, improve comfort for building occupants and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and water conservation, use of sustainable or renewable construction materials, and design that improves indoor air quality.

The 2011 COTE Top Ten Green Projects jury includes: Joshua W. Aidlin, AIA, Aidlin Darling Design; Mary Guzowski, University of Minnesota School of Architecture; Kevin Kampschroer, General Services Administration, Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings; Mary Ann Lazarus, AIA LEED AP, HOK; Jennifer Sanguinetti, P.E. LEED AP, Smart Buildings & Energy Management, BC Housing; and Lauren Yarmuth, LEED AP, YRG New York.

The descriptions below give a brief summary of the projects. You can learn more about these projects by clicking on the name of the project/firm name. If you are interested in obtaining high resolution images, please contact Matt Tinder at mtinder@aia.org.

Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles
BROOKS + SCARPA (formerly Pugh + Scarpa)
This urban infill, mixed-use, market-rate housing project was designed to incorporate green design as a way of marketing a green lifestyle.  The design maximizes the opportunities of the mild, Southern California climate with a passive cooling strategy.  Together with high-efficiency LED and electric lighting, photo and occupancy sensors, and natural daylighting - energy use was minimized.  100% of the total regularly occupied building area is day lit and can be ventilated with operable windows.  A combination of cool roof covered in solar panels, green roof, and blown-in cellulose insulation complete an efficient building shell exceeding California Title 24 by 47%.

First Unitarian Society Meeting House, Madison, WI
The Kubala Washatko Architects, Inc.
The 20,000-square-foot addition to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed national historic landmark Meeting House is approximately 40% more efficient than a comparable base case facility. The new building design features recycled-content and locally-sourced materials.  CO2 sensors trigger a ventilation system that provide energy savings when spaces are unoccupied.  91% of regularly occupied areas are daylit though Individual lighting controls are contained in all building areas.  The addition nearly doubles the building footprint but a vegetated roof and a reduction in parking spaces actually increases the percentage of pervious vegetated surface on the property.

Kiowa County K-12 Schools, Greensburg, KS
BNIM Architects
Following the devastating tornado that destroyed their town and schools, USD 422 chose a bold strategy to combine their schools into a single K-12 facility that would align with the town's sustainable comprehensive master plan.  The facilities design optimizes daylighting and natural ventilation in all classrooms, which increases student academic performance/potential and focus.  The site and building design reduce the urban heat island effect on Greensburg through open area allocation and diverse landscaping.  A 50-kilowatt wind turbine provides a portion of the electricity needs while the remaining power is generated at the wind farm located outside of town.

High Tech High Chula Vista, Chula Vista, CA
Studio E Architects
This public charter school serving 550 students in grades 9-12 with an approach rooted in project-based learning uses a building management system which integrates a weather station, and monitors and controls the lighting and mechanical systems of the facilities, in addition to the irrigation and domestic water systems.  This optimizes thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting levels, and conserves energy and water.  The facilities reflect the school's guiding principles of personalization, adult-world connection, and common intellectual mission.  These principles permeate every aspect of life at HTH: the small school and class sizes, the openness and transparency, sustainable design attributes, and showcasing of student work in-progress.

LIVESTRONG Foundation, Austin, TX
Lake|Flato Architects
The adaptive reuse of a 1950's built warehouse transformed the concrete tilt-wall building to provide a multi-functional office space for the staff of 62.  88% of the materials from the demolition of the dilapidated warehouse were recycled and used in the new design.  In order to allow for the most engaging open office environment, the team replaced the roof's center bays with north facing clerestory windows that harvest ample diffused daylight for the core workspace.  No toxic chemicals are used in or around the building in accordance with green housekeeping and landscape procedures adopted by the Foundation.   Achieving LEED Gold certification, the project reflects the LiveStrong mission "to inspire and empower people affected by cancer."

LOTT Clean Water Alliance, Olympia, WA
The Miller | Hull Partnership
While most sewage treatment plants are invisible to their communities and separated by a chain link fence, the LOTT Clean Water Alliance Regional Service Center is a visible and active participant in the public life of Olympia.  Different strategies were utilized to control solar heat gain, improve the energy performance of the building, and introduce daylight and provide views.  Methane generated from the plant's waste treatment process is used in a cogeneration plant to generate electricity and heat.  The heat is used directly in the building through a low temperature water loop connected to water source heat pumps, thus eliminating the need for a boiler, cooling tower, or geothermal field.

OS House, Racine, WI
Johnsen Schmaling Architects
Occupying a narrow infill lot in an old city neighborhood at the edge of Lake Michigan, this LEED Platinum home demonstrates how a small residence built with a moderate budget can become a confident, new urban constituent.  The local climate, with its very cold winters and hot, humid summers, required a careful mix of active and passive design strategies to ensure proper interior conditioning.  Taking advantage of the lake breeze and the site's solar exposure, outdoor rooms were created to reduce the house's depth, allowing for maximum natural cross-ventilation and daylight to wash the inside.  The house features a compact structured plumbing system with low-flow fixtures throughout and an on-demand hot water circulating pump, significantly reducing water consumption.

Research Support Facility (RSF) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO
RNL Design
With the goal of creating the largest commercial net-zero energy structure in the country, the building is meant to serve as a blueprint for a net-zero energy future and influence others in the building industry to pursue low energy and net-zero energy performance.  NREL and Department of Energy's goal is to transform innovative research in renewable energy and energy efficiency into market-viable technologies and practices.  Many of the integrated passive design strategies such as daylighting and natural ventilation strongly support both energy and human performance.  An open office plan resulted in a higher density workplace reducing the building footprint per person.

Step Up on 5^th, Santa Monica, CA
BROOKS + SCARPA (formerly Pugh + Scarpa)
This mixed-use project provides 46 studio apartments of permanent affordable housing and supportive services for the homeless and mentally disabled population in the heart of downtown Santa Monica.  The density of the project is 258 dwelling units/acre, which exceeds the average density of the Manhattan borough of New York City by more than 10%.  The building is located in a transit-oriented location with access to community resources and services, providing a healthy living environment for residents and using resources efficiently.  Based on California Title 24-2005 published by USGBC on this building is nearly 50% more efficient than a conventionally designed structure of this type.

Vancouver Convention Centre West, Vancouver, British Columbia
Design Architect: LMN Architects, Prime Architects: DA/MCM
As the world's first LEED Platinum convention center, this project is designed to bring together the complex ecology, vibrant local culture and urban environment, embellishing their inter-relationships through architectural form and materiality.  The living roof, at 6 acres it is the largest in Canada, hosting some 400,000 indigenous plants.  Free cooling economizers can provide cooling for most of the busy seasons for the convention centre. The heating and cooling is provided by very high efficiency, sea water heat pumps powered by renewable hydro electricity.  The interior is fitted throughout with CO2, VOC, and humidity sensors, which can be monitored in conjunction with airflow, temperature, and lighting controls to optimize air quality on a room-by-room basis.

 About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com, a New Venture Communications web property.

City Planners and Urban Trees

U.S. Forest Service Funds Tree Inventory For Urban Planners

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2011– New research funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will help city planners make better decisions about their urban trees for a range of benefits, including energy savings and improved access to nature. 

Researchers, led by U.S. Forest Service scientists, will hire field crews to gather information on the condition of forests from approximately 1,000 sites in five western states - Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington - to compile data for a comparative study on the health of trees in urban areas. The result will be a network of permanently located plots in urbanized areas that can be monitored to obtain information on their health and resiliency.

"This project will help city planners improve the quality of life in American cities," said project leader John Mills of the Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Research Station's Resource Monitoring and Assessment Program. "Urban trees are the hardest working trees in America – they beautify our neighborhoods and reduce pollution."

This is the first time in the Pacific states that systematic information is being collected on the health of trees in urban areas. Determining the current health and extent of specific urban forests will help forest managers better understand how urban forests adapt to climate change and other issues. Urban trees cool cities, save energy, improve air quality, strengthen local economies, reduce storm water runoff and enliven neighborhoods.

The study supports President Obama's America's Great Outdoors Initiative (AGO) by helping planners determine where to establish urban parks and green spaces and how to maintain them. AGO takes as its premise that the protection of our natural heritage is an objective shared by all Americans. Parks and green spaces improve a community's economy, health, quality of life and social cohesion. In cities and towns across the country, parks can generate tourism and recreation dollars and improve investment and renewal. Time spent in nature also improves the emotional and physical well-being of children and adults alike.

Urban forests will change as the climate changes -- shifts in species composition, growth rates, mortality and susceptibility to pests are all possible.  Having a baseline of urban forest conditions will help local resource managers and planners understand and articulate the contributions urban forests make, such as carbon sequestration, water retention, energy savings and quality of life for residents. Over the longer term, monitoring will help to determine if and how urban forests are adapting to changing conditions, and could shed some light on potential mitigations.

The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Forestry, California Polytechnic State University, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Alaska Department of Natural Resources and the Hawaii Urban Forestry Council.

Work on the initial plot installation will continue through 2013, with a large amount of data gathering planned for 2012.

The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

 USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C.  20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202-720-6382 (TDD).

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com

AIA Develops Sustainable Design and Construction Guide

This is a timely release from the American Institute of Architects. I am particularly interested in seeing the content about legislation that directly affects sustainable design and construction for schools and hospitals.

AIA Guide for Sustainable Projects to Provide Design and Construction Industry with Roadmap for Working on Sustainable Projects 

For immediate release:
Washington, DC – April 12, 2011 –The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced that it will release AIA Document D503™-2011, Guide for Sustainable Projects, including Agreement Amendments and Supplementary Conditions("Guide"), in May 2011. The Guide is free and was developed to assist users of AIA Contract Documents in understanding contractual considerations unique to sustainable design and construction projects. The Guide also provides model language that can be used to amend or supplement key AIA Contract Documents in the A201 Family for use in these types of projects. Developed by the AIA's Contract Documents Committee, with input from industry stakeholders, theGuide provides AIA Contract Documents users with a valuable tool for creating versions of AIA standard contract documents for sustainable projects.

You can see this press release online here: http://www.aia.org/press/releases/AIAB088661

"The AIA Contract Documents program continues to revise existing documents and develop new documents and guides, as necessary, to remain current with trends and changes in the industry and law," said Ken Cobleigh, Managing Director and Counsel for AIA Contract Documents content. "The development of theGuide reflects the shifting landscape in the industry and addresses key issues of interest to all parties involved in these types of projects."

The Guide addresses the current state of sustainable design and construction, discussing issues and concepts including:

·         Certification systems, codes and legislation affecting sustainable design and construction projects,

·         Risks and responsibilities faced by owners, contractors and architects on sustainable design and construction projects, and

·         Recommendations for model language to assist the architect in developing a scope of services and to assist all project participants in appropriately allocating risks and responsibilities.

In addition to providing model language that may be used to amend or supplement documents in the AIA Contract Documents A201 Family for design-bid-build projects, the Guide discusses the applicability of key concepts to other delivery models such as design-build, construction management and integrated project delivery.

Because the AIA believes theGuide is an important resource for the design and construction industry, it will be available in May as a free download at www.aia.org/sustainableprojectsguide.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

This blog post was approved by www.iGreenBuild.com