MA LEED Project Showcase

By Grey Lee

Are you ready?!

October 17, 2013, live at Google, it's:

The Massachusetts LEED Project Showcase!

We are celebrating the achievements of LEED certifications – every project team should come. We want to see and hear about these green buildings. At this inaugural episode, we'll be reaching back to the beginning of 2012 – almost 200 projects have attained certification since then. Let's highlight them all!

If you know of a project and know a project team member or person otherwise central to the project, please let us know so we can reach out. Each project has the opportunity share their story with the community and to create a board to display at the Showcase. For those that are interested, there are a variety of sponsorship packages to connect with the event.

 

When: Thursday October 17, 2013; 6:00 – 8:00PM
Where: Google's LEED Gold space at 3 Cambridge Center in Kendall Sq.  
What to expect: Food, drinks, short presentations, mingling, learning
Cost: $25 USGBC MA members, $40 for non-members, sponsorship opportunities available 

We look forward to seeing you at the Massachusetts LEED Project Showcase in October!

 

Congratulations to New USGBC National Member Firms!

By Grey Lee

Since the beginning of 2013, a number of firms based in Massachusetts have become members of the USGBC. We appreciate the support and the growth of our community, so we want to invite these firms to become more involved with the local Chapter (us!) through our various events and programs.

Of the 415 current national member firms, 306 have already renewed this year! We will be highlighting many of those throughout the year, since, after all, we're part of one big happy green building family!

Thank you to the following new members! Take a look at all the cool work they are doing throughout Massachusetts and beyond:

UrbanMeritage, LLC

Stanmar, Inc.

Gateway Development International

Stone Soup Concrete, Inc

FM Global

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Wheelock College

Clean Production Action

Ryan Construction, Inc.

Malsky Hardwood Flooring

GreenEffects Building & Design

BHI Energy – Bartlett Nuclear

L/R Construction, Inc.

Umaco, Inc.

Botticelli and Pohl, PC

Second Law Engineers Inc. d/b/a DMI

Murray Brothers Construction, Inc.

Stay tuned for more green building news from these firms!
 

Department of Education Visits Two Schools in Massachusetts for Their ‘Education Built to Last’ Facilities Best Practice Tour

By Grey Lee

Special Advisor to the Secretary Donald Yu and U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Director Andrea Falken visited U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools in Massachusetts on Tuesday, July 30th to see and discuss the ways school facilities can enhance the conditions for learning.  
 
A large group of government and state officials, community members, green building professionals, students, teachers, and green school advocates attended tours at Manchester Essex Regional Middle High School and Quincy High School to see how they are incorporating sustainability into the built environment and the educational experience of their school communities. More information about the Green Ribbon Awardees is found below. 
 

Manchester Essex Regional Middle High School

Manchester Essex Regional Middle High School, a Collaborative for High Performance Schools building constructed with recycled materials and energy-efficient design principles, is home to a 650 gallon rainwater collection tank and over 100 donated plants and trees.  The school achieved a 90 percent reduction in waste through the installation of a state of the art Lucidomatic waste sorting system and the implementation of a printing limits program through PaperCut software.  Manchester Essex, which has reduced its heating per square foot by nearly 58 percent over three years, meets 5 percent of its energy needs through on-site solar panels.  The edible schoolyard is a community-building and educational tool that offers students and parents the opportunity to work with the garden during the summer to raise awareness about local food and organic gardening.
 
 
Manchester Essex Regional School Green Scholars and their mentor Eric Magers
 
At Quincy High School, a career and technical school, the building’s design allows for collaboration among AP biology and environmental science students and their peers who are pursuing Nursing or Applied Medical Technology specialties.  Quincy collaborated with the city’s planning department to participate in the USGBC Center for Green Schools Green Apple Day of Service, which provided real-world instruction about the importance of energy reduction and implemented a National Wildlife Federation Cool Schools Energy Audit.  The school’s STEM wing is home to a greenhouse where students are actively involved in learning how to grow their own food.  Culinary students are responsible for front- and back-of-house service at the wildly popular President’s Café, where student-grown herbs are used in recipes.  The school was certified by the Massachusetts Collaborative for High Performing Schools in 2009 and EPA ENERGY STAR in 2008.  The school has continued its efforts by retro-commissioning the building to ensure that it performs as intended. Quincy High School was designed by USGBC MA Chapter sponsor SMMA.
 
QHS's 66Kw Solar Array
 

Ecodistricts Summit Coming to Boston, November 12th-14th!

By Grey Lee

The EcoDistricts Summit, the premier conference dedicated to the global movement to promote sustainable neighborhood development, is coming to Boston this November!
 
What’s an ecodistrict, you ask? An ecodistrict is a new model of public-private partnership that emphasizes innovation and deployment of district-scale best practices to create the neighborhoods of the future – resilient, vibrant, resource efficient and just.
 
Each year the EcoDistricts Summit convenes leading municipal policymakers, developers, business leaders, planners, and community leaders – people with decision-making power – to share best practices and shape the growing EcoDistricts marketplace. More than 30 plenary sessions and panel discussions are carefully curated to introduce conference participants to cutting-edge projects and thought leadership in green buildings, as well as smart infrastructure and community action.
 
USGBCMA is a Community Sponsor for the conference and we will keep you updated as more information becomes available. Feel free to contact us at info@usgbcma.org with any questions or Teague Douglas of EcoDistricts at Teague@ecodistricts.org.
 
Early bird registration ends September 30th. Register now and save!
 
 

 

P.S. Hear John Dalzell, Senior Architect at the Boston Redevelopment Authority, Host Sponsor for the Summit, talk about ecodistricts in Boston!

 

Regenerative Development for Breakfast

By Grey Lee

Bill Reed and Jim Newman came to speak about regenerative development – not just regenerative design, but bringing regenerative concepts into each of our own minds to change the design approach fundamentally. Over a dozen Chapter members and friends came out to hear from these two and it was based on the work Bill has been doing for many years at Regenesis Group.
 
 
Bill's message is fresh and important. The way our society thinks about the world has resulted in a built environment that diminishes our communities. The traditional means of arriving at so-called mutually beneficial results is often through compromise. But compromise is a continuous process of lowering one's standards and expectations. Bill advocates for reconciliation rather than compromise. Reconciliation brings two sides of a situation into harmony, benefiting both sides rather than forcing everyone to tolerate a lesser solution.
 
He explained how this path for project design and implementation has been used in a variety of locations, in particular a farm community proposed to become residential “ranchettes” which were diminishing three ecosystems. A reconciled design approach resulted in an epiphany moment for the owner team and a design solution that resulted in projected improvements to all parties – better ecology, better community and even better returns to the investors!
 
Regenesis has worked with private landowners, businesses, schools, governmental organizations and tribal governments across the United States.  They also have worked nternationally on everything from land development, community/urban planning, eco-resort/retreat development, education/learning center design, and agricultural land use as well as stewardship planning. See a sampling of their project case studies here. 
 
Jim and Bill have agreed to convene on a monthly basis to explore further the concept of regenerative development and the mental shift to embrace ever-bigger wholes to solve problem situations. Stay tuned for an evening program in August!
 
 
 
 

Project Spotlight: UMASS College of Natural Sciences Greenhouse and Laboratory (LEED Gold)

By Grey Lee

The University of Massachusetts College of Natural Sciences (CNS) Greenhouse and Laboratory was awarded LEED Gold Certification in January 2013, after successfully achieving their sustainability goals while still meeting the needs of a high-tech research facility.

 

The greenhouses contain multiple research compartments, each capable of supporting separate experimental environments. The houses feature automated systems to control natural and artificial lighting, temperature, humidity, irrigation, and fertilization. The laboratory, designed to reflect the look and feel of a New England barn, features two research labs and a core facility for seed germination.

 

 
Photo by Warren Jagger

 

 

Stormwater management was one of the greatest challenges facing the project team in achieving LEED certification, but they came up with a creative solution. The greenhouse required a 6-in deep gravel bed to isolate the greenhouse from surrounding native plant life. This gravel bed was increased to a depth of 3 feet to act simultaneously as a barrier and water retention basin, eliminating the need for gutters or an underground water storage structure.  

 

 

 
Photo by Warren Jagger
 
 
Read more about the Greenhouse’s LEED certification at USGBC.org or at UMASS.edu

Networking Event Tips and Tricks

By Grey Lee

This post follows up on a talk I gave at the July 2013 Summer Social. The content was obtained from several resources over the years.

Mingling at events may be the most unnatural activity the human race has invented. Sure many of us are social, but “networking” adds a level of pressure to perform. It can be associated with our fear of speaking, which is apparently hardwired to be our number one fear. Thankfully, it's something that can be overcome. These tips and tricks should help you feel more in control and have the confidence to become a networking star.

Before You Arrive

  1. Grab business cards. There are many philosophies on how many to bring and when to hand them out, but you can't hand any out if you forget them. It's a good idea to carry more than you think you could ever hand out at one event.
  2. Carry a small pen or pencil so you can take notes about someone on the back of their card. You can add personal details they share while you are talking, put additional info on the back of your card for someone else, and note where you met someone. Business cards become little event notebooks when you have a pen handy.
  3. Think about why you are attending the event, beyond the official event reason. Are you looking to meet particular people? Would you like to learn something? Be ready to talk about this or work towards that goal.
  4. Arrange to meet someone you know in advance. Even if you have never met in person. You don't have to stick together, but it's a good way to break up nerves if you know at least one person you can talk to.
  5. What is your elevator speech? Be prepared to have a 30 second talk on who you are. 
  6. Be able to answer questions about where you work and what you do like “How large is Acme?” “What are you working on?” “What services does Acme provide?” “Where do they do business?” and “What markets are you in?” A personal favorite is “Are you [the firm] busy?” Everyone seems to be asking that question these days. Be sure your answer reflects positively on your situation.

Personal Appearance

It should go without saying that you should show up well-groomed and clean to any professional event. There are, however, some little things you may not remember.

  1. Wear a jacket with pockets so you can carry your business cards and reach them easily with one hand. You don't want to fumble around trying to find your cards, handing others your drink, or worse, dropping it. It's easiest to grab in the waist pocket or opposite breast pocket of your dominant hand.  To the women who don't wear jackets, you can also carry a small wristlet; but be sure you are not fumbling. I carry mine around my left wrist.
  2. Put your name tag on the right. Typically people place the name tag on the left, but if you put it on the right when you shake hands the other person is looking right towards it. It makes it easier for them to remember your name. Tip offered by Kate DeWolf from Hanscom AFB.
  3. Carry food in one hand and only carry what you can balance easily. If you are also carrying a drink, place it on the plate and hold a napkin under it. If the food is being eaten with utensils, put your fork under your thumb and hold everything in your left hand so you can freely eat with your right. If it's finger food, you may wish to carry it in your right and eat with your left. This way you can swap hands and shake being assured your hand is clean even if you are constantly wiping it.
  4. Employ the sweaty hand trick: Carry your glass of ice cubes wrapped with a napkin in your right hand. The napkin(s) keep it dry and the ice keeps it cool. Then you don't have to worry about shaking hands. 
  5. Smile even when you don't feel like it or you don't have a natrual “resting smile” face. This helps you appear approachable and friendly. Tip offered by member Suzanne Abbott of Chapter Sponsor Vidaris.
  6. Keep body language of circle open to allow others to walk up. When you are facing each other directly, then no one can join in the conversation. Tip offered by member Steven Wychorski.  

Actually Talking to People
This is probably the most difficult part of any mingling activity. You've just walked up to someone and may know nothing about them. You've got to get and keep a conversation going.

  1. Introduce yourself with a little information. Don't just say your name; add who you work for, what your do or why you are here. Note that you want to introduce yourself first before interjecting. It can be considered rude to comment on someone else's conversation out of the blue.
  2. Use first names repeatedly so you will remember them. When someone introduces themselves, repeat their first name back immediately. The easiest way to do this is “Nice to meet you, Tom.” Then, use their name again shortly thereafter. “What projects are you working on right now, Tom?” It is OK if you have met someone before to ask their name again. You want to remember, but most people are aware that networking events are a bit of overload and it's difficult to remember names for many of us. It can take a few times meeting someone before you remember who they are.
  3. Strive for a 50/50 split in who is talking. You don't want to dominate the conversation. Keep your responses “Reader's Digest” length – good information in a short amount of words, and end your responses with questions.
  4. Ask questions that are open ended. “Do you like working at Acme?” is not the same as “What is Acme working on right now?” People generally like to talk about themselves once they get going.
  5. Don't talk to your peers. Engage with others and avoid “talking shop” with folks you see all the time. You can't expand your network if you only speak with people you already know. Tip offered by Kathy Arthur of Chapter Sponsor NStar.
  6. Enlarge the group if there are only two of you. Draw in nearby free-floaters. This not only gets you to talk to more people, but shows leadership.
  7. Play host by offering to get them a drink or take someone's plate. Introduce people to each other.
  8. Talk to the lonely. When you see someone sitting by themselves, go up and say hello. They may be shy or feel out of place, so make them feel welcome. If we mentor each other then everyone moves up. Tip offered by Chapter Executive Director, Grey Lee.
  9. Exchange business cards and comment on them. There is no reason to wait until the end of a conversation to ask, and they can provide a means of carrying the conversation along. “Has your office always been in Needham?” “This is a nice card/logo, do you know who designed it?” etc.
  10. Work in a “Figure 8” with a partner. Start in the center of the room, they take one corner and you take the other in a loop. When you are done with your half of the “8”, meet back in the middle. There you can exchange stories and get moral support. When done with the first Figure 8, split up again and do the same with the other half of the room.
  11. Avoid hostage situations. Most of us have been in that conversation we can't get out of or where we feel like we are hanging on. Test to see if your counterpart is restless with a question like “Who else do you know here?” If they are not restless they will tell you and may even introduce you. If they are, it gives them the chance to say they need to go find someone. Move away from the conversation with “I really should try to find Bob.” “I'm going to get rid of this plate/get more food.” and then find someone else.

    Hopefully you find these tips helpful for your next networking event. With practice, you will become more comfortable in these environments. Try gatherings that are low-pressure to work on your skills so you are ready for important events.

    The USGBC MA Chapter has a monthly event specifically for networking almost every month, and tons of events all the time. If you haven't already done so, please sign up for our mailing list so you can stay informed of what is happening. We are a fun and welcoming group of people so please come by! Don't believe me? Check out the photos from last night's event: USGBC MA Chapter Summer Social 2013-07-16.

      IECC 2012 is Now the State Energy Code

      By Carrie Havey

       
       
      On July 9th, the Massachusetts Board of Building 

      Photo credit: www.mass.gov

      Regulations & Standards (BBRS) voted to adopt the most current version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2012). This makes Massachusetts one of the first states in the nation to adopt the new code and represents a 20% increase in energy efficiency over the current statewide energy code. The results of this change – the state base code is now equal to the energy efficiency requirements of the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code. 

       
      The Stretch Energy Code was added to the state building code in 2009 and provides an option for cities or towns to adopt an energy code that requires greater energy efficiency in buildings than the base code that is otherwise mandatory for municipalities across the state. Currently, the Stretch Code has been adopted by 131 municipalities in Massachusetts. 
       
      So for a short while, the Stretch Code and the MA state code will be one and the same, until the State determines what the change in the Stretch Code will be. Our Advocacy Interest Group is following the issue and meeting with partners next week to outline a strategy to make sure we get an ambitious next Stretch Code. Contact Norm Lamonde if you are interested in knowing more.

      Green Schools Update (July)

      By Grey Lee

      by Steve Muzzy
       
      Green Apple Day of Service is two months away and we are making good progress in Massachusetts. We currently have 9 projects registered, with many more in the works. Be sure to check out the current projects for ideas or to register to attend an event in your area. The Green Schools Committee continues to do a great job marketing this opportunity and has been coordinating a number of green school tours for the fall to coincide with Green Apple. If you'd like to coordinate a Green Apple project, please contact me for support.
      Speaking of green building tours, on Tuesday July 30th, the US Department of Education's Facilities Best Practices Tour will be coming to Massachusetts to highlight Green Ribbon Award winners Manchester-Essex Middle/High School and Quincy High School. If you'd like to attend, email me to be added to the list and to receive a detailed agenda.
       
      If you have vacation planned for Washington, D.C. this summer, be sure to check out the National Building Museum's  Green Schools Exhibit. Littleton, MA based Triumph Modular, a past supporter of the Chapter, has partnered with Perkins + Will to design Sprout Space, a healthy, high performance modular classroom. Sprout Space is currently on display at the National Building Museum and is a terrific example of design with education in mind.
       
      Finally, the Green Schools Committee is seeking volunteers. We have a number of exciting projects to work on. Please contact me or Green School Committee Chair, Kathy Arthur Tyler to be added to the distribution list. Our calls are scheduled for the second Thursday of every month from 8-9AM.  
       
      For a limited time, USGBC is offering schools and districts first time,  one year free organizational membership. By becoming a USGBC member, schools and districts have the ability to connect to other member organizations and access a wide variety of resources and benefits. 
       
      (Excerpted from USGBC MA's July 2013 Newsletter)