The Sky’s the Limit — Bethesda Green Gala

The 3rd annual Bethesda Green Gala, Thursday, October 11, 2012, hosted at 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard – a “green” building that has earned LEED Platinum certification – will offer an evening of inspiration, celebration and recognition of local green champions.

In addition to recognizing the 2012 Bethesda Magazine Green Award Winners, highlights of the evening with the theme of The Sky Is the Limit will include displays that imagine what a green community can be.  The Gala will offer fare from local purveyors, an open bar with local beer and wine, a silent auction featuring sustainable gifts and services, and more.

More information about the Gala can be found here, or you may purchase tickets directly at the link below.

 

LEED 2012: Leading the Changes in the Green Building Industry

by Peter Doo

How do you drive an entire industry to build “green,” sustainable buildings? The US Green Building Council (USGBC), with its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, set the standard for building green. Through LEED, a green building can be rewarded an official certification. This certification incentivizes building owners, designers and contractors to look beyond energy savings to make a building that helps and does not harm its users, site, community and the earth.

Now USGBC is setting a new bar for the industry with LEED 2012.

LEED has often been criticized for not producing the results that it touts. While some of this criticism is justified, the USGBC has consistently responded with new requirements and updates (energy reporting for example) to address many of those criticisms. Meanwhile, the larger and undeniable impact of LEED has been in the transformation of the marketplace of products and services to make true sustainability more accessible to everyone. LEED 2012 promises to keep us all moving in that direction.

Some cities, counties and states have mandated LEED for new buildings in their jurisdictions. Projects pursuing certification under LEED 2012 will definitely find it more challenging to achieve the same ratings they received under the prior systems, LEED v2.2 and LEED 2009. Municipalities will have to determine whether they keep their mandate and escalate their sustainability goals with LEED 2012, or whether they relax or eliminate their mandate altogether.

What are some of the changes in the new LEED 2012? Several of the available credits in the Materials & Resources category, for example, require the disclosure and/or avoidance of chemical toxins in building products and materials. While this is likely to be an area of some controversy if adopted, this is where the next market transformative impact of LEED is likely to be.

On the energy efficiency side, the new referenced standard is ASHRAE 2010. This represents a significant increase in energy efficiency targets that project teams should be aware of.

What other changes are coming? How will it affect the industry as a whole and the Mid-Atlantic region in particular? And how do building owners and professionals navigate this shift? These questions and more will be addressed at a special event on Tuesday, June 12th in Bethesda, Maryland, “Anticipating the Changes and Challenges of LEED 2012,” a Natural Capital Series event. For more information and to register, go to http://naturalcapitalLEED2012.eventbrite.com.

Peter Doo, FAIA, President of Doo Consulting, LLC is a sustainability consultant with over 30 years of experience in building design and construction. Peter is a LEED AP and founder of the USGBC Maryland Chapter. Doo Consulting provides services to guide, coordinate and administrate the LEED certification process for all LEED rating systems. For more information, visit www.dooconsulting.net.

 

Green News & Events, November 22, 2011

by Dan Rudt                                                                                             

SEED to Build Net Zero Home in Bethesda

Rockville based SEED Green Homebuilders has announced plans to build the company’s first net zero home at 5709 Lone Oak Drive, near Fleming Park in North Bethesda. A net zero home is one that produces as much energy as it consumes. According to the company Website, the 5,500 sq.ft., 6 bedroom home will be equipped with a planned 3kw solar electric system, solar hot water heater, an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system and high efficiency, Energy Star HVAC equipment. An energy-efficient building envelope will protect the home from outdoor temperature fluctuations.

SEED Green Homebuilders was founded in 2008 by a husband and wife team, Vic and Rachel Puri. Vic Puri told this reporter he expects construction to begin next spring and to reach completion in late fall, 2012. Before placing the home on the market, Puri intends to use it as a teaching tool. “We plan to hold educational events throughout the build, as well as tours once it is complete, to review the fundamentals of green building.” He wants people to “see and understand insulation, a proper HVAC install, and generally what’s inside the walls.”

SEED has built energy efficient housing since the company’s founding. By the time construction begins on the Lone Oak home, Puri expects five of his projects to achieve LEED gold or silver certification. While this will be the company’s first net zero home, he expects to build more. “We hope to one day build only net zero homes, but that is likely a few years away,” dependent on market factors such as affordability and demand. He characterized the Lone Oak home as “a test to see if home buyers really want this. We think they will, as we won’t be putting a premium on the ‘green’ aspects and we will compete with the traditional builders in price and value.”

Revenge of the Electric Car Opening in DC

This is one film sequel we think will be well worth seeing. Chris Paine, who gave us the documentary film, Who Killed the Electric Car?, takes his film crew behind the closed doors of Nissan, GM, and Tesla Motors to chronicle the start of a era of electric cars. Revenge of the Electric Car follows the race to be first, best, and most iconic. The new documentary features CEO and President of Renault/Nissan Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Tesla Motors Elon Musk, Former Vice Chairman of GM Bob Lutz and EV do-it-yourselfer Greg “Gadget” Abbott.

“Fascinating and highly entertaining– with an irresistible cast of characters…and unprecedented  access to the inner workings of GM, Nissan, and Silicon Valley start-up Tesla Motors.”  Andrew O’Hehir, Salon

 “The strength of ‘Revenge’ lies in its storytelling. The film’s multithreaded, character-driven narrative humanizes corporate entities that (Paine) once portrayed as monolithic, making a complex business story more gripping for its intimacy … The stakes are staggeringly high. We get the idea that building electric cars isn’t merely an act of political or social significance, it’s a brutally risky endeavor demanding superhuman devotion.” Mike Spinelli, Jalopnik

Revenge of the Electric Car plays for one week only starting this Friday, November 25 at the E Street Cinema in the District. View the trailer here.

Save Waterways – Bring Your Own Bag  

Beginning January 1, Montgomery County retailers will charge five cents for each paper or plastic bag they provide to customers. The county government wants us to be ready for the change, and has created a thirty second video reminding us to bring our own reusable bags. The video informs us that “plastic bags are the single biggest source of waterway litter” that costs Montgomery County taxpayers $3 million a year to clean up. Spend 30 seconds here.

Upcoming Green Events

“Shopping Green and Local Holiday Fair,” Saturday, Nov 26, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm, Amicus Green Building Center, 4080A Howard Ave, in the West Howard Antiques District of Kensington. Amicus invites you to shop for green, healthy, and locally produced holiday offerings. They will have home goods and tools for eco-cooks and energy geeks; gift wrap and stationary (how about note paper made from recycled beer grain!); eco-travel options; adventure tours; Capital Bikeshare memberships; and other surprises. As a bonus, AmEx card members who register their card online (here: https://sync.americanexpress.com/sbs2011) and spend $25 will get a $25 statement credit from AmEx.

Talk: “An Ozone Monitoring Garden,” Tuesday, November 29, 7:30 pm, Kensington Park Public Library, 4201 Knowles Avenue, Kensington. Monthly meeting of the Maryland Native Plant Society. Speaker Jeannie Allen is a Science Education Specialist for Sigma Space Corp at NASA Goddard. In summer, our area experiences ozone levels that are well above what is healthy for plants, animals, and people. Several common native plants are sensitive to ozone and, when over-exposed, show specific changes in their leaves. Learn how ozone is formed; how to recognize ozone damage and which plants may show it; hear an update on our regional air quality based on NASA observations of Earth from space. There will be refreshments. Pot luck refreshments are always welcome. Bring native plants for “give-a-ways.” Sign up to attend.

Lighting the Way to a Greener Community! First Thursday Happy Hour, Dec. 1, 5 – 8 pm. Redwood Restaurant and Wine Bar, 7121 Bethesda Lane. An evening of casual conversation and networking with Bethesda Green and Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light. Meet GWIPL Director Joelle Novey, and learn what local congregations are doing to save energy and go green. Complimentary vegetarian appetizers, Happy Hour drink specials. Contribution: $10 at the door will support both organizations. RSVP.

Maryland 2012: Legislation to Protect our Air, Land, Water, and People, Monday, Dec. 5, 6:30- 8:30 pm, Salisbury University, Guerrieri University Center – Nanticoke Room # 236, 1101 Camden Ave. Salisbury, MD 21801.  2012 will be a year with a continuing tough economy and budget cuts affecting our environment. Learn the issues from leaders in the environmental community, share what you think should happen in Annapolis, and hear from our elected officials. Refreshments will be served. RSVP for this FREE event.

Maryland-Asia Environmental Partnership (MD-AEP), 3rd Annual Energy and Environmental Leadership Series Banquet, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 6 – 9 pm. Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (home of the world’s first sustainable aquaculture system), The Columbus Center, Baltimore. Philippines Ambassador to the United States, The Honorable Jose L. Cuisia will keynote the event. Also expected to attend are MD Secretary of the Environment Bob Summers, Secretary John Griffin of DNR, Chesapeake Bay Commission Director Ann Swanson and key Environmental Committee members of the MD General Assembly. Tickets are $90. When registering, type “BethesdaGreen” when prompted for a discount code and receive a $15 discount. More information and registration.

ACORE Phase II National Policy Conference: “Renewable Energy in America – Creating Security and Prosperity,” Wednesday, December 7, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, Cannon Caucus Room, Cannon House Office Building (& Reception, Dec. 6, 6:00 – 8:00 pm @ Folger Shakespeare Library). The American Council on Renewable Energy conference will explore the key policy issues related to increasing private investment in and use of renewable energy in both the electricity and transportation sectors, and will lay the groundwork for the 2012 US renewable energy market and finance policy agenda. Conference Website and registration. Discount available using code: SPT20BEG

 

“Breaking glass” on green building reconstruction in Bethesda

by Dan Rudt

They were twelve men and women in business attire. The office building had been stripped down to cinder block, steel, concrete and glass. Each donned goggles and gloves, hoisted long-handled mallets, and proceeded to smash the windows in front of them. It was not an act of vandalism or a prank. It was a symbolic act of a new beginning for an old building. It was a glass breaking ceremony on Tuesday, November 8, at 7550 Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda.

Chip Akridge (L) ready to break glass with John Coury of Rockwood Capital

The vacant 120,000 square foot office building at the corner of Wisconsin and Commerce Lane was purchased at GSA auction in 2010 by Washington, DC commercial real estate developer Akridge in partnership with Rockwood Capital, LLC. Reconstruction is underway and expected to be completed by late 2012. New, energy-saving features are expected to earn the building LEED certification.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The certification program was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2000. LEED certification is available for commercial buildings, schools, health care facilities, retailers and homes, whether new, existing or renovated. USGBC examines buildings for energy efficiency, CO2 reduction, indoor environmental quality, water intake, resource depletion, and other environmental factors. Certification is awarded at four levels, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Certified.

Akridge is rebuilding 7550 Wisconsin Avenue with LEED Gold certification in mind. To attain that standard, a number of environmentally friendly changes will be incorporated into the building. Among the improvements, according to Lisa Steen, Akridge Vice President of Marketing:

• A green source will be used to derive 35% of the building’s energy
• Energy use will be reduced by nearly 20% compared to non-LEED certified buildings
• Water conserving fixtures will assist in 35% reduction in water usage
• A green roof with rooftop terrace is designed to assist in keeping the ambient temperature of the roof cooler through evaporation of water
• Indoor air quality will be enhanced through the use of low emitting materials and ample fresh outdoor air to be distributed through the building
• Reconstruction will utilize 20% recycled content, and more than 50% of construction waste will be recycled
• Bicycle storage and changing facilities will be available to building occupants
• Building occupants will benefit from daylight in 75% of the space and views in 90% of the space, adding to the quality of life and overall work environment

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot (L), with Ron Paul, Chairman & CEO of EagleBank

Akridge is no stranger to green buildings. Among its numerous awards, the company received Energy Star Leader “Top Performer” Awards in 2008, 09 and 10. It was named Energy Star Partner of the Year in 2009, the same year that the USGBC National Capital Region honored company founder and chairman, Chip Akridge, as Member of the Year.

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, speaking at the glassbreaking ceremony in Bethesda, thanked Chip Akridge and company president, Matt Klein for “providing employment and economic activity.” Franchot went on to say that “the private sector is the only engine that’s going to bring us out of the recession.”

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett commented at the ceremony that, “this is the right thing for Bethesda and this is the right thing for Montgomery County.”

Dan Rudt is a former radio news anchor and public affairs program host for WPGC-AM, and producer for Westwood One Radio Networks. He is currently a freelance writer/reporter in Montgomery County, MD covering the environmental beat.

 

Sustainable design presentation at Bethesda Green

John Spears, president of Sustainable Design Group

Ecological pioneer John Spears kicked off the first of what will be monthly Bethesda Green lunchtime discussions October 13 with an informative presentation about building energy self-sufficient homes.  Nearly 20 attendees learned about a variety of renewable energy sources and the financial paybacks for investing in them.

Spears, president of Sustainable Design Group, is an internationally recognized expert with 30 years experience in energy conservation, renewable energy systems, indoor air quality and sustainable design.  He provides design and consulting services in the areas of residential and commercial building energy conservation, renewable energy systems, “Green Building” design, indoor air quality and sustainable community development.

Bethesda Green is featuring a number of Upcoming Events in October on Energy Efficiency, including an introductory 101 workshop Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7-9 pm.

Bethesda Green's Solar Decathlon visitors

After the Spears presentation, a group headed down to DC to visit the Solar Decathlon, which runs until Oct. 18.  The Solar Decathlon, an event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, presents the powerful combination of solar energy, energy efficiency, and the best in home design.  Set up on the Washington Mall, the event joins 20 college and university teams in a competition to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered house.

 

Recycling jeans for insulation

Working in partnership with Amicus Green Building Center, Bethesda Green was a drop-off point for the Habitat for Humanity Denim Collection drive over the past couple of months.  Old jeans are shredded and used to make insulation in homes constructed by Habitat for Humanity.

The drive ends Monday June 15.  Last year, the Amicus team collected enough denim to make 75,000 square feet of insulation for use in about 85 Habitat homes in the recovering Gulf Coast.  The goal this year is to set a new record.  We’ll let you know the result when we get the final tally.

Thanks to all who dropped off old jeans, in particular Walt Whitman High School students Dana Max, Claire Silverstein, and Sara Allen (pictured), along with teacher Kelly Garton, who delivered more than half the total haul of jeans collected at Bethesda Green (estimated 250 pairs of jeans).

 

Bethesda Magazine highlights green eateries and construction

Make sure you pick up a copy of the May/June 2009 issue of Bethesda Magazine.  Editor and Publisher Steve Hull and the magazine staff are really getting in a groove picking up on the local “green” business environment.  One article worth your attention is a tasty offering from veteran writer Carole Sugarman on local green eateries.  “‘Green’ Eggs: Making sense of organic, sustainable, local and green,” page 79, features quotes from Bethesda Green Executive Director Dave Feldman and spotlights our friends from Whole Foods, Sweetgreen, and others.

Additionally, the issue’s special Home section features an interesting article by Louisa Jagger, page 198.  “Extreme Green: Two new Bethesda-area homes push the limits of green construction — in very different ways” explores building energy-efficient homes, with a great sidebar explaining some of the techniques and systems used, including passive solar, photovoltaic panels, solar hot water, geothermal energy, and insulation.  It’s must-reading for any homeowner considering investing in energy-efficient technologies.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the Bethesda Green ad on page 264 (thumbnail version pictured here).  The tagline on the ad, created pro bono by the team at Nasuti + Hinkle Creative Thinking, reads: “The energy saved recycling steel for 1 year can provide a big city with electricity for a decade.”   As always, thanks to Nasuti and Bethesda Magazine for helping get our message out.

 

Bethesda Green visits PeriPoint

Cindy Powers, Michael Belisle, and Catriona Fraser on the PeriPoint rooftop with a view of the Bethesda cityscape looking out Old Georgetown Road.

Bethesda Green enjoyed a tour of PeriPoint yesterday.  That’s the unique, new building at the corner of Wilson Lane and Old Georgetown Road, designed by architect Michael Belisle, that replaced the old vacuum repair shop.

Bethesda Green Environmental Program Coordinator Cindy Powers and I met Michael and his wife, Elyse Harrison, Founder of Gallery Neptune, housed on the second floor of PeriPoint.  Joining us was Catriona Fraser, Director of Fraser Gallery, which will soon be exhibiting examples of what I call eco-art, featuring pieces created from discarded materials.

A visionary restaurant owner wanting a prominent location in a featured green space, should consider the PeriPoint first-floor vacancy.  The building’s green features include:

• a reduced energy system for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems
• pavers and perimeters on the sidewalk terrace to reduce storm water run-off
• partial green roof on the upper rooftop garden
• bike racks and showers to encourage walking and biking to work
• maximum daylight lighting with operable windows
• louvered solar screens, designed to block sunlight during hot summer months
• renewable building materials, including recycled material content, recycled demolished building parts, and avoiding any non-renewable materials
• highly efficient energy recovery ventilator for exhausting stale air from the building and drawing fresh air in to replace it
• circular, exterior stair takes up less room than a normal staircase; does not have to be cooled, heated or continuously lit, saving money on energy costs
• non-hydraulic KONE elevator uses 20% of the energy of a typical elevator.

Thanks to Michael for the tour of his building.  Gallery Neptune is currently exhibiting Emily Piccirillo, “Into the Open,” until February 28, with an Artist’s Talk scheduled Saturday, February 21, 2 p.m.