Next Week: GLOBALCON

By Ryan Duffy, Communications Fellow


Next week, on March 9-10, the 27th annual GLOBALCON Expo will be held in Boston's Hynes Convention Center!  Along with this year's expo will be a conference, seminars, and workshops that allow attendees to discover new products, techniques, solutions and services, and network with industry professionals.

USGBC MA has obtained free tickets to the Expo for any of our Members that wish to attend, and we also have a handful of remaining discounted tickets to the full conference for a special rate of $595 (which is a $300 discount).  This package would include: admission to the multitrack conference sessions, a pass to attend the exposition, a copy of the Show Proceedings, as well as luncheons in the exhibit hall.  

Lastly, if you plan on attending the exposition, make sure to stop by our booth!  We are also looking for volunteers to man the booth if anybody is interested.  Here is more info about the event, taken from the website:


WHY GLOBALCON

Decision makers from business, industry and government must now seek integrated energy solutions — solutions which assure both a secure and affordable energy supply to meet today's and tomorrow's needs, and effective management of energy and overall operational costs. The GLOBALCON Expo will emphasize four critical areas of leading edge technology and related services:

✓ Energy Management, HVAC and Smart Building Systems
✓ Renewables, Alternative Energy and Onsite Generation
✓ Lighting Efficiency and Integrated Energy Solutions
✓ Plant and Facilities Management

Presented By…

GLOBALCON 2016, presented by the Association of Energy Engineers, is designed specifically to facilitate those seeking to expand their knowledge of fast-moving developments in the energy field, explore promising new technologies, compare energy supply options, and learn about innovative and cost-conscious project implementation strategies.

Hosted By…

National Grid, Platinum Sponsoring Partner to USGBC MA, is committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to customers and communities across Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. They work closely across the energy industry, connecting tradespersons, contractors, regulators, and energy supply representatives to deliver quality services to their customers.

Join Us at the 4th Annual Massachusetts Water Forum

By Ryan Duffy, Communications Fellow


We are attending an event next month that we want to share with all our members.. the 4th Annual Massachusetts Water Forum, hosted by Foundation for a Green Future. This event is on Tuesday, March 22nd, in honor of World Water day. The forum will focus on methods to rethink water management as the Commonwealth prepares for a changing climate.  Since we are in Boston, a coastal urban community, water management and climate change are both timely topics, so don't miss out on this great opportunity to learn how we can more efficient and prepared!

More about the Event:

The Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) will present a game-changing plan to transform the way we manage water in our urban and suburban spaces.  The forum will encourage all participants to pose questions, add their insights, and think about new designs, systems and resource uses. 

Participants may join for one or more segment of this program.

Where:  BSA Space, 290 Congress Street, Boston, MA

4th Annual Massachusetts Water Forum Program

1:00 pm  Secretary Matthew Beaton will open the 4th Annual Water Forum

1:10 pm  Brief greeting by Youth Representatives from the morning's Youth Summit led by Green Schools

1:15 pm  Panel Discussion:  Transforming Our Water and Energy Systems

3:00 pm  Panel Discussion ends. Short coffee break.

3:15 pm  Breakout Sessions

                 Breakout Session 1:  Infrastructure for a Livable Future

                 Breakout Session 2:  Design and Legislation

                 Breakout Session 3:  Resilient Water Systems

5:00 pm  Breakout Sessions end.

5:30 pm  Keynote speaker, Wenonah Hauter and Cocktail Reception.

The 4th Annual Massachusetts Water Forum is brought to you thanks to the following partners:

The Office of Representative Chris Walsh
Boston Society of Architects
Charles River Watershed Association
City of Boston
MWRA (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority)
Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC)
Massachusetts Rivers Alliance
Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
Green Schools

Forum Participants:

Foundation for a Green Future has the privilege of welcoming the Commonwealth's Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Matthew Beaton. Representative Chris Walsh of the 6th Middlesex District will serve as Moderator. Panelists include:

  • Bob Zimmerman, Executive Director of Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA)–  Bob will present a game changing way of treating water in our cities and towns which will be set up through CWERCs – Community Water and Energy Resource Centers.  The Forum continues into two breakout sessions.  The first will delve more deeply into the establishment of CWERCs and the second will look at ways our legislators and designers can support this transformative process.
  • Austin Blackmon, City of Boston's Chief of Energy,Environment and Open Space
  • Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director, Food & Water Watch
  • Bradley Campbell, Executive Director, Conservation Law Foundation
  • Carter Craft, Sr Economic Officer|Water and Resilience, Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York
  • Charlie Jewell, Director of Planning and Sustainability, Boston Water and Sewer Commission

Breakout Session 2:  Design and Legislation

  • Led by Senator Jamie Eldridge of the 5th Middleesex and Worcester District and Representative Carolyn Dykema of the 8th MIddlesex District

Breakout Session 3:  Resilient Water Systems

  • Led by Julie Conroy, Senior Environmental Planner, Metropolitan Area Planning Council

GUEST KEYNOTE SPEAKER from Washington,DC:  “Water and Energy,” Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food & Water Watch, author of Frackopoly

WHEN
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 1:00 PM

WHERE
I – 290 Congress Street. #200. Boston, MA 02210

To register, or see more about the event, visit the website


Our Signature COP21 Paris Climate Talks Unconference

By Ryan Duffy, Communications Fellow


This March, in just a few weeks, the USGBC MA chapter will be hosting a special COP21 Paris Climate Talks Unconference to revisit these important international conversations.

This is a unique opportunity to discuss the historic 2015 United Nations Congress of the Parties (COP21), held this past December in Paris, France.  The provisions and commitments reached in the agreement have global implications for sustainability, climate change, and green building, and certainly warrant a closer examination, extensive analysis, and more discussion.

For this reason, we have put together a half-day event featuring a community of experts from a variety of organzations and firms. Panelists who attended the Paris climate talks will be present, with break-out groups led by local issue experts.

SIGN UP NOW

Partnering Organizations: 

  • Sierra Club
  • CABA, Climate Action Business Association
  • Foundation for a Green Future
  • ELM, Envoronmental League of Massachusetts

Our Paris Panelists:

  • Michael Green, Climate Action Business Association
  • Christopher Mackey, Payette
  • Professor John Sterman, MIT System Dynamics Group

Our unConference Discussion Leaders:

  • Josh Craft, Environmental League of Massachusetts
  • Henrietta Davis, former Mayor of the City of Cambridge
  • Elizabeth Saunders, Clean Water Action

 

 


More about the Event:

More than 30 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions are buildings-related, and emissions could double
 by 2050 if we carry on business as 
usual. Inaction increases risks and vulnerability of countries, regions and local communities from climate change. Yet:

  • The buildings sector offers one of the most cost-effective and economically beneficial paths for reducing energy demand and associated emissions while at the same time supporting adaptation and resilience to climate change.
  • Many low-energy, renewable and deep- renovation solutions are available. Proven policy, finance and technology actions exist.
  • The economic, health, and social benefits of sustainable buildings are significant. Buildings provide shelter, places to live, work, learn and socialize, directly affecting our daily lives.
  • Buildings are long-term ventures. Today’s new buildings are tomorrow’s existing stock. Failure to act now will lock in growth in GHG emissions for decades.

Here is how the morning will pan out:

8:30 – 9 Registration and networking
9 – 9:15 Keynote and opening
9:15 – 10:30 Breakout (unconference)
10:30 – 10:40 Break + Networking
10:40 – 12:00 Paris Panel with questions from audience

Both the panel and breakout sessions will focus on the following topics and will provide perspectives from various professional backgrounds:

  • Value Chain Transformation: is the building sector capable of massive deployment of low emitting buildings and deep renovations? How will building sector stakeholders better work together to scale up solutions adapted to local circumstances?
  • Bridging the investment gap: how ready is the finance sector to increase investment in building efficiency?  How will we address the critical need to scale up the public and private financing of EE and sustainable buildings. We will explore how buildings and EE can contribute to realizing MA's carbon goals and how the financial sector can help support that.
  • Public Policies: what is the readiness to implement long term action plans to address the key role of local jurisdictions to organize and facilitate integrated policy packages and collaborative approaches that shift to a low carbon and resilient built environment. 
  • Building rating & reporting systems: how do they support the COP21 momentum?  

Please join us as a community of advocates and practitioners as we explore how to leverage the public awareness and policy momentum generated by COP21 to drive policy gains in Massachusetts.

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Guest blog post: another take on our Policy Podium for Net Metering

By Anthony Lucivero, Advocacy Fellow

We have a special cameo blog post from Caroline Higley, a Tufts University student, and member of the Tufts Energy Group. Here is her take on our Policy Podium for net metering that we hosted on 2/25. Take it away, Caroline!

In the past five months, the Massachusetts solar industry arrived at a critical crossroads, as two policies reached capacity. With the net metering caps being reached in August 2015, and the SREC-II large-generation program being filled in late February 2016, the pressue is on for state legislators to reach a compromise before development grinds to a halt.  Over 15,100 individuals are employed in the Massachusetts solar industry, and approximately $800 million was invested in Massachusetts solar installations in 2014.  These figures indicate the importance of an immediate compromise to maintain and support the solar energy economy in Massachusetts (“Massachusetts Solar.” Solar Energy Industries Association, 2015. Web. 28 Feb.)

This week, the U.S. Green Building Council – Massachusetts Chapter (USGBC MA), hosted a “Policy Podium” event to discuss the status of the legislative gridlock on net metering and solutions to move forward.  Panelists included four professionals: David Colton, Easton Town Administrator; Charles Harak, National Consumer Law, Tim Roughan, National Grid; and Matt Shortsleeve, Solect Energy. Overall, these individuals were directed to answer two questions: “What does the MA Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council need to know to be effective advocates for net metering?” and “What is one strategy USGBC MA can adopt to promote a compromise?”

Panelists first gave an overview of the factors affecting legislative compromise. Conversations on Beacon Hill seek to address priorities in order of urgency, which include lifting the net metering caps while determining the future structure of net metering and incentives.  A dynamic conversation followed, in which panelists discussed: the solar incentives program, the distribution of costs to support solar, project sizes, the justification to change legislative terms and eliminate certainty for grandfathered projects, the rates at which projects are compensated, the impacts to the grid, and the value of increased access to solar via community solar. Each panelist advocated for different combinations of the solutions, indicative of their individual experiences.

Panelists were encouraged to answer the two guiding questions throughout the debate. As agreed upon by panelists, the ultimate strategy for the USGBC MA is to advocate for the completion of a value of solar study. Panelists reinforced that the costs of solar are unclear, the benefits of solar are unrecognized, and that legislators will need hard facts and figures to reach a decision.

A comprehensive study might make a decision more conspicuous, but I would argue that we already know the value of solar. Several renewable energy analyses have been executed in states throughout the country, and cite the solar industry’s job creation, the elimination of emissions, improved public health, local independence, alleviation at peak demand, price stability, and resiliency as few of many positive externalities. These studies have quantified cost benefits of solar, and can be applied in a framework to Massachusetts; however, political interests here have deterred this from happening.

Rather than delay action by advocating for a study, I would call forth Massachusetts residents to focus on the bigger picture. As active citizens looking to our futures, our goals should include a move away from fossil fuels to meet the Green Communities Act standards and to set a national precedent following the Paris Accord. As clean energy leaders, we must learn from the mistakes that other states have made (ex. Nevada’s decision to forestall  their solar industry), while learning from the successes of other states (ex. Rhode Island’s program to promote home efficiency updates prior to solar installation).  Widespread solar growth can only be a positive trend, and residents must remember the values upon which we pride ourselves in this state. When these sentiments are expressed to, and then mirrored by, our legislators, a decision might come a little easier.

Our next Policy Podium will be an evening with Senator Benjamin Downing and solar industry professionals, where we will discuss the future of solar energy and green jobs in Massachusetts. Don't miss out! Monday, March 14th, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, 50 Milk St, 17th floor, “Milky Way” conference room, Boston, MA, 02109. Register now!

 

Our very first Policy Podium on Net Metering!

By Anthony Lucivero, Advocacy Fellow


This morning marked the inaugural Policy Podium event, with the focus being on net metering in Massachusetts.  We had 90 minutes of dynamic and informative discussions, led by our four panelists: 

  • David Colton (Town Administrator of Easton)
  • Charles Harak (National Consumer Law Center)
  • Tim Roughan (National Grid)
  • Matt Shortsleeve (Solect Energy)

Special thanks go out to USGBC MA Advocacy Committee member David Bliss for bringing these four panelists together. 

The intention of this Policy Podium was to answer one question: What can the USGBC MA Chapter do to support net metering and solar energy development in Massachusetts?  When one aspect of net metering is being discussed, it opens up two cans of worms, so kudos go to our Executive Director, Grey Lee, for keeping the conversations on-track and ensuring audience participation. While the discussions between panelists and audience members were empassioned, everyone attending was there to listen and learn.  This was an important step in each side coming to the table to hear the other out. 

The main takeaway for the Chapter was to support raising or eliminating the net metering caps, or solar development will be dead in the water. However, short-term cap increases are not the solution.  We must build legislation that grows with solar development, or we will run into this problem every few years. 

However, there were many other takeaways from these discussions:



Solar load management through grid modernization will be key to the future of solar. When the grid is able to give utilities the full amount of details, this will result in making solar more cost-effective. 

  • Grid modernization, including virtual net metering and community solar, must be undertaken.  Tim Roughan stressed that grid modernization must come before, not after, solar development.
  • Transparency in the financial models of solar developers is needed; if installation costs are going down, is the money going to the right place? 
  • A comprehensive study for the value of solar energy must be undertaken, and not just for solar users. How can solar energy benefit the NON-solar user (even through indirect means, such as cleaner air)?
  • The next SREC incentive program must place a fair price on solar, and should include different classes of solar customers to determine varying levels of value. 
  • We must ask the legislature why there is no transparency in the politics of solar, and question them on their priorities for energy generation, distribution, and net metering pricing. 
  • Highlight the challenges facing building-level solar (structural restrictions, shading, mixed-use buildings), and give the solutions. 
  • Compromises must be made by utilities AND solar developers & users; utilties should pay-out more for solar generation, while solar users & developers should pay their fair share in supporting grid modernization.

This event was a resounding success, and we are already looking forward to our next Policy Podium with Senator Benjamin Downing, one of the core legislators in creating a future for renewable energy in Massachusetts. 

Special thanks to Celis Brisbin who served as the clerk of the works for this event, which was actually on his birthday! Yay Celis!


Join Us for a Talk on GRESB in March

By Ryan Duffy, Communications Fellow

GRESB? you ask – yes GRESB!
Join us for a presentation on the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) Survey-what it is, how it works and where it’s going-presented by Laura Barnatt, of TA Realty, and our Existing Buildings Committee.  


The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark was created in 2009 by a team of economists and statisticians from the Netherlands. Co-founded by Nils Kok at the University of Maastricht, GRESB was developed as a way for portfolio managers to more complexly assess real estate assets to uncover greater value for owners.

GRESB is a process of assessment which enables the multi-faceted aspects of property to be tracked over time in greater detail than has ever been done before. Through the GRESB process, an asset is rated in a new way, and the management entity is evaluated in a new way, which creates useful data about the underlying asset. With this data, and with the identification of component processes, asset managers can see into real estate and how non-financial aspects affect their financial performance.

The 2015 survey data highlights global trends and attempts to explain their impact on investors, GRESB survey participants, and the green building market. The 707 Participants–whose institutional capital represents $2.3 trillion of property value–have made many great strides in sustainability since 2014. The in-depth survey focuses on 7 thematic targets. This survey impressively revealed an average improvement from GRESB participants in each category:

Management: 96% have a specific person with responsibility for implementing sustainability objectives
Disclosure & Assurance: 92% report having specific sustainability objectives
Tenant & Community Engagement: 60% now have best-practice lease clauses 
Health and Well-Being: 84% increase in new construction measures to support health and well-being
Climate Risk & Resilience: -3.04% reduction in GHG emissions
Water & Waste: -1.65% decrease in water use
Energy: -2.87% reduction in energy consumption

This event will be on March 15th, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM at 50 Milk St. in the “Milky Way” room on the 15th floor. Don't miss out, register now!

Globalcon– Right Around the Corner

By Ryan Duffy, Communications Fellow


On March 9-10, the 27th annual GLOBALCON Expo will be held in Boston's Hynes Convention Center!  Along with this year's expo will be a conference, seminars, and workshops that allow attendees to discover new products, techniques, solutions and services, and network with industry professionals.

USGBC MA has obtained free tickets to the Expo for any of our Members that wish to attend, and we also have a handful of remaining discounted tickets to the full conference for a special rate of $595 (which is a $300 discount).  This package would include: admission to the multitrack conference sessions, a pass to attend the exposition, a copy of the Show Proceedings, as well as luncheons in the exhibit hall.  

Lastly, if you plan on attending the exposition, make sure to stop by our booth!  We are also looking for volunteers to man the booth if anybody is interested.  Here is more info about the event, taken from the website:


WHY GLOBALCON

Decision makers from business, industry and government must now seek integrated energy solutions — solutions which assure both a secure and affordable energy supply to meet today's and tomorrow's needs, and effective management of energy and overall operational costs. The GLOBALCON Expo will emphasize four critical areas of leading edge technology and related services:

✓ Energy Management, HVAC and Smart Building Systems
✓ Renewables, Alternative Energy and Onsite Generation
✓ Lighting Efficiency and Integrated Energy Solutions
✓ Plant and Facilities Management

Presented By…

GLOBALCON 2016, presented by the Association of Energy Engineers, is designed specifically to facilitate those seeking to expand their knowledge of fast-moving developments in the energy field, explore promising new technologies, compare energy supply options, and learn about innovative and cost-conscious project implementation strategies.

Hosted By…

National Grid, Platinum Sponsoring Partner to USGBC MA, is committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to customers and communities across Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. They work closely across the energy industry, connecting tradespersons, contractors, regulators, and energy supply representatives to deliver quality services to their customers.

Sponsor Spotlight: Nitsch Engineering

By Ryan Duffy, Communications Fellow


One of our special Silver Sponsoring Partners is Nitsch Engineering. We have benefitted from the presence of Sandy Brock, partner at Nistch and Chief Engineer, as a Director on our Board for many years. Other staff including Jared Gentilucci have been instrumental in managing our efforts in Central Massachusetts, where we have used Nitsch's offices in Worcester to hold events and educational sessions.

Nitsch Engineering delivers client-focused, creative, cost-effective, and sustainable project solutions to its building/site development and infrastructure clients. Nitsch specializes in providing civil engineering, land surveying, transportation engineering, structural engineering, green infrastructure, planning, and GIS services. Since 1989, Nitsch has worked with academic clients, developers, corporate and institutional owners, public agencies, architects, and other design professionals on major private development and public infrastructure projects in 18 states and five countries.


The group is committed to addressing the issues of climate change and resiliency. They understand that each community threatened by climate change faces a unique situation that requires tailored solutions: one-size-fits-all solutions are not an option. Green infrastructure is an integral part of addressing climate change concerns. Combining landscape beautification with stormwater management produces a number of important benefits that are highly adaptable to various climates.

For example, an increase in vegetation lowers urban heat island effects and increases the natural evaporative cooling abilities of plants. Further, these softscapes act as natural “sponges” to absorb increased precipitation expected in humid climates, reducing the strain on aging infrastructure caused by every day rainfall while buffering the impacts of damaging weather to protect development and investment. In recognition of such benefits, these techniques are increasingly being utilized in major cities including Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston – and Nitsch Engineering has been actively involved in designing resilient projects in each of these areas.

The Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife Westborough Headquarters

By Ritchie Lafaille, Office Fellow

Built by Chapter Sponsoring Partner, Columbia Construction Company, this facility was designed by an integrated design team of passionate green builders.

The LEED Platinum Net-Zero Energy Building, one of the Commonwealth's first, forecasts exceptional energy reduction of 50%. The building is oriented to optimize energy production from the 290 kW rooftop photovoltaic array and minimize heating and cooling energy use. The envelope includes structural insulated panels and triple-glazed windows. The high performance mechanical system includes radiant heating and cooling, direct outside air system, mechanically assisted natural ventilation, energy recovery units, LED lighting and a closed-loop geothermal ground source heat pump system, all of which is tracked with real-time building energy management system.

The three-story 45,000 SF Net-Zero headquarters houses over 120 Mass Wildlife biologists and environmental reviewers, and is shared by the information and education program staff as well. It is a showcase for the conservation mission of the agency. The Office of Fishing and Boating Access maintain over 275 fishing and boating public access facilities statewide. Flexible by design, program areas include offices, classrooms, meeting rooms, a library, GIS laboratory, and a wet lab for research. This Net Zero Energy Building is open to the public year-round and is a venue for environmental education.

Read more about Columbia Construction here and in our blog!

Come See Us at BuildingEnergy Boston in 2 Weeks

By Ryan Duffy, Communications Fellow


Join us at BuildingEnergy Boston Conference + Trade Show, March 8-10 at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston MA. It's going to be awesome!
 
We will be right there on the trade show floor – let us know if you'd like to volunteer to share the good news of the USGBC MA Chapter to conference attendees. 
 

Friends of USGBC MA can register with the case sensitive code FRIENDOFNESEA to receive $25 off!

Read more about the event below!

​​

Join NESEA for the BuildingEnergy Boston Conference + Trade Show: March 8-10, 2016

Pre-Conference Workshops and Networking: March 8, 2016 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, MA

Conference + Trade Show: Wednesday and Thursday, March 9-10, 2016 at the Seaport

What is BuildingEnergy?

The BuildingEnergy Boston Conference + Trade Show is the Northeast's premier gathering for sustainable design, green building, and renewable energy professionals. Produced by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), the annual event attracts more than 3,500 practitioners working together to advance the adoption of sustainable energy practices in the built environment. Attendees span all sectors of the building industry, ensuring that the people you meet and the knowledge you gain will expand your network and strengthen your business. Conference sessions are rigorous, relevant, and rooted in whole-systems thinking. The trade show hosts companies with cutting edge products and services. Greenwashing is left at the door. Sound good? Join us!

Why Attend BuildingEnergy?

  • Network with industry leaders
  • Build your competitive advantage
  • Make business-to-business connections and grow your client base
  • Learn new techniques and new technologies at over 80 sessions and workshops
  • Earn your professional credits in highly engaging multi-disciplinary sessions
  • Visit exhibits of companies with cutting edge products and services

Why Exhibit at BuildingEnergy?

  • Introduce your products and services to new clientele
  • Debut new products and services to established clientele
  • Make business-to-business connections and grow your client base
  • See and be seen by industry leaders and emerging professionals
  • Avoid the discomfort of having to explain your absence

BuildingEnergy Attendee Breakdown

51% Building professionals (architects, engineers, builders, planners, contractors, facility managers, developers and designers)

23% Energy and environmental professionals

15% Educators, homeowners, students and non-profit organizations