At a June 2nd meeting in Houston, a group of new-age energy experts presented an upbeat view of what is ahead for the country and for Texas if the clean energy legislation recently passed by the full House makes it through the Senate. And, the future looks good as a vision of sustainability transforms into a plan of action.The Waxman-Markey clean energy climate bill should generate “tens of thousands” of renewable energy jobs in Texas alone according to Jon Berger, CEO of Standard Renewable Energy. Berger said his company has added more than 150 jobs already this year. The Waxman-Markey bill finally lends some government backing and definition to renewable energy initiatives.Chief energy management officer at Horizon Wind Energy, Antonio Countinho, reported that his company had grown from 50 employees to 300 since 2005. As a clean and proven renewable energy source, wind energy is one of the beneficiaries of Waxman-Markey.The enthusiasm of the panelists was tempered by John Calaway, chief development officer at Babcock and Brown, who added that “when gas prices go down, we get lazy again in our support for a clean energy policy.”The ability to transmit solar power has limited the growth of solar energy. With an improved infrastructure, solar power is positioned to expand and have a quick impact on reduction of carbon emissions. The cost of solar panels has been reduced by 35% due to recent technological advances and increased manufacturing capabilities. The panel suggested that grid parity would exist in Texas by 2012 and the solar energy gates would open.Jeff Chapman, president of Emerging Green Buildings and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) architect with Kirsey Architects in Houston, stated that there are currently only 12 LEED® certified buildings in Houston. Chapman said he is now working on 12 LEED® projects at the present time, but the message was clear. Houston ha snot been aggressive enough about sustainable energy or projects. With Waxman-Markey about to pass, that could change quickly.“The implications for a city like Houston are pretty profound. We are good at big projects.”

Green Panelists Meet in Houston is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

When proud Austin, Texas, passed a resolution that municipal buildings must accomplish a US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification, the city became the first in the country to embrace green construction.  That was in the year 2000.Dallas followed in January 2003 with its own commitment to LEED® certification and Green Building Programs.  An October 2007 report entitled “Toward a Sustainable Dallas” is filled with facts, figures and plans for the greening of the city.  The report also provides a healthy endorsement for the LEED® certification and rating system.In June 2005, Houston joined the green and LEED® construction party.  The city originally authorized the LEED® certifications for new and replacement facilities that occupied a building of 10,000 square feet or more.Since the original green and LEED® commitments, the cities have come to realize that not only do LEED® certifications make sense; they save taxpayer money and reduce the environmental stress as well as create healthier working spaces for city employees.  The Obama administration has reached the same conclusion and has loaded the stimulus package with green and LEED® certified requirements and incentives.Austin’s Dell Children’s Medical Center, designed by Karlsberger and construction by the White Construction firm of Austin, opened June 30, 2007 as the newest member of the Seton Family of Hospitals.  The $200 million project set its sights on the US Green Building Council’s highest rating, the revered platinum LEED® certification.  Austin LEED® certification professional Aide Uzgiris remarked.  “It couldn’t be a more appropriate application for LEED® strategies.  Children, especially sick children, are more sensitive than adults to the effects of chemicals.”The esteemed platinum LEED® certification calls for an 80% compliance score for energy and environmental design and implementation.  Uzgiris elaborated that, “the materials encouraged by LEED® not only tend to be naturally attractive, they reduce the amount of toxic chemicals inside the building, contributing to healthier indoor air.”Sounds like a perfect design for a children’s hospital or any other hospital or work environment for that matter.  Developers and building owners should consult with LEED® professionals to better understand the many advantages to certification.

Texas&LEED® – A Mighty Good Fit is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

Houston’s League City is closing the gap on a conceptual plan for a new recreational park.  The Houston City Council is choosing from two possible plans for the newly proposed Eastern Regional Park to be designed by TBG Partners.Proposals include international soccer fields, a competition pool facility and a community center.  The pool complex will include either a 25 yard competition pool, or a 50 meter/25 yard combination pool. Original plans for a senior center and recreational pool have been changed to include two gymnasiums and a multi-purpose fitness center.Both plans now under consideration by the City Council include commitments to LEED® certification that will be provided by the US Green Building Council’s rating system.  These third party evaluations are designed to ensure efficiency and environmental benefits and are scored on six basic construction criteria.The LEED® certification demonstrates the City Council’s environmental stewardship and commendable social responsibility.  This commitment has been intertwined in the 2005 Parks and Open Space Master Plan approved by the City Council in 2006.  The site’s needs have been under review and were adjusted according to a survey of physical resources and resident input.The LEED® certification will assure residents that operating costs will be low and the net value of the project will be enhanced.  Pro-active energy and water conservancy will be utilized and the Eastern Regional Park project will substantially reduce the amounts of waste sent to landfills.Additionally, with the LEED® certification, the project should qualify for tax rebates, be healthier and safer for all park users and dramatically reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.As with all LEED® certified projects, the construction represents a win-win undertaking.  With more than 75% of new projects committed to LEED® certification, it only makes sense for communities to be ahead of the trend.  Look around Texas and you will notice the flurry of green building activity.  It is where the jobs are, where progress is and where the country’s future is heading.

Score Another One for Eastern Regional Park is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

The Gulf Coast Green 2009 Symposium is a free-to-the public, two-day conference from April 16 – April 17, 2009 at Houston’s Reliant Park.  The Gulf Coast Green Symposium is followed by another two-day, free-to-the-public Houston Green Expo at the same location.Both events feature speakers, exhibitors and vendors on all topics green.  Featured presentation include:•    Reducing the Region’s Footprint•    Alternative Technologies•    Smart Planning for Inevitable Growth•    Implementing Breakthrough SolutionsIn addition to community and commercial green topics, many green homeowners’ issues will be addressed.  The Houston Green Expo is the largest green product expo presented by the city each year.  Many educational seminars will be presented, so if you have an idea or are seeking green conservation ideas, pack up the kids and stop by the expo this weekend.The City of Houston has commenced many Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®®) initiatives.  As the private sector enters the green movement and especially the green construction movement, homeowners, communities, property developers and managers are encouraged to attend the symposium and expo to stay abreast of green industry trends.Pre-registration is not required at either event.  Walk-in traffic is most welcome.  As LEED’s ® Emerging Green Building program is geared for young green entrepreneurs, all children and young adults are encouraged to participate.LEED®® is committed to responsible environmental and social conduct.  The LEED®® rating system is a third party evaluation program that results in four levels or certification.  Environmental initiatives are awarded points based on a merit system.  The point total determines the project’s rating.  While many new construction projects are committed to the LEED®® certification, there is a need to bring existing properties up to standard.Events like the Reliant Park events help to educate the builders, planners and consumers about green topic and products. The LEED®® rating and certification programs give us all a path to environmental change.  Now, we just have to make it happen.

Green Symposium in Houston is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

You have probably heard by now, but the new Element Houston Vintage Park hotel has made its proud and commendable debut last month.  The message bears repeating.  The Element Houston Vintage Park hotel is the first in the state to pursue and obtain the United States Green Building Council’s  (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification.This significant commitment represents a big step forward for Houston, the state of Texas and the visitors to the sparkling clean, energy efficient and user-healthy hotel.  As an example of the hotel’s green efforts, even the gorgeously appointed pool contains no chlorine.Each room has an energy efficient kitchen stocked with healthy ready-made meals and pasta, sauces and artisanal meats and cheeses.  Now, we are talking about health and progress.  Even better news, is that consumers are liking and responding to the Element’s green message.The hotel uses Energy Star appliances and was finished with low VOC paints and has implemented incredibly attractive recycled-content carpets, cushions and art mountings.  Water conservation is ensured by low-flow toilets throughout and conservation-rich rain showers.The Element has installed a proactive recycling campaign.  The hotel provides recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass.  Sound like home?  If so, make yourself at home by visiting the hotel and supporting the green movement.The Houston hotel is typical of what is happening in new construction around the country, around the globe and specifically in Texas as more than 75% of new commercial-grade development calls for green construction and energy programs.  More and more government projects are taking the green message even further and requiring LEED® certification in all design and construction.The LEED® rating system evaluates construction for environmental and health quality under six construction-based criteria.  Points are awarded for each rating and the overall score generates one of four LEED® certification classifications.  Congratulations to the City of Houston and a pat on the back to the Texans for their support of The Element Houston Vintage Park.  Try it, you will like it!

Houston’ s Element Hotel – A Trend Setter is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

If you own a small business that you operate out of your home you may think all this talk of business energy conservation is not for you—you’re wrong. In fact, you can make a huge difference, and you already are in many ways. Home businesses are the path for the future for many reasons, but the most ecologically important one is:A home business cuts the use of gas used for transportation commuting 100%.Of course it can’t be left to end there. Making your home as eco-friendly as possible is vital to maintaining a green office environment in your home. Use renewable energy resources whenever possible, make sure all of your products are environmentally safe and made from recycled products, and use what energy you do consume wisely. Turn off and unplug all office related machinery when not in use.What Can A Big Business Do To Join In?Just because you are not a home business does not mean you cannot make good use of the concept to heighten your company’s energy efficiency commitment.Create telecommuting positions whenever possible: This is a great way to make use of the home office concept while maintaining your own office structure. Many common office jobs do not require face-to-face interaction and on the occasion when it is necessary to have a meeting the many media options available online make that possible too. Hiring online assistants, secretaries, sales people, and even call centers is a useful method of cutting your office energy use and reducing commuter traffic.There is no reason any longer for the massive road congestion on our nation’s highways. Even Texas with its massive expanses is seeing a huge increase in traffic in its urban areas. Reduce our dependency on foreign oil, and cut out the travel time for your employees with responsible hiring practices and job creation.

What Impact Can a Home Office Make? is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

It’s snowing in Texas and the weather seesaws between freezing and mid-70s even in the far south in the spring time. Flooding is happening all over the continental U.S. So what does that have to do with global warming? Everything. It is time to realize that the severe climate craziness is a direct result of the destruction of our atmosphere for decades—and time to clean it up.LEED® is intent on helping Texas businesses do their part in helping restore the environment to its equilibrium. It doesn’t matter if that business is in Houston or Dallas they are there with their willingness to help whenever called helping to find ways to use sustainable energy in product production, and teaching how to green up offices, warehouses and plants. While it is every man and woman’s duty to take charge in every way they can businesses have the greatest impact on the environment simply due to their sheer size in many cases, and the types of products created as well as how they are made.Even the little businessperson can make changes that have a big impact on the world around them. Encourage carpooling and give incentives for employees who show eco-responsibility as well as implementing enviro-friendly methods from product creation all the way down to the light bulbs in your offices. Be an example by driving a hybrid and using recycled products whenever possible.Travel green—Continental, Virgin, EasyJet, and Lufthansa are all eco-friendly airlines doing their best to conserve fuel and use alternatives to stretch fuel use. Inquire about the hotel’s policy on eco-friendly practices when traveling on business.Every time you choose a company or service produced with sustainable energy you take a big leap forward in improving the world we live in. Pass it on, too. Let others know how you feel about green businesses and homes and you’ll set a good example while gaining the admiration of consumers as well.

The Environment’s Gone Crazy: What Can a Business Do About That? is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

Dining out is one of America’s favourite past-times. Sharing a festive meal at a local restaurant is a cultural norm for graduations, receptions, sporting events, family birthdays and other occasions in which a night off from cooking is a much appreciated gesture.
Aside from all the advantages of a dining experience, a few drawbacks do exist.  Every year, approximately 40 billion plastic utensils are tossed into the landfill.  Industrial-sized ovens, hot air hand dryers, food-warming lamps, ice-making machines, constantly-churning dishwashers and billions of dollars in restaurant refrigeration suck up energy across the country.
The cost of running a restaurant is exorbitant; saving valuable dollars by using a green building standard will not only save a large chunk of the environment, but it will allow restaurant owners to put more money back into their business or into the struggling economy of their community.
Cullen’s Upscale American Grille, located in downtown Houston, Texas, is a great example of green building practises.  Cullen’s has completed 17 Steps of Progress within the Green Restaurant Association Environmental Guidelines.

Among the many energy conscious decisions they have made, a few examples are:

•    replacement of all plastics with disposable cutlery made from sustainable sources such as potato or corn starch
•    elimination of Styrofoam container use
•    installation of energy efficient ovens, dishwasher, refrigerator, air conditioning, ice machine and hand dryers
•    creation of environmental curtains to contain inside temperature
•    addition of energy-saving lighting devices and programmable thermostats
•    adherence to a consistent recycling program for reusable products such as cardboard and paper
•    reduction of the amount water used to flush toilets and fill sinks

Taking the lead in environmentally-sound technology is a bold step forward.  Following a good example is wise.  Cutting energy expenditures creates a green filter; it saves the planet and money.

Greener Dining Out in Houston, Texas is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

Is anyone using LinkedIn to network different LEED-related ideas? I just started a few weeks ago and it has been very interesting. There are many different local chapters of USGBC as well as sustainable groups. Anyone who wants to join, can find me on there by searching for me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/rickwalkerleedap . Be sure to join the local chapter of the USGBC and do some networking there. I am affiliated with the Houston, DFW, and Balcones Chapters.

LinkedIn for LEED Professionals is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

Almost 8 million tons of wastewater is produced in the state of Texas each year.  This includes sewage and water from residential, industrial and commercial drains.  It isn’t all bad; greener treatment of waste from toilets and sewers produces a sustainable source of compost, called dry sludge.

Sludge is a thick mud left over after bacteria have digested sewage and human wastes deposited into septic systems.  Untreated sewage contains chemical elements and toxins.  Pollutants and pesticides from run-off into open drainage grates contaminate our wastewater.  Beneficial bacteria clean and filter the sewage.  This leaves a sustainable sludge behind which is left to dry before entering any landfill or used in an application with the land.   Texas produces about 650 000 tons of environmentally-friendly, dried sludge per year.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulates treatment of sewage and sludge to make it useful.  Elements such as phosphorous and nitrogen are beneficial to soil.  Sludge can also be composted with vegetation and landscape trimmings for use on golf courses, large open areas and highways.

Austin, Houston and Dallas, produce compost called, Dillo Dirt.   The program was initiated in Austin in 1989 and continues today in Houston and Dallas, as well. The municipality collects yard waste and landscape trimmings which are combined with treated with dried sludge. Dillo Dirt is free from human and plant pathogens.  They are eliminated during composting when the temperature can be as high as 130 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, the Dillo Dirt is cured, sifted and packaged.

Dillo Dirt can be used on flower or vegetable gardens, as a topsoil dressing or for any other environmentally-friendly outdoor purpose.  This fertilizer is rich, made from recyclable elements and will retain water better than regular soil, thus reducing the need for watering.

Dillo Dirt in Dallas is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog