tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10275396260247356602023-11-16T03:37:18.391-07:00PressroomInstitute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-19583422072496556912015-09-08T11:04:00.001-06:002015-09-08T11:04:41.007-06:00We've Moved!Our blog has moved to <a href="http://ibecolostate.wordpress.com/">ibecolostate.wordpress.com</a>! Join us there as we continue our mission of advancing the development of healthy, thriving built environments.Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-44404706428031120962015-06-24T16:49:00.000-06:002015-06-29T15:12:18.544-06:00Looking for a Professional Credential in Sustainability?<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTT_iquQhiK-geQ99eDJry_UFAyjFTYKe58zjd0pIHL_laXp7HbaSY5H4b5DNZZCoalbla12-aN_8HA2_IPgEX-w7wNvSpVdOqN9Hrc3ObBGsZJgx0vwwMa8yJMwfMqxmECe4pku_mHpQ/s1600/IMG_4871_bw_crop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTT_iquQhiK-geQ99eDJry_UFAyjFTYKe58zjd0pIHL_laXp7HbaSY5H4b5DNZZCoalbla12-aN_8HA2_IPgEX-w7wNvSpVdOqN9Hrc3ObBGsZJgx0vwwMa8yJMwfMqxmECe4pku_mHpQ/s200/IMG_4871_bw_crop.JPG" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/leadership.aspx">April Brown</a><br />Senior Projects Manager</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6666669845581px;">In 2011, the MIT Sloan Management Review's sustainability survey of global corporate leaders found that about 70% of respondents are increasing their commitment to sustainability within their organization, a drastic growth from the 2009 version of this survey, which was only 25%. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6666669845581px;">Consequently, in the last decade, a career in sustainability management has gone from virtually non-existent to ranking as "hot" on a list of in-demand professions. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdEbqUlVQxCIeS7NMbj09YSpdRagAIjYX4YYNrDX95C2cOL8FxhoBjuAt1EdPDW4Z7paLw1bNSMI6Fe54_mk5oexfxsKxtdCLcOlfMJ-Hm6WgEMXNPQdT0chJDfBlurYeqjCJiNxFfTI/s1600/101414-Millennial-Workers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdEbqUlVQxCIeS7NMbj09YSpdRagAIjYX4YYNrDX95C2cOL8FxhoBjuAt1EdPDW4Z7paLw1bNSMI6Fe54_mk5oexfxsKxtdCLcOlfMJ-Hm6WgEMXNPQdT0chJDfBlurYeqjCJiNxFfTI/s400/101414-Millennial-Workers.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px;">From third-party sustainability consulting to salaried sustainability management staff and C-Suite executives, millennials have an ever increasing opportunity to find a job that makes an impact and aligns with their values. Furthermore, the massive growth in demand for higher education degrees in sustainability has led to corresponding growth in degrees in social and environmental business and management among most colleges and universities throughout the states - big and small, public and private.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvXwxAStXEObMBWLgMaL4jAN-abQ3jdvuGbDdQrt4UMFb5pNXmHraBg4jJW_OemXnK1X1oHpSprSIJj_Nuoui4CVdztwL6Ac2jrCHbWNisBHDtzek9WzTf3V5o_cv-77jdVBBRVPxP3o/s1600/ISSP.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvXwxAStXEObMBWLgMaL4jAN-abQ3jdvuGbDdQrt4UMFb5pNXmHraBg4jJW_OemXnK1X1oHpSprSIJj_Nuoui4CVdztwL6Ac2jrCHbWNisBHDtzek9WzTf3V5o_cv-77jdVBBRVPxP3o/s320/ISSP.png" width="320" /></a><br />
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That said, until now, there has not been a
professional credential that assesses and maintains the professional
expectations and competency of the sustainability practitioner. The
International Society for Sustainability Professionals (ISSP), whose mission is
to empower professionals to advance sustainability in organizations and
communities throughout the globe, is setting out to change that. ISSP started
in 2007 and, since then, they served their mission by providing professional
development in the form of webinars and a structured sustainability certificate
program. Additionally, ISSP provides a professional membership program
and resources for active members. In the last few years, ISSP has been seeking
input and feedback on the needs of the field through a handful of surveys of
working sustainability professionals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The results show professional certifications and
credentials are what hiring managers look for in the candidate pool. Since
2010, ISSP has developed a comprehensive understanding of the core competencies
and job task requirements for a sustainability practitioner. With this thorough
understanding, which they have published on their<a href="http://www.sustainabilityprofessionals.org/sustainability-professional-certification"><span style="color: blue;"> website</span></a>, they are now developing 2
professional credentialing exams, <b>ISSP Sustainability Associate </b>and<b> ISSP
Certified Sustainability Professional</b>, which will be available to the
public in November 2015. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBB1JCeJwFImg_gb0ZxL_gaCeOdTYzcO39zhFe2oE8W8Vq_ld8Fo_KdiIEHMn3u7h0pbbg3uBTWU_BLb0RQVmdCstL2STpnT9tiikb0fzNIQpitJpI0dVVbi0L17Zh6pyqMKu08HyVcs/s1600/SustainabilityPillars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBB1JCeJwFImg_gb0ZxL_gaCeOdTYzcO39zhFe2oE8W8Vq_ld8Fo_KdiIEHMn3u7h0pbbg3uBTWU_BLb0RQVmdCstL2STpnT9tiikb0fzNIQpitJpI0dVVbi0L17Zh6pyqMKu08HyVcs/s320/SustainabilityPillars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>What is a sustainability
practitioner?</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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According to ISSP, a sustainability practitioner
is a professional who spends more than 25% of his or her time planning,
implementing, managing, and reporting sustainability efforts for organizations
and/or communities. This includes internal and external practitioners.<o:p></o:p></div>
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While the complete details are still under
development, what they do know is that the two levels will require the
following, in addition to on-going professional development to maintain the
credential:</div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>ISSP Sustainability Associate</b> - Individuals who are new to the field of
sustainability but have sufficient education and training to pass a test
on basic knowledge and understanding of key sustainability concepts.
Specific eligibility requirements include:<o:p></o:p></li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal">Complete application form and pay application fee<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Sign the Code of Ethics Declaration<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Pass the ISSP-SA Certification Exam<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional</b> - Experienced sustainability practitioners who
demonstrate a combination of sustainability-related work experience and formal
education. The certification for the ISSP CSP will be awarded to those who
pass a more comprehensive test based on ISSP's job task analysis. Specific
elegibility requirements include: <o:p></o:p></li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal">Complete application form and pay application fee<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Meet the ISSP-SA requirements <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Pass ISSP-CSP Certification Exam <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Meet certain educational qualifications <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Meet certain work experience qualifications<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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The exams will cover a comprehensive list of job
tasks that are documented in a <a href="http://www.sustainabilityprofessionals.org/sites/default/files/Sust%20Practitioner%20BoK-%20Rev%203%20-%2012-10-13_0.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">20-page report</span></a> by ISSP. In summary, an ISSP
Certified Sustainability Professional should be competent in the following areas:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Core Sustainability Concepts</b> - Demonstrate a familiarity with foundational
concepts of sustainability<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Stakeholder Engagement</b> - Develop and maintain interpersonal
relationships with key stakeholders<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Plan Sustainability Strategies</b> - Lead and influence the creation of
comprehensive sustainability strategies and systems<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Implement Sustainability Strategies</b> - Manage the implementation of sustainability
strategies and initiatives<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Evaluate Sustainability Efforts</b><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Adjust Plans </b><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
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</ol>
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Each exam is a 2-hour, 100-question online
exam. All candidates must begin at the Sustainability Associate level and
progress to the Certified Sustainability Professional level. Specific
eligibility requirements do apply. The questions will be randomly
generated from a pool of 1000 questions contributed by a team of subject-matter
experts. Because the exam is delivered online, candidates will know their score
immediately upon completion. A candidate must earn a score of at least 80% on
the certification exam to pass. As with any professional credential, there will
be credentialing maintenance and professional development requirements, within
a 3-year reporting period.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-78407170878129226532015-04-21T10:11:00.003-06:002015-04-21T10:36:23.227-06:00The 5 Principles of Innovative Teams<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPFHNCW958BapuUTgAn2BjSu7xEKGLkzUuq3rJRVGCm7NhXyyZ9QWln5jLjPqPu3IqGhgJIcEBjl2HB7jQnShm7jLvCJv1Qr8kBPcZLt-oGUFw2NrnL3FmkV9A8RNUvyRajMfpIab4Rc/s1600/Steph3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPFHNCW958BapuUTgAn2BjSu7xEKGLkzUuq3rJRVGCm7NhXyyZ9QWln5jLjPqPu3IqGhgJIcEBjl2HB7jQnShm7jLvCJv1Qr8kBPcZLt-oGUFw2NrnL3FmkV9A8RNUvyRajMfpIab4Rc/s1600/Steph3.jpg" /></a>By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/leadership.aspx" target="_blank">Stephanie Barr</a></div>
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Projects Manager</div>
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Building design and construction is incredibly complex. Countless perspectives and disciplines—from
users to engineers, architects, contractors, craftsmen, and financiers—are
required to collaborate in order to design a multitude of building systems that
will work in harmony, while also being functional and beautiful. The process we use to bring together these
individuals is called integrative design (ID).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Why integrative design? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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To many, this simply means getting more people in the room.
But is more people and more meetings really what it takes to develop meaningful
solutions? <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Integrative Design Process is the arguably largest
determinant of the success and efficiency of a building. Along with the advancement
of building technologies, this process is a critical tool in reducing the
environmental impact of buildings and supporting the health of those who
inhabit them. So it’s really important we get this right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>But with so many
people involved, how can we come to better decisions faster?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Most design teams would agree that the Integrative Process
is meaningful, but they are often overwhelmed with the number of people that
should be at the table and the time required to make decisions in large groups. They often ask, how can we come to better
decisions faster?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>IBE: Taking research
to practice<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In 2009, the Institute for the Built Environment, Dr. Jeni
Cross and additional CSU researchers began evaluating what differentiates the
best integrative design projects from those that struggled. From this research, we discovered that team
structure was one of the primary indicators of success in the ID process. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We used social network analysis to visualize teams and illustrate
the people, relationships, and structure of teams. These diagrams showed that although diverse
team membership is necessary, this is not all that is required to support
collaboration and innovation. Instead,
it is the communication patterns and relationships between people that distinguishes
successful integrative design teams.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>So, how do we create
successful integrative design teams?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Through this research, we identified five key principles of
Integrative Design. By using these
principles, teams can build a network with the capacity to make better
decisions faster.<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h4>
1. A Facilitator Guides the Team</h4>
A trained facilitator is necessary to moderate the interactions on a team and build trust. Facilitators also develops willingness to take risks and openness to learning within the team, while encouraging equal participation. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1vGoSPvYd_TsRXfPk9wLKy4wGrH1RGRdk6C7nF5GXjDeG3UTqg17kNe98raIYjBj5xAxL5uqAaGb9CcK6Gl-qlJffRSeTcZpRW8FfMnbsBnlVZefAPn8Ty956UEq-1surwbBT78v4zQ/s1600/cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1vGoSPvYd_TsRXfPk9wLKy4wGrH1RGRdk6C7nF5GXjDeG3UTqg17kNe98raIYjBj5xAxL5uqAaGb9CcK6Gl-qlJffRSeTcZpRW8FfMnbsBnlVZefAPn8Ty956UEq-1surwbBT78v4zQ/s1600/cats.jpg" height="171" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Every Team Needs a Cat Herder </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
2. The Team Establishes Rules of Interaction</h4>
Teams must establish ground rules to guide their interaction. These ground rules most often resemble:<br />
-Everyone knows everyone<br />
-We all have an equal voice & an expectation to contribute<br />
-Decisions are informed by whole group input<br />
-We are all learning and don’t individually have all the answers<br />
<br />
<h4>
3. The Team has Diverse and Inclusive Membership </h4>
Innovation doesn't happen in a team with people who all think the same or have the same perspectives and opinion. Diversity is required in order to bring the unique data, perspectives, and specialized expertise which are necessary for innovation.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzujMAaO4Jj6X4oCMxNzx1z1SDripSbrtshixOy3HbmE15WxxEZ0EuG6K1W-z2cn8TY0RLw47Mr4-BD_wfsP7efR2BlTf0gfZzfHFLK3RY4FBjuLBgzeukgtCN4gkzE-lZE-EQOjk8GIs/s1600/todo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzujMAaO4Jj6X4oCMxNzx1z1SDripSbrtshixOy3HbmE15WxxEZ0EuG6K1W-z2cn8TY0RLw47Mr4-BD_wfsP7efR2BlTf0gfZzfHFLK3RY4FBjuLBgzeukgtCN4gkzE-lZE-EQOjk8GIs/s1600/todo.jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a></h3>
<h4>
4. The Team has a Core-Periphery Structure </h4>
The core team is dense and everyone is very connected (everyone knows everyone), but this team reaches out to a periphery of resources to bring in new ideas and information to the group.<br />
<br />
<h4>
5. The Team Utilizes Integrative Decision Making</h4>
The team utilizes a process of generating major decisions as a group, vetting them with appropriate individuals, making sure they align with project vision and goals, and refining decisions as a team.<br />
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To learn more about optimal team structure, why it is
critical to success, and how to create it download the new white paper, the <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/news/item.aspx/?ID=131951">Social Network of
Integrative Design. </a></div>
<br />
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At IBE, our mission is to advance the development of healthy
thriving built environments, and we do this by taking research to
practice. So, take advantage of the
other white papers, presentations, and publications in our <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/research.aspx">research library</a> to advance
your knowledge and your work. <o:p></o:p></div>
Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-57631344052991191702015-03-30T10:57:00.001-06:002015-03-30T10:59:36.128-06:00Zero Waste or the Six R’s<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pztTz3rr-jS02S4K_lKxYMu0l9ShgQkz3vCp0vz_p_c1vpVBMZ4QmxY53xktbs6OJiZ6Xe9rH-H5Xp4CBNnkv06wNkFXwOQMpFgqTVCXKnh3ZqS4-0V5Et1mO1YO1feqLJLYV35fqhg/s1600/allison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pztTz3rr-jS02S4K_lKxYMu0l9ShgQkz3vCp0vz_p_c1vpVBMZ4QmxY53xktbs6OJiZ6Xe9rH-H5Xp4CBNnkv06wNkFXwOQMpFgqTVCXKnh3ZqS4-0V5Et1mO1YO1feqLJLYV35fqhg/s1600/allison.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">By:<a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx" target="_blank"> Allison Smith</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Sustainable Associate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In primary school I was
introduced to the three R’s: </span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">reduce</i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">, </span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">reuse</i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">, and </span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">recycle</i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">. At school and at home, we sorted cans, glass, and cardboard
for recycling. All the messages focused on </span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">recycling</i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
with a secondary emphasis on </span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">reusing</i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">,
and little to no focus on </span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">reducing</i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
our waste. Zero Waste is a whole systems approach to waste reduction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Today, advocates have expanded on
the three R’s and frequently include a variant of the following: redesign,
refuse, and rot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Redesign</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> goods should be designed to minimize their
resource use, including packaging. A smart manufacturer should understand that
waste is wasted profit. Though this is corporate responsibility, as consumers
we can ‘vote with our dollars’ and buy long lasting, durable goods.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EWPqespO0FcE4y3tnNPNVuYNcbwwkdOqpqcombuYr2RZOezfFRMb53ueQXqe7y1kFc24CqpRgMBfqMcU0O1lqiaxIPcdwkeIGJuD3OwHv6_XDyTBojR3BDhRYQUd2TRM2WXHCG-Wows/s1600/073_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EWPqespO0FcE4y3tnNPNVuYNcbwwkdOqpqcombuYr2RZOezfFRMb53ueQXqe7y1kFc24CqpRgMBfqMcU0O1lqiaxIPcdwkeIGJuD3OwHv6_XDyTBojR3BDhRYQUd2TRM2WXHCG-Wows/s1600/073_cropped.jpg" height="165" width="320" /></a><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Refuse</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">: As consumers we should refuse freebies
(pens!), refuse printed receipts (opt for an emailed receipt), and refuse
purchasing products with excessive packaging. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Rot</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">: In lieu of throwing out compostable items,
compost organics and encourage your community to establish curbside compost and/or
<a href="http://ibecolostate.blogspot.com/2014/11/food-waste-digesters.html" target="_blank">biodigesters</a></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Your compostable waste is packed so tightly
at landfills that it will not decompose. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">As I continue to learn more about
sustainability and regeneration, I’ve learned it’s not about the last two R’s I
learned about as a kid, but really about the first neglected one: </span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">reduce</i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">. We need to focus on REDUCE-ing
our resource use to create a truly sustainable society. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Zero Waste, as defined by the
Zero Waste International Alliance, is a means of “designing and managing
products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and
toxicity or waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not
burn or bury them.” The process is similar to that found in nature, wherein
resources aren’t disposed of to never be used again but are truly reused and
recycled into new life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ee2GMEJZeD5GC92rsBQXNhsXAZfBVzmF_5vjZIaLUOlGov49u-I2xQi3S7CJG2D_up96R51IhrsDmsRomfKgF2R4IFCz6xJECmBT-hoRoy2vU8-zNKOdhl1wEvGobb-ZzZ69sMWMW1Y/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ee2GMEJZeD5GC92rsBQXNhsXAZfBVzmF_5vjZIaLUOlGov49u-I2xQi3S7CJG2D_up96R51IhrsDmsRomfKgF2R4IFCz6xJECmBT-hoRoy2vU8-zNKOdhl1wEvGobb-ZzZ69sMWMW1Y/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Last year, following the lead of other
worldwide communities, the city of Fort Collins adopted a <a href="http://www.fcgov.com/recycling/pdf/RZW_Report_Jan2014.pdf" target="_blank">Zero Waste plan</a></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">. The plan focuses on four priorities: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Culture Change:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> raise awareness!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Reduce and Reuse:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> those other two R’s we learned in primary
school!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Compostable Organics Out of
Landfills:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Rot!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Construction, Deconstruction and
Demolition:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> divert
debris from construction related activities!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfj2k0Q9S5WkGWpJXdSZ-QRir7MHFuwvdnx2T9_3M0HKNLJZeG8bB-fhKiVWOtjAley8tMk0A_tkMZwH728v2H8i3vXPy6Immm7O9SnX5i3C3q3PJ3ldkDaqTFV5fZOi_xo2KpwOEuXY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfj2k0Q9S5WkGWpJXdSZ-QRir7MHFuwvdnx2T9_3M0HKNLJZeG8bB-fhKiVWOtjAley8tMk0A_tkMZwH728v2H8i3vXPy6Immm7O9SnX5i3C3q3PJ3ldkDaqTFV5fZOi_xo2KpwOEuXY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The expansion of the city recycling
requirement for construction projects and the development of a waste management
plan is a move in the right direction. This is addressing the third-R and for
those of us working with the built environment we should look for ways to
promote zero waste throughout the design, construction, operations, and
deconstruction of projects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As we move
forward we need to adopt zero-waste sensibilities at home, at work, and in the
community. If you follow design blogs and periodicals trend pieces, you are
aware that minimalism and<a href="http://ibecolostate.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-benefits-of-building-small.html" target="_blank"> tiny house living</a></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> are gaining traction and are closely aligned
with zero-waste principles. Many of us are unlikely to achieve the levels of <a href="http://www.zerowastehome.com/" target="_blank">BeaJohnson and her family’</a>s</span><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">trash reduction
to less than a quart a year or of Beth Terry’s </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://myplasticfreelife.com/" target="_blank">eschewing of plastic from her life</a>, but each
decision in reduction is a move towards a community I want to belong to. Perhaps
Mahatma Gandhi said it best, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”</span><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Additional
Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Books</span></u><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Connett,
P. (2013). <i>The zero waste solution: untrashing the planet one community
at a time</i>. Chelsea Green Publishing.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Humes,
E. (2012). <i>Garbology: Our dirty love affair with trash</i>. Penguin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">McDonough,
W., & Braungart, M. (2010). <i>Cradle to cradle: Remaking the way we
make things</i>. MacMillan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Royte,
E. (2007). <i>Garbage land: On the secret trail of trash</i>. Back Bay
Books.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Blogs
and websites</span></u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">: </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Plastic Free
Life</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> by Beth Terry </span><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">http://myplasticfreelife.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Zero Waste
Home</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> by Bea Johnson </span><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">http://www.zerowastehome.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Zero Waste
Fort Collins</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> http://www.fcgov.com/zerowaste/</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Movies</span></u><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Trashed</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> (2012) documentary with Jeremy Irons</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p>Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-33498058893662967562015-03-10T17:05:00.001-06:002015-03-10T17:06:23.654-06:00UPCOMING EVENTS: Designing for Hope Lectures<h3>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">We are entering a time when many tipping points will be passed, resulting in unexpected consequences. Yet, a growing group sees opportunity and the potential of thriving cities and environments. Based on the book, <i>Designing for Hope: Pathways to Regenerative Sustainability</i>, Dominique and Joel will convey a beneficial way of re-imagining design and development. Designing for Hope contends that we can actively create a positive and abundant future through a living systems-based worldview. The presentation will pose questions such as: 'How can projects focus on creating a positive eco-footprint and contribute to community?', 'How does design focus hope and create a positive legacy?', and ‘If nature is the master designer, what are the lessons we can gain from looking at her patterns and processes?’ </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Dominique and Joel’s work are recognized by leaders in the movements of Regenerative Development, Sustainable Cities, Biophilic Design, Biomimicry, Permaculture, and Positive Development.</span><br />
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<h3>
Designing for Hope Lecture in Denver</h3>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Lecture featuring Dr. Dominique Hes<br />Wednesday, March 25th<br />5:30pm-7:30pmThe Alliance Center<br />1536 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">While the lecture is free, registration is required. Space is limited.<br /> <a href="https://eventbrite.com/event/16090466017/">>>Register Here<<</a></span></span><br />
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Patterns for a Hopeful Future Lecture in Fort Collins</h3>
Lecture featuring Dr. Dominique Hes and Joel Glanzberg<br />
Thursday, March 26th<br />
6:00-8:00pm<br />
New Belgium Brewing Company, Tasting Room500 Linden St., Fort Collins, CO 80524<br />
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While the lecture is free, registration is required. Space is limited.<br />
<a href="https://eventbrite.com/event/15882335493/">>>Register Here<<</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00sYtfmpPmrhaG-BDfK_OXvBZsi6uijtZ3mcWwGhRS92Qncv_wfo6FWZ-LLm-QA9dsqIC05_tV1db2eBHeqIx5mHT_RuXdA5pQkIjwZg72PNVHypbt5p2B4hAASQqnmT4KwKNU9Eh9Eo/s1600/Domin.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00sYtfmpPmrhaG-BDfK_OXvBZsi6uijtZ3mcWwGhRS92Qncv_wfo6FWZ-LLm-QA9dsqIC05_tV1db2eBHeqIx5mHT_RuXdA5pQkIjwZg72PNVHypbt5p2B4hAASQqnmT4KwKNU9Eh9Eo/s1600/Domin.PNG" height="200" width="138" /></a><b>Dr. Dominique Hes</b>
is a professor of Architecture at Melbourne University. She has long been
asking why, after decades of people working on being ‘sustainable’, we are
increasingly degrading the environment? With degrees in Botany, Engineering and
Architecture, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective. Dominique uses story,
examples and case studies to demonstrate that new solutions are already being
put into practice.</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Joel Glanzberg </b><b>(Fort Collins event only)</b> is
a founding partner of Regenesis Collaborative, which integrates permaculture
and Living Systems technologies. His work with the <i>Tracking Project</i> provides another approach to understanding and
working with patterns and the natural world, as well as techniques for
accessing the minds required. Integrating these three ways of looking,
thinking, and working has been the focus of Joel’s work over the last 10 years.
The result is the unique approach he calls Pattern Mind.</div>
<o:p></o:p>Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-82078281501353206422015-03-03T09:55:00.000-07:002015-03-03T09:57:16.120-07:00Biophilia and Placemaking: Influencing Design Decisions<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx" target="_blank">Joy Wagner</a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
Sustainable Building Associate</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezUNqrlZz2gkH4pVDeplHkjypj1Tz06bUPxyuLYulgLL4IOUDJ_9X3886nQRadFXzL44Eg3ZJyF2cDEc6JbwHmSk_obkeS9UQWK4wsrEnBbJQpWZOu3v_L2b319I-KOMTXCdB2RCCNhI/s1600/joy_bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezUNqrlZz2gkH4pVDeplHkjypj1Tz06bUPxyuLYulgLL4IOUDJ_9X3886nQRadFXzL44Eg3ZJyF2cDEc6JbwHmSk_obkeS9UQWK4wsrEnBbJQpWZOu3v_L2b319I-KOMTXCdB2RCCNhI/s1600/joy_bw.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>What role does nature and our inherent need for natural
connections or biophilia play in placemaking?
To understand the relationship between placemaking and sense of place
and biophilia, we must first understand biophilia, biophilic design, and
placemaking.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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According to E. O. Wilson (1984), biophilia is defined as
“the connections that human beings subconsciously seek with the rest of life;
the urge to affiliate with other forms of life”. Wilson and Kellert (1993) take this
definition one step further, and define it as “the inherent human inclination
to affiliate with natural systems and processes, especially life and life-like
features of the non-human environment”.
So if biophilia is the connections we seek with the rest of life, it
would make sense that biophilic design would be the “deliberate attempt to translate
an understanding of the inherent human affinity to affiliate with natural
systems and processes (known as biophilia) into the design of the built
environment” (Kellert, 2008).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Placemaking or sense of place as it is sometimes called is
thought to be “an overarching idea and a hands-on tool for improving a
neighborhood, city or region” (What is Placemaking, 2015) that is “a
multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces”
that “capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential,
ultimately creating good public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness,
and wellbeing” (Placemaking, 2015).<o:p></o:p></div>
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How might we use biophilic design to promote people’s
health, happiness, and well-being?
According to the text <i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing
Buildings to Life </span></i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">(Kellert, 2008), there is an element of
biophilic design that specifically addresses place and place-based
relationships. This element and the
corresponding attributes can be used to connect the built environment to the
area in which it is located. Kellert
(2008) defines place-based relationships as “the successful marriage </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">of culture with ecology
in a geographical context”. Through
biophilic design you can create place-based relationships through a historical,
cultural, geographical, and/or ecological connection to place. You can also use the landscape and materials
of the location to create place through the use of indigenous materials, use of
the landscape in defining the building form, and creating wildlife corridors and
promoting biodiversity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">While
the <i>Biophilic Design</i> text gives
wonderful descriptions of these elements and attributes of biophilic design, it
was still somewhat theoretical and conceptual to me as a designer and educator,
so I sought out images of that I thought exemplified some of these attributes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmHY4hTFY3ZougP54FDPdp6KSyjweAhqhdJBwNeyqwwhGVc-gkJoxQPpxtFS9pQp-RqR6vg52NlsVyNgBlLpOKFG6swmXfBWZwGVwcJ8urag-JAyc2UKBoq-b0_SZ6Az8oneSa_v3CFg/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmHY4hTFY3ZougP54FDPdp6KSyjweAhqhdJBwNeyqwwhGVc-gkJoxQPpxtFS9pQp-RqR6vg52NlsVyNgBlLpOKFG6swmXfBWZwGVwcJ8urag-JAyc2UKBoq-b0_SZ6Az8oneSa_v3CFg/s1600/1.png" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Cultural and Historic
Connection to Place:</span></i></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Mesa
Verde Visitors Center, Mesa Verde National Park, CO Design by: Landmark Design and ajc
architects<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykLQt59lEWSyfZBVNiwwqTSZiETX285oIaBo3mh7ZFbvBOv-xxLYCZiUez5C1anV7fp5Ox0WEY4CUYnPpSR4eh9SzmJ35rsgyzJXv8HvpzK41Xw6h0Q80HMNK474BRndHl2Vh2Ymqas4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykLQt59lEWSyfZBVNiwwqTSZiETX285oIaBo3mh7ZFbvBOv-xxLYCZiUez5C1anV7fp5Ox0WEY4CUYnPpSR4eh9SzmJ35rsgyzJXv8HvpzK41Xw6h0Q80HMNK474BRndHl2Vh2Ymqas4/s1600/2.jpg" height="161" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
<i>Indigenous Materials:</i></h3>
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Myrick Hixon EcoPark, La Crosse, WI Design and Photo by: Whole Trees Architecture
& Structures<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbo3vNz_mZH3oMZhkk_boCUlEbZItB8u86-xyT0hWIrqXomlghydRI8mzGF06BXYesT5zGcl4QPzpb868jb_n9D2D8BU9qGhEivlWx0QVR5GbBrE7NtmC2OPeOUZj3GMsP9kMV-O30YE/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbo3vNz_mZH3oMZhkk_boCUlEbZItB8u86-xyT0hWIrqXomlghydRI8mzGF06BXYesT5zGcl4QPzpb868jb_n9D2D8BU9qGhEivlWx0QVR5GbBrE7NtmC2OPeOUZj3GMsP9kMV-O30YE/s1600/3.jpg" height="158" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PO-NBjv_4P3fAWtclpnuZXQrM2MYALG8QLcNb50zPyEXyJ7uQKSzCLfAV2uejUrBR3IzfIsl1VqimZ0T6GdemgmyYwTq5EYVZzifh4GaGSs0XeJZXIMEN7vDcPlJs_qQBNVHNgtwmdY/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PO-NBjv_4P3fAWtclpnuZXQrM2MYALG8QLcNb50zPyEXyJ7uQKSzCLfAV2uejUrBR3IzfIsl1VqimZ0T6GdemgmyYwTq5EYVZzifh4GaGSs0XeJZXIMEN7vDcPlJs_qQBNVHNgtwmdY/s1600/4.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<i>Ecological Connection
to Place:</i></h3>
<div>
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Nest Home, Onomichi, Japan
Design by: UID Architects Photo
by: Hiroshi Ueda<o:p></o:p></div>
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References:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kellert, Stephen R., and Edward O. Wilson. <i>The Biophilia
Hypothesis</i>. Washington, D.C.: Island, 1993.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Kellert,
Stephen R., Judith Heerwagen, and Martin Mador. <i>Biophilic Design: The
Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life</i>. Hoboken, NJ:
Wiley, 2008.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Placemaking.
(n.d.). In <i>Wikipedia. </i>Retrieved February 27, 2015, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placemaking
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">What
Is Placemaking? (n.d.). In <i>Project for
Public Spaces.</i> Retrieved February 27, 2015, from http://www.pps.org/reference/what_is_placemaking/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Wilson,
Edward O. <i>Biophilia</i>. Cambridge, MA: Harvard UP, 1984.</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</div>
Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-83619362444434272982015-01-20T11:19:00.000-07:002015-01-20T11:36:39.836-07:00Self Driving Cars & the Future of Urban Environments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJjmMFAxblQ4kngUHVZRVw4F7WAs2jlDhQje0Ya6WehhT4Ag5NYMcwkpx4bHk6qgWQl0Xo67eG6awAsK2JawHsoyc_bSNLQxUMKe0hefy___ZUiFJjNqDDbMQhejBsY_ecg3wOok8oMc/s1600/austin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJjmMFAxblQ4kngUHVZRVw4F7WAs2jlDhQje0Ya6WehhT4Ag5NYMcwkpx4bHk6qgWQl0Xo67eG6awAsK2JawHsoyc_bSNLQxUMKe0hefy___ZUiFJjNqDDbMQhejBsY_ecg3wOok8oMc/s1600/austin.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx" target="_blank">Au</a></span><a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx" target="_blank">stin Good</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Sustainable Associate</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"> </span></div>
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Self driving cars are coming. It’s not a question of if but
when. <a href="http://mashable.com/2014/12/23/google-first-real-build/" target="_blank">Google has recently unveiled</a> its latest self driving machine which will soon be hitting
public roads for testing<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span>.
It is theorized that these self-driving cars will be far safer than human
operated cars as they are able to constantly survey their surroundings and are
programed to take less risks than a person might. What if the introduction of
self-driving cars could reduce the <a href="http://asirt.org/Initiatives/Informing-Road-Users/Road-Safety-Facts/Road-Crash-Statistics" target="_blank">1.3 million </a><a href="http://asirt.org/Initiatives/Informing-Road-Users/Road-Safety-Facts/Road-Crash-Statistics" target="_blank">deaths from car crashes each year</a> – most of which are largely due to human error. In addition, self-driving
cars could also create huge advances in efficiency by communicating with each
other on the road. The benefits seem overwhelmingly positive. But what will this mean for our cities?<br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">
Public car pools</span></h2>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6vOuVbR616xNSORzEDH_YfhQuVx8INheJ0MG_-BI_xgmBVZhynWUZRkeW7KNlAwDSC_NygiBck44Oe-29L8tuj5KlzFiOicCsCv46bXLkSwPCOyQG-M14MfCU2QrGs8XS-4sjogjmmM/s1600/google-car-gray.jpg.662x0_q100_crop-scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6vOuVbR616xNSORzEDH_YfhQuVx8INheJ0MG_-BI_xgmBVZhynWUZRkeW7KNlAwDSC_NygiBck44Oe-29L8tuj5KlzFiOicCsCv46bXLkSwPCOyQG-M14MfCU2QrGs8XS-4sjogjmmM/s1600/google-car-gray.jpg.662x0_q100_crop-scale.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Googles Latest Self Driving Car Prototype via <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/just-press-go-designing-self-driving.html" target="_blank">Google</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once self-driving cars take hold, one likely scenario is
that people won’t own private cars anymore. <o:p></o:p><br />
Instead, whenever you would need to
get around you would simply summon a car from the public pool, probably with
your smartphone, and then be taken to your destination. This ‘ride share’ system could be run by private companies or by
municipalities. This scenario would not only be more efficient than today’s
private car model, but would be much more cost effective. Socially, this could
mean more equal access to transportation regardless of wealth, ability, or age.
This is also a huge win for the environment as only a fraction of cars would need
to be manufactured.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">
Fewer parking lots, more parks</span></h2>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The urban environment we have built is largely based off of
our love affair with the car. The infrastructure that cars require for parking
and driving has shaped our cities. So what will self-driving cars and the
likely outcome of car pools impact this infrastructure? Simply put, we would
have a lot more space. Without the need for so many parking lots and parking
garages per capita, imagine what we could design. Former parking areas would
create new infill opportunities within
our current city boundaries, helping to rein in urban sprawl. We could create
more walkable neighborhoods or reintroduce natural areas in the hearts of our
cities. The amount of impervious area in our built environment could be cut
down drastically, allowing for better handling of storm water and urban runoff.
The safety and efficiency of self-driving cars could allow cities to reduce the
number of lanes on roads, which could be reclaimed for green areas, expanded
sidewalks, or bike lanes. Self-driving
cars would make it much safer to ride a bike or walk near roadways by reducing collisions.
This could create new bike and pedestrian networks allowing people to live
healthier lifestyles. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMehAqvzU-fUvjc4iKpyjQVuWglPqpg-_e03vQmpUE1Xwbuw3BRKuLI7oUqonEB2HPSB4KlT_AvJrF2kWo1gOc5HtT8wWJOcpRDJA_osXzCxWZKUbFuY5Ouj_fIKDvhKX0AKr4gXj2dg/s1600/16thStreetMall-Denver2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMehAqvzU-fUvjc4iKpyjQVuWglPqpg-_e03vQmpUE1Xwbuw3BRKuLI7oUqonEB2HPSB4KlT_AvJrF2kWo1gOc5HtT8wWJOcpRDJA_osXzCxWZKUbFuY5Ouj_fIKDvhKX0AKr4gXj2dg/s1600/16thStreetMall-Denver2011.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Space once used for parking and road lanes could <br />
become urban gathering places, much like<br />
Denver's 16th St. Mall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One potential challenge of the self-driving can could be an increase
in urban sprawl. Just as the car helped to create the suburbs, self-driving
cars could allow people to live even further from work – due to increase
driving speed, safety, and decreased congestion. This could perpetuate the problems with urban
sprawl, such as taking away farm land and natural areas. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In all likelihood, self driving cars are the future. This
future presents many opportunities for us to strengthen our cities
economically, socially and environmentally. In order to insure success, we need
to begin imagining a new transportation system and a vision for our cities.
Through innovative design and smart planning we’ll be able to create truly
sustainable places in our transition to a more automated world.</div>
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Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-48962020542406048832014-12-09T12:10:00.004-07:002014-12-09T12:10:53.527-07:00So you want to be a sustainable business?<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQmPfY8mxnT4El6Wv_xJY-HTl4xtgJSV0CODUBdiL2HoHPVnzfy79F5HeY77beuG7ccb1-Q2wD2eK5yqkk_GOfWoEb-iZLFwrpgHL_k8Vb4kilKZGD2MNSTWp1CDhrxKbTgSCXExaY28/s1600/IMG_4871_bw_crop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQmPfY8mxnT4El6Wv_xJY-HTl4xtgJSV0CODUBdiL2HoHPVnzfy79F5HeY77beuG7ccb1-Q2wD2eK5yqkk_GOfWoEb-iZLFwrpgHL_k8Vb4kilKZGD2MNSTWp1CDhrxKbTgSCXExaY28/s1600/IMG_4871_bw_crop.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a>By <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/leadership.aspx" target="_blank">April Brown</a>, Projects Manager <br /><br />You might be asking yourself - <i>What does a sustainable business look like? Where do I start?</i></div>
The path toward organizational sustainability will look a little different for everyone. Simply speaking, a good first step is to make a plan that includes sustainability goals and activities that will support the organization becoming more sustainable overtime: it’s a journey, not a destination. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“In my opinion, there are four primary areas that you should consider when developing a sustainability investment plan: management infrastructure, eco-efficiency programs, strategic initiatives, and marketing programs,” reflects <a href="http://www.triplepundit.com/2009/10/sustainability-business-planning-four-areas-of-focus/">Geoffrey Barneby </a>of the FairRidge Group. “Clearly, there is a need to address these areas somewhat sequentially; you cannot successfully market sustainability before making strategic changes, and you cannot develop strategic initiatives without already having an appropriate management infrastructure in place. There is, however, room for overlap and most mature companies manage to do all four in parallel.”</blockquote>
<div>
Setting measurable goals and tracking your progress is important, so it is good to identify your goals and opportunities before starting to retrofit the bathroom sink faucets. In a <a href="http://click.mail.online.colostate.edu/?qs=7bd4bd4b07d08202e5fbd2056b8e00c960ce4a8376d893f07ae7fa736b660cc5a9e25a01c758d01d">recent article on GreenBiz.com</a>, a sustainability consultant shared feedback he's received from a client that also illustrates the traction integrated sustainability is gaining. He said, </div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"We've gone through a paradigm shift on sustainable development in the last year. It's no longer seen as an environmental thing. It's fully integrated into the way we think and plan around economic growth."</blockquote>
Sustainability efforts are, also, most successful when you elect and empower someone to spearhead your sustainability efforts and make sure your goals remain on track. This position is a 21st century invention that has created jobs in the leadership ranks of most large companies, including Fortune 500 companies and political and economic powerhouses. Depending on rank, authority and responsibility titles range from “Chief Sustainability Officer” to “Sustainability Director” to or “Sustainability Analyst.” Sustainability professionals, like any high paid professional, require a certain level of knowledge and training. While there are more and more undergraduate and graduate degrees with a focus on sustainability, there is a <a href="http://www.aeecenter.org/files/reports/2013%20Energy%20Mgt%20Jobs.pdf">shortage</a> of qualified professionals to lead and implement strategic sustainable business initiatives. To help professionals keep up with the changing demands of the sustainable future, the <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/">Institute for the Built Environment</a> at Colorado State University has created <a href="http://www.online.colostate.edu/certificates/digital-badges/integrated-sustainability-management/curriculum.dot">online courses</a> for professionals to learn and practice the skills and tools they need to lead their organization’s sustainability initiatives. The online learning platform, which is being offered by OnlinePlus at Colorado State University, is intended for busy professionals; therefore classes are designed to accommodate typical business schedules. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“By participating in this program, you will enter into this important movement toward healthy economies, cities, and work practices and learn and apply real skills from leading researchers and professionals,” said April Brown, LEED AP BD+C, GGP.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"People that work in sustainability often come at it from one angle. They may ask, 'How do we best engage occupants for sustainability?' or 'How do we retrofit our facility to get the biggest bang for our buck?',” said Jeni Cross, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology, Colorado State University and expert instructor for the Integrated Sustainability Management Certificate program. "While these are really important questions, this program focuses on the systems approach, which will teach you how to use the work in one quadrant to leverage bigger change in the other quadrants.” </blockquote>
To build the holistic mindset, the program is set up into 4 quadrants: people, resources, facilities, and organization.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you have created your plan and you’ve designated someone to implement it, the next question you might ask yourself is – How? Much of the how relies on people adopting more sustainable behaviors. Much about behavior change is to be learned from social sciences. Jeni Cross, leading sociology researcher at Colorado State University, tell us about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5d8GW6GdR0">three myths of behavior change</a> during a popular Tedx talk.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfCPl60xzcw1DhO0jQ-Sdo_oqOQQCDKsETWWRP_1Znm4plo-yl1C7rQ5zLsQEc1yItK4kNP4QOVp_dbEaISL9-21C0Yf-dqjxjCR-GjI960IRJb_yLV72KUqSIh1nRjKG35q2Sj-yXBw/s1600/Jeni+video.png" height="174" width="320" /></div>
Cross explains that we all think we know how to encourage people to adopt sustainable behaviors, however, most of our encouragement actually does nothing to change anyone’s behavior. There are proven techniques for engaging behaviors of occupants and employees that support the organizational sustainability goals that should not be overlooked.<br />
<br />
Business leaders worldwide agree that sustainability is an opportunity for growth and innovation, according to a 2013 <a href="http://www.accenture.com/Microsites/ungc-ceo-study/Pages/home.aspx">report</a> of CEOs’ views on creating a sustainable economy. Organizational sustainability is one of the fastest developing sectors of business in our modern world. Business is developing a heightened awareness on the importance of global issues, including social justice, climate change, energy independence, and water scarcity. Moreover, businesses are finding competitive advantage through sustainability and corporate responsibility. As an organization or business, taking sustainable strides will sincerely help you keep up with the growing market and increasing demand for transparency and responsibility. In the process, you can make a better place for your employees and a better product for your customers. Start by making a sustainability plan, then designate a knowledgeable Sustainability Coordinator to spearhead the initiatives outlined in the plan, and use tools from social science to engage your employees and building occupants and create a sustainability-minded culture to meet your sustainability goals and create lasting impact in your business. </div>
Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-27217367601430360592014-12-03T11:19:00.000-07:002014-12-03T11:59:43.760-07:00UPCOMING EVENT: Urban Lab Open House<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihB36bI_xrt67iw1mNQZGHTfSHqtn7794znGEh1_R5FbJc72Fyek0gNVlH9qJeFrW2GB4hqJWpk15I6shlU-vGlhMt_4zdnOhD1XMuqfgZSWMU5Xbqc0dCBHRZKmijAfz4wTIBYGeXkOc/s1600/colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihB36bI_xrt67iw1mNQZGHTfSHqtn7794znGEh1_R5FbJc72Fyek0gNVlH9qJeFrW2GB4hqJWpk15I6shlU-vGlhMt_4zdnOhD1XMuqfgZSWMU5Xbqc0dCBHRZKmijAfz4wTIBYGeXkOc/s1600/colin.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx">Colin Day</a><br />
Urban Lab Coordinator<br />
<br />
<i>The UniverCity Urban Lab- an organization based in Fort Collins that advocates for high-quality urban design and a livable city through community involvement and collaboration- is seeking input and guidance from the public as they shape the guidelines for a design competition to be launched early in 2015.</i><br />
<br />
Come out and help us develop our Mason Street competition. Centered on the Mason Street transportation corridor, the competition will invite professional designers, students and others from around the world to propose improvements to the Mason Street Downtown Corridor, excluding the railroad right-of-way, which will enhance vehicle safety and the pedestrian environment. The goal of the competition is to inspire design possibilities that create a unique and memorable experience for those who visit the area.<br />
<br />
The Urban Lab wishes to solicit feedback from the public on the proposed format of the competition as well as the specific requirements that competitors should prioritize. Possible topics include pedestrian and vehicular safety, sidewalk enhancement and public art.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJW3UWTGHYoTZw0jtOPLUDlcVEq_Vdw0jY4KOUWDKQfyKuwGrFpu1oKCAhK5bvDG3cg2b3Mwo9sZW-kH8a6At0GFq5Ljd4v_UriPAnWSjlB-3XAKpakYu5B_WwPan4sV1G97rektOpjfg/s1600/1392069_527338880690299_225818193_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJW3UWTGHYoTZw0jtOPLUDlcVEq_Vdw0jY4KOUWDKQfyKuwGrFpu1oKCAhK5bvDG3cg2b3Mwo9sZW-kH8a6At0GFq5Ljd4v_UriPAnWSjlB-3XAKpakYu5B_WwPan4sV1G97rektOpjfg/s1600/1392069_527338880690299_225818193_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Please provide feedback at our second annual open house event scheduled for <b>Friday, December 5th at the former John Atencio Jewelry space at 1 Old Town Square in Fort Collins, from 5pm until 9pm</b>, during the First Friday Art Walk. A feedback message board will also be available online at <a href="http://urbanlab.colostate.edu/" target="_blank">urbanlab.colostate.edu. </a> All interested community members are encouraged to attend and become involved in this important initiative.<br />
<br />
<h3>
About Urban Lab</h3>
The UniverCity Urban Lab is a catalyst organization dedicated to transforming the urban environment by convening private, public and academic partnerships to cultivate innovative change. Based in Fort Collins, the Urban Lab is a cooperative venture between Colorado State University, City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority, professional designers, real estate developers, businesses and private citizens that was established in the summer of 2013. <br />
<br />
Other current Urban Lab initiatives include the installation of the first ‘living wall’ in Fort Collins, scheduled for the spring of 2015, and the development of design and implementation guidelines for the Nature in the City Program, both in cooperation with the City of Fort Collins. The Urban Lab also contributes to the research agenda of Colorado State University, with a variety of funding streams from within the University to conduct research on a wide range of topics regarding the urban built environment.<br />
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<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TgUaPhBfh3r-VvMHFUOdlIlHA647HPqbjhcm51nRtbb05sMgd7UTRJnZR6z1qnSXrXh2_kfFEGDQ6bKNXg8NVFioWP_EVejHluJWngsQVfJoDSQFp43YnC-N2kupop_JkP-PMgxhopA/s1600/1456544_532705090153678_1104101913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TgUaPhBfh3r-VvMHFUOdlIlHA647HPqbjhcm51nRtbb05sMgd7UTRJnZR6z1qnSXrXh2_kfFEGDQ6bKNXg8NVFioWP_EVejHluJWngsQVfJoDSQFp43YnC-N2kupop_JkP-PMgxhopA/s1600/1456544_532705090153678_1104101913_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Contact</h3>
To learn more about the Urban Lab and the Mason Street competition, contact:<br />
Colin Day, Urban Lab Coordinator<br />
Institute for the Built Environment<br />
Colorado State University<br />
<a href="tel:970.491.5041">970.491.5041</a><br />
<a href="mailto:colin.day@colostate.edu">colin.day@colostate.edu</a></div>
Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-39858299039316201852014-12-02T10:26:00.003-07:002014-12-02T10:32:51.604-07:00Social Networks and Innovation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJiSekxUplkbz3F7LPnqyMQbNGuZb-39PZ12PKPpl2q6gd1mMb00m1uXWBRk9nhq3MAmdRDGHEancUBARWioNjvn-B_UbbCnWo5wcntklIqyBSrh6SiJgCv4jIgamiOybmYpRYKbdC9o/s1600/reanna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJiSekxUplkbz3F7LPnqyMQbNGuZb-39PZ12PKPpl2q6gd1mMb00m1uXWBRk9nhq3MAmdRDGHEancUBARWioNjvn-B_UbbCnWo5wcntklIqyBSrh6SiJgCv4jIgamiOybmYpRYKbdC9o/s1600/reanna.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
By Reanna Putnam</div>
<a href="http://www.ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx" target="_blank">Sustainable Behavior Associate</a><br />
<div>
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.ibe.colostate.edu/news/item.aspx/?ID=131951" target="_blank">This is a preview of one of our upcoming publications 'The Social Network of Integrated Design'.</a></i></div>
<br />
Social networks can tell us a lot about how organizational structure promotes innovation. And don’t worry, this post is not about optimizing Facebook and Twitter to boost creativity. The term social network can be used to describe the relationships between any collection of two or more people, groups or organizations with common goals or interests(1).<br />
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_vltLnoLQHPpkrALzS7VVeEnPSANAeMdhl07qYHl8q3bHGCCMaIGSlf6Z4GzsI9tQuhLKdTXpvt3L69jNmqxVPYwdf5pow_o2XJmBXADB1fGK6cb7NBHkp_g_B0oXGguUcA3-fSyav8/s1600/1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_vltLnoLQHPpkrALzS7VVeEnPSANAeMdhl07qYHl8q3bHGCCMaIGSlf6Z4GzsI9tQuhLKdTXpvt3L69jNmqxVPYwdf5pow_o2XJmBXADB1fGK6cb7NBHkp_g_B0oXGguUcA3-fSyav8/s1600/1.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 1: Structural Holes(6)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are different theories as to what produces innovation in social networks. One common explanation is that the presence of structural holes, defined as places of disconnection in the network, promote creativity in the individuals nearest to the structural hole(2, 3,4). Individuals who are near structural holes are more likely to have access to diverse, often contradictory, information and interpretations because they are able to draw on information from outside of their immediate connections(2). Encouraging indirect ties that bridge structural holes is a cost effective way for organizations to access diverse knowledge and contribute to innovation without adding to project expenses(5).<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Another, perhaps conflicting, way to increase innovation in a network, is through strengthening relationships among members of a design team and creating a more densely connected network. This is important because it can increase performance(7,8,9), reduce conflict among team members(10), and increase in the duration of group membership(11). </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2hLEyXzCiGfv5ZNVC2g88BKYfm15tjy-rkazAaW7usa-jJgmlkdHq29mXvXO33GkyHJH30TQIcnQdzFJTIki0lB11cwPLg3VbD9zpeebqjQOnstTI-fcfBdLVNyRLJkfwvBJwVgmCXw/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2hLEyXzCiGfv5ZNVC2g88BKYfm15tjy-rkazAaW7usa-jJgmlkdHq29mXvXO33GkyHJH30TQIcnQdzFJTIki0lB11cwPLg3VbD9zpeebqjQOnstTI-fcfBdLVNyRLJkfwvBJwVgmCXw/s1600/2.png" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 2: Core Periphery Structure (12)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So how do we bridge these two contradictory concepts? One way is through promoting a core-periphery structure. A strong project team will consist of a densely connected core of key decision makers who are loosely connected to a peripheral network form which they draw ideas and information into the network. These loose connections to the periphery network allows for the network to be larger, bringing in new and diverse ideas. Because not all members of the core are connected to the periphery, innovation producing structural holes are formed. </div>
<div>
Integrative design teams often take on this core-periphery structure. They do so by having a densely connected decision making core who are loosely connected to a diverse periphery of building users, facilities and operation staff, design specialists and construction professionals. The core-periphery structure allow for integrative design teams to come up with innovative design solutions that produce efficient buildings and increase occupant satisfaction.<br />
<br />
<br />
(1) Anklam, P. (2007). Net work: a practical guide to creating and sustaining networks at work and in the world. Routledge.<br />
<br />
(2) Burt, R. S. (2004). Structural holes and good ideas1. American journal of sociology, 110(2), 349-399.<br />
<br />
(3) Walker, G., Kogut, B., & Shan, W. (1997). Social capital, structural holes and the formation of an industry network. Organization science, 8(2), 109-125.<br />
<br />
(4) Powell, W. W., Koput, K. W., & Smith-Doerr, L. (1996). Interorganizational collaboration and the locus of innovation: Networks of learning in biotechnology. Administrative science quarterly, 116-145.<br />
<br />
(5) Ahuja, G. (2000). Collaboration networks, structural holes, and innovation: A longitudinal study. Administrative science quarterly, 45(3), 425-455.<br />
<br />
(6) Farral, Kenneth. (2004) Web Graph Analysis in Perspective: Description and Evaluation in terms of Krippendorff’s Conceptual Framework for Content Analysis (version 1.0). Retrieved from: <a href="http://farrall.org/papers/webgraph_as_content.html">http://farrall.org/papers/webgraph_as_content.html</a>. <br />
<br />
(7) de Montjoye, Y. A., Stopczynski, A., Shmueli, E., Pentland, A., & Lehmann, S. (2014). The strength of the strongest ties in collaborative problem solving. Scientific reports, 4.<br />
<br />
(8) Balkundi, P., & Harrison, D. A. (2006). Ties, leaders, and time in teams: Strong inference about network structure’s effects on team viability and performance. Academy of Management Journal, 49(1), 49-68Lazega 2002 <br />
<br />
(9) Nelson, R. E. (1989). The strength of strong ties: Social networks and intergroup conflict in organizations. Academy of Management Journal, 32(2), 377-401. <br />
<br />
(10) McPherson, J. M., Popielarz, P. A., & Drobnic, S. (1992). Social networks and organizational dynamics. American Sociological Review, 153-170.<br />
<br />
(11) Borgatti, S. P., & Everett, M. G. (2000). Models of core/periphery structures.Social networks, 21(4), 375-395.</div>
Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-10507178830963386522014-11-14T09:56:00.000-07:002014-11-14T10:00:54.027-07:00Research Associate Job Opening<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.ibe.colostate.edu/">Institute
for the Build Environment</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is
now looking to hire a new member to our team. Please read the following job
description:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b>Title:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Research
Associate I and II (depending on experience)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b>Employment Type:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Administrative Professional<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b>College:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Health and Human
Sciences<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b>Department:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>The Institute for the Built Environment<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b>Salary:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Salary is
commensurate with level of training and research or teaching experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Requirements:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>The Institute for the Built Environment seeks applications
throughout the year from individuals who are interested in obtaining a
temporary (i.e., time-limited) Research Associate position within the unit.
Research Associate I Applicants applying for such a position must hold at a
minimum of a Bachelor’s degree plus one year experience in an appropriate discipline,
such as construction management, landscape architecture, civil engineering or
another design and construction related field. Research Associate II Applicants
should hold a minimum of a Master’s degree plus two years related experience in
stated disciplines above. Applicants should have prior experience in the
day-to-day organization of design projects, including coordination of project
teams, coordination of data and research collection, and project management.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and good computer skills are important
requirements. Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected
to have the ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity and
inclusion. Salary is commensurate with level of training and experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Application
Deadline:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>06/30/2015<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>To
Apply:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Interested applicants should electronically submit a cover
letter stating their interest in employment, a current resume/curriculum
vita, a statement of experience, and the names and contact information
for three references to the Institute for the Built Environment:
joan.trussell@colostate.edu<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Pool is
valid through June 30, 2015, at which time applicants wishing to remain in the
pool must reapply. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Equal
Opportunity Statement </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Colorado
State University is committed to providing an environment that is free
from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color,
religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran
status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, or pregnancy. Colorado State University is an equal
opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to
achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado
State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination
and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student
Services. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Colorado
State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning
and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background
investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment.
Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history,
national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-90768136419269650602014-11-04T09:22:00.000-07:002014-11-13T16:05:20.010-07:00Food Waste Decomposition Systems<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOC55H2AuZMmhow3CjLFCMODDCF-obV816vcbykza-MPh1uy6xzGEkwwkHitVZihDxmwoI7lMR5dWgDjPOc7vm9jxEfqAWoU8Z2Xw3srPbmp3JKo4wT2z468sMhbEp5VrjMZ45M5dHO20/s1600/cassandra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOC55H2AuZMmhow3CjLFCMODDCF-obV816vcbykza-MPh1uy6xzGEkwwkHitVZihDxmwoI7lMR5dWgDjPOc7vm9jxEfqAWoU8Z2Xw3srPbmp3JKo4wT2z468sMhbEp5VrjMZ45M5dHO20/s1600/cassandra.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx">Cassandra Kliewer</a> </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Sustainable Associate</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /><a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/leadership.aspx">Josie Plaut</a> </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Associate Dirtector</span><br />
</h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2cZGiCZbgOCem_u2hfPbNeO9mQYc1zDV9Iq9qzBpvIbzSA7y-t01g9-qtSN4jE4z4G4wFZKiPexkJbbMOhYobO211Tvsi2lAiEwwDjzkeQP-H33Ki78tr7x9uI9fX7g90tz-Mht3Dt0/s1600/josie+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2cZGiCZbgOCem_u2hfPbNeO9mQYc1zDV9Iq9qzBpvIbzSA7y-t01g9-qtSN4jE4z4G4wFZKiPexkJbbMOhYobO211Tvsi2lAiEwwDjzkeQP-H33Ki78tr7x9uI9fX7g90tz-Mht3Dt0/s1600/josie+small.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><b>Food Waste</b></h2>
In 2010, America wasted an estimated 34 million tons of food and only about 3% of that waste was diverted from landfills. Food<br />
digesters, which turn food waste into compost and gray water, are especially well-suited for large commercial kitchens like those found in hospitals and university campuses. Instead of putting food waste into landfills, food digesters turn waste food, into new soil and reduce the burden on municipal waste water treatment facilities. Two waste audit studies, conducted by <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/news/item.aspx/?ID=1250" target="_blank">The Institute for The Built Environment for Rocky Mountain National Park</a>, show that between 16-30% of the park’s waste, by weight, is food waste. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Food Digesters</h2>
Food digesters can either work with or without water. Both systems use an additive to accelerate the process of decomposition. Normally, the decomposing process would take a month, but instead the additive processes the food in 24 hours. The water-based process produces compost and gray water, which is water that is similar to the waste water from sinks and showers. In a building that is connected to a municipal waste water treatment facility, gray water is easily treatable by the municipal waste water systems. Gray water can also be treated on site and used for things like landscape irrigation. Conversely, the dry system is evaporation-based and food waste is mixed with a decomposing additive. Both systems provide easy and sustainable solutions to landfill waste.<br />
Food digesting systems produce nutrient rich material that can be used as compost to fertilize soil for landscapes. Since the dry system can digest food within 24 hours, a rapid source of compost for landscaping is readily available. If the building does not need compost, the facility can reach out to the community and provide compost for landscaping purposes elsewhere. Another benefit of having a food <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q10Bsz0shpNqF_PqRCklL8IJ9ehXkNzov9hf3X29f19eOOmlvec3v8UQUtvIsPRG-noQILL2mqom9jsLuBNAyB4kq7ftsBpP6mlM7IVgy5VULLXs8X29Zx4apO1BGT-CE_AwhGT4kFk/s1600/image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q10Bsz0shpNqF_PqRCklL8IJ9ehXkNzov9hf3X29f19eOOmlvec3v8UQUtvIsPRG-noQILL2mqom9jsLuBNAyB4kq7ftsBpP6mlM7IVgy5VULLXs8X29Zx4apO1BGT-CE_AwhGT4kFk/s1600/image1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>digester is that it reduces the amount (and cost) of waste that would normally go to a landfill. Since food waste is composted on site with a food digester, there is also a benefit to reduced transportation cost and emissions. In addition to saving dollars and emissions, and perhaps most importantly, wasted food is kept in the nutrient cycle to rebuild soil and is kept out of landfills where it contributes to methane gas production. <br />
<br />
<h2>
The Future of Food Waste</h2>
Various government officials have noticed the impact of food waste and are taken measures against food waste. Massachusetts has taken measures to ban food waste from big food wasters (schools, hospitals, grocery stores, etc.) in favor of more sustainable options such as composting and using waste food as animal feed. The ban aims to reduce landfill waste and improve soil health by prohibiting businesses from throwing-away leftovers into landfills. Vermont and Connecticut have similar legislation in place. The future where we universally turn leftovers into soil amendment, may be just around the corner!<br />
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Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-2978041205270978532014-09-30T13:56:00.006-06:002014-09-30T13:58:50.996-06:00The Power of Perception<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx">Evan Hughes</a><br />
Sustainable Building Associate<br />
<br />
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” It’s something we’re taught at an early age that reminds us to keep an open mind and try new things. It may be a trite phrase, but it’s still a valuable piece of advice. <br />
<br />
Having said that, it can be difficult to avoid forming judgments based on a quick first impression. It’s why you refuse to try the weird appetizer your friend recommended (it’s actually delicious). Or why you might assume that the guy in the coffee shop wearing a scarf in July is insufferable and pretentious (he’s actually really down to earth). Or why you might assume that the pretty girl in your marketing class is out of your league (she totally is, I’m sorry.) Research conducted in the United States and Africa has shown that similar negative assumptions can influence the materials people choose when building a new home. One such material is rammed earth, an earth-building technique that involves compressing a mixture of soil, lime, and other additives between large wooden molds to form monolithic walls. A survey distributed to construction professionals in Kansas found that, while the appearance and environmentally friendly nature of rammed earth was perceived positively, its adoption had been limited by the assumption that it was antiquated and structurally unsafe. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://greenupgrader.com/files/2008/06/image156.jpg" target="_blank">Courtesy of greenupgrader.com</a></td></tr>
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In Africa, similar surveys have revealed an association between earthen homes, low social standing, and poverty. The same surveys also show that people associate modern materials like concrete and steel with wealth and high performance. These associations create a vicious cycle where only the poor build with earth. Many of these people have no training in earth building and no background in engineering, so their homes may be more susceptible to erosion or structural failure. When these problems inevitably arise, it simply fuels the preexisting bias against earth, and the cycle continues.<br />
<br />
Overcoming these negative assumptions takes time. It also requires that people, particularly contractors and material suppliers, work to understand the advantages and disadvantages of non-conventional materials. Knowing when, where, and how to implement environmentally friendly materials and methods can help increase the public’s awareness of their economic and environmental benefits, particularly in the residential construction market. Effective marketing is also critical to increasing awareness and market penetration of non-conventional materials. Tell a client that they should build with a certain material because it’s “the right thing to do,” and you may end up in a debate and possibly a fist fight, depending on where you are. Tell a client that they should build with the same material because it will save them money, lower their energy bills, and will make their home a more pleasant place to live, work, or raise children, and their response will probably be less combative and more inquisitive. It’s easy to label another person’s opinion as stupid or inconsequential. It’s more difficult to argue with the financial and material savings that sustainable materials have to offer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bee-inc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Turf-houses.jpg" target="_blank">Courtesy of bee-inc.com</a><br />
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No one material is perfect for all climates and agreeable to all tastes. But by increasing awareness of alternatives to concrete, timber, fired brick, and steel, contractors can go a long way toward reducing the environmental and ecological impact of the construction industry. By doing research of their own, the public can better understand the advantages and disadvantages of non-conventional materials and make informed decisions based on hard data, rather than assumptions and first impressions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>References </u><br />
Kraus, C. (2012). On perceptions of rammed earth. Rammed Earth Conservation, 157-162 <br />
<br />
Zami, M. S., & Lee, A. (2011). Inhibitors of Adopting Stabilised Earth Construction to Address Urban Low Cost Housing Crisis: An understanding by construction professionals. Journal of Building Appraisal, 6(3), 227-240. <br />
<br />
Gooding, D. E., & Thomas, T. H. (1995). The potential of cement-stabilised building blocks as an urban building material in developing countries. ODA report, School of Engineering. UK: University of Warwick.Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-78350659593721436312014-09-09T11:12:00.000-06:002014-09-09T11:12:37.191-06:00Using Biomimicry in Sustainable Design<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx" target="_blank">Cassandra Kliewer</a><br />
Sustainable Associate <br />
<br />
Nature is the best learning tool. After generations and generations of improvement, nature has perfected itself to work best with its environment. Taking a closer look at an organism and the way it operates can inspire design. Janine Benyus, a biologist in the biomimicry world spoke about the innovative technologies inspired by nature: “learning about the natural world is one thing, learning from the natural world, that’s the switch.”<br />
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Biomimicry is designing technologies based upon natures’ sustainable strategies. When biomimicry is applied to design, efficiencies in energy, materials, and space are conserved. The people inventing these efficient designs range from professionals in the field, to students aiming to improve technology. In an effort to engage youth in the biomimicry community, <a href="http://ben.biomimicry.net/biomimicry-youth-challenge/">Biomimicry 3.8</a> has created a competition for the best design inspired by nature.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPujax-U7iejvVASSpR8BUABOFWa5Gh-zsz38e0hnXoPMFviwgj8dH-k_UF1nYnBBX-Oe93Usbww-EnX8UgtRYlSTkzomw0KJhPco8XI4BOv253TOuBJJuZDOluWHrNkuhbcSDqFyYHO4/s1600/biomimic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPujax-U7iejvVASSpR8BUABOFWa5Gh-zsz38e0hnXoPMFviwgj8dH-k_UF1nYnBBX-Oe93Usbww-EnX8UgtRYlSTkzomw0KJhPco8XI4BOv253TOuBJJuZDOluWHrNkuhbcSDqFyYHO4/s1600/biomimic.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a>Youth around the world have entered the challenge to design efficient technologies. The concepts in the challenge were inspired by their region-specific issues and applied natures’ efficiencies to create new technologies. Students from McGill University of Montreal, Canada addressed the problems related to cargo ships transporting organisms by inventing an <a href="https://www.biomimicrydesignchallenge.com/gallery/entry/2531141?version=finalists">air ballast</a> system. Since cargo ships transport a lot of weight ballasting water was created to help a cargo boat stay afloat. Water is added when there is no cargo, and when there is cargo the water is released. The transfer of water to different bodies of water introduces non-region specific species. If the species is introduced to a region where it would thrive, it would become invasive and thus disrupt the ecosystem. The team from McGill proposed to replace the water with air. Filling the ballast tanks with air when the ship has cargo, and emptying the tanks when the ship is empty will replace the need for water. This design was inspired by the cuttlefishes’ ability to control buoyancy. Another team in Yucatan, Mexico designed a stable form of transportation. The alternative before this design was working tricycles which were unstable and inefficient. After study snakes movements, the team designed a <a href="https://www.biomimicrydesignchallenge.com/gallery/entry/2561942?version=finalists">quadricycle</a> that operates via hand steering movements. At the Institute for the Built Environment (IBE) we strive to create efficiencies in construction to preserve the beauty of this planet. By using the U.S. Green Building Council rating system, IBE applies biomimicry technologies to construction projects. With construction comes options for implementation of new technologies. Everywhere you look in nature you can see efficiencies that have been improved over generations and generations. Some of the greatest inventions have been inspired by nature. Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-37116222773201641632014-08-11T22:03:00.001-06:002014-11-13T16:06:11.263-07:00Green Globes: To Use or Not To Use?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4hIYae1sLET2XCZc3trLEGQHIXy7q8OSlCckXeNTJm8tuLpu2pFZQ0gmb3JHjGLYDmJmmgcdvi6uJtCW2-VoU1TBk9X5fxVdsXde9pNg5rENxVhnTWZQZzVP79MheNZlVlVW0opf1Rg/s1600/april.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4hIYae1sLET2XCZc3trLEGQHIXy7q8OSlCckXeNTJm8tuLpu2pFZQ0gmb3JHjGLYDmJmmgcdvi6uJtCW2-VoU1TBk9X5fxVdsXde9pNg5rENxVhnTWZQZzVP79MheNZlVlVW0opf1Rg/s1600/april.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/leadership.aspx">April Brown & Helene Gotthelf</a><br />
Project Managers<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULhb71FO_Y0WurqbDi2vVZFi8YULfC2K0oZliezSWlRmvOACcckaTg1Vbd_bT91dNz_blw07mIz3cBmjAfSLsD4MSU1IyEkDQaCu7dqi3qkt8qGp7liCme0QJt42eUcP9Yww6SysBcHw/s1600/Helene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULhb71FO_Y0WurqbDi2vVZFi8YULfC2K0oZliezSWlRmvOACcckaTg1Vbd_bT91dNz_blw07mIz3cBmjAfSLsD4MSU1IyEkDQaCu7dqi3qkt8qGp7liCme0QJt42eUcP9Yww6SysBcHw/s1600/Helene.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Ever since the <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/gbcertificationreview">General Services Administration</a>
announced their support of Green Globes in 2013, we’ve been eager to learn more
about the rating system and test it out. We began brushing up on the Green
Globes certification, watched a handful of webinars that became available, and
even became Green Globes Professionals. From a high level view, Green Globes
seemed to take everything that is cumbersome about LEED and toss it out the
window.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA-aBAnJh9GEHhbVNjlWmzV0f-RdtduOVoB4zQjJduiYKt6qv8SFRnj46bGK62TylIspOa53rrj-N59mApVpbgRYa4VcdLt1KOIZDuDBHCwNb_FibAKvs7P0dKzwcdcEn5jPnfIaoO_Q/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA-aBAnJh9GEHhbVNjlWmzV0f-RdtduOVoB4zQjJduiYKt6qv8SFRnj46bGK62TylIspOa53rrj-N59mApVpbgRYa4VcdLt1KOIZDuDBHCwNb_FibAKvs7P0dKzwcdcEn5jPnfIaoO_Q/s1600/1.jpg" height="122" width="200" /></a>Amidst the hype and excitement about an alternative to LEED though,
we couldn’t ignore some of the critique that we had learned about Green Globes and
the Green Building Initiative (GBI). This made us wonder – should the
opportunity present itself, would we use and promote Green Globes? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA-aBAnJh9GEHhbVNjlWmzV0f-RdtduOVoB4zQjJduiYKt6qv8SFRnj46bGK62TylIspOa53rrj-N59mApVpbgRYa4VcdLt1KOIZDuDBHCwNb_FibAKvs7P0dKzwcdcEn5jPnfIaoO_Q/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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In order to make a more objective decision, we researched
the pros, cons, and costs of certifying a hypothetical building using Green
Globes for New Construction - a 20,000 square foot addition to an existing art
museum on a university campus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUTkJRszEs_iXMv_xT3Zyx1aHwPp7sCpDrFfQDzTbzl3tk7iwc7Jvx85melExFtZlqlHZqeTiRiIsZ-1hKGp6UIvq_32KogSrYXpRDu3lqMLxPRrBl59_2E5A9FtbuUo9B_Yo9Dk4mIw/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUTkJRszEs_iXMv_xT3Zyx1aHwPp7sCpDrFfQDzTbzl3tk7iwc7Jvx85melExFtZlqlHZqeTiRiIsZ-1hKGp6UIvq_32KogSrYXpRDu3lqMLxPRrBl59_2E5A9FtbuUo9B_Yo9Dk4mIw/s1600/2.png" height="136" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Advantages</b></div>
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Undoubtedly, there are several
benefits of using Green Globes: <span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The web-based tool includes an initial project evaluation which calculates your projected Green Globes score and provides instant feedback on your building. The online portal also tracks the status of the assessment process.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Green Globes includes a third-party site visit, which means that Green Globes Assessors can visually inspect the building and cut down on the amount of documentation you have to provide, which can save a lot of time for the project team. Additionally, the assessor is also available to answer questions about the assessment process, criteria, and documentation. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Partial credit is allowed, recognizing varying levels of achievement.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Teams can choose credits that are “not applicable” to allow for project-specific and regionally-based conditions.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Green Globes incorporates ANSI-based Life Cycle Assessment</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are no precluding rules about certifying additions, as compared to one of the LEED Minimum Program Requirements that defines most additions as ineligible or requires very specific conditions for the addition to be eligible for certification. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hands-on and accessible customer service - according to correspondence with GBI staff, projects are assigned
a project manager that will help answer any questions that may arise about
the certification process fr</span>om the moment that you begin.</div>
</li>
</ul>
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<b>Disadvantages</b><br />
There are also several disadvantages that play an integral
role in the decision-making process:</div>
<ul>
<li>There is no building performance data available to verify the correlation between Green Globes and a high performance structure.</li>
<li>There is a negative perception of GBI due to the type of corporations represented on their board of directors, mainly the timber and chemical industries. Many of the same organizations that support GBI have a long track record of fighting against environmental regulations.</li>
<li>Green Globes does not have any prerequisites. While this allows for flexibility in which criteria project teams choose to pursue, this may also allow project teams to exclude certain strategies that are imperative for high performance buildings, such as commissioning.</li>
<li> <a href="http://www2.buildinggreen.com/article/buildinggreen-present-green-globes-vs-leed-analysis">BuildingGreen</a>, an independent publishing company, has found that Green Globes is less technically rigorous than LEED. As a result, we question whether Green Globes will encourage the green building movement to continue to push the building and construction industry toward higher standards. </li>
<li> There is less marketing and public relations potential. While Green Globes has received an increase in publicity over the past couple years, LEED is still the dominant green building rating system in the U.S.. With significantly less buildings pursuing Green Globes, we are unsure whether the certification will carry the same weight in the public eye as LEED.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Costs<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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According to GBI’s <a href="http://www.thegbi.org/products/pricing.shtml">New Construction pricing
list</a>, the registration and certification fees will range from
$10,500-$17,200. This does not
include the price of certificates or plaques. The fine print for the Complexity
Fee states that it is applicable for non-Energy Star building types and other
multi-use/complex buildings that depart substantially from a standard office
building. If applicable, GBI will notify customer of fee amount and whether the
fee is optional or mandatory in advance of scheduling/performing services. GBI
determines applicability in its sole discretion. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwtrY5pDFMveq3HlJvnAyJRPI2J7eXGdOhDV1HsLMiIIOHjPPJ01QQVGogNELvbZaPBUpDL3eMN5ht7COcCkH7GWbUFa3oSHzX_vKnQdj3PImnZB0R-QGbyB102aE8-kREM4gUg9rSe8/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwtrY5pDFMveq3HlJvnAyJRPI2J7eXGdOhDV1HsLMiIIOHjPPJ01QQVGogNELvbZaPBUpDL3eMN5ht7COcCkH7GWbUFa3oSHzX_vKnQdj3PImnZB0R-QGbyB102aE8-kREM4gUg9rSe8/s1600/3.JPG" height="229" width="320" /></a>Due to a streamlined certification process, one would assume
a cost and time savings for those gathering and submitting documentation.
However, without having gone through the process ourselves, it will be hard to
confirm whether this is true. Even if the consultant fees are reduced, the
registration and certification fees are still much higher than <a href="http://www.usgbc.org/cert-guide/fees#bdc">LEED</a>; therefore, the cost
of certifying this hypothetical project (when compared to a LEED project of the
same size and type) may end up as a wash for the owner. </div>
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<b>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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After considering the advantages and disadvantages, we’ve
decided that we cannot draw an objective conclusion about whether or not to use
and promote Green Globes without gaining first-hand knowledge of administering the rating system ourselves. That
said, we are intrigued enough to pursue a Green Globes project in order to make
a well-informed conclusion on the credibility, rigor, and usability of this
rating system. Until then, the question remains: to use or not to use Green
Globes? What would you do?</div>
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<b>References<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Green Building Initiative (2014). Retrieved July 10, 2014, from
<a href="http://www.thegbi.org/">http://www.thegbi.org/</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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BuildingGreen. 2014. Green Globes vs. LEED Analysis
[Webinar]. Retrieved from <a href="http://www2.buildinggreen.com/article/buildinggreen-present-green-globes-vs-leed-analysis">http://www2.buildinggreen.com/article/buildinggreen-present-green-globes-vs-leed-analysis</a></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; letter-spacing: -0.1pt; padding: 0in;">Green Building Initiative.
(2014). </span><i>Green Globes Professional
Training Manual.</i></div>
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General Services Administration (2014). <i>Green Building Certification System Review</i>. Retrieved July 9, 2014,
from <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/gbcertificationreview">www.gsa.gov/gbcertificationreview</a></div>
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Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-84502271543828075692014-07-16T00:08:00.001-06:002014-09-08T15:42:33.937-06:00No Difference in Occupant Satisfaction and LEED? Not so fast!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2cZGiCZbgOCem_u2hfPbNeO9mQYc1zDV9Iq9qzBpvIbzSA7y-t01g9-qtSN4jE4z4G4wFZKiPexkJbbMOhYobO211Tvsi2lAiEwwDjzkeQP-H33Ki78tr7x9uI9fX7g90tz-Mht3Dt0/s1600/josie+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2cZGiCZbgOCem_u2hfPbNeO9mQYc1zDV9Iq9qzBpvIbzSA7y-t01g9-qtSN4jE4z4G4wFZKiPexkJbbMOhYobO211Tvsi2lAiEwwDjzkeQP-H33Ki78tr7x9uI9fX7g90tz-Mht3Dt0/s1600/josie+small.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;">By: </span><a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/leadership.aspx">Josie Plaut</a></div>
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Associate Director</div>
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The Center for the Built Environment (CBE) at UC Berkley
<a href="http://www.cbe.berkeley.edu/research/briefs-LEED.htm">recently released a study in May 2014</a> suggesting that there is no difference in
occupant satisfaction for LEED and non-LEED buildings. Unfortunately, results like these can be
easily taken at face value and are often misinterpreted by general
audiences. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Upon further investigation and consideration of the study, there
are a couple of important questions that should be raised about the construct,
and ultimately the results, of the study.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Of the 15 IEQ
parameters that the study assessed, only three are substantively addressed in
the 2009 LEED for New Construction and Commercial Interiors credits</b>: amount
of light, air quality, and temperature. The
additional parameters center on cleanliness, maintenance, spatial design, and
aesthetic, among others. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W8W2hqJESlJeZQbosxzdhOOIUwm4UzWpzbq2tgRNUDllA4y0WWajX_zxrIIvs5HnaDaGe-VEQ4w1fMzasJKChxoAmcoU9Os3NBVJtWdfxwbBQ1_AX2aAB9onA3P4j8nAgcoXLteNu1U/s1600/LEED_GOOD+DESIGN.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W8W2hqJESlJeZQbosxzdhOOIUwm4UzWpzbq2tgRNUDllA4y0WWajX_zxrIIvs5HnaDaGe-VEQ4w1fMzasJKChxoAmcoU9Os3NBVJtWdfxwbBQ1_AX2aAB9onA3P4j8nAgcoXLteNu1U/s1600/LEED_GOOD+DESIGN.png" height="320" width="320" /></a>Light, air quality, and temperature are primarily addressed
as credits in LEED, and not as prerequisites.
The CBE study does not indicate if the credits related to these
attributes were achieved in the buildings evaluated in the study. The study also included some buildings
certified under the Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance rating
system, which would include some additional parameters (e.g. building
maintenance, workspace cleanliness), but even these attributes are a bit of a
stretch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Of the three areas that could arguably be addressed by LEED,
responses were somewhat unfavorable related to amount of light in LEED buildings
(likely related to energy conservation efforts), favorable for air quality
(potentially due to ventilation and healthy materials credits that <i>are</i> included in LEED), and mostly
neutral on temperature (which makes sense because thermal comfort is a key focus
for any mechanical engineer who wants to cover his/her back on callbacks from
unhappy owners). <o:p></o:p></div>
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So the first question is, <b>“Is LEED even designed to affect occupant satisfaction?”</b> I would
argue that it is not. LEED is primarily
designed to 1) increase energy and water efficiency, 2) to encourage
responsible site selection and development, 3) reduce impacts related to
materials and 4) to create <i>healthier</i>
buildings for occupants. Healthier is
not the same as <i>satisfied</i>, as the two often include different factors, design
solutions, and metrics for success. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A second point about methodology is that the researchers were primarily
comparing Class A offices and institutional buildings to other Class A offices
and institutional buildings. One would argue
that <b>Class A design, is, well, Class A
design</b>. That means that the starting
point is already a pretty nice building, with decent designers and good
mechanical systems. Our experience on
over 50 LEED projects would suggest that the pursuit of LEED generally doesn’t
have much effect on decisions around furnishings, finishes, office layouts,
etc. These types of design decisions are often dictated by programming and
budget, and to a much lesser extent by LEED.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the end of the day, I’m more concerned that the headlines
and blog posts on this study will give people the wrong idea. LEED really isn’t designed to affect the 15
IEQ factors that were measured in the CBE study. <b>LEED
is, however, a great tool for adding focus and accountability</b> for project
teams to track and meet a whole host of relevant green building
strategies. Good design should not start
with LEED; but through good design, prestigious certifications – and more
importantly highly effective buildings - naturally follow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A complete copy of the article published in Building and
Environment can be found <a href="http://escholarship.org/uc/item/52w3025m#page-1">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-83419102539822662752014-07-07T12:57:00.000-06:002014-08-13T23:53:01.285-06:00The Urban Lab and a Living Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihB36bI_xrt67iw1mNQZGHTfSHqtn7794znGEh1_R5FbJc72Fyek0gNVlH9qJeFrW2GB4hqJWpk15I6shlU-vGlhMt_4zdnOhD1XMuqfgZSWMU5Xbqc0dCBHRZKmijAfz4wTIBYGeXkOc/s1600/colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihB36bI_xrt67iw1mNQZGHTfSHqtn7794znGEh1_R5FbJc72Fyek0gNVlH9qJeFrW2GB4hqJWpk15I6shlU-vGlhMt_4zdnOhD1XMuqfgZSWMU5Xbqc0dCBHRZKmijAfz4wTIBYGeXkOc/s1600/colin.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span id="goog_1902834108"></span><span id="goog_1902834109"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;">By: </span><a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx" target="_blank">Colin Day</a><br />
Sustainable Building Associate</div>
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In 2014, the City of Fort Collins launched and initiative
called <a href="http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/">“Nature in the City”</a> with the goal of ensuring every citizen has access
to nature close to where they live and work. The focus of the project is to
determine how the built environment contributes to how nature is perceived
within the City. One of the deliverables of the project is a set of design
guidelines that will support the successful implementation of various
techniques that enhance access to nature in urban environments. While most of
these approaches are well understood and tested, some have not been attempted
in the arid West. One such approach is a living wall.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Nature in the City initiative has contracted the Urban
Lab to coordinate the design and installation of the first living wall in the
Rocky Mountain region. The project will be a high profile case study on the
feasibility and creation of green walls in arid climates. The wall will be
designed to demonstrate what plants work best in a vertical setting and how
habitat can be enhanced on site through use of green wall systems. Beyond these
immediate project goals, the potential to better understand the variety of
benefits that green walls are known to deliver will be the subject of ongoing
research and observation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Green walls are well documented for providing a w<o:p></o:p><br />
ide variety
of benefits: they improve both indoor and outdoor air quality, they provide
buildings with insulation from heat and cold while protecting the building
envelope from water and sunlight. They help to lower summer temperatures in
cities by reducing the urban heat island effect. The vegetation green walls add
to the urban environment provides habitat for urban species. Social
psychologists have shown that by viewing and interacting with vegetation, stress
and mental fatigue decrease as feelings of neighborhood security and overall health
increases.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHEPO0J9Kf4nif6hE7HWsARmLbIn1NSLSEO5yTStZD79vd50xqyPoTZxqeU-irmHn-xVYBZJdUrmaxwUvLZeaRLtZX-MC9hmK6Qr4RjMTrETEpt_kvz26KOBZYzH2MITLf3ZHydhOThQ/s1600/nature-in-the-city-logo-rgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHEPO0J9Kf4nif6hE7HWsARmLbIn1NSLSEO5yTStZD79vd50xqyPoTZxqeU-irmHn-xVYBZJdUrmaxwUvLZeaRLtZX-MC9hmK6Qr4RjMTrETEpt_kvz26KOBZYzH2MITLf3ZHydhOThQ/s1600/nature-in-the-city-logo-rgb.jpg" /></a>The confirmed site for the Nature in the City and Urban
Lab’s living wall is at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Students from the
Colorado State University Dept. of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture have
worked with the City of Fort Collins and The Institute for the Built
Environment to produce compositional and planting designs for panels that will
established in the CSU greenhouses. The Urban Lab has connected the CSU USGBC
student chapter with the project. This student group will install the panels on
site, thereby furthering the project’s educational impact. The Fort Collins
Museum of Discovery was selected as the ideal site to locate the project for a
variety of reasons. Because of the existing public-private partnership between
the City and the Museum, maintenance issues will be streamlined through the
City Parks Dept., the project proximity to the Mason Corridor aligns with the
Urban Lab’s mission to enhance smart development between the University and
Downtown Fort Collins on this mixed-use corridor, and the well established
reputation of the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery as a venue for educational
displays that are equally accessible to children and adults. The living wall
will serve as an exhibit at the Museum, and will be sited adjacent to the new endowment
garden, to be designed by local firm Earthborn Landscape Design. The location
will have high visibility and public access, while the plant selection will
include species that support pollinators, have a variety of seasonal interest
and are tactile and aromatic. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If successful, the first living wall in the region will
contribute to a better understanding of the feasibility of using these types of
systems in our urban environments. The benefits that are connected with living
walls are well worth exploring as a part of a suite of techniques that increase
biodiversity, resource savings and overall well-being in cities. With any luck,
you might see more vertical greenery in your city in the coming years. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-6868958657197580782014-06-30T15:43:00.001-06:002014-07-21T14:00:43.016-06:00The Benefits of Building Small<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yeS1Rk9JKJWp3K2MPnum_PZOmQbBCnEI2lRbkl0yepF0rpqTySyN1u0GsnT_YCGt2NI5ssO0ujH2QreJ-9DzElRCTiaE7oHWrcoLqUusmt2MTLbOeJoDQFGVO2YnJv7hDCANm5hJh-k/s1600/evan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yeS1Rk9JKJWp3K2MPnum_PZOmQbBCnEI2lRbkl0yepF0rpqTySyN1u0GsnT_YCGt2NI5ssO0ujH2QreJ-9DzElRCTiaE7oHWrcoLqUusmt2MTLbOeJoDQFGVO2YnJv7hDCANm5hJh-k/s1600/evan.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx" target="_blank">Evan Hughes</a><br />
Sustainable Building Associate<br />
<br />
Americans like big stuff.
We have the biggest companies, the biggest cars, and, it turns out, the
biggest houses. <a href="http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/how-big-is-a-house" target="_blank"> According to a study</a> of
18 countries conducted by Shrink That Footprint, an independent
carbon-footprint research group, the United States was second only to Australia
in average new home size and average floor space per person. Home ownership, however, has become increasingly
difficult in the post-recession economy.
This is especially true for recent college graduates, who may be saddled
with debt or can’t afford a down payment.
For a prospective homeowner, or for anyone who wants to build their own
home, small houses (under 1,000 square feet) present a number of advantages.</div>
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<h2>
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Small houses are cheaper</b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnAuEYzdzC1N-uv5BoQIU9rLSu3AgR6e0nZm7ylfGdRnLwa0zehMIKllUztdXHbgvfBprbhOs40Mo1ILosv9bVzVIODOkJUvZAbvd8JnDjVUeTEYfQWFCuWueJ0cGZbGpYlSXUkKW7UQ/s1600/sh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnAuEYzdzC1N-uv5BoQIU9rLSu3AgR6e0nZm7ylfGdRnLwa0zehMIKllUztdXHbgvfBprbhOs40Mo1ILosv9bVzVIODOkJUvZAbvd8JnDjVUeTEYfQWFCuWueJ0cGZbGpYlSXUkKW7UQ/s1600/sh1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Images Courtesy of <a href="http://smallhousebliss.com/">smallhousebliss.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Small houses require less material and time to build, and
allow more money for higher quality interior finishes. Small houses also require less energy to heat
and cool, making them cheaper to own and occupy. In extreme cases, money can also be saved
when applying for a building permit. For
instance, in Chatham County, North Carolina, if the walls of a structure are no
longer than 12’ on any side, a building permit isn't required at all. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0EZnW6vP9LQMHwSTGQs6CBnVNdEgvv0GrwTTzrQb4X1avI1Tw3_l2Y1usgUWzIwFXEWE6qjFKmkYwZFwxhbd6Yv5VhXR4Wpa8FyGCcIQPiPJC5prKbrz9r1o0EoBFk71ZuWH8VeWwvY/s1600/sh3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0EZnW6vP9LQMHwSTGQs6CBnVNdEgvv0GrwTTzrQb4X1avI1Tw3_l2Y1usgUWzIwFXEWE6qjFKmkYwZFwxhbd6Yv5VhXR4Wpa8FyGCcIQPiPJC5prKbrz9r1o0EoBFk71ZuWH8VeWwvY/s1600/sh3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Images Courtesy of <a href="http://smallhousebliss.com/">smallhousebliss.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<b>Small houses are better for the
environment</b></h2>
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Many of these cost savings directly benefit the
environment. Building a small house uses
less lumber and energy-intensive materials like concrete and brick. Building small often means that more money can
be spent on energy-efficient doors, windows, and HVAC equipment. These features, combined with a smaller
footprint, mean that small houses consume substantially less electricity than
conventional homes, thereby reducing their contribution to the air and water
pollution created by the coal-fired power plants. Small houses also serve as a good platform
for solar photo-voltaic systems, and can often use solar power and
solar-hot-water systems for most, if not all, of their power requirements.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<b>Small houses are easier to build</b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A first-time owner-builder or general contractor can get
easily overwhelmed by the complexity of a residential construction
project. While building a house is
rarely an easy, painless process, a small house is a much easier project to
tackle than a conventional 2,000-4,000 ft.² suburban home. Small houses don’t typically feature complicated
mechanical systems, plumbing arrangements, or electrical wiring, and small
house construction does not typically call for large structural beams and
columns that require heavy equipment to put in place. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwWkNzDs98UcQeNLwNg86ar1UWtZvSnSExDebjRLJustarr7ibGRUrpOtq7rw-S9qBTRMpeD8qksYyhjUNjb4fLj4PFS6iMGKaf4Tf8LMAFKQ0J_mRGFmTl62uMxo-ZpnbC-JswWsbqM/s1600/sh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwWkNzDs98UcQeNLwNg86ar1UWtZvSnSExDebjRLJustarr7ibGRUrpOtq7rw-S9qBTRMpeD8qksYyhjUNjb4fLj4PFS6iMGKaf4Tf8LMAFKQ0J_mRGFmTl62uMxo-ZpnbC-JswWsbqM/s1600/sh2.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Images Courtesy of <a href="http://smallhousebliss.com/">smallhousebliss.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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Houses are a lot like cars.
Both serve basic needs. Both are
often seen as extensions of their owners.
Whether buying a car or a house, many consumers believe bigger is better. However, just as a smaller car can be an
equally fulfilling and eminently more practical choice for most car buyers, a
small house (under 1000 ft.²) uses less energy, requires less material to
build, and, if a bit of creativity is exercised during the design phase, can be
just as practical and beautiful as a house twice its size. In short, by reducing the size of their
house, an owner-builder reduces the complexity, the expense, and the
environmental impact of their project.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-64466647769909519242014-05-21T11:21:00.000-06:002014-05-21T11:21:13.925-06:00STARS: CSU Tops National Sustainability Rating System<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFTXDePAHnDbbkV2blqQadXnldNln4S-v7w8UVEviiGQ6E4nMilRnhxNj3rla-_QPV_bEB8VTqZfz0efoDu5NmcAKf0llnPfRkbHRHmCKrnE34HCdPRwvAtN-_lsYFCcT5NlrsJoiRX0/s1600/brian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFTXDePAHnDbbkV2blqQadXnldNln4S-v7w8UVEviiGQ6E4nMilRnhxNj3rla-_QPV_bEB8VTqZfz0efoDu5NmcAKf0llnPfRkbHRHmCKrnE34HCdPRwvAtN-_lsYFCcT5NlrsJoiRX0/s1600/brian.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/leadership.aspx" target="_blank">Brian Dunbar</a><br />
<br />
Colorado State University has obtained a Gold rating and the highest score ever achieved in STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System. STARS, considered the most comprehensive and respected assessment system for colleges and universities, is administered by AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education).<br />
<br />
To date, more than 300 higher education institutions worldwide have participated in STARS. STARS measures a wide range of campus practices, measures, and actions including facilities and grounds, scholarly research, education programs, and operating policies. CSU has participated in STARS since the pilot phase and was also the No. 1 university in 2011, when the original version 1.0 submission was reported. The CSU STARS reporting process is organized by the President’s Sustainability Committee and is jointly compiled by a team of researchers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-04mAqxkA2YULSqZEwu2i8od5ojKwgrupVPsz_IN_fTfB4j1fe_iac-yHblttqZZ7p5pKgb8wlmOTGsGKMtc_H50jFUvtU1-sBi8BL3E5nq8NzanhtJHdEidWdosuiUHoEx26LMz3DhI/s1600/stars_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-04mAqxkA2YULSqZEwu2i8od5ojKwgrupVPsz_IN_fTfB4j1fe_iac-yHblttqZZ7p5pKgb8wlmOTGsGKMtc_H50jFUvtU1-sBi8BL3E5nq8NzanhtJHdEidWdosuiUHoEx26LMz3DhI/s1600/stars_logo.png" /></a></div>
CSU scores high in research (over 75% of departments are involved in sustainability-related research), alternative transportation (over 50% of students use a bike as their primary means to campus), waste diversion, sustainability education programs, water conservation, LEED certified new and existing buildings, and energy efficiency. Every college and many special programs has notable accomplishments and activities that contribute to the STARS reporting.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/" target="_blank">Institute for the Built Environment</a> has significantly contributed to CSU’s STARS ranking through years of engaging students, faculty, and staff in sustainable design education, research, and service-learning projects that benefit our campus, Colorado communities, and the design and construction industries.<br />
<br />
For further information on STARS and the CSU report, visit www.green.colostate.edu<br />
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Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-90363960723616524502014-03-03T22:47:00.001-07:002014-03-03T22:47:23.740-07:00A Personal Small Step to Sustainability<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXC0LVtrDMhnJyQX8N-w-4NHL4Bl63AHGSj4RwYTjN4T4ULC2kMz5LVwJplEmGr_gISQtJQbp_M1NlSU241kyDIiz4XkQZvZ65_-R59seYgzkop9q32XE3Ao1dai3TQr4xi6F6OUSnyk/s1600/anderson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXC0LVtrDMhnJyQX8N-w-4NHL4Bl63AHGSj4RwYTjN4T4ULC2kMz5LVwJplEmGr_gISQtJQbp_M1NlSU241kyDIiz4XkQZvZ65_-R59seYgzkop9q32XE3Ao1dai3TQr4xi6F6OUSnyk/s1600/anderson.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx" target="_blank">Anderson Lewis</a><br />
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When someone makes a conscious decision to live more
sustainably, it is easy to get discouraged by the mindset of “I’m just one
person. What difference can I really make?” But when it comes to being
sustainable, the Axiom “ the little things make the biggest difference” can
certainly hold true. Don’t get me wrong;
I still think much has to be done before humanity can reach a state of benign or
regenerative interaction with our natural environment. However, it is dangerous
for us to assume that our seemingly small actions do not have a meaningful, positive
impact. For example, it is easy to
equate turning the lights off when you leave the room to saving a few cents. No
big deal, right? However, when you factor
in the process energy used to harvest and transport the raw material used to
create your energy, the transmission losses from power lines, and all the carbon
emissions associated with this overall process, it makes turning off the light
seem more important. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Having the ability to measure the positive impacts of your
sustainable actions and track your progress is a great motivator to continue
being more sustainable. Knowing where
you started from (your initial energy usage, water usage, etc.) gives you a
baseline to compare improvements against (aka benchmarking). This allows you to see if your changes
(actions, energy retrofits, etc.) are indeed positive and can help guide your decisions
on where to focus future actions to make the largest impacts. Lastly, associating your sustainable accomplishments
(energy saving, water savings, etc.) with an easily comprehensible reference can
make them more palpable and rewarding. For
example, it is hard to know if saving 1 kWh is good or not, but when you
consider that 1 kWh could power a T8 fluorescent lamp for 31 hours and 15
minutes, it gives greater context to your accomplishments. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At IBE, we have been diligent about tracking information
from the projects we have worked on.
This historic data is helpful to us in multiple ways. First, it allows us to compare and contrast
different project types and their performance and to monitor how the
sustainability of our projects has progressed over the years. This helps us
know that we are on the right track to higher levels of sustainability. Second,
this historic data acts as a marketing tool for the IBE, allowing for us to
more easily convey the benefits of our services to clients and more accurately
predict what type of performance and savings our clients should expect. Lastly,
when this historical data is put in easily understandable terms or comparisons,
it can really act as a motivator for IBE staff/project stakeholders and affirm
the fact we are making a meaningful positive impact. For example, in total, projects that the IBE
has been involved on have diverted over 15,000 tons of waste material from the
landfill (the equivalent weight of 60 statue of liberties). These materials were recycled and reused in
various ways and reduced the amount of raw materials that would have been
harvested to meet the needs that this recycled material filled. In addition, the
aggregate of IBE projects on average save approximately 95 million gallons of
water a year (enough to fill 143 Olympic sized swimming pools (assuming a 2 m
depth). <o:p></o:p></div>
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If these aforementioned accomplishments seem large, well,
it’s because they are! And this is before considering the added energy/carbon
savings that come from not having to harvest, transport raw materials to
produce new materials or to treat and transport the water saved. At IBE we are proud of our
accomplishments but recognize that there is still so more to be done. We will not rest on our laurels and encourage
you to do the same. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the global scheme of things the changes we have helped
instate might be small but they are far from insignificant. If everyone were to
view their own actions in this way then all these small actions will add up to
one big change. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-56485148144208376912014-02-25T12:23:00.000-07:002014-02-25T12:23:45.726-07:00An Alternative to LEED: Green Globes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oTa7we17quqjR5wF-qIMtcbDGNkH356kHdFhxyfhsw97OoSQ3xq6cKW0c48jullbjjPGRoaA5dCflzdJ33bU9hs8GtuinC_2ze725tvOxfxumGDDIMsZdfJzWy-ATG__U_8DaO20sIQ/s1600/allison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oTa7we17quqjR5wF-qIMtcbDGNkH356kHdFhxyfhsw97OoSQ3xq6cKW0c48jullbjjPGRoaA5dCflzdJ33bU9hs8GtuinC_2ze725tvOxfxumGDDIMsZdfJzWy-ATG__U_8DaO20sIQ/s1600/allison.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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By: Allison Smith</div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems have brought objective standards to
the understanding of sustainable and regenerative design projects. But as the
leading rating system in the US market, it’s easy to forget that LEED isn’t the
only tool to create effective sustainable and regenerative designs, and “going
for LEED” isn’t the only way to be “green”. Green Globes is increasingly in the
news lately with support from the Government Services Association (GSA) and the
change in Green Globes’ leadership: </span><a href="http://greensource.construction.com/news/2014/01/140117-green-globes-gets-a-new-leader.asp" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Jerry
Yudelson</a><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Green Globes is an evolution of the
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) the
international leader in sustainable building certification and the standard for
all new UK non-residential buildings. Green Globes was established in 2004 and
is administered by the Green Building Initiative (GBI) in the U.S. and Building
Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) in Canada.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Complaints
of the LEED rating system range from cost to bureaucratic headaches to lack of flexibility
to frustrations with LEED online, their online documentation and submittal
submission format. Any LEED practitioner will admit the certification program
is far from perfect, but still laud the system for promoting sustainable
building and encouraging a whole systems approach to design. The US Federal
Government, as well as many state and local governments, require sustainable
building certification and since most people are only familiar with LEED they
believe that is the only option. On the contrary, the GSA recommends either
LEED or Green Globes for federal projects based on a <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/103391">recent research project </a>studying
the robustness of both rating systems. Many states and local governments allow other
sustainable building certifications than LEED, however confirm the requirements
of the presiding legislation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW4Ixj3SDPYRtRB3sVgwRsAHT0JTy3ZNgF_BXIklweSJ1UuT2qxYW-oe_nYk-F25On-r4j8vMyZ72NAdTsfx2h7THiINniv7MR-XZMZxNMa4IEd1cH02gC_VFvOtNbgiFtPJQBvHyf3U/s1600/greenglobes-165.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW4Ixj3SDPYRtRB3sVgwRsAHT0JTy3ZNgF_BXIklweSJ1UuT2qxYW-oe_nYk-F25On-r4j8vMyZ72NAdTsfx2h7THiINniv7MR-XZMZxNMa4IEd1cH02gC_VFvOtNbgiFtPJQBvHyf3U/s1600/greenglobes-165.png" /></a>Advantages
to the Green Globes rating system are that there are no prerequisites, partial
credit is allowed, there is flexibility for non-applicable criteria, it
incorporates an ANSI-Accredited Standards Developing Organization (ANSI-GBI)Life-Cycle
Assessment (LCA), and certification hinges on a third-party on-site assessment.
A Green Globes project is assessed on a 1000-point scale, however, since some
credits can be marked “non-applicable,” projects typically are assessed on
fewer points. The program has four certification levels, similar to LEED, but
is based on the percentage of points granted as opposed to points available. Furthermore,
when evaluating a project’s energy performance, Green Globes uses regional performance
data as the benchmark, rather than LEED’s use of a hypothetical building model.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps
most exciting is the inclusion of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) process, an
assessment that LEED lacks. LCA’s are a research-based evaluation of
cradle-to-grave resource use and environmental impacts of materials, systems,
and buildings. Green Globes allows a
prescriptive or performance path option for meeting this requirement. The
prescriptive path is based on Environmental Product Declarations, third-party
certifications, and upon ISO 14040 and 14044 Standards. To meet the performance path, design teams use
Athena Impact Estimator for Buildings software to compare alternate design
scenarios. LCA’s are a foundation for sustainable building, yet this assessment
remains excluded from LEED v4. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Criticism
of Green Globes range from a perception of not being rigorous enough, a
perception of Forest Certification bias, industry representation on the GBI
board, and no required minimum performance. Furthermore, Green Globes
certification criteria is not as transparent as LEED’s criteria.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A quick
count of sustainable rating systems in the US returns a list of six alternates
to LEED. When starting your next project, evaluate Green Globes and the other applicable
sustainable buildings systems to select the one that best aligns with the
projects’ goals and principles. LEED has its place in sustainable building
certification systems, however keep in mind that it’s not the only option.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Now through April 15,
GBI is offering “<a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gbi-to-offer-aia-approved-course-free-for-60-days-to-train-new-green-globes-professionals-245406231.html">Green
Globes Professional Training</a>”, an online self-paced course for free. Completion
of the course can count towards American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Though Green Globes does not offer
professional accreditation, this is an opportunity to learn more about Green
Globes certification.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bibliography and citations:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Kibert, C. J. Switching
from LEED to Green Globes: A User’s Perspective (PDF). <i>Green
Building Initiative. </i>Retrieved February 7, 2014 from http://www.thegbi.org/assets/pdfs/Switching-from-LEED.pdf</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i>Green Building Initiative. </i>Retrieved
February 7, 2014 from http://www.thegbi.org/</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i>LEED User</i>. Retrieved February 7, 2014
from http://www.leeduser.com/<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Photo credit:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Life Cycle
Assessment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_Cycle_Assessment</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Green Globes
icon: http://www.thegbi.org/<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div>
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<hr align="left" class="msocomoff" size="1" width="33%" />
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Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-89823257514007675742014-02-16T22:44:00.001-07:002014-02-17T09:28:47.915-07:00Sustainable Building Associate Job Opening<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 28px;">The <a href="http://www.ibe.colostate.edu/" target="_blank">Institute for the Build Environment</a> is now looking to hire a new member to our team. Please read the following job description:</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Sustainable Building Associate</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Job Description<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Institute for the Built Environment
(IBE) is housed within the College of Health and Human Sciences at Colorado
State University (CSU). IBE is an interdisciplinary group of faculty, students
and staff who focus on sustainability and quality of the built environment. Our
paid internship program offers experiential education and practical knowledge
for students who aspire to be leading professionals in the design, development,
and construction fields. Students are supported and mentored by senior
institute staff and provide professional work products for our clients. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Sustainable Building Associate performs
tasks related to project management, integrated design, and LEED coordination
and certification through a variety of research and professional projects.</span><span style="background: white; color: #1f497d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Associate internships typically start at 5-10 hours per week
with the potential for additional hours as project work allows. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Primary Duties<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Assist
with green building and LEED administration consulting services,
including:<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">charrette
participation and reports<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">specification
and drawing reviews<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">green
products and materials research <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">client
relations/communications<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">project
management<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">general
contractor support and education<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">managing
LEED certification documentation <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Contribute
to IBE blog posts and quarterly newsletter<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Qualifications<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excellent
communication and writing skills <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Strong
ability to take initiative <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Basic
skills in internet research <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Exceptional
enthusiasm and a commitment to learning<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Competency with Microsoft Office
products<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Must
be able to commit at least 12-16 months and work at least 5 hours per week
toward internship<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Knowledge
of green building and LEED Rating System preferred, but not required<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bachelor’s
degree in a related field (Architecture, Engineering, Environmental
Sciences, Urban Planning, Interior Design, Construction Management, or
other) preferred, but not required<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Interns
are expected to pass the Green Associate exam within 6 months of hire and
the LEED Accredited Professional exam within 12 months of hire</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To Apply</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please include the following in your correspondence:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> A. A cover letter that includes:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An overview of your key strengths,
both professionally and personally<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A description of your past
experiences related to the primary duties and qualifications <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The reasons you feel you’re a great
addition to the IBE team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">B.
Your resume<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">C. A
writing sample (for example: a class paper, blog article, essay, report, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Submit your cover letter and resume to April Brown at april.brown@colostate.edu by <b>February 28</b>.
Include “Sustainable Building Associate” in the subject line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Colorado State University
does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national
origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic
information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Colorado
State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action
employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all
Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding
non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located
in 101 Student Services. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Colorado State University is
committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To
achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final
candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but
are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor
vehicle history.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-91848874519468645932014-02-13T11:52:00.001-07:002014-02-17T09:29:45.700-07:00Coors Field Sustainable Garden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNtwUfrtFj1OXl0F9knTSgL_2N8uT1NvrYz_5QaN3GQn1_Z6cgTQrhVLRE6zIK45aFMh5B6zrXynWYGErlhN0zxzUjRdktBKa8TStqznxBrwVQRoxt0-L0-IJVxcUTgW03yLIbDviOXU/s1600/colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNtwUfrtFj1OXl0F9knTSgL_2N8uT1NvrYz_5QaN3GQn1_Z6cgTQrhVLRE6zIK45aFMh5B6zrXynWYGErlhN0zxzUjRdktBKa8TStqznxBrwVQRoxt0-L0-IJVxcUTgW03yLIbDviOXU/s1600/colin.jpg" /></a>By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx">Colin Day</a><br />
<br />
The Institute for the Built Environment has finished its first growing season in the urban garden business. In collaboration with ARAMARK Food Services operating at Coors Field, our executive management and graduate student interns implemented the installation of the Coors Field Sustainable Garden, located at Gate A of the stadium in Denver, before the commencement of the 2013 baseball season. ARAMARK food services, an industry leader in public venue scale food service and facility maintenance, contracted IBE to assist in the creation of a pilot garden space, a first within major league sports venues. The goal was to realize the vision of on-site, sustainably produced food. The design mimics a baseball stadium with raised beds terracing upwards from the garden’s ‘infield’ to the ‘outfield’, to the ‘stands’. Ornamental flowers, followed by herbs and beneficial garden plants, followed by vegetables were on display for the ½ million fans that pass through Gate A over the course of the Rockies’ season.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5us5C993TpebZTBVAJaY7tpJC-NGzHCcDw5HqQjb0yzVmNp94Mii8XJavKQkzU-huCLXTFYVlE5zh76Q7eiNY-hbPiP38H3BgpAOE3zOdLVpzRWE7MizImlJg1kBH48bYtIL1z87apY/s1600/ARAMARKColinBlog2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5us5C993TpebZTBVAJaY7tpJC-NGzHCcDw5HqQjb0yzVmNp94Mii8XJavKQkzU-huCLXTFYVlE5zh76Q7eiNY-hbPiP38H3BgpAOE3zOdLVpzRWE7MizImlJg1kBH48bYtIL1z87apY/s1600/ARAMARKColinBlog2.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
The vision of ARAMARK to display and provide healthy, sustainably produced herbs and vegetables on-site as a part of their food operations is an example of a large company-wide commitment to sustainability. ARAMARK promotes sustainable practices in food purchasing, environmentally responsible consumer choices, greenhouse gas conscious building operations, energy and water conservation measures, green cleaning, greening their delivery fleet and ethically managing their waste products.<br />
<br />
IBE facilitated design development, chose sustainable materials that would best suit the project ethos, contracted local, organic plant propagation, managed PR communication from conception to implementation and participated in the installation of the garden. During the 2013 growing season, the Coors Field Sustainable Garden provided 600 sq/ft of on-site, sustainably produced and managed vegetables, herbs, flowering ornaments, and plants that promote beneficial garden ecosystem functions to on-site chefs through the 2013 growing season. The harvest included heirloom varieties of tomatoes and peppers and a wide variety of herbs that were harvested by the IBE team and on-site kitchen staff during late August and early September of 2013.<br />
<br />
IBE has successfully contracted to expand the scope of our involvement with ARAMARK in the 2014 growing season. This will include outreach to educational and city programs in the Denver area with an emphasis on community involvement and healthy, sustainable food choices for at-risk and under served youth communities. In order to realize these goals, our project team will pursue partnerships with programs such as and Denver Urban Gardens (DUG), as well as potential coalitions with governing bodies such as the Denver Public School System. Additionally, our crops selections will be expanded to lengthen the growing season and increase the variety of selection and nutrition within the beds. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxY3xbyfe3ZYt7jSkdDBTHuY3KDUqNWIbxsZWruYmTddkfWf1cJbJKy2p3Bro71sRgGvr7SfIDmX5wFpK4RIcDmTixFZAYy3PyDi-jbu63GAZNS61Mpcrtw9rcKBH0_IX_cbO7Z-afTI/s1600/ARAMARKColinBlog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxY3xbyfe3ZYt7jSkdDBTHuY3KDUqNWIbxsZWruYmTddkfWf1cJbJKy2p3Bro71sRgGvr7SfIDmX5wFpK4RIcDmTixFZAYy3PyDi-jbu63GAZNS61Mpcrtw9rcKBH0_IX_cbO7Z-afTI/s1600/ARAMARKColinBlog.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a>Ultimately, IBE hopes to develop the ‘The GaRden’ as a component of ARAMARK’s Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) goals. With outreach to other interested ARAMARK facilities with assistance from Denver ARAMARK management, the goal is an export of sets of guidelines and toolkits that assist in the establishment of sustainable gardens at other ARAMARK venues. Through the connection between relevant programs in higher education to nearby ARAMARK facilities, the potential ensuing collaboration would include regionally relevant outreach agendas.<br />
<br />
Our experience at Coors Field in collaboration with ARAMARK corresponds with our ethos of sustainable design in the built environment, regionally relevant projects, and educational outreach that intends to spread understanding about sustainable activities and their impacts on health. IBE looks forward to breaking ground at Coors Field again during the 2014 growing season with our project partners at ARAMARK.<br />
<br />
<br />Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-57320585315170275172014-01-17T14:25:00.000-07:002014-01-17T15:04:51.433-07:00The New Integrated Sustainability Manager Certificate Program<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6KSgbz6sQYR7ZyAdCiDOUmOzfH1B-QDRsJUvKXwwxZ_Xw_oMxpyvK35ORMn9QcAkdLm0QYqwOcJEjKwFNDwQrsmFbAby6kHx02dwAaB06MLckS_1E1QHk8ymVRSBxHiz-C1PAV8vQG8/s1600/IBE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6KSgbz6sQYR7ZyAdCiDOUmOzfH1B-QDRsJUvKXwwxZ_Xw_oMxpyvK35ORMn9QcAkdLm0QYqwOcJEjKwFNDwQrsmFbAby6kHx02dwAaB06MLckS_1E1QHk8ymVRSBxHiz-C1PAV8vQG8/s1600/IBE.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/associates.aspx">Cole Schumacher</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In an effort to further educate the business world on the
positive impact of sustainable business practices, Institute for the Built
Environment is launching a new professional certification in spring 2014. This
certification, coined the Integrated Sustainability Manager Certificate
Program, aims to deliver knowledge and practical applications to sustainability professionals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In my time at Institute for the Built Environment I have
been given the opportunity to work closely with the launch of this certificate
and truly believe that it offers an innovative perspective and practice that
similar certificates do not. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This certificate focuses on four emphasis areas: People and
Behavior Change, Organizational Sustainability, The Built Environment, and Natural
Resource Management.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>People and Behavior
Change: </b>discover tools for engaging people in positive behaviors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Organizational
Sustainability: </b>learn how to integrate sustainability into company culture
and strategic goals to save money and create a thriving environment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Built Environment:
</b>learn to implement facility-based strategies for reducing the financial and
environmental impact of the built environment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Natural Resource
Management: </b>understand best practices for optimizing the flow and
consumption of resources in your organization.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvikLx89GLo-CGWuieuCarqLWv9oHus1bLn2DbTPcDWeZaLozIEcn_MkIERXfbtdpOqu6hhDB5sh4LXiKDgrUDMQx5KAHBQ0m3z3EepoJ7Y3jquan4f_LgMzpX2D1bCkevIcsYd3JNu-Y/s1600/ISMCP_Badges.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvikLx89GLo-CGWuieuCarqLWv9oHus1bLn2DbTPcDWeZaLozIEcn_MkIERXfbtdpOqu6hhDB5sh4LXiKDgrUDMQx5KAHBQ0m3z3EepoJ7Y3jquan4f_LgMzpX2D1bCkevIcsYd3JNu-Y/s1600/ISMCP_Badges.JPG" height="213" width="400" /></a>The development of this certificate addresses the tremendous
growth sector that is sustainable business management. Many professionals are
growing into this role of sustainable management without having much background
in the industry. This professional certificate will be a tremendous resource
for anyone transitioning into a sustainability management role or seeking such a career in
the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another aspect that speaks to the innovative nature of this
certification is our diverse group of instructors. We have gathered instructors
from academia and industry leaders. Our instructor pool includes leaders
from New Belgium Brewing and the Institute for the Built
Environment, and the Colorado State
Universities departments of Psychology, Sociology, and College of Business.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This program will be launching the first courses in early summer 2014. Courses can be taken a la carte or can be combined for the full certification. Please <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/contact.aspx">reach out to IBE</a> for more
information or <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/learn.aspx">read more about the
program</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Stay tuned for more details coming this February… </div>
<o:p></o:p>Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1027539626024735660.post-25662776664453691782013-12-05T10:11:00.001-07:002013-12-05T11:20:00.716-07:00Key Energy Saving Tips in Facilities Management<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/FEMA_-_37252_-_FEMA_building_assessment_team_in_Iowa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/FEMA_-_37252_-_FEMA_building_assessment_team_in_Iowa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmE9OJ4k8Kp7_DYXC5SKqR2qsEsfNi9w7Gm5-nfl_tKf9qf001jEDLHNlhoe3l0ZbAm3HbZLCUDslZ4_Xpt9tIQSaJJPMAiqY4hnH9mVf9CWyLo3PDUXpyElcvQ0WNnO8k2ZudtRTaY_o/s1600/april.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmE9OJ4k8Kp7_DYXC5SKqR2qsEsfNi9w7Gm5-nfl_tKf9qf001jEDLHNlhoe3l0ZbAm3HbZLCUDslZ4_Xpt9tIQSaJJPMAiqY4hnH9mVf9CWyLo3PDUXpyElcvQ0WNnO8k2ZudtRTaY_o/s1600/april.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a>By: <a href="http://ibe.colostate.edu/leadership.aspx">April Brown</a><br />
<br />
Through a recent federal government grant with the General Services Administration (GSA), the Institute for the Built Environment summarized the current state of research on effective strategies to reduce the carbon footprint, resource use, and costs of operating existing buildings. By utilizing research from academia, national laboratories, and professional associations, we have identified key low-cost opportunities in 5 high impact areas for energy conservation: plug and process load management, water efficiency, daylighting, behavior engagement, and operational efficiency. Our findings elevate the conversation in facilities management by clarifying the role of energy efficiency, occupant behavior, building maintenance staff and organizational leadership, and sustainability. Additionally, our findings prioritize high impact energy saving tips and best management practices based on return on investment data for operational sustainability in buildings. April Brown, co-author of the research for GSA, answers 4 frequently asked questions related to energy efficiency and facilities management of existing buildings based on recent studies.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. What if I want to improve the energy use at my office, but don’t have a lot of money or don’t have control of the major mechanical systems or building envelope. Can I make meaningful changes on a limited budget?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Yes, actually, there several operations and maintenance activities that have significant energy savings with little upfront cost and require little control over building systems. In fact, low cost operations and maintenance measures realize the same energy savings as equipment retrofits and cost 20 times less. The first place to start is with implementation of a few simple and straightforward building operations and maintenance best practices. It may sound unlikely that such savings can be achieved through these simple changes, but studies have shown that developing and implementing best practices has significant impact. For example, after 4 years of operating with definitive best practices, a Spain university reduced energy costs by $676,750, annually, which had a 2.5 year return on investment. Key best practices in saving operational energy costs include the following:<br />
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<ul>
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<a href="http://www.propertymanagementinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/energy-management-plan-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://www.propertymanagementinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/energy-management-plan-a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Planning
and goal setting – Develop energy management plan with energy efficiency as a key
strategic goal of the organization and incorporate goals for energy efficiency
into the business plan. Encourage proactive actions and keep senior management
regularly informed and engaged in the progress toward achieving goals.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Appoint
an energy manager –Designate an individual responsible for managing energy and
promoting energy-efficient building operation. Often the cost savings generated
by an experienced energy manager can easily cover his or her salary. Usually
buildings/portfolios over 300,000 square feet would require a </span><a href="http://www.aeecenter.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3351" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">certified energy
manager</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">; otherwise assigning energy management tasks to a qualified staff
person may be sufficient.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Perform
operations and maintenance assessments – Operations and maintenance assessments
seek to understand why the building is operated and maintained in a certain way.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">To be clear, an O&M assessment is not an
energy audit, rather, the assessment evaluates the current O&M program and
practices, including the management structures, policies, and user requirements
that influence them. Assessments are critical to understanding where
opportunities exist and what documentation is lacking. For more information on
O&M assessments see </span><a href="http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/assessment.pdf" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Operation and Maintenance Assessments for
Energy Efficient Building Operation</i>.</a></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Whole
building energy accounting – Track and analyze past and current energy use,
demand (electricity), and cost using a convenient and reliable methodology
(e.g. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager). Be sure to share energy accounting
information with facilities staff as they are often the most involved with
operating and maintaining the building, yet they know the least information on
energy use. Distribute report to both senior management and facilities staff
and show how you are meeting the organization’s strategic goals for energy
reduction.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Documentation
– Buildings systems and operating plans are invaluable to properly maintaining
your building.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">With operating
documentation, such as written sequences of operation or control strategies, provide
a reference to check against when changes occur and ensure that changes in
sequencing are continually documented. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">These resources eliminate energy waste by
providing confidence in whether the operations schedules are intended or off
track.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Videos and photographs can complement
written documentation.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/FEMA_-_37252_-_FEMA_building_assessment_team_in_Iowa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/FEMA_-_37252_-_FEMA_building_assessment_team_in_Iowa.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Appropriate equipment scheduling – Equipment
schedules should meet occupant needs but not exceed. The easiest way to waste
energy is to leave equipment and lights on when they could be off. Equipment schedules
are often adjusted to meet the need of a special program but not reverted back
to normal operations. Therefore, continual review of scheduling eliminates
waste. The payback for improved scheduling is almost immediate because of the
little cost, including labor.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</span></li>
</ul>
<b>2. What are key best practices for reducing plug loads in an office building?</b><br />
<br />
Office equipment can make up as much as 30% of electricity consumption in an office, making this a great target for reducing wasted energy and paying closer attention to office schedules and occupancy needs. Key best practices are:<br />
<ul><a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Procurement – Purchase ENERGY STAR equipment
when it’s time to replace office equipment. Once study found that ENERGY STAR
equipment resulted in 18% energy savings. When purchasing computers, prioritize
laptops over the desktop computers as laptops typically use a third of the
energy of desktop computers. If you still have CRT monitors, it is high time to
replace those with LCD monitors, which use less than half of the power draw of
CRT monitors. Additionally, adjust brightness to the dimmest setting that the
ambient lighting in the room will allow or consider automatic brightness
controls, which change the brightness based on the ambient light levels.
Institutionalize the use of centralized printers where several workstations use
one printer. Also, consider inkjet printers when possible as they use
significantly less energy than other printers.</span></li>
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<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Power management settings – Enable aggressive
power management settings before distributing equipment to staff. Low power
modes include setting computers and laptops to sleep mode after 15-60 minutes
of inactivity – the shorter the better. Also, educate staff on how to activate even
lower power modes and why it’s important.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Shutoff interventions – Other plug load
reduction strategies seek to shutoff plugs through load or occupant sensor plug
strips (27% energy savings), schedule-based controls (40+% energy savings), and
email reminders (6% energy savings). In one GSA study, schedule based plug strips were installed after enabling low power settings and reduced plug loads at
workstations by an additional 26%. Payback must be evaluated as the cost of
these advanced power strips can be prohibitive.</span></li>
</ul>
<b>3. What about indoor water use reduction? Do you suggest retrofitting fixtures with dual flush toilets and automated faucets?</b><br />
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Well, while both are well intended, research shows that dual flush toilets and automated faucets use more water than expected from the flush and flow rate specifications. Depending on what type of fixture they are replacing, they can actually increase indoor water use. Dual flush toilets typically use more water than projected because the flush mechanism is not aligned with user behavior, meaning the dual flush handle is designed to pull up for a low-flow flush and down for a full flush. As we toilet users are already conditioned to push the handle down, our primary behavior decreases the efficiency of the toilets. The appropriate use of the handle can be increased through the education of building occupants; however some building owners have elected to reverse the handle design to align with user behavior. Also, the type of building occupant must be considered; for example, if the building primarily serves visitors then education is not effective. Furthermore, dual flush fixtures never make sense in bathrooms where urinals are present, as the toilet is typically used only for the full flush in this instance. There is a great resource available, called Maximum Performance (MaP), that shows the performance specifications of many toilets available on the market, comparing performance of waste removal (grams per flush) and flow rate. For example, many toilets flush 1,000 grams per flush with 1.28 gallons of water per flush (20% water savings compared to code). In summary, single low-flush toilets are the best at sufficiently eliminating solid waste and guaranteeing water savings.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.touchfreeconcepts.com/images/touchlessfaucetzurn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://www.touchfreeconcepts.com/images/touchlessfaucetzurn.jpg" width="200" /></a>Research also shows that automatic faucets – though hygienic – use more water than they should, due to incorrectly installed sensors, phantom uses (turning on without being triggered by an intentional hand), and always operating at full flow (instead of the variable flow of manual fixtures). Aerators are likely a more effective, and less expensive, retrofit for reducing water consumption. If installing automatic faucets, pay careful attention to product specifications to ensure the sensor calibration is noted and accurate and the cycle time is aligned with the design intent.<br />
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<b>4. What are some in-house activities that we might be able to do to reduce energy consumption without needing outside contractors?</b><br />
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For larger, more complex buildings and/or portfolios, there are two primary operations and maintenance strategies that encompass many of the known and documented best management practices – building re-tuning and energy information systems.<br />
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Re-tuning is a comprehensive set of activities that evaluate a buildings’ energy management and control systems to ensure that schedules and controls are appropriate and operating correctly. Re-tuning seeks to identify and correct building operational problems that lead to energy waste, ensuring maximum energy efficiency and occupant comfort year after year. Essentially, re-tuning is a scaled-down version of retro-commissioning. A key difference between re-tuning and retro-commissioning is that, once properly trained, re-tuning can be done with in-house staff, whereas retro-commissioning typically requires an outside contractor. Furthermore, because re-tuning is done in-house, building operators and owners take ownership of the faults and corrective actions, ensuring persistence with energy savings. Re-tuning and Energy Information Systems are complimentary to each other, as re-tuning relies on energy analysis to evaluate the economic impact of corrective actions.<br />
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Energy Information Systems (EIS) are advanced energy tracking software, hardware, and communication technologies used to store, analyze, and publish building energy information. EIS are not energy management and control systems (EMCS) or building automation systems (BAS), as these systems control the energy consuming systems in a building. Instead, EIS connect with the buildings’ EMCS or BAS to gather and track the energy data, then analyze the data against weather files, baselines and benchmarks and send alerts to managers. Additionally, EIS are not information dashboards, batch analysis tools, greenhouse gas footprint calculators, or environmental monitors. EIS pertain more specifically to efficient building operations by offering a proactive approach to energy management using meters and sophisticated software to read, analyze, and alert based on readings. In essence, EIS supports real-time detection of energy waste, allowing staff to identify the cause and determine the appropriate response. EIS are a promising solution for building managers to continuously reduce energy use and costs. EIS may be too sophisticated for some building owners but the concept is scalable. Small building owners can start small with whole building benchmarking and energy accounting. Studies show that simple benchmarking and tracking still result in energy savings, concluding that just by monitoring we notice simple opportunities for improvement. EPA analyzed the ENERGY STAR portfolio manager buildings and found that during the years 2008-2011 buildings had an average annual savings of 2.4%. The more sophisticated the accounting and tracking program, the more energy savings potential. One study found that permanent metering and continuous monitoring saved 9% in energy use. Other studies show that buildings with sophisticated EIS save up to 25% energy costs.<br />
Re-tuning and EIS focus on the operational efficiency of building operations. Often operations and maintenance best management practices focus on improving maintenance procedures and equipment efficiency, however, facilities staff should equally consider how their building is wasting energy because no matter how efficiently your equipment is running, if it’s running when it doesn’t need to be you are wasting precious money and resources. <br />
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Institute for the Built Environmenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440486991815600608noreply@blogger.com