U.S. Green Building Council-St. Louis Regional Chapter Blog
Welcome to the USGBC-STL Blog, a place for the Chapter to share information on green building, LEED, sustainability and other "elements of green" in and around the St. Louis area.

Green Workplace

Posted: August 24th, 2010

One month course, offered September, $195.

A greener workplace can provide substantial benefits to your organization’s triple bottom line – people, planet and profits.  By reducing the energy intensity of their buildings and materials demand and waste, green workplaces can save money and reduce their impact on the environment.  Come discover the keys to making green workplaces a success for you and your organization.  This online course is suitable for those new to green workplaces or already working in a green space and interested in enhancing their knowledge of what makes it a green space. Includes a green workplace toolkit.

WHEN
September 7 – October 1
During this time frame, you can participate any time of day or evening. The online classroom is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More details are below.

FEE
$195

REGISTER
Visit the USGBC-STL Event Registration page, and click “Register” under the Green Workplace listing.

COURSE AGENDA
Unit 1
Introduction to Green Workplaces
EPA estimates we spend 90% of our time indoors
The advantages of green workplace for businesses
The advantages of green workplace for workers
Why the green workspace trend is growing

Unit 2
Planning the Transition to a Green Workplace
Discussing green workplaces within your organization
Facility, equipment, and policy requirements
Identifying low-hanging fruit
Developing a plan for transitioning to a green workplace
Redesigning your workplace for green

Unit 3
Implementing Green Workplaces
Securing and sustaining the commitment of all stakeholders
Measuring success and returns on investment – reinvestment of those returns
Continuous and constant effort strategies
Providing for accountability and reward

Unit 4
Issues in Green Workplaces
Best practices tool kit
Learning curve soft costs
Top 5 low cost/high return strategies
Key advanced strategies

HOW THE COURSE WORKS
It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

Once inside the online classroom, here’s what you can expect.

PARTICIPATE WHEN YOU WANT
Participants can participate as little or as much as you want.

You can participate any time of day or evening. The online classroom is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are no live real-time requirements or meetings. You decide when you participate.

For the best learning, participants should log into the course on 2-3 different days of the week.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
For each Unit, you will:

  • Read the print readings (about 20 pages a week)
  • Have the option of accessing the online readings
  • Listen to the audio presentation for the Unit and view the slides
  • Have the option of taking a self-quiz to see how much you have learned
  • Engage in written online discussion with your instructor and other participants

For best learning, you should make one or more comments at 2-3 different times each week.

The content (readings, audio lectures, slides) and self quizzes are accessible for the entire course, so you can work ahead, or go back and review again, at your convenience.

DISCUSSION
The Discussion for each Unit lasts one week. All comments are made in writing and can be made at any time of the day or night.

Your instructor will log into the Discussion area at least once a day and answer questions, make comments, and respond to comments by you and the other participants.

We encourage you to make 2-3 comments each week to maximize your learning and enjoyment of the course.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Pepper Smith is the Green Programs Manager for Davis Energy Group, a residential mechanical engineering and green consulting firm located in Davis, CA. Pepper is a USGBC LEED Faculty member and instructor for the University of California. Prior to consulting and teaching about residential green building, Pepper worked for D.R. Horton, Sacramento working on Energy Star, Environments for Living, and LEED for Homes projects.

Kelly Gearhart is a Principal with Triple Green Building Group, a green building consulting firm with locations in San Francisco, CA, Atlanta, GA, Savannah, GA and Sophia, Bulgaria. Gearhart is a USGBC LEED Faculty member, Instructor for the University of California, former Manager of Commercial Green Building Services at Southface Energy Institute, Inc. and has been involved with green building education, technical assistance, and leadership since 2005.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  • To provide organizations and workers with background information on the growth, costs, benefits, productivity, and profitability of green workplaces, and the reasons why organizations and workers benefit from green workplaces
  • To provide those interested in green workplaces with the knowledge necessary to transition from a conventional workplace situation to a green workplace including understanding typical building functions, measuring performance, and utilizing best-practice green strategies
  • To address the most commonly asked questions about green workplaces, including costs, benefits, challenges, and low-hanging fruit
  • To introduce advanced strategies used in green workplaces
  • To have those currently working in green workplaces share their experiences with those interested in green workplaces

COURSE OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the course, you will:

  • Upon successful completion of this course, you will:
  • Possess the information necessary to discuss the advantages of green workplaces in your organization, including trend data on the costs and benefits, information on productivity and profitability, and the reasons why businesses benefit from green workplaces
  • Get the knowledge necessary to champion the transition to a green workplace
  • Know the most common issues related to green workplaces
  • Possess a high-level understanding of a few key advanced green workplace concepts and strategies.



Green Buildings and Preparing for LEED Green Associate

Posted: August 24th, 2010

Two month online course, offered in September-October.

Get the knowledge to excel as a green professional in the new economy. Acquire an introduction to sustainability and how it lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of the green building process.

This two-month online course provides essential knowledge of sustainable building concepts that are fundamental to all LEED Rating Systems. Participants who successfully complete this online course are eligible and prepared to sit for the LEED Green Associate exam.

The course begins with an introduction to the benefits and integrative approach to green building, and a brief background on the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED, including basics of the building certification process. The core of the course presents LEED intents and concepts at the credit category level -across building types and rating systems – touching on strategies, synergies, and specific examples that are reinforced by real project case examples

Key LEED metrics and LEED referenced standards are addressed throughout. Discussion groups and interactive activities throughout the course keep you engaged and reinforce what you have learned. The course will wrap up with a review and preparation to sit for the LEED Green Associate exam.

The course includes:

  • Two USGBC publications: “Green Associate Study Guide” and “Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide.”
  • Study activities and practice exam questions to prepare for LEED Green Associates exam
  • Access to the USGBC Core Concepts and Strategies online course and other selected USGBC presentations and webinars
  • Discussions facilitated by USGBC LEED Faculty™ who are LEED Accredited Professionals with years of experience in LEED and green building.

WHEN
September 6 – October 29
During this time frame, you can participate any time of day or evening. The online classroom is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More details are below.

FEE
$695  (Fee includes texts)

REGISTER
Visit the USGBC-STL Event Registration page, and click “Register” under the Green Buildings and Preparing for LEED Green Associate listing.

    ABOUT ONLINE LEARNING
    Online learning is a fun, enjoyable and very productive way to learn. Millions of people are learning online each year. You will engage with the instructor and other participants. You will get to know your instructor and other participants. You may make friends.  It’s easy. It’s fun.

    HOW THE COURSE WORKS
    It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

    Once inside the online classroom, here’s what you can expect.

    PARTICIPATE WHEN YOU CAN
    Participants can participate as little or as much as they want.

    You can participate any time of day or evening. The online classroom is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    There are no live real-time requirements or meetings. You decide when you participate.

    For the best learning, participants should log into the course on 2-3 different days of the week.  It is estimated that this course will require 32 hours of seat time.

    WHAT YOU WILL DO
    For each Unit, you will:

    • Read the print readings (about 20 pages a week)
    • Accessadditional online readings
    • Watch Videos and recorded presentations
    • Have the option of taking a self-quiz to see how much you have learned
    • Engage in written online discussion with your instructor and other participants

    For best learning, you should make one or more comments at 2-3 different times each week.

    The content (readings, videos, activities) and self quizzes are accessible for the entire course, so you can work ahead, or go back and review again, at your convenience.

    DISCUSSION
    The Discussion for each Unit lasts one week. All comments are made in writing and can be made at any time of the day or night.

    Your instructor will log into the Discussion area throughout the week and answer questions, make comments, and respond to comments by you and the other participants.

    We encourage you to make 2-3 comments each week to maximize your learning and enjoyment of the course.

    ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS

    Your instructors are LEED Faculty with the U.S. Green Building Council, developer of this course. The Faculty are LEED Accredited Professional with years of experience in LEED and green building.

    COURSE OUTCOMES
    Upon successful completion of this course, you will:

    • Define sustainable as it relates to green building
    • Describe the structure of the LEED rating system and the LEED certification process
    • Describe key green building concepts and goals associated with LEED
    • Recognize successful LEED strategies and measurements for achieving goals
    • Describe the central role of integrative design
    • Identify and explain synergies among LEED credit categories and strategies
    • Describe case studies that represent LEED best practices
    • Gain knowledge needed to apply for the LEED Green Associate Exam



    USGBC-STL LEED BD+C Specialty Exam Prep Course

    Posted: July 23rd, 2010

    For professionals participating in the design and construction phases of high-performance, durable, affordable and environmentally sound commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential buildings, the LEED AP Building Design + Construction exam is designed to measure your knowledge and skill in understanding the LEED BD+C Rating System and ability to facilitate the project certification process.

    USGBC-STL’s four-evening (16 hours total) LEED BD+C Specialty Exam Prep course is designed to prepare participants for the LEED BD+C Specialty exam.  Skilled instructors will discuss categories and credits in the LEED BD&C Rating System, explore methods of sustainable project delivery and green building practices, and offer test taking tips. Subject areas covered include:

    ·        Introduction, Exam Strategy, and BD+C Process
    ·        Sustainable Sites
    ·        Water Efficiency
    ·        Energy and Atmosphere
    ·        Materials and Resources
    ·        Indoor Environmental Quality
    ·        Test Taking Tips
    ·        Practice Exam

    WHEN
    Mondays and Wednesdays, September 20, 22, 27 & 29, 2010
    4:30pm – 8:30pm each day

    WHERE
    Masonry Institute of St. Louis
    1429 S. Big Bend Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63117
    map

    FEE
    $200.00 for USGBC-STL Members
    $250.00 for Non-members
    *Textbook costs are NOT included in course fee
    *Course fee includes dinner

    REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
    1) USGBC LEED Building Design + Construction Study Guide, USGBC
    2) LEED AP Building Design + Construction Candidate Handbook (free download) and references outlined on page 16 of the handbook.
    3) LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, USGBC (NOT required, but strongly recommended)

    The study guide and reference guide may be purchased on the USGBC Publications page of the USGBC website. The study guide price is $70 for employees of national USGBC member companies/$85 for non-members.  Please plan for shipping time.

    PREREQUISITES
    Students must read and understand the steps needed to enroll for and take the exam, including meeting exam eligibility requirements.  The instructors will only address this as a broad overview.

    REGISTER
    Click here to visit our Event Registration page, then click on the Register button under the USGBC-STL LEED Building Design + Construction (BD+C) Specialty Exam Prep Course event listing.

    INSTRUCTORS
    Paul Todd Merrill, Clayco’s Director of Sustainable Construction, is a Registered Professional Engineer in 12 states and responsible for planning, design and construction of Clayco’s sustainable efforts. Paul has been involved in over 30 LEED certified projects and, for the past eight years, he has developed and led LEED training sessions covering LEED versions 2.1, 2.2 and 3.0 for Clayco’s internal educational efforts and training sessions for owners, building code officials, law firms, manufactures and subcontractors. In addition, Paul is an adjunct professor at Washington University in the Sever School of Engineering.  Paul received his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1981. Paul currently serves as Vice Chair on the USGBC-STL Board of Directors.

    Nick Bristow
    , Project Engineer at Clayco, can be generally be called a LEED coordinator for Clayco LEED Projects. From the first checklist to certification, Nick works with the Design and Construction team to pursue LEED certification of buildings. Nick has been involved with 10 LEED certified buildings and another 25 registered projects of various versions including LEED NC v2.2, LEED CS v2.0, and LEED 2009. For the past three years, he helped to develop and lead Clayco’s LEED AP training program.  Nick volunteers for the LEED committee of the St. Louis Habitat Humanity, builder of 27 LEED Platinum homes locally and counting, and has participated in two different item writing workshops for the Green Building Certificate Institute, maker of the LEED AP and Green Associate exams.  In addition, Nick serves on the USGBC-STL Education Task Force.

    PLEASE NOTE
    This course does not guarantee students will pass the LEED AP BD+C Specialty exam.  Additional time outside of class will be required for reading the required textbooks and for further study.  Registering and taking the LEED AP exam, and any associated costs, are not included in this course.

    This course prepares participants for the specialty portion of the LEED AP BD+C credentialing exam. LEED AP exams are comprised of two parts: Green Associate & the Specialty. Candidates must pass both portions of the exam in order to receive the LEED AP credential.

    QUESTIONS?
    Contact USGBC-STL staff by email or phone (314) 577-0225.

    Thank You to our Event Sponsor!




    Understanding Building Design + Construction LEED Rating Systems: LEED BD+C 251

    Posted: July 23rd, 2010

    THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO LOW REGISTRATION.

    See the USGBC Course Catalog for other opportunities.

    This workshop, developed by USGBC, introduces the credit intents, key elements, main requirements, and reference standards of the Green Building Design and Construction (BD+C) LEED rating systems. Workshop participants will gain a solid understanding of the core concepts and strategies of the following LEED rating systems: New Construction & Major Renovations (NC); Core & Shell (CS); and Schools – supporting successful green construction projects.

    Led by official USGBC LEED FacultyTM who are LEED and facilitation experts, this workshop provides an understanding of the scope of the LEED BD+C rating system family, covering the distinctive aspects of each rating system within it. The course examines all prerequisites and credits in LEED BD+C’s six credit categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Indoor Environmental Quality, Materials & Resources, and Innovation in Design; it also addresses Regional Priority credits. The workshop introduces all of the credits, going into detail on the goals, intents, requirements, and strategies of prerequisites and selected key credits. The course also reinforces understanding of synergies between credits, and provides an overview of the LEED certification process, including basic documentation considerations. Throughout the day, participants will engage in discussions and interactive activities based on real-life projects to enforce what is taught about LEED BD+C prerequisites, credits, and concepts.

    Learning Objectives
    • Recognize the unique aspects of the BD+C rating system family, and differences between each rating system (NC, CS, and Schools) within this family
    • Identify the minimum program requirements for the BD+C rating systems
    • Describe the goal, intent, and requirements of BD+C prerequisites and key credits
    • Identify synergies between BD+C credits
    • Plan for key considerations and requirements for the LEED certification process

    WHEN
    Tuesday, August 24, 2010
    8:30am – 5:00pm

    WHERE
    Doubletree Hotel Springfield
    Rathdangan I & II
    2431 North Glenstone Ave.
    Springfield, MO 65803

    FEE
    Before August 16, 2010:
    USGBC Members: $325
    Non-Members: $390

    On or after August 16, 2010
    USGBC Member: $355
    Non-Member: $440

    REGISTER

    Click here to register

    What Registration Includes:
    • Instruction from official USGBC Faculty who are experts in LEED and trained in facilitation and adult learning techniques.
    • Participant workbook, interactive learning activities based on real LEED projects and a glossary of key green building definitions.
    • Option to order one print edition of the corresponding Reference Guide at a discounted rate ($145 plus taxes and S&H); no exchanges or refunds.
    • Continuing education for 7 hours of instruction directly reported to AIA and CSI.
    • Certificate of completion for self-reporting to other professional organizations, including GBCI (7 CE hours).
    • Lunch and refreshments.
    Credential Maintenance Units
    GBCI CE Hours 7
    GBCI CE Hours (LEED BD+C Specific) 7
    AIA/CES (LU) 7
    CSI (CEU) 0.7



    Fear Public Speaking? Join the USGBC-STL Speaker’s Bureau

    Posted: June 15th, 2010

    The fear of public speaking ranks among Americans’ top fears, surpassing fear of illness, fear of flying, fear of terrorism and often the fear of death itself.

    Jerry Seinfeld once joked about a survey that found that the fear of public speaking ranks higher in most people’s minds than the fear of death. “In other words,” he deadpanned, “at a funeral, the average person would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.” Can you relate? I can. Not that I would prefer to be the one in the casket, but I have definitely had my share of anxiety when it comes to public speaking. My profession requires making presentations to various groups. Whether it is to a selection committee to win project or to present information about a project that has been constructed, public speaking can play a major role in the duties of an architect, one that I feared for many years.

    So, I decided to volunteer for the USGBC-STL Speakers Bureau and pushed myself to overcome this fear. As I reasoned, I was interested in promoting green building and in volunteering some additional time for the Chapter. As an architect and LEED AP, I have knowledge on the subject, the audiences should be noncontroversial and interested in the topic, and I would probably learn something in the process. Most of all, I thought, I just might overcome one of my biggest fears.

    After a few years as a volunteer speaker, all of my initial reasoning has proved to be accurate. I have come to enjoy the presentations and actually find myself looking forward to the next. Even though I misspoke during a recent presentation, saying ‘LEED Green Fellow’ instead of ‘LEED Fellow’ and had a few jokes thrown at me afterward, I survived and even laughed at my own error. So, I may not give a perfect presentation and still experience some anxiety, but the overall experience has been a very positive one.

    Therefore, if you are interested in promoting green building but fear public speaking, like the rest of us, there is likely an opportunity for you as part of the USGBC-STL Speaker’s Bureau!

    For more information about the USGBC-STL Speakers Bureau, see http://www.usgbc-stl.org/speakers-bureau. To volunteer for the Speakers Bureau, contact Chapter staff at usgbc-stl@mobot.org.

    - Submitted by Barbara Anderson, a member of the USGBC-STL Advocacy Committee, a member of the USGBC-STL Speakers Bureau and an an architect at Oates Associates.




    Clayton Green Power Community Challenge

    Posted: June 7th, 2010

    Leading municipalities across the nation are partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to become a Green Power Community (GPC). Green Power Communities are cities in which the local government, businesses, and residents collectively buy green power in amounts that meet targets set by the EPA.

    In April, Clayton’s Board of Alderman committed to pursuing the GPC designation by unanimously passing a resolution to embark on an GPC Challenge via a joint effort of the City of Clayton, AmerenUE Pure Power and Clayton-based, Microgrid Energy.

    The Green Power Community Challenge focuses on encouraging local businesses, residents, and non-profit organizations to support new sources of renewable energy and reduce the City of Clayton’s carbon footprint. In addition, Challenge events and activities will include a focused renewable energy education effort for Clayton residents and businesses, and in particular, the students in the Clayton School District.

    The City of Clayton officially kicked off the Challenge on June 3rd with a luncheon at the Clayton Fire Station. Mayor Linda Goldstein (see photo below) shared several reasons why Clayton elected to participate in the Challenge, joining leading municipalities around the country in becoming an EPA Green Power Community:

    Clayton EPA Green Power Community Challenge Kick-off 024

    “In Clayton, we know today that renewable energy is here, in Missouri, and that it is working. We also know that increasing the amount of renewable energy in the Missouri power pool through the purchase of RECs or installation of onsite solar will reduce carbon emissions and promote local economic development.”

    There are two ways that Clayton residents and businesses can help the City achieve the Green Power Community Challenge goal of 670 Megawatt Hours per month:

    • Enroll in AmerenUE Pure Power or any other Green-e certified voluntary green power program. Each Renewable Energy Credit represents 1 megawatt hour of renewable electricity generated and delivered to the grid, which means one less megawatt hour of conventional power. Each Renewable Energy Credit also represents the environmental benefit of displacing pollution from traditional energy generation with fossil fuels. And specifically, Pure Power Renewable Energy Credits support Missouri wind farms, which keeps environmental benefits working at home.

    OR

    • Install an onsite green power system. GPC Challenge partner Microgrid Energy is a Clayton-based business offering a 10% discount to any Clayton business or resident who installs during the Challenge (before April 22, 2011). Each kilowatt-hour of power generated from a Clayton based solar electric system will count toward the Challenge goal.

    The good news is that either option supports more local and renewable energy sources. The even better news is that opting for one or even both will help the City of Clayton achieve its Green Power Community Challenge goal.

    To learn more about supporting the Clayton Green Power Community Challenge or to find out how your community can get involved – see the City of Clayton’s press release or Ecology webpage or visit the  EPA’s Green Power Community Challenge website.

    - Submitted by Cindy Bambini, an employee of 3Degrees and a USGBC-STL Green Schools Subcommittee member, and Rick Hunter, an employee of Microgrid Energy and a member of the USGBC-STL Advocacy Committee.




    Green Building Legislation in Missouri Moves Forward!

    Posted: April 22nd, 2010

    This is the year. This is the year we hope to join 33 other states with some sort of LEED for state buildings legislation or executive order. Well, we are a few steps closer to this becoming a reality in Missouri thanks to House Bill 1871, which contains language that would require all state owned or leased buildings, new construction or major renovation (over 5,000 sq/ft) meet LEED Silver or Two Globes (Green Globes) or conduct a 30 year life cycle analysis showing the financial costs in the long term do not justify certification. It also requires that when obtaining LEED certification, a major facility project shall reduce energy use twenty-four percent for new buildings or twenty percent for existing buildings over ASHRAE standard 90.1-2007. In order to ensure that buildings remain energy efficient, all major facility projects that were certified at the LEED Silver or two Globe standard or higher shall be inspected by a third-party commissioning agent, at a minimum, in the fifth, tenth, and fifteenth year following certification.

    GSCaucusEvent 4-16-10Pictured at the Missouri Green Schools Caucus Reception on April 16 left to right: Pam McIntyre, President of St. Louis Community College – Wildwood Campus; Representative Shane Schoeller; Richard Schuessler, USGBC-STL Government Advocacy Subcommittee Chair; Representative Margo McNeil and Jeremy Sigmon, USGBC Building Codes Advocacy Manager.

    Another component of the legislation hopes to ensure more government accountability and transparency. It involves the Office of Administration regularly reporting building information to House and Senate Energy and Environment committees. Information reported will include the number and types of buildings designed and constructed and the level of certification achieved; actual savings in energy costs; a description of potential environmental benefits, such as water savings and solid waste reduction; and a building’s ability to perform at the standard to which it was originally certified.

    Not only do we hope that state owned and leased buildings will become greener with the help of this bill, but that the state of Missouri benefits from the triple bottom line for years to come.

    House Bill 1871 also contains the Property Assessed Clean Energy Act, know as PACE. This language authorizes municipalities to form a clean energy development board in order to establish a property assessed clean energy program to finance energy efficiency or renewable energy improvement projects. A property owner can then apply to the board to finance their clean energy project through a property tax lien against the property.

    PACE addresses the upfront costs associated with some clean energy projects and the lien is paid back to the board over a given time frame from the energy savings and/or generation. PACE will be an optional program for local residences and provides no financial burden on the State. It will help create jobs and allow everyday Missourians to green their homes without a financial burden.

    I would like to thank Rep. Shane Schoeller for sponsoring House Bill 1871 as well as one of its biggest supporters, Rep. Margo McNeil (who introduced the LEED portion). Reps. Schoeller and McNeil have been instrumental in the perfection of this bill in the House where it was passed by a landslide (137 for, 9 against). They also are the co-chairs of the Missouri Green Schools Caucus which kicked-off this January at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building – a LEED Platinum building and home to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Nearly one quarter of all Missouri House members have signed onto the caucus already. The caucus held its second event at the St. Louis Community College Wildwood campus just last week on April 16. In order to further engage educational leaders, local municipal leaders and school board members were invited and over 40 people attended. Further events will be planned for Springfield and Kansas City. We look for the Caucus to work on greening Missouri schools through legislation and green building education. Special thanks also goes out to the folks at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and St. Louis Community College for their continued support of green buildings and for hosting this year’s Green Schools Caucus events.

    For more information about House Bill 1871, see the bill’s full text.

    For more information about other environmental legislation in Missouri, visit the Missouri Votes Conservation website.

    Submitted by Richard Schuessler, an employee of Huntleigh McGehee and USGBC-STL Government Advocacy Subcommittee Chair.




    More Rigorous than LEED Platinum: the Living Building Challenge

    Posted: April 5th, 2010

    The Living Building Challenge is a big deal. It requires that a building use net-zero energy and net-zero water. The Tyson Research Center, perched at the western edge of St. Louis, could be the first project in the nation to meet this challenge. We’ll know soon.

    LBC_logo

    Washington University in St. Louis owns the building, which was designed by St. Louis-based Hellmuth+Bicknese Architects.

    Shortly after the Tyson Research Center opened in May 2009, Jan Niehaus, chair of the USGBC-STL Marketing Committee, published an article on the Living Building Challenge (LBC) in the Electrical Distributor, a national trade magazine. Click here to read the article, which features Dan Hellmuth, a principal with Hellmuth+Bicknese Architects and a founding USGBC-STL member.

    Not to be missed … The Living Building Challenge ROAD SHOW is coming to St. Louis on April 21. This daylong workshop will be held at the Tyson Research Center. Learn more about the workshop here.  Buy your tickets here. USGBC-STL members receive a discount on the workshop fee, but act quickly because late registration begins April 14, 7 PM CST.

    Tour the building … You’ll have another chance to explore the Tyson Research Center and learn about the Living Building Challenge in September, when the Chapter leads a public tour of the project. When the program date is set, you’ll find it on our Event Calendar.

    Submitted by Jan Niehaus, Chair of the USGBC-STL Marketing Committee and president of Communication by Design. To get involved with the Marketing Committee, please e-mail Jan




    Statewide Green Building Code in California

    Posted: March 1st, 2010

    California has recently adopted the nation’s first mandatory statewide green building standards code. The code known as CALGREEN will take effect on January 1, 2011. It is a regulatory code affecting state regulated buildings and structures, including residential and commercial buildings, such as hospitals and schools. The code includes such requirements as a 20% reduction in indoor and outdoor water usage, a 50% construction waste diversion from landfills, mandatory inspections of energy systems to ensure maximum efficiency and the use of low-emitting finish materials.

    In order to determine which of the code provisions are applicable to a specific occupancy the following steps are recommended:

    1. Establish type of occupancy.
    2. Verify which state agency has authority.
    3. Reference the code chapter that covers the established occupancy.
    4. Consult the Matrix Adoption Table to identify the mandatory green building measures necessary to meet the minimum requirements.
    5. Review the Voluntary Tier Measures and determine inclusion of those measures.
    6. Complete the Application Checklist to identify which measures are required and which voluntary items have been implemented.
    7. Documentation of conformance for applicable green building measures shall be provided to the enforcing agency for verification

    According to a press release, California’s property owners will simply build per the state’s new CALGREEN Code and will in turn receive a no cost green certification. The certification will be known as CALGREEN Tier 1 or CALGREEN Tier 2. It is stated that this mandatory code will allow builders to build to a certifiable green standard without having to pay costly fees for third-party programs. The intention is for local and state building inspectors to verify these mandatory code provisions. Stating that verification of the green code will be a ‘simple transition’ for local building inspectors.

    The reaction of several environmental groups and green builders are mixed regarding this issue. At the national level, USGBC has expressed concern over certain provisions of the new code, while supporting many of its measures. Groups such as the Sierra Club, the National Resources Defense Council and Global Green largely applaud the code’s mandatory rules as a minimum baseline standard. However, they take issue with its two-tier labeling system, saying it will be open to conflicting interpretations and unenforceable by local building inspectors. The director of USGBC’s Northern California Chapter says “The tiers cause confusion in the marketplace and the potential for builders to label their buildings green without substantiating their claims”. Elizabeth Echols goes on to say that many local officials who would be responsible for verifying builder claims do not have the technical expertise that LEED and other third-party verifiers provide.

    It will be interesting to see how the implementation, enforcement and verification of this code develops as the draft is finalized and submitted for publication.

    To view a draft copy of the code, click on the following link:

    http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/bsc/documents/2010/Draft-2010-CALGreenCode.pdf

    - Submitted by Barbara Anderson, a member of the USGBC-STL Advocacy Committee and an architect at AAIC.




    $$$ Available to Finance Green Building

    Posted: February 5th, 2010

    Lou Brouk with Terra-Wise, Inc. and also the USGBC-STL Advocacy Committee’s Leadership Circle representative, spent a million hours collecting data for his February 2nd presentation “An Overview of Federal, State and Local Green Building Incentives.” A million might be an exaggeration, but I’ve conducted similar research myself, and I know he devoted many, many, many hours to finding all the tax credits and deductions, loans, grants, and rebates that are available to owners, builders, developers, and designers of green buildings in Missouri and Illinois.

    The simple charts and bullet-point lists that filled Lou’s just-the-facts slides, were golden—a wealth of practical financing information, targeted precisely to the 100+ business leaders attending the third of three High Performance Building Seminars co-sponsored by the USGBC-STL and RCGA.

    Lou admitted that he could have missed some resources, noted that the programs change daily, and recommended the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website for up-to-date, comprehensive information.

    Kudos and many thanks to Lou. His complete presentation is available at http://www.stlrcga.org/documents/public_policy/green_incentives.pdf.

    LBrouk

    - Submitted by Jan Niehaus, president of Communication by Design, a long-time member of USGBC-STL, and Chair of the Marketing Committee.