Each November marks a significant milestone in the march towards a sustainable human existence. While the majority of the American population continues to avoid addressing truly committed sustainability issues, a notable population of professionals will be gathering for the world’s largest conference on Green building. Over 28,000 contractors, architects, designers, landscape designers, engineers, city planners, developers, non-profits, lawyers, realtors, manufacturers, retailers, hospital officials, government employees, military personnel, school planners…are expected to attend the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) GreenBuild conference in Phoenix.
If 28,000 people can’t convince you that sustainability matters, ask the 150,000 LEED APs what they think. USGBC introduced a rigorous testing process to measure a person’s knowledge and ability to apply Green building strategies to buildings and community development. Successful passing of the test awarded a professional the “LEED AP” (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professional) designation. When I became a LEED AP in 2005, the pass rate was less than 60%. There were only 4,000 individuals accredited at the time. In four years, the test rigor has increased to a pass rate of only 20% while the number of LEED APs grown to over 150,000!
Why has interest in a LEED AP designation grown given the obstacles to achieve success? The moral side of me wishes we were all committed to Green for quality of life issues, yet the main fact stands that LEED AP means you know something about Green buildings and Green buildings mean money.
Why GreenBuild? You can attend workshops to prepare you for the LEED AP test. You can listen to keynote speakers such as Al Gore, business leaders like Arthur Rubinfeld of Starbucks, and Steve Thomas – host of Renovation Nation. But mostly it is the annual November destination for business and community leaders to gather strategies to improve return on investment and preserve quality of life.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Where's Your Fire Extinguisher?
I was going through my notes today after a great week in Indianapolis at the Remodeling Show. Amongst my scribbling, I found two bold words – FIRE EXTINGUISHER.
In all my formal and professional education I have never heard any kitchen designer, teacher, or Green professional talk about fire extinguishers. Once, I listened to a discussion on whole house sprinklers at another professional show. The threat of sprinklers becoming part of the new building code produced ample grumbling but no discussion on point source extinguishers. As the daughter of an insurance agent, I have two in our house – kitchen and mechanical room. But, I have never thought to include one in a design for a client.
Besides the obvious life saving benefit, an extinguisher used early in a fire can reduce the damage, cost of repair, and ensuing length of household disruption. The presenter, Paul Lesieur of Silvertree Construction, discussed fire extinguishers as part of his talk on “Hot” kitchen trends. While kitchen fires are not “trendy”, there is data from FEMA on kitchen fire trends: “There were an estimated 156,500 kitchen fires in 2002, yielding 331 fatalities, 4,914 injuries, and $876 million in property loss. On average, kitchen fires caused less property loss and were less fatal than structure fires in general, but resulted in more injuries.” http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/tfrs/v4i4.pdf
Paul was able to get his fire under control but lost the cabinetry and paint on one side of the kitchen, but at least he didn’t lose the house.
A fire extinguisher is a good, cheap sustainable strategy – it sustains life, and it can sustain resources.
In all my formal and professional education I have never heard any kitchen designer, teacher, or Green professional talk about fire extinguishers. Once, I listened to a discussion on whole house sprinklers at another professional show. The threat of sprinklers becoming part of the new building code produced ample grumbling but no discussion on point source extinguishers. As the daughter of an insurance agent, I have two in our house – kitchen and mechanical room. But, I have never thought to include one in a design for a client.
Besides the obvious life saving benefit, an extinguisher used early in a fire can reduce the damage, cost of repair, and ensuing length of household disruption. The presenter, Paul Lesieur of Silvertree Construction, discussed fire extinguishers as part of his talk on “Hot” kitchen trends. While kitchen fires are not “trendy”, there is data from FEMA on kitchen fire trends: “There were an estimated 156,500 kitchen fires in 2002, yielding 331 fatalities, 4,914 injuries, and $876 million in property loss. On average, kitchen fires caused less property loss and were less fatal than structure fires in general, but resulted in more injuries.” http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/tfrs/v4i4.pdf
Paul was able to get his fire under control but lost the cabinetry and paint on one side of the kitchen, but at least he didn’t lose the house.
A fire extinguisher is a good, cheap sustainable strategy – it sustains life, and it can sustain resources.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Do or Do Not. There is No Try.
If you are old enough to remember "Star Wars" or you are a new groupie, you are probably familiar with this now famous quote from the fictitious Yoda. I thought of it when I heard a remodeler at the national Remodeling Show in Indianapolis tell me yesterday that he won’t go Green because everyone expects “Greenies” to do everything right (truthfully, I would rather be called a tree hugger). He didn’t feel he could go Green small steps at a time. At first I shrugged this off as another excuse for not trying. But, I imagine there is a truth to it.
Green is still so foreign even though it lives in the vernacular of our culture. Confusion abounds on how to make more sustainable choices. The fear of wasting time or money on the wrong choice, or one that doesn’t really make an impact, keeps people from making no choice at all.
When I presented my seminar on life cycle analysis at the Remodeling Show, I had to begin the presentation with the caveat that the science of LCA is still emerging. An LCA does not exist for every product on the market. But there is a rapidly growing body of data for use now. At the end of my presentation, I encouraged the audience to use what is available and then promote the system and the results. Teach others the process. The more dialog in our culture, the greater the conversation will grow. If we fail to take action because the science isn’t complete, we will wallow in the past and not move forward.
If we do what is “safe” and build/remodel to current standards, our homes won’t compete favorably against those homes that are built to better, Green standards. If we continue to choose products that harm our health, we won’t get healthier. If we fail to engage energy strategies because we think cost is a hurdle, we will continue to pay high energy bills every month and end up paying more for energy than the upgrade.
When it comes to sustainability, don’t listen to Yoda. It’s not about do or do not. It is about trying. What have you tried lately that has worked for you?
Green is still so foreign even though it lives in the vernacular of our culture. Confusion abounds on how to make more sustainable choices. The fear of wasting time or money on the wrong choice, or one that doesn’t really make an impact, keeps people from making no choice at all.
When I presented my seminar on life cycle analysis at the Remodeling Show, I had to begin the presentation with the caveat that the science of LCA is still emerging. An LCA does not exist for every product on the market. But there is a rapidly growing body of data for use now. At the end of my presentation, I encouraged the audience to use what is available and then promote the system and the results. Teach others the process. The more dialog in our culture, the greater the conversation will grow. If we fail to take action because the science isn’t complete, we will wallow in the past and not move forward.
If we do what is “safe” and build/remodel to current standards, our homes won’t compete favorably against those homes that are built to better, Green standards. If we continue to choose products that harm our health, we won’t get healthier. If we fail to engage energy strategies because we think cost is a hurdle, we will continue to pay high energy bills every month and end up paying more for energy than the upgrade.
When it comes to sustainability, don’t listen to Yoda. It’s not about do or do not. It is about trying. What have you tried lately that has worked for you?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
The End of the Cancer Scare
Three months ago I had my annual mammogram. The results came back normal. Last week I had an annual physical exam. The doctor – making the best of an awkward situation – was talkative and engaging – until she found a lump – and then the situation turned serious. Another mammogram was ordered. It came back normal. An ultrasound was ordered. In that dark and quiet room, the first, and then a second lump were found. Suggestions were made. Choices were offered. I opted for a biopsy so that decisions could be made for the next course of action if the lab results indicated cancer. The next two days were blurred by lack of sleep, a wild imagination, and raw emotions.
Thankfully, the lab results were negative. No further treatment was required. I breathed a sigh of relief. I know that many people are not so lucky.
I have been thinking about those unlucky souls quite a bit over the past 6 years – how to reach them, how to educate them. Many cancers are linked to environmental factors and many are linked to things we can control. We choose how we build and decorate our homes. We often don’t know that our choices about design may be poor choices about health. Urea formaldehyde is implicated in many cancers. It is found in the many wood-based products we bring into our homes – furniture, cabinetry, flooring, paneling. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. One out of 3 homes in MN are at risk for elevated radon in their home. Asbestos – still found in many older homes – is also linked to lung cancer. Glues, varnishes, wood finishes – with highly volatile compounds – have been linked to leukemia. Vinyl and the dioxin by-products are linked to cancer, too.
I am fortunate to not have cancer. I am also lucky to be involved with many passionate Green building advocates that will help spread the word that better choices are available – those that help us create beautiful, healthy spaces.
Thankfully, the lab results were negative. No further treatment was required. I breathed a sigh of relief. I know that many people are not so lucky.
I have been thinking about those unlucky souls quite a bit over the past 6 years – how to reach them, how to educate them. Many cancers are linked to environmental factors and many are linked to things we can control. We choose how we build and decorate our homes. We often don’t know that our choices about design may be poor choices about health. Urea formaldehyde is implicated in many cancers. It is found in the many wood-based products we bring into our homes – furniture, cabinetry, flooring, paneling. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. One out of 3 homes in MN are at risk for elevated radon in their home. Asbestos – still found in many older homes – is also linked to lung cancer. Glues, varnishes, wood finishes – with highly volatile compounds – have been linked to leukemia. Vinyl and the dioxin by-products are linked to cancer, too.
I am fortunate to not have cancer. I am also lucky to be involved with many passionate Green building advocates that will help spread the word that better choices are available – those that help us create beautiful, healthy spaces.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Winter is Coming - Is Your Home Ready?
Excel Energy will be offering a free energy efficiency workshop for our community on October 21, 2009 at 7:30 pm. The hour-long seminar will provide useful strategies to make your home more comfortable and lower your energy bill. Topics will include insulation, weather stripping, home heating, windows, lighting, energy audits, and energy incentives.
The workshop will be delivered by Jimmie Sparks, Program Director, for the Neighborhood Energy Connection (NEC) of St. Paul. Jimmie is one of our region’s most respected energy raters and is passionate about helping people find solutions to their energy needs. Jimmie was instrumental in creating the NEC Home Energy Squad program: A skilled crew can assess your home, provide recommendations, and install energy efficiency upgrades all in one visit. You choose which improvements you want and pay only for the materials. You are not charged for the installation – making energy improvements affordable and doable!
The free Excel workshop scheduled for Wednesday 10/21 is designed to give you ideas and to learn about free & low-cost resources. It was also designed to let you ask questions. Bring your family and friends for this informative event.
When: Wednesday October 21, 2009, 7:30 pm.
Where: White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
The workshop will be delivered by Jimmie Sparks, Program Director, for the Neighborhood Energy Connection (NEC) of St. Paul. Jimmie is one of our region’s most respected energy raters and is passionate about helping people find solutions to their energy needs. Jimmie was instrumental in creating the NEC Home Energy Squad program: A skilled crew can assess your home, provide recommendations, and install energy efficiency upgrades all in one visit. You choose which improvements you want and pay only for the materials. You are not charged for the installation – making energy improvements affordable and doable!
The free Excel workshop scheduled for Wednesday 10/21 is designed to give you ideas and to learn about free & low-cost resources. It was also designed to let you ask questions. Bring your family and friends for this informative event.
When: Wednesday October 21, 2009, 7:30 pm.
Where: White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Great Lighting Debate: LED or CFL
Have you heard that LED lighting is the next best thing since sliced bread? That you can install an LED bulb in your home, forget about it for years, and reap the energy savings? Here is a bit of caution to the wise. LED lighting holds great promise but the technology is currently at the same place CFLs were when they surfaced over 10 years ago. The lighting quality of LEDs is consistently poor, the expense is high, and there are few guarantees that the bulbs or fixtures will perform as stated.
I was recently given an $85 OptiLED LED bulb to try out in the existing recessed can lights in my kitchen (yes, you read that right - $85!). The color was so blue my family looked half alive with their pasty flesh tones. This surprised me as the product was labeled “warm white.” In lighting terminology that means the temperature, measured in Kelvin, is less than 3000 –which is a typical temperature for incandescent lighting – slightly yellow and warm. As the temperature goes above 3000 K, the light gets bluer until it reaches 6000 K of daylight.
The light output of the bulb was only 500 lumens. “Lumens” is another term that describes the amount of light or brightness produced by a bulb. The goal is to get the highest amount of lumens using the lowest amount of watts (or energy). This chart on the Energy Star website compares CFL output to equivalent incandescent lighting: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls_lumens The 500 lumens of the LED bulb were equivalent to the brightness of a 40 watt incandescent bulb (not a great option to put in a ceiling).
To further inform my decision to not spend $85, the bulb was handed over to me with the caveat that the all LEDs bulbs must be matched to an appropriate switch – 3-way or dimmer– not just any switch will do (meaning – if I liked the bulb, I would have to change the dimmer switch in my kitchen). It is best to check with a switch manufacturer to find out which switch pairs with which bulb. An incompatible bulb & switch can result in the bulb not reaching a stated dimming level, the bulb could flicker, the switch can buzz, and the life of the bulb can be shortened – all the same reasons why people became turned off (no pun intended) from CFLs.
If you are a risk taker, LED lighting could prove to be an adventure of intrigue and discovery. For those not inclined to spend excess money for unproven technologies, continue to invest in Energy Star rated CFLs and match the bulb to the switch. For both types of individuals, check out the Energy Star website.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=fixtures.pr_fixtures It will list the few LED fixtures that meet the stringent standards for light quality and performance. You will note that there are no replacement LED bulbs that have earned Energy Star certification because no LED bulb has yet to stand up to the rigors of the test procedures.
If you do find something you like, I would appreciate hearing about it. Leave your comments here or join me at Press Publications: http://presspubs.com/articles/2009/10/06/blogs/reader_blogs/doc493ea6567a7f1435499003.txt
I was recently given an $85 OptiLED LED bulb to try out in the existing recessed can lights in my kitchen (yes, you read that right - $85!). The color was so blue my family looked half alive with their pasty flesh tones. This surprised me as the product was labeled “warm white.” In lighting terminology that means the temperature, measured in Kelvin, is less than 3000 –which is a typical temperature for incandescent lighting – slightly yellow and warm. As the temperature goes above 3000 K, the light gets bluer until it reaches 6000 K of daylight.
The light output of the bulb was only 500 lumens. “Lumens” is another term that describes the amount of light or brightness produced by a bulb. The goal is to get the highest amount of lumens using the lowest amount of watts (or energy). This chart on the Energy Star website compares CFL output to equivalent incandescent lighting: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls_lumens The 500 lumens of the LED bulb were equivalent to the brightness of a 40 watt incandescent bulb (not a great option to put in a ceiling).
To further inform my decision to not spend $85, the bulb was handed over to me with the caveat that the all LEDs bulbs must be matched to an appropriate switch – 3-way or dimmer– not just any switch will do (meaning – if I liked the bulb, I would have to change the dimmer switch in my kitchen). It is best to check with a switch manufacturer to find out which switch pairs with which bulb. An incompatible bulb & switch can result in the bulb not reaching a stated dimming level, the bulb could flicker, the switch can buzz, and the life of the bulb can be shortened – all the same reasons why people became turned off (no pun intended) from CFLs.
If you are a risk taker, LED lighting could prove to be an adventure of intrigue and discovery. For those not inclined to spend excess money for unproven technologies, continue to invest in Energy Star rated CFLs and match the bulb to the switch. For both types of individuals, check out the Energy Star website.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=fixtures.pr_fixtures It will list the few LED fixtures that meet the stringent standards for light quality and performance. You will note that there are no replacement LED bulbs that have earned Energy Star certification because no LED bulb has yet to stand up to the rigors of the test procedures.
If you do find something you like, I would appreciate hearing about it. Leave your comments here or join me at Press Publications: http://presspubs.com/articles/2009/10/06/blogs/reader_blogs/doc493ea6567a7f1435499003.txt
Friday, October 2, 2009
When Toilets are Exciting
The major resistance to Green is that "it costs too much." Good 'ole capitalism, however, is proving you all wrong. Not only can Green strategies be less expensive, they can perform better than the norm!
http://presspubs.com/articles/2009/10/02/blogs/reader_blogs/doc493ea6567a7f1435499003.txt
http://presspubs.com/articles/2009/10/02/blogs/reader_blogs/doc493ea6567a7f1435499003.txt
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