Massachusetts' New Solar Incentive Program and SREC II Program Extension

By Derek Newberry, Advocacy Fellow


The Massachusetts Department of Energy recently extended its SREC II program until January 2018 and released plans for a new solar incentive program called the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Energy Target (SMART) program to supersede it. As Ben Vila, a member of our advocacy team, described in his “Switching from SRECs to a $/kWh tariff system [through SMART] is expected to cut costs to the state and ratepayers by almost half while providing greater predictability for developers, investors, and facility owners.” The new SMART tariff framework will incentivize at least 3,200 MW of additional solar development over the next few years (hopefully expanding net zero energy buildings!) and promote solar development on specific categories including low income, community shared solar, projects that integrate building mounted solar, as well as solar installations on brownfields, landfills, and commercial and industrial zones. 

While incentives will be lower, especially on larger projects, the SMART program will offer 10-20 year fixed price compensation on a tier system that declines with increased capacity. This will allow total program costs to be assessed with certainty and reduces financial risks. The DOER also decreased 25kW SREC project compensation from 80% to 70% of current SREC II values. Nonetheless, the extension of the the SREC program will bridge the incentive programs and ensure continued investment in solar over the coming months and into 2018. The SMART program still needs approval from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) which may happen later this year. For more details check out Ben Vilas' blog and the DOER's SMART Final Program Design. Also, check out another blog on the SMART program here

 

 

Upcoming Sustainable Energy Spring Seminars

By Derek Newberry, Advocacy Fellow


Interested in the future of renewable energy? Do you think there should be a carbon price? What can we do to improve our energy use? These and many other questions will be answered in the coming weeks at multiple university public seminars, including Boston University's Institute for Sustainable Energy’s Spring 2017 public Seminar Series starting March 20 and going until late April. Come to these events and learn about the many aspects and issues of transitioning into a economically and socially sustainable future.

Come to Boston on March 20 for “Energy Storage Economics: The Impact on Renewables & Climate,” to learn about modern energy storage, feasibility, and applications. On April 3rd there will be “Pricing Climate Risk,” a discussion on carbon prices and taxes; on April 13, “Hurry or Wait: Pacing the Roll-out of Renewable Energy in the face of Climate Change“; and on April 24, BU will hold “US State & Local Policies: Key Catalysts to Renewable Electricity’s Ascent” to go over the ins and outs of environmentally sustainable policy.

These events are free and open to the public. They feature specialists in economics, engineering, business, law, and multiple authors including Brett Perlman and Gernot Wagner. Check out the events, their speakers, and RSVP here. The events will be from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the Hariri Building, Room 508, 595 Commonwealth Avenue Boston MA, 02215. 

Also, check out Harvard's sustainability events here! They have many fun, free, and public events going on in the near future. 

USGBC MA Sponsored MED|Ed Session W41: Designing for Net Positive Water and Energy

By USGBC MA


For the upcoming Fourth Annual MED|Ed Facilities Conference and Expo in Boston, the USGBC Massachusetts Chapter will be sponsoring a number of sessions during the event's two days. One session is W41: Designing for Net Positive Water and Energy, as instructed by Jason Forney and Jason Jewhurst of Bruner/Cott Architects.

More info:

Net positive energy is a key component in the battle against climate change. Buildings emit nearly 50% of carbon emissions, and architects can play a leadership role in moving beyond incremental reductions to regenerative design now. Net positive water design is more nuanced. Institutions of higher learning can provide thought leadership by advocating for global water awareness, even if water is plentiful on a local level. Regulatory agencies are not prepared for the conversation, but in some cases are helpful in moving demonstration projects forward.

In this session, you'll hear from architects who are designing net positive energy and net zero water systems for a 16,000 sf, two-story campus building. Topics explored: – Performance goals and philosophy behind net positive design – Design concept and construction details behind energy systems – All aspects of water systems, including rainwater collection, filtration, composting, grey water treatment, and storm water management – The regulatory and permitting processes.

Wednesday, April 5th, 4:00pm

Learn more and register.

Use the code USGBC for 20% off any of our sessions!

USGBC MA Sponsored MED|Ed Session W38: Building a Healthy Campus – The WELL Building Standard

By USGBC MA


For the upcoming Fourth Annual MED|Ed Facilities Conference and Expo in Boston, the USGBC Massachusetts Chapter will be sponsoring a number of sessions during the event's two days. One session is W38: Building a Healthy Campus – The Well Building Standard, as instructed by Sarah Welton of the International WELL Building Institute.

More info:

The Introduction to the WELL Building Standard presentation provides an overview of the WELL Building Standard ideology, structure, and certification process. The medical basis for the concept categories is introduced along with design and construction strategies to create healthy buildings. The time has come to elevate human health and comfort to the forefront of building practices and reinvent buildings that are not only better for the planet—but also for people. This presentation will introduce how to do this using the WELL Building Standard as the framework.

Wednesday, April 5th, 2:00pm

Learn more and register.

Use the code USGBC for 20% off any of our sessions!

Understanding the Legislative Process: Acting on our Mission through Legislation

By Derek Newberry, Advocacy Fellow


Are you interested in the legislative process? Do you want to make sure Massachusetts stays on a track towards sustainability? Do you think our current policies are taking us in the right direction? If you have ever wanted to learn more about or influence the current state of sustainable policy in Massachusetts, or know the answers to these or many other questions, then stop by next Tuesday, March 14th for USGBC MA's Understanding the Legislative Process: Acting on our Mission through Legislation breakfast program. USGBC MA will be hosting a panel of local policy experts to discuss the essential role of sustainable legislation in our lives and how you can get involved and promote change. 

Representative Marjorie Decker of Cambridge, Representative Chris Walsh of Framingham, Director for Climate and Energy Policy at the Environmental League of Massachusetts Eric Wilkinson, and moderator/sustainable real estate specialist Craig Foley will be discussing how legislation happens, how you can participate, and how to expand green building coalition building as a stakeholder. Buy tickets here!

Tuesday, March 14th, 8:30am-10:00am
50 Milk St, 5th Floor, Windrose Room
Boston, MA, 02109

USGBC MA Sponsored MED|Ed Session W28: From Research to Specifications to Healthier Environments

By USGBC MA


For the upcoming Fourth Annual MED|Ed Facilities Conference and Expo in Boston, the USGBC Massachusetts Chapter will be sponsoring a number of sessions during the event's two days. One session is W28: From Research to Specifications to Healthier Environments, instructed by Robin Dodson of Silent Spring Institute, Heather Henriksen of Harvard University, Greta Eckhardt of Payette Associates, and Lisa Goodwin Robbins of Kalin Associates.

More info:

Scientific studies are providing ever-increasing evidence demonstrating the effects indoor environmental quality can have on occupant health. We ask: How can results of scientific research on materials be most effectively translated into building design and requirements for construction? We will explore a process that uses facility standards and construction specifications as tools for translating scientific data into documents that can be enforced during building construction and share a case study in higher education.

Wednesday, April 5th, 10:00am

Learn more and register.

Use the code USGBC for 20% off any of our sessions!

USGBC MA Sponsored MED|Ed Session W22: Rising to the Challenge on Campus – An Owner's Perspective

By USGBC MA


For the upcoming Fourth Annual MED|Ed Facilities Conference and Expo in Boston, the USGBC Massachusetts Chapter will be sponsoring a number of sessions during the event's two days. One session is W22: Rising to the Challenge on Campus – An Owner's Perspective, taught by Deborah Frieze of Old Oak Dojo, DiAnn Mroszczak of PCA, and Carl Weber of Hampshire College.

More info:

As designers and builders lead the charge to create low-energy, healthy, and naturally inspired buildings owners remain hesitant to commit to new standards in sustainable design. What can motivate building owners to pursue the Living Building Challenge (LBC)? How do we find (and encourage) those who are asking “What’s beyond LEED?” LBC building owners will share their experiences of rising to meet the challenge.

Wednesday, April 5th, 10:00am

Learn more and register.

Use the code USGBC for 20% off any of our sessions!

Grey Lee's Letter for MED|Ed Boston in April

By USGBC MA


We are All-In for high-performance buildings – and we are psyched to welcome you to the fourth annual MED|Ed Facilities Boston conference! The USGBC MA is proud to partner with the Boston Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and our other host colleagues to bring to you such a compelling educational program relating to planning, designing, construction, and facility management of medical and educational building types. This event will feature real-world, solutions-based case studies as well as management discussions.

We are all about collaboration. The integrated project team is a hallmark of green building projects. In order to succeed in planning and designing such medical and educational facilities, strong and diversely skilled individuals come together to synergize. MED|Ed Facilities brings together sanctioned, industry-related professionals to share their knowledge. Architects, engineers, lawyers, building science professionals, facility and operations managers, specification writers, manufacturers, and more will all be presenting at this event. CSI and USGBC MA will also have local and national members in attendance as well as presenting.

Expect to connect with new business partners (and catch up with your long-term colleagues) in the exhibit area, at one of the forty educational sessions, networking reception, the #MoreGreenBuildings reception, or other scheduled events. Network and interact with peers and clients all while learning something new! I strongly encourage you to join us at this event and to check out the sessions offerings – the green building track is great! Over 80 instructor-professionals will share their day-to-day experiences and discoveries regarding our fast-paced industry!

 

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo Releases 2016 Sustainability Report

By Marisa Long, USGBC


Washington, D.C. – March 7, 2017 – Informa Exhibitions U.S. and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the release of the 2016 Greenbuild Sustainability Report, highlighting valuable metrics and key benchmarks regarding the impact on energy use and waste management at the 2016 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, held last October at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, Ca.

“Each year, we celebrate our victories with the release of this report and set the bar a little higher for the next year, to continue positively impacting the events industry with environmentally responsible management in the planning, operations, and execution of Greenbuild,” said Lindsay Roberts, Greenbuild group director, Informa. “Sustainability is the heart of Greenbuild and we celebrate many successes from our 2016 event, including the highest waste diversion rate ever for Greenbuild, which is a testament to many hours, weeks and months that went into planning Greenbuild by our dedicated team and partners.”

The comprehensive report details the sustainability programs implemented for the 2016 event, through a review of all objectives, goals and best practices. Case studies provide detailed overviews of sustainability strategies and initiatives including waste diversion, attendee, and stakeholder engagement, the impact of water, performance tracking improvements and community advancements. The report can be accessed online at www.greenbuildexpo.com.

The Greenbuild Sustainability Report highlights the collaborative efforts made to reduce waste and energy use as well as our commitment to leave a lasting legacy in the cities we visit,” said Kate Hurst, vice president of Community Advancement, Conference & Events. “By working closely with the Los Angeles Convention Center, we were able to set a record high waste diversion rate for Greenbuild that demonstrates to our entire community and industry how small changes in behavior can have a lasting effect. Every year, we work tirelessly to ensure that we inspire the people and places we visit to implement green strategies that will positively impact generations to come.”

The report shares the progress of seven sustainability objectives at Greenbuild, including the following highlights:

  • Waste Management: Informa Exhibitions, USGBC, the Los Angeles Convention Center, Greenview, Levy, Freeman and local haulers worked together to optimize waste management strategies resulting in an overall 90 percent diversion rate. This was an 18 percent increase over the convention center’s baseline diversion rate. These efforts included front-of-house composting at the convention center and Celebration venue as well as a new waste management process for back-of-house and new instructional signage to educate attendees on sorting waste at LACC.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Water was on the forefront of everyone’s mind at Greenbuild 2016 and a new summit, WaterBuild, was launched to convene change makers and discuss sustainable water solutions for drought-stricken California; for the first time, Greenbuild purchased water restoration certificates to balance water use at the convention center. In addition, by simply sending a text, attendees made a personal pledge to Change the Course and returned 33,000 gallons of water to regional ecosystems in need.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Approximately 56 percent of all food was sourced locally and 87 percent was sourced regionally; and décor at the Celebration was sourced and re-purposed from collected items from the various offices within LA Live and the Staples Center.
  • Performance Tracking: Greenbuild recognized an opportunity to begin measuring and calculating a water footprint of the event, which enables the show to examine ways to reduce the footprint and manage our consumption; exhibitors contributed to the overall sustainability of Greenbuild with a simplified version of greening guidelines where each company was given a score from 1 to 100, benchmarking their sustainability efforts. The average score was 77.2.
  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: For the third year, Greenbuild showcased the “Net Zero Zone”— a 4,500 square foot pavilion powered by solar panels, installed on-site at the Los Angeles Convention Center. In partnership with TerraPass, Greenbuild offset 100 percent of event emissions to make the event carbon-neutral.
  • Community Impact: The 2016 Greenbuild Legacy Project, led by USGBC-LA, the Greenbuild Host Committee, chose to support T4T.org in updating a warehouse in an underserved community in Gardenia, CA, into an interactive educational workshop called the Eco-Tech Maker. The project focused on updating its current S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, art, math) curricula, hands-on learning and environmental stewardship to the Eco-Tech Maker Space.
  • Hospitality Industry: This year, the host committee was focused specifically on advancing sustainability efforts for hotels by offering a LEED Gap analysis for hotels within the official Greenbuild block, and even set out on foot within a 1.5-mile radius of the convention center to spread the word on sustainability to the local businesses.

Greenbuild, owned and operated by Informa and presented by USGBC, is the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. The three-day conference attracts 20,000+ attendees and 600 exhibitors annually from across the green building sector, spanning commercial and residential professionals, architects, building owners and operators, students, advocates, and educators. This year’s conference takes place at the Boston Convention & Exhibitions Center (BCEC) in Boston and is co-located with ArchitectureBoston Expo (ABX).

Read the original press release by the USGBC here.

USGBC MA Sponsored MED|Ed Session W17: Tackling the Challenge – the New MA Energy Code

By USGBC MA


For the upcoming Fourth Annual MED|Ed Facilities Conference and Expo in Boston, the USGBC Massachusetts Chapter will be sponsoring a number of sessions during the event's two days. One session is W17: Tackling the Challenge – the New MA Energy Code, taught by Francis Boucher of National Grid and Martine Dion of SMMA.

More info:

The MA IECC 2015 Energy Code, effective on January 2017, raises the bar for energy efficiency and continues a trend of 3 yr. cycled energy code upgrades towards a 2030’s Zero Net Energy Objective. Learn the economics of cost-effective energy efficiency design strategies to achieve 15%-25% or better energy performance beyond IECC 2015, supported with compliance paths to the section C406 additional efficiency requirements, now including renewable energy, and the updated Stretch Code. We will share the findings of a research study looking into energy efficiency measures’ incremental costs and paybacks, including a few building project case studies.

Wednesday, April 5th, 8:00am

Learn more and register.

Use the code USGBC for 20% off any of our sessions!