Mark Kurowski (K&W Engineers) and I taking part in the Green Apple Day Of Service
What is the Green Apple Day Of Service?
USGBC and The Center For Green Schools created this annual event to engage people around the world and give them an opportunity to give back to their community. The goal is to educate children/students about sustainability in their very own backyard. They have a fantastic website (www.mygreenapple.org) which has tracked, organized and reported on the thousands of service projects that have been going on around the world on September 29, 2012.
Who was involved?
Our local Green Apple Service event was coordinated by The Emerging Professionals Committee of USGBC Central Pennsylvania. In just a couple of weeks, Sarah Knehr and Justin Kovaleski were able to secure over $1500 in donations for trees/mulch/tools and round up 30+ volunteers to help. People of all backgrounds came out to chip in… Professional engineers, occupational therapists, construction workers, parents, children and college students. It was great to see such a positive response to the event and really inspired me to do more projects like this on an ongoing basis. Penn State Harrisburg and their newly founded USGBC Student Group was there with numerous volunteers. Penn State Harrisburg also visited with Middletown Area Middle School students this week to teach them about green buildings and the environment.
Penn State Harrisburg USGBC Student Group
What did we accomplish?
We accomplished many things today… We connected people… We improved City Island by planting 15 trees… We supported a struggling city in need (Harrisburg)… We educated students about giving back… and most of all We Had FUN! People really do enjoy rolling their sleeves up once in a while and getting dirty. It was great to see so many smiling faces and people really looking to help each other with this project. I even got to see a mom teach her two middle school age children how to plant a tree… quite remarkable!
How can you get involved and support future projects like this one?
Become a volunteer with your local chapter of the US Green Building Council… Our website in Central Pennsylvania is www.usgbc-centralpa.org. Our chapter covers 37 counties throughout Central Pa and includes large areas such as State College, Lancaster, Berks, York, Harrisburg, Carlisle and Chambersburg. We have many great committees doing good work and fun interactive events on a monthly basis. Check here for upcoming events!
Donate now… Non-profits like USGBC Central Pa need financial resources in order to continue to provide community service projects, educational programs and to advocate for sustainability to local and state government. Please consider donating today to ensure this organization can continue to support sustainability in your community for years to come.
Higher Education is perhaps the field which has embraced the realm of sustainability to the fullest. Colleges/Universities have implemented curriculum, green building policies/procedures, research projects, marketing efforts, recycling programs, and campus wide sustainability efforts. This seems to have occurred both from the students (grassroots) and from the leadership supporting the efforts resulting in massive culture change. Higher Education is very competitive and they have found that ‘being green’ can make their campus & school more attractive to the next generation (which is all about the environment and smarter decisions).
There is a ton of great information on each of the schools and what they have done on their campuses to become more environmentally responsible. I personally found it pretty cool to find out that my alma mater, Catholic University (Washington, DC) was on the list.
Also an emerging trend on campuses, USGBC Student Groups are popping up all over the country!
This is pretty remarkable for a program that is fairly new (two years old)… The student groups are focusing on campus sustainability initiatives, LEED AP/GA prep courses, local green building tours, research projects, engaging local leaders in green building and more.
Locally here in Central Pennsylvania, we have two official student groups: Penn State & Penn College of Technology
Three other schools have shown interest in the program and are starting the affliation process: Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), Messiah College and Dickinson College…
Pennsylvania Higher Ed Student Roundtable:
On March 15, 2012 at GreenCon we will be holding a USGBC Student Group Roundtable discussion to share information and resources… we hope you can join us!
USGBC Central Pennsylvania will be hosting GreenCon – A Green Building Conference & Expo on March 15, 2012 at Messiah College.
The day will feature national and local experts on green building technologies, systems and philosophies. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn, network and witness sustainability up close and personal as Messiah College gives tours of their numerous green initiatives. There will be several guest speakers discussing exciting, relevant and innovative topics. You can earn credential maintenance hours and promote your business through exhibiting or sponsorship.
If you are interested in learning more about this conference, please comment below and I will be happy to send you information regarding registration/exhibiting/sponsoring.
The Business Case
Clients that are building and renovating today want to do so responsibly and for the least amount of money. They are beginning to evaluate their building projects not only as long-term investments but they are also taking a closer look at the sustainability of their choices (life-cycle cost analysis, environmental impact, impact on occupant productivity). They also have employees, customers and shareholders that are all asking “What can we do to be green?”. Someone with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credentials can assist in both the evaluation and implementation of green building practices.
The credentials make a clear statement: I understand and I am committed to building green.
LEED AP:
There are two types of credentials available from The Green Building Certification Institute. LEED Accredited Professional (AP) and LEED Green Associate (GA). These credentials have been established to be somewhat of a clearing house for those working in either the design or construction of green buildings. Both require a significant amount of material to study and sitting for a third party exam.
Of course, just having the “LEED AP” behind your name doesn’t make you an expert but it does indicate that you have a certain amount of knowledge and experience in LEED.GBCI/USGBC did catch some flack under the old exam (prior to 2009) because you didn’t need any experience to sit for it. The market was certainly flooded with new LEED AP’s… and the question was raised “Do these LEED AP’s know what they are talking about or did they just memorize the material?”
They have since modified the criteria and to sit for the LEED AP exam now you must have worked on at least one LEED project. This does somewhat differentiate the candidates although you cannot guarantee the exact level of experience. For more information on becoming a LEED AP, check out the various handbooks here: http://www.gbci.org/main-nav/professional-credentials/candidate-handbooks.aspx
LEED Green Associate:
For those without the opportunity to work on a LEED Project, GBCI also created the LEED Green Associate exam. Although the credential may not carry as much weight in the industry as the AP designation, it certainly denotes a level of understanding and commitment for the candidate. I highly recommend if you have an interest in green building pursuing this credential. Not only will it allow you a great foundation for your career, it is a great way for anyone to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive edge in this competitive job market. This would also be a great way for college students to add a critical piece to their resume. For the Green Associate handbook, go here: http://www.gbci.org/Files/Candidate-Handbooks/LEED-Green-Associate.pdf
Credential Maintenance:
For both the LEED AP and the LEED Green Associate professionals there is continuing education required. Every two years each LEED AP and GA will need to record 30 and 15 hours of continuing education respectively. A certain number of these hours must be LEED focused. This encourages the professionals to continually strive for improvement and to validate their credentials on an ongoing basis. Check with your local USGBC Chapter for seminars, courses and green building tours which can help you with this process. Here is the credential maintenance handbook: http://www.gbci.org/Files/cmp_guide.pdf
The Ultimate Goal: A Better Finished Product
The more LEED AP’s you can have working on a project the more well rounded the project will be. Everyone on the team will understand the “rules of the game” per-say. Every team member whether it be the owners representative, the architect, the mechanical engineer, or the construction manager should understand the synergies of the credits and how each system integrates into the functionality and ultimately the sustainability of the building.
Throughout the design & construction of any project, many variables need to be evaluated: Cost, Quality, Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Analysis. Each member of the team should be able to speak to these traits given their area of expertise and weigh in accordingly on all critical decisions such as systems, products, design aspects, etc. Ultimately the goal is to complete a building that in the long run uses the least amount of energy, reduces the impact on the environment and is comfortable for the owner and the building occupants.
It was truly a pleasure to be involved in the design and construction process of one of the most sustainable buildings in the region. Campus Square is located in Midtown Harrisburg which has undergone a complete revitalization in the last 5 years. The revitalization has been the vision of GreenWorks Development and their commitment to responsible development has definitely paid off. Campus Square has gone on to win a USGBC Central Pennsylvania Project Of The Year Award, ABC Keystone Chapter Project of The Year Award and most recently an ABC National Pyramid Award. These are all landmark achievements for this project.
Campus Square is a great example of blending high performance technologies, urban revitalization, flexibility and sustainable building products.
Some of the green building aspects of Campus Square include:
Geothermal (Ground Source) Heating & Cooling – 46 Geothermal Wells Under The Building – Designed & Installed by McClure Company
42kw PV Solar Array with battery backup for emergency power - Designed by groSolar and installed by GR Sponaugle
Over 30% of all the materials used in the building is recycled content
Over 40% of materials were made within 500 miles
Over 98% of the construction debris was recycled
The Green Center of Central Pennsylvania is located in Campus Square as well. The Green Center is open to the public and teaches people about the various aspects of sustainability.
Here is a great video which tells the story about the building and the transformation of Midtown Harrisburg:
If you have questions or comments, feel free to post them.
On April 21, 2011, the Green Center of Central PA will be hosting a Green Living Fair for the public. The fair will include exhibitors from many different companies throughout the region that offer green/sustainable services. General Services Administration (GSA) is helping to put this event together in conjunction with GreenWorks Development, PPL and HACC to promote the new courthouse which is planned for construction in 2012.
GSA has been a true leader in the area of sustainability and has even mandated that all of their new construction projects must be LEED Gold or higher. For more information on their sustainable programs (including a revolutionary sustainable facilities tool) visit: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104462
The federal courthouse to be located at 6th & Riely Streets in Harrisburg will have many sustainable features and will be a great addition to the several green projects which have recently been completed in the area. It should also give a much needed boost to the economic development in the city of Harrisburg.
The architect for the project is Ennead Architects LLP (formerly Polshek Partnership).
They have a long list of impressive projects including the Frank Sinatra School of The Arts in Queens, NY:
If you are interested in exhibiting at this venue, please contact Julia Knight, Executive Director for The Green Center of Central Pa, at jpknight@hacc.edu.
Further your career - If this is something you are passionate about, then become an expert or attain a credential. In the area of sustainability, there is a void with regard to experts. You have an opportunity to fill that void. If you are in Real Estate, Engineering, Architecture, Construction or Law – I suggest you start here – LEED Green Associate.
Gain a competitive advantage in your industry - Every business is looking for an edge. Green could quite possibly be that competitive advantage your business is looking for. Whether it is marketability or profitability, green can help your bottom line. Interface Flor has made it part of their culture and it helps them to stand out amongst competition.
Help the environment – The environment needs us now more than ever. We have been heading down a treachorous path for centuries and we have become a wasteful society. We need to change our habits and begin living as if nothing were disposable.
Help future generations – We have limited resources which are rapidly running out: Fossil Fuels, Land, Water, Trees. Sustainability is all about the responsible use of what resources we have left. My goal is for our great-grandchildren to have plenty of each when they grow up.
Gain a sense of purpose - Let’s face it, when people join forces to propel an issue larger than themselves, it can be immensely powerful. The earth is an amazing place… let’s keep it that way.
Be cool & cutting edge – Green products and technologies are emerging every day. Connecting with others who are interested in sustainability will ensure that you remain ahead of the curve when it comes to these technologies and their implementation. Not to mention you may be able to invent your very own green product or technology.
Expand your mind – If you take the time to read and study about environmental related issues, you will be astounded by what you learn and the people which you come across. Their passion and yearning for knowledge is contageous and it helps you to expand your mind and your outlook on life.
Be a leader – As far as history is concerned. We are currently at a crossroads… For centuries we have taken from the environment through the use and consumption of materials. It is time for us to reverse that cycle and begin a more regenerative cycle of living. One where we give back more than we consume. You can be a pioneer with this way of thinking/living.
Give back – In order for the green movement to continue, one must teach others what they have learned. There are several schools and communities out there who would love to hear about ways that they can have a positive impact. Take what you learn and give back.
Live Healthier – By understanding the products we consume and digging a little deeper, we can make smarter and healthier decisions. Check out this great website to help us evaluate various products: http://www.goodguide.com/
Green architecture is definitely not black and white. Green architecture is inherently organic and integrated. There are currently many varying approaches and schools of thought behind this. I am no architect but I do have a huge appreciation for the art. I thoroughly enjoy the very few times in my day job as a construction manager when I’m able to sketch out details in the field or use my architectural drawing skills to get my idea across to the team.
I have started to notice the following trends in the green architecture arena.
1.) Passive Design – Orienting the building so that it is able to use the natural warmth and light from the sun. Just as important is the proper insulation of the building so comfort is preserved throughout the day. Another critical item is to make sure that the most efficient windows are used on the exterior of the building. The passive house (haus) system has become widely popular and they are able to use these methodologies to save over 80% energy usage when compared to conventional design. Here is a link to their website: http://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PassiveHouseInfo.html .
Trombe walls
Thermal bridge free construction
High efficiency glazing
Conserving resources through design
2.) High Performance Design – High performance design includes pushing the limit in all areas of the building. This includes the most efficient and typically most expensive envelope (exterior skin of the building), mechanical system, the electrical system, the lighting system, and even the plumbing system. ASHRAE publishes a truly great resource called High Performance Magazine which spotlights these types of buildings throughout the world, for more information visit here: http://www.hpbmagazine.org/
Geothermal (Ground Source) heating & cooling
Chilled beam technology
Integrated design
Technology pushing performance
3.) Smart Design – Smart design refers to the proper sizing of the building and it’s systems to fit the needs of the occupants. Traditionally buildings and their systems have been grossly oversized when compared to their actual needs and functionality. We are starting to see more homes and commercial buildings being built with this simplistic approach which can have major benefits for the environment and energy usage. My favorite local example of this is the Lofts at 909 – http://loftsat909.com/lofts/ . They used an old abandoned school and converted it into ultra modern, compact urban apartments. They look really awesome.
This is often the first question I receive when I speak to people about sustainability. Whether they are planning a new building, greening their business or changing some habits at home… They are never quite sure of the proper steps or the first step. My reply to them most generally is start small. Sustainability can be an overwhelming concept at first glance. Even the word itself is a bit of a mouthful. There are literally millions of companies are now bombarding us with their green marketing. It is easy for people to become confused and unsure. Hopefully these few suggestions can help you on your way to ‘green’ baby steps.
Start with Energy – Any measure you take with regards to conserving energy will pay off dividends in both the short and long term. This will also free up some extra dollars in your budget to implement some more drastic measures later on. Here are some very easy, low cost (under $100), every day items which you can implement to reduce energy usage.
Change One Lightbulb – Chances are that you have already started to do this in your home or business. Changing out the old incandescent bulbs for new compact fluorescent or if you are really an early adopter, LED Lightbulbs. LED bulbs have come down in price drastically in the last year because more manufactuers and big box stores are beginning to carry them. This is very encouraging! There are several advantages to switching out incandescent bulbs including: longer life and lower energy usage… This means changing them less often! Home Depot has LED Bulbs for $17.97 which will last for 46 years and save you over $200 over the life of each bulb http://bit.ly/giCTcz
Buy & Install a programmable thermostat – They boast up to a 33% energy savings if installed and implemented properly which would result in an average savings of at least 20-30 dollars per month. Here is a link to a honeywell 7-day programmable thermostat which costs $81.69 on amazon. http://amzn.to/hz4EEXEstimated payback on your investment in 3-4 months (payback).
Unplug – With our homes becoming more and more technologically advanced electronics seem to be piling up in every room. TV’s, Computers, iPads, Portable Phones, Video Game Systems, Baby Monitors, DVD/CD Players, Radios, Appliances, and more. Most electronics today constantly draw electricity when plugged in. This is often referred to as phantom loads or plug loads. The more we can unplug these items, the more we will see a savings in energy each month. Here is a fantastic product from Belkin to help you do just this – The Belkin Smart Plug turns off the power strip when the TV is turned off. http://bit.ly/fuNSpyPayback is 6 months (money in your pocket every month after that)
Turn off AC/Heat in Fall and Spring – No one likes to be uncomfortable so I don’t suggest doing this in the summer or winter. If the weather is pleasant enough for you to be walking around the neighborhood in a t-shirt and shorts, try opening the windows and turning off your air conditioning and/or heat in the house. This will save a lot of energy and allow you to get tons of fresh air which is always a great thing.
These are a few quick and easy steps to conserving energy. Look for more tips on integrating sustainability into your life. If you have others , feel free to share
@CZGBC Thanks 4 following from the other side of the globe! I look forward 2 your tweets and learning more about your green building efforts 1 hour ago
