When the Tap Runs Dry Conserving and saving water is one thing, but what happens when they shut off the supply of water. This could unfold as a direct result of a natural disaster, terrorism, or just plain lack of available potable water. No Water is a subject we don’t like to breach, especially here in America…heck, we got lots of water, [...]
Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:38:41 +0000 The Cost of Common Sense and Conserving Water If the cost of water were to double tomorrow, water conservation might bring a quicker return on investment...
Sat, 31 Jul 2010 05:04:14 +0000 Finding New Water New water will come from sources we have already, and learning how to manage it.
By Wayne J. R. Bowser, LEED AP | December 24, 2011 at 05:43 AM EST | No Comments
Twelve Areas of Sustainability that we'll be looking out in 2012, and watching with a close eye. Depending on the political outcome toward the end of '12, we could see many of these developing as a mechanism to prosperity, or simply a means to survive. Either way, the conversation of sustainability is here to stay and the color of choice is Green!
CLIMATE CHANGE ~ More focus will be placed on how to adapt to changing conditions of our climate, than about actually changing the climate. Technological advances in construction will give way to traditional methods of insulating against rising temperatures, such as thicker walls, and extended overhangs along the southern perimeter. Rainwater Harvesting Systems will be incorporated into the design phase, and integrated within the foundation in order to capture thousands of gallons of water in a season, instead of as an afterthought where merely a fraction would otherwise be collected.
LEED 2012 ~ The updated version will receive a record number of stakeholder responses and input, as more LEED Certified projects are completed. Changes to the verification process will be more rigorous, and input from interested representatives, such as Operations and Management will receive credit toward certification. We believe GC's will begin to tract their CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) footprint during the construction process, and projects will have to disclose incorporated building materials, like how cereal boxes list every ingredient.
PRESERVATION ~ More focus will be placed on renovation, whereas, the current stock of office buildings, retail centers and residential homes have been left vacant through the latest economic recession. This aging sector of the built environment, however, will require extensive energy retrofits and upgrades to be more energy efficient, but the new green codes leave a lot of grey area in regards to retro-fitting. Local governing agencies will remain in the dark on how to manage this, but will attempt at giving owners incentives and assistance in the way of reduced, or no, permit fees, but don't look for any tax credits, or rebates in 2012.
ECO-TOURISM ~ Finding places to visit and vacation closer to home is a growing trend, but destination places will now be focusing on supporting local breweries, providing meals from local farms, and in some areas, local wines. Bio-degradable detergents and eco-friendly cleaners will be the norm, as well as hypo-allergenic linens in every in guest room. Look for geo-caching, workshops on self-sufficiency, walking tours and bicycle rentals to provide a renewed growth in family oriented activities.
GREEN BUILDING EDUCATION ~ More home owners will be taking on their own renovations, and the DIY crowd will be wanting to "do it green". Add this to the growing number of contractors needing to understand more about waste reduction, toxin elimination, chain of custody, air-balancing and third party verification; education in sustainability has never been more important. Without the knowledge of how all these new components are integrated, managed and installed, building green could leave many seeing red.
GREEN VERIFICATION ~ It's no secret that most businesses are struggling, and to reduce employee turnover, combat high utility costs, and lower building maintenance expenses, many are turning to "green". It has been shown that consumers are also looking for these "green" businesses, and are rewarding them with their green currency. Fake green, or green-washing, however, is becoming common place, and is why owners that are serious about sustainability are turning to third-party verification to certify, their green efforts.
BUSINESS to BUSINESS BOTTOM LINE ~ More business owners will be joining forces with other businesses, and combining their marketing efforts in order to grow their individual triple bottom line. These collaborations will save valuable environmental resources by reducing duplication; enhance productivity through diversification; and reach more customers, thus making more sales, and growing profits. Social Media will play an ever growing role in these business to business connections.
LOCAL FOOD ~ Consumers are realizing that food grown locally has more flavor, and enjoys less chemicals, and because it supports the local economy, everyone benefits. However, many governing agencies are concerned about sanitation, and this trend toward more street fairs, co-ops and farmer's markets selling food will cause much controversy over who can trade it, sell it or even give it away; so much so, that demand for local food will grow exponentially, if only for the sake of protecting our liberties!
CO2 EMISSION LAWS ~ California is setting the course to control Greenhouse Gas Emissions, with the passing of AB32. Businesses that adapt, and survive, will become the leaders. Drastic changes are already in place that are affecting the way business operates, and how ordinary citizens conduct their lives. For those that chose to stick around, and aim to benefit through the evolution of the transportation and building industries, will need to work closely with governing agencies; navigating together through this un-chartered territory.
RECYCLING makes BIG GAINS ~ The commodity market for post-consumer plastic, aluminum, wood, metal and glass is exploding, and several industries have developed that are now dependent on this stock of inventory that produces everything from landscape material to clothing. We will continue to see more products in America manufactured from recycled household trash, and small recycling companies emerging, and competing for your garbage.
JUNK to TREASURE ~ Treasure hunting has never been so profitable, and for the entrepreneur, once called "junk dealer", his day has also arrived! Oversees products have flooded the market with plastic and cheaply made goods that people are once again seeking that good ol' American made, one-of-a-kind bolt, lever, or invisible hinge thingy that just isn't made anymore. Simple, unique and durable are the adjectives describing most items found at second hand stores, and "re-used" is not just for "greenies" anymore.
STORMWATER RESOURCE ~ The built environment is covered with layers of impervious material that once was the collecting surface of our aquifers, and allowed for groundwater replenishment. Decades of building an infrastructure that was meant to carry 100-year storm water will soon be used to divert this new source of water back to the community. Keeping these waters from reaching the ocean will create untold benefits such as, adding fresh water to natural wells, reduced water pollution from stormwater run-off, and lower the risk of potentially rising sea levels.
By Wayne J. R. Bowser, LEED AP | November 12, 2011 at 02:26 AM EST | No Comments
All this talk about the Global Warming Theory (GWT) can be confusing, but one thing we can all agree; temperatures are rising! Is this just a natural phenomenon, or are we really the cause? Is the warming due to increased carbon dioxide emissions, or is the increase in CO2 the direct result of Earth experiencing a warming cycle?
It's not so easy, however, to prove which is the correct "cause and effect" scenario, but in either case, the built environment is evolving for the better, and the people who decide these things are taking a positive approach toward global sustainability.
Leaders of Green, Inc. has joined the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and other local and state agencies, and has recently adopted the 2030 Challenge. Emerging out of a response to the climate change crises, a non-profit, non-partisan organization, Architecture 2030's mission is to reduce anthropogenic carbon dioxide emission, by reducing energy consumption for all buildings. The resolution calls for carbon neutrality in the built environment by the year 2030. This, in effect, encourages Architects, Designers, Builders and Developers to be the catalyst for change, and needless to say, it's a daunting task!
It won't be easy to change the way we've always built things, but it's being done; slowly, but surely. The U.S. Green Building Council and the American Institute of Architects is a big part of that change, and together with other stake holders, are establishing consistent standards for Building Green, and working to integrate them into National Health and Safety Codes.
This equates to smarter and better functioning buildings, with healthier indoor environments, and less impact on the outdoor environment. It also means lower utility bills, less maintenance and fewer repairs. It will require team work, persistence, due diligence and research. Are you up for the challenge?
Keep in mind, it's not all about the GWT...it's about Sustainability, and creating a world for future generations.
By Wayne J. R. Bowser, LEED AP | April 25, 2011 at 11:55 PM EDT | No Comments
The term, Greenwashing, is becoming very common within the industry, yet we're seeing more and more of these bogus marketing ploys that are leaving many of us crying foul! We're crying foul because our clients, who are oblivious to these claims of green-ness, or who once may have thought they were pretty savvy to the "BS" claims, are now seeing red!
You know the old saying, "Fool me once, shame on you ...fool me twice, shame on me."
Our savvy consumers aren't taking it anymore, and they are demanding accountability. This is a good thing, and for those companies that are in business to promote real sustainability by providing goods and services that offer real environmental conservation, authentic social benefits and documented economic viability, we're not just crying foul, we're taking action!
But first, what has caused such cynicism toward the green movement? Why are so many customers feeling alienated? How have some of the large, noteworthy businesses, lost credibility? Bad Marketing.
The Sins of Greenwashing describes the act of Greenwashing as an "...act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service." The following is an excerpt from their report on The Sins of Greenwashing.
Sin #1 Hidden Trade-off: Green product is based on an unreasonably narrow set of attributes without attention to other important environmental issues.
Sin #2 No Proof: Green claims that cannot be substantiated by easily accessible supporting information or by a reliable third-party certificate.
Sin #3 Vagueness: Green claims that are so poorly defined or broad that it's real meaning is likely to be misunderstood by the consumer.
Sin #4 Irrelevance: Green claims that may be truthful but is unimportant or unhelpful for consumers seeking environmentally preferable products.
Sin #5 Lessor of Two Evils: Green claims that may be true within the product category, but that risk distracting the consumer from the greater environmental impacts of the category as a whole.
Sin #6 Fibbing: Green claims that are simply false.
Sin #7 Worshiping False Labels: Green claims that, through either words or images, gives the impression of third-party endorsement where no such endorsement actually exists.
Greenwashing may just be around for as long as there are those who will buy it, but that doesn't mean YOU have to...Caveat emptor!
By Wayne J. R. Bowser, LEED AP | April 22, 2011 at 07:06 PM EDT | No Comments
Earth Day has been around for over 40 years and every year more and more information, tools and gimmicks arrive that are meant to save the planet. It's interesting how we, as inhabitants, think we have so much control over this big blue planet, when it is often proved that we have so little control over our own lives.
This brings us to what Earth Day was really meant to be about. Impacting what's around around us, to make the world a better place. Caring for our neighbors; our community, and the people we share this planet with. As individuals, we have such an influence on our environment, good or bad.
A smile given to a self-absorbed teenager might just be timed perfectly to encourage him not to drop out of school. On the other hand, ignoring the homeless women, as if she where invisible, may be the last straw that sent her over the edge. We just never know what we do today, will affect others tomorrow. Timing is everything.
Sustainability is a lot about perfect timing and correct placement; similar to the Butterfly Effect. We can bring food to the poor, or we can provide a place for our community to grow our own vegetables, and share the wealth with everyone. When our government, however, prevents us from cultivating our own land for nutritious food; allowing us to make a living by being self-sufficient...saving the planet becomes less of a priority.
Happy Earth Day...Everday! It's not necessarily about the planet, but more about the inhabitants, and learning to be sustainable.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
LEED 2012 ~ The updated version will receive a record number of stakeholder responses and input, as more 
PRESERVATION ~ More focus will be placed on renovation, whereas, the current stock of office buildings, retail centers and residential homes have been left vacant through the latest economic recession. This aging sector of the built environment, however, will require extensive energy retrofits and upgrades to be more energy efficient, but the new 
ECO-TOURISM ~ Finding places to visit and vacation closer to home is a growing trend, but destination places will now be focusing on supporting local breweries, providing meals from local farms, and in some areas, local wines. Bio-degradable detergents and eco-friendly cleaners will be the norm, as well as hypo-allergenic linens in every in guest room. Look for geo-caching, 
GREEN BUILDING EDUCATION ~ More home owners will be taking on their own renovations, and the DIY crowd will be wanting to "do it green". Add this to the growing number of contractors needing to understand more about waste reduction, toxin elimination, chain of custody, air-balancing and third party verification; education in 
GREEN VERIFICATION ~ It's no secret that most businesses are struggling, and to reduce employee turnover, combat high utility costs, and lower building maintenance expenses, many are turning to "green". It has been shown that consumers are also looking for these "green" businesses, and are rewarding them with their green currency. Fake green, or green-washing, however, is becoming common place, and is why owners that are serious about sustainability are turning to 
BUSINESS to BUSINESS BOTTOM LINE ~ More business owners will be joining forces with other businesses, and combining their marketing efforts in order to grow their individual triple bottom line. These collaborations will save valuable environmental resources by reducing duplication; enhance productivity through diversification; and reach more customers, thus making more sales, and growing profits. 
LOCAL FOOD ~ Consumers are realizing that food grown locally has more flavor, and enjoys less chemicals, and because it supports the local economy, everyone benefits. However, many 
CO2 EMISSION LAWS ~ California is setting the course to control Greenhouse Gas Emissions, with the passing of 
RECYCLING makes BIG GAINS ~ The commodity market for post-consumer plastic, aluminum, wood, metal and glass is exploding, and several industries have developed that are now dependent on this stock of inventory that produces everything from landscape material to clothing. We will continue to see more products in America manufactured from recycled household trash, and small recycling companies emerging, and 
JUNK to TREASURE ~ Treasure hunting has never been so profitable, and for the entrepreneur, once called "junk dealer", his day has also arrived! Oversees products have flooded the market with plastic and cheaply made goods that people are once again seeking that good ol' American made, one-of-a-kind bolt, lever, or invisible hinge thingy that just isn't made anymore. Simple, unique and durable are the adjectives describing most items found at second hand stores, and "re-used" is not just for "greenies" anymore. 
The term, Greenwashing, is becoming very common within the industry, yet we're seeing more and more of these bogus marketing ploys that are leaving many of us crying foul! We're crying foul because our clients, who are oblivious to these claims of green-ness, or who once may have thought they were pretty savvy to the "BS" claims, are now seeing red!