Energy Vanguard

As part of a new series of papers regarding federal, state and local decisions to expand energy efficiency choices for consumers, DEFG has published a free report on New York City’s “Greener, Greater Buildings Plan.” The GGBP is a key component of an effort to reduce pollution and energy costs in the city by 30% by 2030 and was initially touted as “first‐of‐its‐kind.” Not surprisingly, it was scaled back after pressure from local building owners. The author, Cynthia Boland, Esq., has provided a discussion of the opposition to the law, potential business and legal challenges, and comments on the future of green building legislation.

Why is the GGBP a harbinger of things to come? It is a landmark legislation that mandates compliance with four laws:

• a  municipal  energy  code  setting standards and  energy  use  in  large  buildings
• a  sub‐metering  requirement
• requirements  for  energy  audits
• requirements for retro‐ commissioning

Yet, the process and the politics can shed light on the complexities of getting this kind of legislation enacted in the future.  The story of GGBP can serve as a “learning experience” for other  major  cities  considering  legislation  to  improve  energy  efficiency  in  existing  buildings.

Finally, the story of GGBP highlights something we’ve known for years.  That despite all the commotion about federal climate change legislation, most of the action with respect to energy efficiency and renewable energy is occurring at the state and local level. This means that we can all have a big impact on promoting change—not just within your our own businesses, but by working together to change attitudes, influence policymakers, and promote innovation. When you begin to think about getting involved, think nationally, think statewide—and think locally. Many issues related to sustainability and your business—from energy policy to recycling services—are addressed at a local or state level.

Jennifer Kaplan is a Senior Adviser to DEFG LLC and the author of Greening Your Small Business (Prentice Hall 2009).

Photo: James D’Addio

No doubt the current Olympics has and continue to dazzle people with the drama (some outside of the venues) but somehow lost amongst the sports accomplishments remains the face that Vancouver touted this Olympics as the Greenest ever. It seems that China also made that claim a couple years ago. Instead of getting into a comparison of this green aspect versus that sustainable item, we took a look at the Vancouver Convention Center West, which marks the World’s First Convention Center to Achieve LEED Platinum Rating.

Yes, we’ve discussed our feeling about the LEED label and how we would like seeing more money going toward sustainable aspects versus a LEED plaque but nonetheless they built an impressive structure, which currently hosts the international media for the Olympic games. When the Olympics pack-up Vancouver will still have the dazzling sustainable structure.

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Honestly, I researched small sustainable home building options for three years and was not sold on a yurt until I realized the fabric kits are the least expensive and fastest way to build a home. That was 2008 August. Architectural plans, finances, property construction, etc. caused me to store the yurt until I moved in 2009 April. My new home was erected in three days. This is 2010 February (almost a year of yurt dwelling) and I just recently completed this fabulous book.

Read rave reviews on Amazon Books from people who may have never stepped into a yurt. They express how wonderfully written this book, YURTS Living in the Round by Becky Kemery, is. I’m here to tell you it is also excellent from an existing yurt dweller’s perspective.

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Being green means saving energy.  However, being green also means staying healthy.  A study released today indicates those two goals may be at odds with each other in new homes.

Today the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released a study of indoor air quality in new homes.  The report found that new homes have too little ventilation and too much formaldehyde.

Ventilation in the majority of homes did not meet code. 

The median 24‐hour outdoor air exchange rate was 0.26 air changes per hour; 67 percent of the homes were below the California building code requirement of 0.35 air changes per hour…

Inadequate ventilation causes formaldehyde to concentrate inside homes.  All homes in the study had unsafe levels of formaldehyde.

Nearly all homes had formaldehyde concentrations that exceeded guidelines for cancer and chronic irritation, while 59 percent exceeded guidelines for acute irritation.

Formaldehyde causes asthma, bronchitis, sinus infections, and headaches.  Formaldehyde is also a carcinogen, and it has been linked to leukemia.

Testing is the only way to know the formaldehyde concentration in a home.  Test badges cost as little at $40 each, including laboratory analysis.  An industrial hygienist can locate materials that emit formaldehyde.

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Above, creative architecture student Magnus Larsson shares his incredible idea to help settlers along the harsh Sahara desert. His proposed process of re-structuring sand is a building material process already researched for helping strengthen earthquake prone land with sustainable bacteria that turns shifting sand into a solid mass.

Looks like Larsson is creating sandcastles out of desert land. Brilliant! His Holcim Foundation winning proposal could very well transform life in that region as the Sahara green wall shelterbelt is planted across the African continent. The possibilities are endless as the quality of life will improve for so many along the Sahara.

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