The Green Donald

By Grey Lee, Executive Director

Donald Trump is a “climate denier” who, among other things, has indicated hostility to environmental and community-beneficial regulations and initiative of the federal government. This will complicate our work to advance sustainability and net positive systems in the built environment (our mission). We will need you help – and I look forward to you participating in our advocacy work, attending our events and service projects and joining us as a member. It will be a lot of work!

 

However, there is hope in the world of green building:


Trump's 1290 Avenue of the Americas is a LEED EB Silver certified building. Nice work TD Bank – a LEED CI Gold certification in the building there!

Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago is registered for LEED…we shall see where that goes.

 

Here's a somewhat right-wing yet fascinating take on where Trump may connect on the green building agenda. The thesis being these green building rating systems should be voluntary, but also that climate change deniers shouldn't be ridiculed. I think we all accept the scientific consensus, and if someone doesn't, it is reasonable to help them understand it. Truly, ridicule is not the best way to help someone come around. Trump has announced a $1 trillion effort to rebuild infrastructure and the built environment – this is a big opportunity for us to facilitate those investments being made for the best long-term value.

It is going to be an interesting ride.

 

You can read about his NYC real estate here (#13 is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, LEED EB Silver).

That is all I have to say right now. Be well out there! 

Grey

[Don't go to Daily Kos unless you want to be freaked out by other aspects of the President-elect.] 

ABX B68 Speakers: Double the Jasons Will Present on Net Positive Water and Energy

By Alexander Landa


In just 2 more business days, it will be time for ABX 2016! The Northeast's largest architecture expo & tradeshow is going to be a monumental event, showcasing why the Northeast is such a hot spot for all things buildings. We're sponsoring multiple sessions at ABX, and we'd love to see you at a few of them. For now, let's meet the two Jasons who are presenting B68: Designing for Net Positive Water and Energy.

Jason Forney is a Principal with Bruner/Cott Architects in Cambridge, MA. He specializes in the design of high-performing contemporary architecture and the transformative reuse of historically significant structures. With over 20 years of experience, Forney has designed LEED Gold and Platinum projects on college campus across the Northeast, and is currently working on two Living Building Challenge Projects. He frequently speaks about the design of green buildings. 

Jason Jewhurst is a Principal at Bruner/Cott Architects, where his passion for reconnecting with the natural environment informs his work as a specialist in sustainability and high-performance building design. With a strong technical background in building systems and technology, Jason welcomes sustainable design challenges that demand innovative solutions. His work includes projects that transform academic campuses with net-positive design, including the Regenerative Village at Yale Divinity School and the R. W. Kern Center at Hampshire College, both designed to meet the Living Building Challenge.

More on B68: Designing for Net Positive Water and Energy: 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.

Register for B68: Designing for Net Positive Water and Energy
Wednesday, November 16th, 2016
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Healthy Materials Sponsor Profile: Tremco

By Alexander Landa


The Healthy Materials Summit on October 26th was an awesome event! We couldn't have put everything together without the help of a hosting committee, the volunteers, and especially our sponsors. We want to thank Tremco for making the Summit such a success!

Tremco has made its name known as roofing experts, first starting in 1928.Specializing in operating divisions focused on the manufacture and sale of roofing materials and services, construction sealants, glazing and gaskets, waterproofing systems, air barrier and fire stopping systems, this group is devoted to both high-performance buildings that operate with the lowest possible life-cycle costs. Tremco also offers many custom products, programs, and services, all committed to the worldwide construction and maintenance and repair industries.

Many divisions encompass Tremco's mission and offerings, including:

We all appreciate Tremco's devotion to promoting a healthier tomorrow, and hope to work with them again soon!

ABX Session B44 – Who Will be Discussing Mapping the Materials Universe?

By Alexander Landa


Every day is one day closer to ABX 2016 next week – an event we're all stoked for. Let's take a look behind the curtain at the speakers behind one of the ABX sessions that wer'e sponsoring: B44 – Mapping the Materials Universe: Lessons and Strategies.

Speakers are:

Lisa Carey-Moore Sustainability Analyst Integrated Eco Strategy

Lisa Goodwin-Robbins RA, CCS, LEED Architect Specifier Kalin Associates

Jason Jewhurst AIA, NCARB Principal Bruner/Cott & Associates

Charley Stevenson LEED AP BD+C Principal Integrated Eco Strategy.

Living Building Challenge teams, as well as LEED V4 teams, find a selection of high-quality, healthy products, but the range is limited. What benign, high performing products do we need to complete our projects? This session explores the hardest specification sections and the most opaque market sectors, inviting discussion and exploration of the greatest challenges. Low toxicity, high performance, durability, and affordability… how can these and other factors be achieved simultaneously? How have working project teams addressed this challenge?

See all of the USGBC MA sponsored ABX 2016 sessions

Register for B44 – Mapping the Materials Universe: Lessons and Strategies.
Wednesday, November 16th, 2016
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Room 109A

ABX B04 Speakers: Who Will Discuss the Living Building Challenge?

By Alexander Landa


With ABX 2016 coming up next week, we're honored to have so many awesome speakers representing the sessions that we're sponsoring. For B04: Living up to the Living Building Challenge – The Owner's Perspective, we have five accomplished speakers taking the stage to present on this topic.

Our five speakers are:

Deborah Frieze Owner Old Doak Dojo

Shawn Hesse RA, LFA, LEED BD+C, O+M Boston Office Leader emersion DESIGN

Julie Johnson Executive Director Hitchcock Center for the Environment

DiAnn Mroszczak LEED BD+C Designer Prellwitz Chilinski Associates

Carl Weber Interim Director Facilities & Grounds Hampshire College

During this session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the Living Building Challenge-a philosophy, advocacy tool, and certification program that addresses development at all scales. 

Register for B04: Living up to the Living Building Challenge: The Owner's Perspective
Wednesday, 11/16
8:00am – 9:30am
Room 109A

ABX A05 Speaker Bio: Sarah Welton

By USGBC MA Chapter


With ABX approaching next week, it's time to look into the speakers behind the sessions that the USGBC MA Chapter are sponsoring. For sessions A05: Good Medicine: the WELL Building Standard, Sarah Welton, WELL AP, Senior Associate of Technical Programs and Support International WELL Building Institute will present.

Sarah Welton's role on the International WELL Building Institute's Technical Programs and Support team draws upon her education and experience in real estate, public health and personal wellness. Sarah acts as the primary point of contact for prospective clients and registered projects, and serves as a subject matter expert for both external and internal constituents in support of the overall administration of the WELL Building Standard and the WELL Certification process. Previously a member of the product development team, she helped create the WELL Building Standard, as well as subsequent pilot standards.

Prior to joining IWBI, Sarah worked in commercial real estate finance for Wells Fargo Bank in Atlanta, where her clients were single family residential high net worth developers, as well as multifamily, retail and office real estate investment trusts across the southeast. She has also assisted in the development of community redevelopment strategies in both Atlanta and New York City. Sarah earned a dual master's degree in Public Health and Urban Planning from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. She earned her bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Georgia's Terry School of Business.

Session A05 provides a deeper review of the WELL Building Standard and the certification process. The medical basis for the concept categories is explored along with design and construction strategies to create healthy buildings.

Register for A05: Good Medicine: The WELL Building Standard
Tuesday, November 15th, 2016
8:00AM – 9:30AM
Room 109A

 

Healthy Materials Sponsor: Cold Spring

By Alexander Landa


The Healthy Materials Summit on October 26th was an awesome event! We couldn't have put everything together without the help of a hosting committee, the volunteers, and especially our sponsors. We want to thank Coldspring for making the Summit a success!

Coldspring is one of the largest natural stone manufacturers, providing commercial, landscaping, memoralization, and residential customers with materials. Historically a granite-producing company, for many years Coldspring has evolved in the manufacturing and distribution of bronze memorials and signage, diamond tools, cemetery building consulting and construction services, and other materials such as marble, limestone, sandstone, and composites for specialized applications.

Coldspring has a devotion to sustainability, and will continue to innovate and promote a sustainable future. Their focus on stone allows their designs to stand the test of time better than many other materials – largely due to its incredible durability – and in turn, leading to the lowest embodied energy of any material.

Sustainability goes beyond just materials for them, and moves into process. Coldspring's foundry and other non-stone operations utilize sustainable practices.

Learn more about Coldspring at their website.

ABX, Networking, and Holiday Parties, oh my! November 2016 Events Note

By Alexander Landa


Read the full November 2016 Event Note here!

Last night was incredibly productive! We held our monthly USGBC MA Board meeting where we defined more goals for the remainder of 2016, and prepare for an exciting 2017. Before we start planning for next year, we have a few more big gatherings coming up soon this year.

Actually, few is an understatement. We have a lot going on in the near future. Here's what you can expect:

The Northeast's largest building industry expo is coming up next week, November 15th-17th!

We're sponsoring multiple panels, so please come attend these informative, innovative meetings. Join your peers to become stronger leaders in the industry.

We are collaborating with the Quebec Government to host a reception on the Wednesday evening 11/16, 6-7:30pm at the BCEC, to show off the winners of our recent Green Building Showcase. It will be a great gathering to see some awesome projects and to enjoy the best provisions and victuals from our neighbors of the Nord!

We invite you to join Amanda Sturgeon and ILFI's Boston Collaborative for drinks and appetizers at our pre-ABX reception at Skanska in the Seaport on Monday night, 11/14. Learn more and register here.

Standout ABX Sessions:

A05: Good Medicine: the WELL Building Standard, Tues 8am – 9:30am

A44: Beyond Inspiration: Implement a Successful Biophilic Project, Tues, 1pm – 2:30pm

B04: Living up to the Living Building Challenge, Tues, 8:00am – 930am

B44: Mapping the Materials Universe: Lessons and Strategies, Weds, 1pm – 2:30pm

B68: Designing for Net Positive Water and Energy, Weds, 3:30pm – 5:00pm

C21: How Green Building Make Your Clients Smarter: Harvard Study, Thurs, 10am – 11:30am

Also:

Read the full November 2016 Event Note here!

Healthy Materials Sponsor Profile: Sustainable Minds

By Alexander Landa


The Healthy Materials Summit on October 26th was an awesome event! We couldn't have put everything together without the help of a hosting committee, the volunteers, and especially our sponsors. We want to thank Sustainable Minds for helping to make this event the success it was!

Recently, they introduced the SM Transparency Catalog™ a simple, cloud-based catalog for AECs to easily find products with transparency information. With 350+ brands, representing hundreds of categories and thousands of products, the SM Transparency Catalog brings together all manufacturers who have made the commitment to product transparency – and presents their info in a simple, standardized and consistent way.

Our search is over. All brands with products for LEED v4 can be easily found here – for free and no login required. It is the only source to provide BOTH environmental and material health disclosures that qualify for LEED v4, Green Globes, Well Building Standard and the Living Building Challenge –- from all manufacturers, program operators & material disclosure rating systems.

This catalog will save AECs hundreds of hours in research, allowing us to easily find products with EPDs, HPDs and Declare labels, Cradle to Cradle® certification and more. To avoid further searching and busywork, when users find a product they're interested in, they are directed to the manufacturers' website. Convenient!

The larger goal of this catalog is to create a virtuous cycle of supply & demand for credibly greener & healthier products – in a ‘carrot’ kind of way. Rather than a letter writing campaign to impose a deadline, Sustainable Minds has provided an email link in all the ‘Freemium’ listings to contact the manufacturer and encourage them to add their products to the catalog to make it a better resource for all to use, and will better ensure their products will be found by people who care.

We hope you’ll select those brands and products you like and help get them listed in the Catalog!

Start using the SM Transparency Catalog and learn more about what Sustainable Minds is working to accomplish.


 

 

 

ABX 2016 is Next Week! Here's What You Need to Know

By Alexander Landa


2016 has been going by a little too fast we think. Halloween was last week, and Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away now. Before we get into the holiday season, we have a few more events going on this year, with our last major one for the year being ABX next week. For this architecture expo, we're sponsoring a group of panels relating to green building, LEED, WELL, and sustainability.

The full list of sessions we're sponsoring can be found here.

ABX is different from many other expos. For this event, you need to register for sessions a la carte, and you get discounts for registering for more than one.

If you want to have some fun outside of these sessions, and feel like handing out some business cards, we're also working with a few different orgs for some parties! On Monday the 14th, Amanda Sturgeon, FAIA, CEO of ILFI will be speaking at the ABX Pre-Mixer. Learn more and register here.

On Wednesday, we're also throwing the Quebec is Quality Reception + USGBC Project Showcase event. Learn more and register here.

Outside of ABX, we're throwing a few more parties and education sessions. See everything we're doing at our November 2016 newsletter.