Bethesda Green

by Dan Rudt                                                                                                

EPA Names DC 2011 Green Power Community of the Year

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the District’s government, businesses, institutions, and residents collectively purchase nearly 760 million kilowatt-hours of green power annually, making it the largest Green Power Community in the nation. More than 8 percent of the electricity sold in the District comes from green power. The city government alone purchases 244 million kilowatt-hours of green power annually, or 50 percent of its total municipal load. The only other city to receive the 2011 Green Power Community of the Year Award is Portland, Oregon. Read about the Green Power Leadership Awards.

Virginia Approves Hefty Residential Solar Fee

Regulators in Virginia have approved a fee, requested by Dominion Virginia Power, on homeowners who install solar arrays of 10kw or more. Dominion’s rationale for this “standby” fee, according to a Virginian-Pilot article, is that they still “must maintain the poles, wires and operating equipment” for customers who generate their own electricity through solar power. Dominion currently has only one residential customer whose solar array is large enough for them to impose the fee. That has led smaller customers to worry that the company will use the approval as a stepping stone to request the fee for all residences with solar in the future. The one customer who qualifies for the fee says it amounts to 20% of his electrical cost savings, a heavy penalty to pay for switching to solar. Virginian-Pilot article by Carolyn Shapiro.  

Local Farmers Sell Direct to You

Montgomery Countryside Alliance recommends we take some time this winter to learn about buying food direct from the source. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has been around for 20 years, and provides a model (with variations) that benefit both consumer and farmer. Read about CSAs here. View a list of local CSA farms here.

FSU Building Sustainable Energy Research Facility

Frostburg State University has begun construction on a new Sustainable Energy Research Facility (SERF) that will support the research, education and community outreach programs of the FSU Renewable Energy Center. The facility will serve as an example of an energy-efficient, sustainable building for homeowners, farmers or businesses in western Maryland. The 6,300 square foot SERF, built with the aid of US DOE grants, will generate its own electricity from solar and wind power, and solar thermal collectors and geothermal energy will be used for heating, cooling and air conditioning.

Upcoming Green Events

MCDOT Public Meeting: Proposed Bikesharing Initiative along Metrorail Red Line, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6:00 – 8:30 pm., lobby auditorium of the Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville. Staff is seeking your input on bike sharing locations from the DC line to the Beltway along both Montgomery County portions of the Metrorail Red Line. More information here.

Talk: “An Ozone Monitoring Garden,” Tuesday, Nov. 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. 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, Dec. 7, 7  am – 5  pm, Cannon Caucus Room, Cannon House Office Building (& Reception, Dec. 6, 6 – 8 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 U.S. renewable energy market and finance policy agenda. Conference Website and registration. Discount available using code: SPT20BEG

Bethesda Green Education, Outreach and Marketing (EOM) Group Meeting – Newcomers Welcome! Wednesday, Dec. 7, 4:00 – 5:30 pm at Bethesda Green, 4825 Cordell Ave., corner of Woodmont Ave., Suite 200, above the Capital One Bank. A team of volunteers, EOM supports all of Bethesda Green’s communication efforts. From recycling to energy efficiency, sustainability to green building/design, EOM expresses the organization’s various areas of expertise in a clear and concise manner via various media.  New members are welcome to join. More information here, or contact Bethesda Green Communications Director Dave Heffernan, dvheffernan@bethesdagreen.org.

Crete: The Roots of the Mediterranean Diet, Presentation & Brunch, Sunday, December 11, 2011, 12:30 – 3:30 pm. Enjoy the benefits of one of the world’s healthiest cuisines. Free presentation by Chef-Author Nikki Rose at Bethesda Green, 4825 Cordell Ave. Suite 200, Bethesda (12:30 – 1:30pm). Followed by Brunch at Yamas Mediterranean Grill, 4806 Rugby Ave., Bethesda (1:30 – 3:30 pm). Brunch is $30 and includes a complimentary glass of wine. More information and reservations here.

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

This Saturday, our friends at the Amicus Green Building Center in Kensington, MD (in the West Howard Antiques District) will be hosting its first “Shopping Green and Local Holiday Fair,” to allow people to holiday shop for green, healthy, and locally produced offerings. Amicus will have lots of 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.

When: Sat, Nov 26 from 10:30 – 4:30
Where: Amicus Green Building Center, 4080A Howard Ave, Kensington, MD (1 block off Connecticut Ave, 2 miles north of the Beltway)
Why: Shop for beautiful goods with great causes and help our local economy

Weatherization Services from Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County

Montgomery County homeowners who earn less than the income listed in the chart below may qualify for FREE weatherization services from Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County.  Applicants must have a need for weatherization services, such as:

o        Air leakage from doors and windows,

o        High electricity, gas and water bills despite efforts to conserve, and/or

o        Uninsulated attic and/or crawl spaces

and be unable to afford to do the repairs themselves.  Applicants must be willing to partner with Habitat and contribute the required Sweat Equity hours (up to 10 hours including homeowner education)

*there is no minimum income needed to qualify

Individuals and families interested in applying should contact Teresa McCoy at 301-990-0014 x19, or download the application at: http://tinyurl.com/wapp2011

By Cheryl Kollin, Full Plate Ventures

I met Nikki Rose recently at Yamas Mediterranean Grill with owner Tony Alexis. The three of us sat down to discuss Nikki’s new book and Tony’s Greek traditions as we munched on stuffed grape-leaves, olives, and tzatziki.

“Many people around the world are striving to ‘return to the land,’ while many people in rural Crete have never left the land,” chef and author, Nikki Rose describes of her homeland. This Greek American author has demonstrated for more than 15 years that the nutritional benefits of the cuisine of Crete can be applied wherever we live. In her new book, Crete: The Roots of the Mediterranean Diet, Nikki draws many parallels with her family home of Crete to the growing interest of eating a healthier diet based on non-commercially processed, fresh, seasonal, and sustainably-grown food in the U.S.

Nikki organizes seminars and study abroad programs in Crete through her program, Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries (CCS). She has received numerous awards from National Geographic, the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity and many other organizations for her success in creating sustainable travel, community-based tourism and culinary seminars that bring focus to the expanding inquiry into sustainability. Her book is a culmination of her experience and work on the island.

Located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Crete is the largest island in Greece and the southernmost island in Europe.

Serving Aspasia cheese

With its snow-capped mountains, mild and rainy winters, and summer temperatures averaging 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the island’s climate supports over 4,000 years of agricultural practices. Olive oil, whole grains and beans, and a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown in Crete form the basis of the classic Mediterranean diet—widely touted as a much healthier cuisine than the heavily processed, industrially-raised meat, and fast food that many Americans have embraced for more than half a century.

Nikki promotes dining the Cretan way centered on Meze, or small plates of a variety of foods, much of which is served raw or cooked simply, which is ideal for busy people. She also sees Meze as a perfect way to introduce children to a variety of foods. “Serve produce first and children will eat more of it before they get distracted or load up on meat and starch and nothing else,” Nikki writes.

The author invites us to experience the rhythm of the seasons through narrative and beautiful photos, and introduces us to how food is traditionally prepared. Nikki describes the wonderful flavor of zucchini blossoms, fava beans eaten raw as a snack, and mizithra, a fresh cheese. Seasonal favorites include figs, lemons, oranges, apricots, pomegranate, walnuts and almonds. Fisherman pull octopi out of their hiding places and bedazzle observers by tenderizing their catch on the rocky coast.

Chef Dimitris cooking with Horta

When the annual rains return in autumn and winter, horta or wild greens burst forth, olives are harvested and pressed for oil, and grapes are distilled into a spirit called raki—a symbol of hospitality that is also used in natural medicine.

Tony Alexis related his own boyhood horta experience as new immigrants from Greece in the 1970’s. “On weekends my parents, their friends and I would drive out to Tyson’s Corner area to pick horta along the roadside. Passersby would look on with curiosity at our wild greens forging, which we considered a seasonal delicacy!”

Nikki and Tony will bring the flavors of Crete to Bethesda on December 11^th. Nikki will share her knowledge about the culture and cuisine of Crete at Bethesda Green. Autographed copies of her book will be available for sale at the event or can be ordered online at www.cookingincrete.com. Proceeds benefit ongoing CCS initiatives. Afterwards, Tony will cook up a special Greek brunch from his native country. Join us for this fascinating and delicious celebration of the cuisine of Crete. Reservations required for both events. Register here; for more details call (301) 312-8384.

This event is co-hosted by Yamas Mediterranean Grill, Bethesda Green, and Full Plate Ventures.

Yamas Mediterranean Grill Yamas means, “to your health”. Owner Tony Alexis celebrates his Greek heritage by serving this healthy, delicious cuisine in downtown Bethesda.

Bethesda Green, incubates, educates, and initiates by connecting business, government and community through programs and services to promote a healthy economy and sustainable living practices in order to reduce our collective impact on the environment.

Full Plate Ventures provides business consulting to social enterprises to enhance their profitability while serving their social mission.

Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries Eco-Agritourism Network  is an award-winning educational travel programs celebrating Crete’s cultural and natural heritage.

Event Announcement:

Crete: The Roots of the Mediterranean Diet
enjoying the benefits of one of the world’s healthiest cuisines wherever you live

Sunday, December 11, 2011
Join us for an intriguing glimpse into Crete’s culinary heritage. Enjoy a unique brunch
featuring dishes celebrating the flavors of Crete.

12:30-1:30 pm — Presentation by Chef-Author Nikki Rose (free)

Bethesda Green
4825 Cordell Ave. Suite 200
Bethesda, MD  20814

1:30-3:30 pm — Celebrating the Flavors of Crete Brunch

$30 (includes a complimentary glass of wine)

Yamas Mediterranean Grill
4806 Rugby Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814

Register here for both events; for more details call (301) 312-8384.

by Dan Rudt

Call to Action for DC Area Bicyclists

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) has published a “call to action” directed to area bicyclists and bicycling activists. Published in a 30 page PDF document on the group’s Website, the stated purpose is to make bicycling “a viable form of transportation for a much broader segment of the population.” WABA calls for “some unity among the many planning bodies, transportation agencies, and advocacy/advisory groups” in the Washington area in order “to move beyond simply making bicycling possible” and to fully integrate it into our regional transportation network. The PDF lays out how bicycling advocates can position themselves to help the region move toward that goal.

Habitat for Humanity Offers Free Weatherization Services

Non-profit home builder, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County (HFH-MC), now offers home weatherization services for county homeowners who cannot afford to pay someone to perform needed repairs and do not have the knowledge to do the repairs themselves. The aim is to reduce the homeowner’s electric, gas and water bills. Weatherization includes stopping air leaks from windows and doors, insulating attics and crawl spaces, replacing light bulbs with CFLs, installing low-flow shower heads, and similar services.

Eligibility for assistance depends on household income and number of family members. For a family of four, for example, annual household income must be less than $67,600. The homeowner must be willing to contribute up to 10 hours for education and sweat equity in the project, which is carried out by Habitat staff and volunteers. Individuals and families interested in applying should contact Teresa McCoy at 301-990-0014 x 19, or download the application.

Wanted: Birders with Binoculars and Winter Coats

Tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas will participate in the Audubon Society’s 112th Christmas Bird Count from December 14 through January 5. The first Audubon census involved 27 people on December 25, 1900. Audubon and other organizations use the data collected to assess the health of bird populations – and to help guide conservation action. Information about the bird count, including how to get involved, is on the Audubon Website.

Volunteer to Help Build Section of Northwood Chesapeake Bay Trail

Volunteers are needed from noon to 4 p.m. on November 19 and 20 to help build a new, quarter-mile section of the Northwood Chesapeake Bay Trail that will connect Northwest Branch and Sligo Creek parks. The new trail portion will be on the Breewood Property, located at the southeast corner of Sligo Creek Parkway and University Boulevard behind the Norwood Church. The project is a partnership between the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Northwood High School, Neighbors of Northwest Branch and Montgomery County Department of Parks. Volunteers are needed each day to clean up litter, build stepping stones across a small stream, remove small roots and debris along slopes and, in difficult soil, blaze the trail and cut heavy invasive vines. Meet at the front entrance to Northwood High School, 919 University Blvd., Silver Spring. Students can earn Service Learning hours for their work. Email Jennifer Chambers, the project coordinator, at jennifer@hikingalong.com.

Upcoming Green Events

Free Screening of Documentary, Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time, Monday, Nov. 14, 7:30 pm, TC Williams High School Rotunda (second floor), 3330 King Street, Alexandria. This screening of the first full length documentary about the legendary conservationist, ecologist and author of The Sand County Almanac is presented by Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, Go Green Alexandria, TC Williams HS Environmental Club, and Equinox Investments. Read about the movie here. Registration, directions and important note about parking posted here.

Virtual Town Hall. Live Internet Discussion with County Executive Ike Leggett, Wednesday, Nov. 16, noon – 1 pm. Get your questions ready and send them in advance. More info here.

Montgomery County’s first “Know Your Farmer,” Call-In Webinar, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 8 pm. Montgomery Victory Gardens hosts “Challenges and Opportunities Facing Organic Agriculture in the 21st Century,” a discussion with Montgomery County farmers Nick and Sophia Maravell.  Nick is the operator of Nick’s Organic Farm in Potomac and one of only four farmers sitting on the prestigious National Organic Standards Board, while his daughter Sophia, who has studied organic agriculture throughout the world, is one of our nation’s new generation of aspiring farmers. Register here.

Home Energy Efficiency Workshop, Thursday, Nov. 17, 6:30 – 8:30 pm., Silver Spring Civic Center. Silver Spring Green invites you to learn more about energy audits, making retrofits to winterize your home and how energy efficiency can save you money! Driving directions and registration.

Montgomery County Green Business Crash Course Webinar, Nov. 17, 8 – 11 am. Offered in partnership by Montgomery College and Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. The course instructor will guide you through the application process to accelerate your certification. More info and registration.

Keystone XL Pipeline — Bad for the Environment and Our Health — Where Do We Go From Here?, Nov. 19, 6 – 10 pm.  Presented at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in the sanctuary, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20815.  Event includes potluck dinner and a panel discussion after showing two movies about the Keystone XL pipeline by Academy Award nominee Leslie Iwerks: “Pipe Dreams,” about the environmental devastation of tar sands; and “Downstream,” about a doctor’s valiant efforts to save the health of an aboriginal community in Canada affected by tar sands. RSVP to:  Molly Hauck, mollyhauck@verizon.net or 301-949-0178.

Shred-Recycle-Donate

Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 am – 2 pm. Wootten High School, 2100 Wootton Parkway, Rockville

Sunday, Nov. 20, 10 am – 2 pm, Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Shred and recycle your confidential paper and donate reusable clothing and household goods in working condition. Partners in these events are, Office Paper Systems, A Wider Circle, Interfaith Clothing Center, and NAMI Montgomery County. Volunteers welcome. More information and guidelines.

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.

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.

by Dan Rudt

Chesapeake Bay Trust Spring Education Mini Grants Available

The Chesapeake Bay Trust Environmental Education Mini Grant Program awards up to $5,000 to support activities at schools that help promote awareness of and participation in the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. Grants may be requested for relevant field trips, schoolyard habitat projects, watershed outdoor education, professional development workshops for teachers, or education materials, curriculum, and equipment that promote field-based Bay education. Spring projects should start no earlier than March 13, 2012. The deadline to apply is January 13, 2012. The Mini Grant Program is supported by a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Bay Watershed Education and Training Program. For more information, click here for a Word document from the Chesapeake Bay Trust Website.

MD Greenhouse Gas Act Gets Good Grades

Maryland’s 2009 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act (GGRA) was designed to cut the state’s greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2020. One provision of the Act called for independent studies to ensure that it improves reliability of electric service for consumers and industry, does not cause loss of jobs or significant increase in costs in the manufacturing sector, and will result in new, green jobs in the state.

The University of Maryland Center for Integrative Environmental Research (CIER) announced on November 2 that it has completed a pair of studies and concluded that the 2009 GGRA will not cause problems for manufacturing. In addition, researchers expect it will lead to improved reliability of electric service, as well as new jobs. The Maryland Department of the Environment, charged with submitting a tentative Climate Action Plan (CAP) to Gov. O’Malley by the end of 2011, commissioned the studies. Read more about CIER’s findings here.

Vehicle Cost Calculator

So you just paid a million-seven for your 16 cylinder Bugatti Veyron and you’re wondering how much you should budget for your morning commute? Rest assured, the U.S. Department of Energy has the answer. DOE just added a handy Vehicle Cost Calculator to their Website. The tool allows you to make side-by-side comparisons of emissions and lifetime operating costs of thousands of conventional, hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel vehicles from model year 1996 and newer. The calculator was developed by DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The Bugatti, by the way, will run you about fifty-cents per mile for gas, and add 27,700 pounds of CO2 to the atmosphere. Have fun with the calculator here.

Free Compost Bins

A November 2^nd tweet led to this message on the Audubon Society Website: “Our Chevy  Chase location usually has free compost bins for Montgomery Co. residents. Give us a quick call before you come over to pick them up. 301-652-3606. We also have books and free info on composting.” Can’t beat that!  By the way, the same bins — used to compost grass, leaves and yard debris — are also available from Bethesda Green.

And Before You Compost…

It’s getting cold outside; soup weather is here. Consider, before you throw your vegetable scraps in the bin, turning them into home made broth and sauces. “Charis,” writing on the Mom’s Organic Market blog, suggests freezing your veggie scraps, bones, and apple cores, until you have enough of them to fill a soup pot, then boil them up for broth. You can read her suggestions here. And congratulations to Mom’s, who just opened a new market in Herndon.

Upcoming Green Events

EV Learning Luncheon for Real Estate Professionals!, Thursday, November 10, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, One Bethesda Center, 4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda (at the Bethesda Metro Station). Presented by SemaConnect, the leader in EV charging stations and software in the Mid-Atlantic. Join others for an hour long educational session on the importance of EV charging stations in office, multi-family & retail commercial real estate. Registration and lunch are FREE. RSVP: naly.yang@semaconnect.com, 410-384-4223.

Bethesda Green Education, Outreach and Marketing (EOM) Group Meeting – Newcomers Welcome! Thursday, November 10, 4:00 – 5:30 pm., 4825 Cordell Ave., corner of Woodmont Ave., Suite 200, above the Chevy Chase Bank, Bethesda. A team of volunteers, EOM supports all of Bethesda Green’s communication efforts. From recycling to energy efficiency, sustainability to green building/design, EOM expresses the organization’s various areas of expertise in a clear and concise manner via various media.  New members are welcome to join. More information here, or contact Bethesda Green Communications Director Dave Heffernan, dvheffernan@bethesdagreen.org.

“Save Our Streams” workshop, Saturday, November 12, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Izaak Walton League National Conservation Center, 707 Conservation Lane off Muddy Branch Road in Gaithersburg. Participants will learn to collect underwater insects and crustaceans – indicators of water quality – with minimal environmental impact. Participants will also learn to test for basic chemical properties, such as the amount of dissolved oxygen available for fish, and how to share results through the Izaak Walton League’s user-friendly website. At the end of the training, participants will learn about sites that need monitoring on Muddy Branch. Extra training will be available for those who want to engage children in learning about stream ecology with fun and simple hands-on activities. A registration fee of $30 includes lunch, snacks and all books and workshop materials. To register, visit http://sosworkshopmd.eventbrite.com. For more information on the workshop contact Leah Miller, Izaak Walton League Clean Water Program Director, at 301-548-0150 x219 or leah@iwla.org.

Montgomery County’s first “Know Your Farmer,” Call-In Webinar, Wednesday, November 16, 8:00 pm. Montgomery Victory Gardens hosts “Challenges and Opportunities Facing Organic Agriculture in the 21st Century,” a discussion with Montgomery County farmers Nick and Sophia Maravell.  Nick is the operator of Nick’s Organic Farm in Potomac and one of only four farmers sitting on the prestigious National Organic Standards Board, while his daughter Sophia, who has studied organic agriculture throughout the world, is one of our nation’s new generation of aspiring farmers. Register here.

Montgomery County Green Business Crash Course Webinar, November 17, 8:00 – 11:00 am. Offered in partnership by Montgomery College and Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. The course instructor will guide you through the application process to accelerate your certification. More info and registration.