Take a look at the following magazine about hip stuff, cool gadgets and life management. with beans

Great New Online Magazine is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

The site of the former Pearl Brewery is at the center of San Antonio’s green commitment.  The exciting project is well positioned to garner national attention and plenty of local interest as Artistic Builders sets about accomplishing a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification.  At the core of the reconstruction project is the Full Goods Building, which will occupy 67,000 square feet of spectacular office space as well as an aggressive packaging and shipping facility.Artistic Builders is utilizing a related company, Capco Steel, to provide the light-gauge steel framing, metal-clad wall systems and specialty steel and structural fabrication for the highly visible project.  The commitment to sustainable construction has been challenging but is the only way to go for San Antonio and the Pearl complex.To achieve LEED® certification, the Pearl design called for a minimum of 75% of the project’s waste to be recycled.  The Full Goods site has charged a subcontractor to assist with this phase.  All wood, drywall, cardboard and similar waste is sent to the subcontractor’s site where recyclables are separated.  Materials are then ground into powder for recycling.  Steel waste is recycled as scrap by Capco.  Artistic Builders estimates that through the recycling effort, 80% of site waste has been diverted from local landfills.Full Goods subscribes to the U.S. Green Building Council’s mandate that sustainable construction should serve to benefit employees and surrounding neighbors.  The company has focused on interior air quality.Only adhesives, paints and solvents with low-volatile, organic-compound ratings have been used.  This specification was developed in the LEED® design process and will assist with elevating the interior air quality.  During the construction process, all ducts have been capped to better protect the system from construction dust.Artistic Builders has been impressed with the LEED® guidelines for green building materials.  At the Pearl, 50% of the wood is required to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and must come from areas that engage in re-foresting.  The builder is required to document the wood’s allocation as well as history.The USGBC has learned that accountability has become a large part of the green construction movement.  With the many financial incentive initiatives accompanying green projects, tracking has become a critical part of the LEED® rating system.

San Antonio’s Pearl Brewing Green Magic is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

Nestle Waters North America’s Nestle® Pure Life® newest water bottling facility in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, received the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification on June 5, 2009.  The facility is the first food and beverage manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania to receive the stellar Gold certification.Nestle Waters began utilizing the LEED® system in 2003 when it earned the first LEED® certification for a food and beverage factory in the United States for its operation in Stanwood, Michigan.  Company executives were so impressed with the environmental and social after effects, that all subsequent new facilities have aggressively pursued LEED® certifications.The Madison County, Florida, manufacturing plant achieved Silver rating in 2006.  The plant in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee, gained a Silver rating in 2005 while the Cabazon, California, facility became the first food and beverage facility in the world to receive a Silver rating in the country in 2003.The Nestle plant in Hawkins, Texas, accomplished a Silver rating in 2004.  Presently, there are three Nestle North American facilities pending LEED® certification reviews.Nestle Waters is proud of its significant environmental achievements.  The company should be and so should the neighboring communities.  Since 2002, the Nestle Waters LEED® certified plants have conserved more than 9 million gallons of water and 1.5 million kwh of energy.  Carbon emissions at these plants have been reduced by 2.1 million pounds and waste has been reduced by a startling 216 million pounds.  108 tons of solid waste has been diverted away from landfills.The new Pennsylvania facility expects to conserve 220,00 galloons of water a year and save 9.9 billion BTU’s of energy each year.  That is enough energy to heat 125 homes in the area in the course of a year.These are admirable accomplishments and perfectly suited for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) goals.  The rating system strives to conserve energy and natural resources as well as improve the work environment.  Happy neighbors, happy employees and conscientious employers come together at Nestle Waters North America.

Nestle Waters Goes Green – Again! is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

Rubbermaid is the latest manufacturer to certify its products to the stringent Greenguard Children & Schools (SM) standard.  Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI) is a leader in certifications of products for low chemical emissions and for products that improve indoor air quality.“We are excited to add Rubbermaid to our list of participating manufacturers.  It is great to see strong consumer brands like Rubbermaid recognizing the importance of providing better products for indoor environments,” said Dr. Marilyn Black, Founder of GEI.Safer and healthier indoor environments are what GEI is all about.  Recently, in an independent survey performed by Harris Interactive, 69% of interviewed consumers indicated a preference for products certified for indoor air quality.  As the green movement moves forward, building owners and occupants have become increasingly aware of the importance of indoor air quality.For Rubbermaid, the Greenguard certification represents a major effort.  The Greenguard Children & Schools Certification program screened Rubbermaid products for 10,000 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including phthalates and formaldehyde.  The Greenguard certification attests that Rubbermaid’s products have passed rigorous testing requirements and that they do not release potentially harmful chemicals into the indoor air.Rubbermaid Product Marketing Manager, Betty Schmal announced the certification; “Rubbermaid strives to provide the best products possible to consumers, and achieving Greenguard Certification is just one way we continue to demonstrate our corporate commitment to environmental stewardship.  We recognize consumers growing desire for green products and wanted to be on the forefront of offering healthy products for indoor environment.”Greenguard has currently more than 200 participating manufacturers in their certification program.  Other products include paint, mattresses, cribs and children furniture.  Greenguard is cooperating with the National Association of Home Builders and the National Green Building Standard as well as with the U.S. Green Building Council to identify suggested products.As these various certification programs work together, consumers will come to better understand the products most beneficial for their homes and offices.  Indoor air quality is a leading contributor to a healthy home and workplace.

Rubbermaid On Board is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

Did you know that certain energy companies (ESCOs) will actually pay all or part of a building’s up-front sustainable green project costs?  Could there be a stronger endorsement for the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) and for the EPA’s Energy Star program?  A LEED® certification assures property owners of qualification for many financial benefits.In some circumstances, these forward-thinking energy companies actually allow repayment over time through the proceeds of newly created energy savings.  Some energy companies will even install solar power or other alternative energy sources and will allow owners to repay over time at a prearranged schedule.Believe it or not, the recession is providing expanded opportunities for owners of newly LEED® certified buildings.  Financial support is not limited to energy providers.In addition to considerable federal and local energy tax credits and energy buy-back programs, the Building Owners and Managers Association International and the Real Estate Roundtable support a new $3 billion energy efficiency initiative.  The USGBC has proposed a $15 billion green schools retrofit program.  The federal government is in the midst of finalizing a $75 billion sustainable building revolving loan program.Building owners who follow the money will soon realize that the recession is providing aggressive first-time sustainable incentives.  Many of the programs specifically refer to the LEED® rating system as the independent third party benchmark system for sustainability.In today’s low cost, competitive construction environment, the time to start greening could not be better.  What building managers report is that every tenant in today’s market is a valuable commodity.  And, tenants want space in energy efficient, sustainable buildings and they are willing to pay for that space.There are many ways to begin greening.  Simple, things like converting to efficient light bulbs, instituting aggressive recycling programs, and maximizing equipment efficiency generate savings and send a message.Landlords are constantly surprised by the enthusiastic response to the simplest sustainable improvement.  New windows, HVAC upgrades and Energy Star involvement will start the sustainable ball rolling.  It really is about time!

The Recession and LEED® – part 5 is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

In the wake of extensive research reports from CoStar and Lockwood-Deloitte, the prognosis for existing buildings is not promising.  If these buildings do not adopt sustainable design, they will continue to diminish in value, waste considerable energy resources and pose serious environmental threats through their carbon emissions.All building owners and developers should consider this data:•    70 percent of all U.S. electricity is used in buildings•    12 percent of the country’s potable water is used in buildings•    30 percent of all American waste is accumulated in buildings•    35 percent of all CO2 emissions are created by buildings•    39 percent of all energy in the U.S. is consumed in buildingsMore national energy is used in buildings than in cars, trucks, planes and all other forms of motorized transport combined.  Astoundingly, buildings use 12% more energy than the combined use of all forms of transport.CO2 emissions from buildings have grown faster in the past 25 years than emissions from any other sector.The Lockwood-Deloitte survey revealed that:•    Green building programs reduce energy use in buildings by 35-50 percent•    Green building programs reduce carbon emissions by 35 percent•    Water usage is reduced through sustainable design by 40 percent•    Solid waste is usually reduced by as much as 70 percentGreen building owners are banking the reduced costs and are finding that their properties are sustaining their value.  When the recession ends, these properties will once again appreciate quickly.  Existing buildings that have not gone green will be outdated, in need of conversion and have values that continue to slide.Times are tough and money is tight.  However, support from green initiatives comes from many sources including the Obama stimulus package and local governments and communities.  In the midst of the recession, green retrofits can be accomplished for very reasonable prices.  The competition for construction projects is driving costs lower and lower.  While property owners can always find reasons not to spend money, the recession may provide unique opportunities to make the move to sustainable design.

The Recession and LEED® – Part 4 is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

On Anderson Lane in Austin, good things are happening to one of the country’s largest office retail supply firms. Through Office Depot’s new environmentally responsible initiative coordinated with a commitment to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certifications, the $15.4 billion office supply giant will be flexing its substantial green muscle in a number of constructive ways.In addition to creating a prototype Gold LEED® certified 20,000 square foot distribution center, Office Depot has also launched a stellar line of green products. In 2007, sales of these green products rose to $1.6 billion, more than 10% of Office Depot’s global sales.Among the highly rated LEED® features at the Anderson Lane facility are the highly efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning units, the low-usage water fixtures and a roofing and skylight system that adjusts to the sun allowing entry and use of natural daylight.Office Depot has also put in place a proactively aggressive recycling center. Under this program, customers can recycle unwanted cell phones, rechargeable batteries, ink and toner cartridges, paper and electronical equipment.As part of its global initiative, Office Depot encourages its 52,000 employees in 43 countries to utilize public transportation whenever possible. Employees have also organized effective carpooling pods. Office Depot goes further tan expected by providing free bicycle tire patches and air pumps for workers who agree to ride bikes to and from work.In its efforts to spread sustainable products throughout the business world, Office Depot has posted green economy advisories throughout the distribution center. These advisories remind customers and employees of the facility’s many green nuances. Rather than purchase new shopping carts for Anderson Lane, the office supply giant refurbished old carts. This seems a small step but represents the effort that can start a green wave.As the company has continued to expand its green product line, a Green Office Checklist has been developed. The checklist is based upon LEED®-EB Sustainable Purchasing Standards and is accompanied by a LEED®-EB Credit Report that accounts for the Sustainable Purchasing of office supplies, technology and furniture according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s recommendations.Office Depot’s Anderson Lane center reflects the corporation’s revitalized determination to become and remain a responsible corporate citizen. This is becoming a familiar scenario in green savvy Austin.

Office Depot’s New Environment – Part 2 is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

When economic efficiency and environmental efficiency are on the same page, good things are bound to happen.  And, when Office Depot makes its new global environmental commitment and builds a model in the City of Austin, what could be more encouraging?Once again, economic efficiency, environmental conservation and environmental efficiency are coming together in Austin and the world will be a healthier place because of the effort.  In 2007, Office Depot took a long, hard look at the company’s environmental impact and recognized change was needed.At that time, Office Depot occupied more than 39 million square feet of commercial real estate and acknowledged a sizable carbon emissions and solid-waste footprint.  The company made a conscientious decision to reverse the trend and begin a new, progressive initiative setting new criteria for all new construction projects.  The 20,000 square foot Anderson Lane facility in Austin will serve as a prototype for all new company projects.After consulting with the U.S. Green Building Council and implementing the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system in the design of its newest facility, a certain critical game plan emerged.  On the Gold LEED® certified Anderson Lane site, total energy savings are now 37%, water usage is reduced by 40% and an exemplary 80% of new construction waste was diverted from landfills for re-use.The U.S. Green Building Council officially certified the project on December 18, 2008.  LEED® certifications are based on cumulative scores for:•    Sustainable Site – 16 possible points•    Water Efficiency – 5 possible points•    Energy & Atmosphere – 15 Possible points•    Materials & Resources – 13 possible points•    Indoor Environmental Quality – 14 possible points•    Innovative Design – 5 possible pointsOn this project, there were 66 potential LEED® points.  The Office Depot score of 46 merited a Gold Certification.  The innovation and design received a perfect 5 of 5 evaluation while the energy and atmospheric evaluation yielded a strong 13 of 15 rating.Office Depot should be applauded for their responsible business and environmental practices.  By combining the strategies, Office Depot on Anderson Lane is a healthier and better environment in which to shop or work.

Office Depot Sets Example in Austin is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

In March 2008, the National Buildings Institute (NBI) released a controversial analysis pertaining to the energy use in LEED® buildings.  The report indicated that energy use in LEED® buildings fell 25 – 30% below the national average.  However, there was a wide disparity between LEED® buildings.  As the study showed, approximately 21% of the buildings actually performed in a substandard manner.The LEED® certification program did not contain any provisions for obtaining post construction data relative to the building’s actual operational performance.  The NBI survey included 22% of 552 LEED® for New Construction Version 2 program certified buildings.As of December 2006, only these 121 projects were able to produce data for a one-year period about the building’s post-occupancy performance.  LEED® v3 provides standards for collecting and evaluating this data to track energy performance for completed projects.LEED® v3 further serves to efficiently ease the project registration process through electronic processing.  The USGBC smoothed and stabilized the process with the help of input from Adobe and SAP who addressed historical issues presented by frequent users of previous programs.Projects registered after May 1, 2009, will have access to the new LEED® v3 online registration and tracking program.  Projects registered prior to this date will continue to use the earlier system.  The new online software processing represents a significant USGBC investment.  Past users will realize the improvements in ease of use and in improved speed and reliability.For many years the LEED® certification process has been slowed by internal procedures.  As outside parties, like Underwriters Laboratories and Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance governed the review process.  Now, 10 organizations proactively engage the review process.  LEED® v3 is a coordinated effort by all parties with up-to-date analysis.  This revamped process should facilitate and dramatically shorten the final review.The U.S. Green Building Council has bog plans for forward-thinking green initiatives.  With the Obama Administration’s emphasis on green programs and with billions of dollars in green incentive programs on the table, it was imperative that the industry leading rating system stays ahead of the curve.  LEED® v3 is the Council’s answer to the demand.

LEED® Revisions – Part 4 is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

More than anything else, sustainability is a living, growing and nurturing experience. Schools and colleges are finding that students and faculty respond to green initiatives. To add a touch of incentive to these educational awareness programs, the U.S. Green Building Council has approved the award of one LEED® point for every 10 hours of classroom instruction per year.The point award is received under the Innovation and Design component of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system. What the USGBC has noticed is that students like to know about green initiatives. At one Texas school, familiarizing the students with the school’s solar panels, rainwater storage drums and recycling programs paid big dividends as students not only embraced the principles but also launched their own green initiatives.Soon carpooling helped to reduce traffic and additional bike racks were installed to accommodate a dramatic increase in cyclists. The President of Sustainaissance International summed it up; “The kids are excited. When it comes to green efforts, it’s almost like you should just move over and let them do it.”Joseph Sanchez is the facilities management director for the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida. One of the school board’s he sits upon had two doctors. The physicians were instrumental in encouraging green cleaning practices throughout the school system.Sanchez had become a believer. Attendance has improved, and everyone, including the student body, is helping. Sanchez has found that green cleaning is actually less expensive than conventional cleaning practices. Green products are usually either concentrates or foam soaps and are less expensive in the long run.What Sanchez has found is that green initiatives work in schools. The key is to create a team of students, faculty and administrative representatives and to brainstorm about green strategies. Sustainability guidelines need to be defined. When the group structures programs, the initiatives need to be taken to the school board for approval.The way Sanchez has sold green programs to school boards is to relate the savings to teacher’s salaries. In these days of budget stress, showing how sustainability can save jobs works for everyone.

LEED® in the Classroom is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog