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

It may not look green.  It may not feel green.  It may not even sound green, but everything about the USGBC’s headquarters is green.  The U.S. Green Building Council’s new corporate headquarters in Washington D.C. is a sparkling example of sustainability and goes to prove that sustainability does not preclude crisp, new age style.The first two items you might notice could well be the spiffy terrazzo floors and the glass over glass over glass airy look.  The walls are crisp and white and feature 500 year old salvaged wood timber.Design has been created by environmentally sensitive Envision Design and complies with the USGBC’s “ideas-and-ideals into action” program.  Envision Design is one of the foremost Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) design in the country.Washington-based Envision Design was co-founded by Kendall Wilson and partner Diana Horvat.  Their first project was the Greenspeace headquarters in 1999.  At that time, green design was more conceptual than practical.  The growth of Envision Design parallels the growth of the sustainable movement and the expansion of the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system.The sustainable movement took public endorsements from environmental spokespersons Al Gore and Ed Mazria and turned downwind.  LEED® and the USGBC had been the major players in establishing benchmark sustainability standards ever since.In 2005, the USGBC celebrated the registration of one thousand projects.  In 2008, more than 9,000 projects were LEED® registered.  Actually, the first green standards program was the UK’s Building Research Establishment Assessment Method.  The USGBC’s LEED® original program caused architectural angst and was far from perfect, like the sustainable movement itself.  However, the council willingness to engage, observe and adjust has established the LEED®’s leadership role.“LEED® really upped the ante for green building.  Everyone complains about LEED®, but there’s no debate that it has been transforming in terms of demand,” said Wilson.  The new USGBC headquarters is worth a visit and well worth a tour.  Where else will you see lighting that consumes less than half a watt per square foot?

The USGBC – Leading by Example is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

Since 2005, only 10 congregations have received the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification. However, there is hope! Currently, there are 54 congregational LEED® certification applications before the council.Applications have been accepted from many religions, including Roman Catholic, Judaism, Methodist, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Unitarian, Wesleyan and Lutheran. The most recent certification was for a $9 million synagogue project in Evanston, Illinois. The certification was issued in September, 2008, and the congregation opened the doors in February.Rabbi Brant Rosen explained the direction of the country’s first green synagogue; “It was about making a sacred statement. If we were going to talk the talk, we needed to walk the walk. The whole process forced us to look at our values in a deeper way.” The synagogue was planned by members who believed this was the time to reflect their belief that God calls them to be responsible stewards of the earth.In addition to a deep sense of environmental and social responsibility shared by many parish members, churches are also finding sound economic reasons to go green. Buildings of worship can reasonably expect a 30% reduction in energy costs. Currently, only 2,000 of the 310,000 houses of worship in the U.S. are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Congregations program.At the 27,000 member Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, executive pastor Mike Buster reported that implementing the Energy Star Congregations to cut the $2 million bill for gas and water in half. “We are to be good stewards of our resources, our financial resources as well as the Earth’s resources. We take the dollars we were spending with utility companies and now spend them on ministry and missions.The Reverend Elaine Strawn of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County in Wooster Ohio added, “We are caretakers. It’s about respecting other life and trying to reduce our impact so future generations have some Earth left to live on.”What these congregations are finding is that green habits developed inside the parish are re-enacted at home. Many parishioners actively embrace the green movement and pas sit on to children and friends. That is the point, isn’t it?See http://www.greenefficient.com/creationcare/ for more information.

Religions Going Green 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

The City of Rockwall is the county seat of Rockwall County, Texas.  Rockwall County is the smallest county in the state.  Don’t let Rockwall fool you.  There is a lot gong on in this city and in this county, which lies just east of Dallas-Fort Worth.  In fact, Rockwall County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States.When Rockwall County began to expand, so did the local governance’s view of the future.  Concerned citizens like the quality of life in Rockwall.  When Rockwallians considered growth, they first looked to the future.  Development means change but as long as change is in the cards, it had to be positive change, change with a future.Planning boards in Rockwall have embraced the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system as a viable means to evaluate projects and ensure a healthy working and living environment in the fast-growing county and city.  As long as Rockwall was going to change, it was going to do it right!When Rockwall Toyota looked at its business plan, change was needed.  The responsible neighbor set about designing the first Gold certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) dealership in the world.  The commitment has been enthusiastically endorsed by Toyota who has referenced the facility in its national marketing media.The Gold rated dealership is a great place to work and a great place for customers to visit.  The minute customers come on site, they realize something is different.  From the waterless urinals to the floor mats of recycled and sustainable products, no green detail has been overlooked.Lobby cabinets are made of recycled agricultural waste, lights only turn on when the room is in use, electronic water controls regulate every faucet and solar power is used wherever possible.  Details?  The tile accents are made from recycled glass bottles!What LEED® certification taught Rockwall Toyota is that if you are serious about sustainability, think outside the box.  Owners need to become proactive in the design stages and then follow through as the construction take space.  When developers are thinking green and looking for sustainable enhancements, LEED® can help, but there are many regional considerations that can increase ratings.

Rockwall Toyota Cheers! is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

The future of green certification is now ahead of the curve. Thanks to the USGBC’s revisions in its newest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system, LEED® v3 or LEED® version 3 is up and running and should expedite and simplify the stalwart third party sustainable rating system.USGBC may not have been fully prepared for the global acceptance of its third party rating system, which is now used by government, government agencies and international bodies to evaluate sustainability. The certification has become recognized as a viable base for financial and government-backed incentive programs.As the LEED® rating system has expanded into new markets and new areas of construction, clients reported difficulties with the documentation requirements and stressed the need for more scientific support for certain assumptions.LEED® v3 is in direct response to 10 years of accumulated client concerns. The new version specifically addresses the following areas:• A building’s operation and maintenance – LEED® for Existing Buildings• Criteria tailored for design and construction of speculative buildings – LEED® for Core and Shell• Rating guidelines for new construction – LEED® for New ConstructionLEED® v3 seeks to harmonize these programs to the project’s needs. Similar language and similar standards are used throughout the revamped rating system. The changes should align and correlate the credits carried throughout the program.Users have been frustrated by subtle differences between credits that carry the same description and same intent but which are applied to projects of varying scope. LEED® v3 expands the credit system to a base of 100 points. Additional credits are available with regional influence or for green construction aspects that are considered innovative.Previously, each project had its own pre-determined point totals as listed below:• LEED® for Schools – 79 points• LEED® for New Construction – 69 points• LEED® for Commercial Interiors – 57 pointsUnder to 100 point system, the following project credits earn the following certification level:• 40 points – Certified• 50 points – Silver• 60 points – Gold• 80 points – PlatinumThe USGBC’s intent is that through the new alignment and with the established thresholds and standardized point totals, the documentation and certification process will be simplified.

LEED® Revisions Part 2 is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

The West Brazos Junior High School was LEED® certified on June 30th, 2007. Built at a very reasonable cost of $109 per square foot and based upon a variety of conscientious green construction decisions, the school scored 27 points in the LEED® rating program.Certain components of the school, like the computer labs, the faculty lounge and the fitness center were forced to be located in areas without a view of the outdoors. However, more than 90% of the remaining space captures the expansive view and vistas as well as enjoy natural daylighting. The school’s green concept team subscribed to data suggesting that students benefit from improved indoor study and work environments and made a conscious effort to link the school to the environment. Wherever practical, clerestories were installed to increase daylight.The administration has been rewarded. Upon moving into the school, in the fall of 2006, average student standardized test results have improved by four points in mathematics, five points in reading and seven points in social studies.In the LEED® rating program, all the small decisions add up to LEED® points. The project’s green team selected all the building’s adhesives, sealants, paints and carpeting based on their low chemical emissions. Meanwhile, entry grates were placed near every exterior door. These grates trap soil before it enters the school. Only LEED®-rated green cleaning products are permitted on the premises.Getting the students involved in green awareness was part of the school’s plan. Students are commended for utilizing alternative transportation. As part of a carpool incentive program, teachers and students who participate in carpools receive preferred parking. For cyclists, secure bike racks and showers are available.To reduce the urban heat-island effect, the roofing materials and the site paving are light colored. Exterior lighting was selected to further reduce light pollution.The Columbia Brazoria Independent School District is located 50 miles southwest of Houston and covers 225 square miles. Now, this area features the first LEED® certified junior high school in the state.

Green Awareness Starts Early in Brazoria – Part two is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

The U.S. is the world’s biggest consumer consumption nation.  The United States uses tremendous amounts of energy and regrettably wastes tremendous amounts of energy.  What makes this somewhat diabolic is that we know better.The Lone Star State is a big economy with a huge and mass.  As such, the oil-rich state is also known for its distinctively large carbon footprint.  If the State of Texas were an independent nation, it would be the world’s 48th most populous country.  However, it would also be the eight largest carbon dioxide emitter.  Carbon dioxide is the primary contributor to greenhouse gases.  In 2005 Texas contributed a terrifying 630 million metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.  This figure exceeds the combined emissions of California and Pennsylvania, which are the second and third largest emitters of CO2 in the country.Newsweek.com published a February 28th article citing several reasons for the huge CO2 emissions:•    Urban sprawl•    Lack of public transit usage•    One in four Texans drive SUV’s or trucks•    Texas contains many oil refineries•    Texas contains many coal-fired power plantsIn concerted efforts to overcome the state’s environmental image the state has embrace green construction and specifically the U.S. Green Building Council’s rating system.  Championed by Austin, cities and communities have incorporated the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification program into their public green construction policy.Arlington, Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth have issued public policy statements incorporating LEED® certifications into all new projects.  The LEED® system took more than four years to develop and s now considered the benchmark of the green construction movement.LEED® certifications have become a big part of corporate America as well as a big part of the Obama administration’s stimulus package.  The Recovery Act supports the creation of 5 million green jobs within the next few years.  All new federal buildings must be approved for green construction and LEED® certification under the guidance of the Department of General Services.  Once again, Texas will lead the way in green construction as the commercial application of the LEED® system has been modified and utilized by residential development in the state.

Texas Needs LEED® is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

On April 27th at the famous Scholz Garden in Austin, representatives of the U.S. Green Building Council discussed the advantages of wind turbines and the cost of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certified green construction.  The wind turbine and green construction discussions were led by Angela of the not-for-profit USGBC.Angela reported that the use of wind turbines for manufacturing purposes has been expanding in the Midwest.  Angela specifically sited an old Maytag facility in Iowa that has begun to build the popular wind turbines.  These are precisely the types of new green energy jobs called for by the American Recovery Act of 2009.The wind farms of the Midwest are spreading south where farmers and ranchers have high demand for energy.  Angela expects that the ideal wind turbine would produce 44 kw.  While these turbines have yet to be developed, she feels models will soon be perfected.The Austin legislature is taking a harder look at green building.  With a fairly even split between Republicans and Democrats, there is pressure to follow the federal government’s decision requiring new federal buildings to register with the USGBC’s LEED® certification process.  The legislature is also considering the passage of a new energy efficiency bill with incentives for taxpayers.Angela commented on recent reports that LEED® certified building costs were running 1 – 2% higher than traditional costs for a similar building.  The rebuttals included facts documenting that energy costs alone would be reduced by as much as 60%.The reduced energy costs would offset the increased construction costs in a very short time.  Additionally, the demand for LEED® certified construction is high with purchasers and tenants willing to pay more for LEED® certified buildings.  Angela sited one interesting scenario whereby a green school saved 20% or $100,000 in energy costs and was utilized the savings to employ two new teachers.  There is no doubt that education and green construction are a happy fit.

Texans Discuss LEED® Building Costs is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog

Texas Tech has joined the green construction in Texas movement by committing to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s third party rating system.  There was never any doubt that the new Rawls College of Business high-tech building would be a first-rate facility with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, but the university has decided to make this building a model for future construction projects.The LEED® certification rating system is based on points earned for projects that must address six specific criteria:•    Sustainable sites•    Water efficiency•    Energy and atmosphere•    Materials and resources•    Indoor environmental quality•    Design innovationThe Rawls College building has specifically addressed parking by designating that 5% of the total vehicle parking space will be reserved for fuel-efficient cars.  The U.S. Green Building Council sets standards for these Zero Emission vehicles based on the California Air resources Board.  Bicycle racks will be placed intermittently along the campus bus route in hopes of encouraging and promoting the use of public mass transit.Water conservation is a top priority of the new site.  Landscaping plans have been designed to minimize storm water runoff.  The plantings will require low maintenance and thrive in the South Plains climate.  Restrooms will utilize waterless urinals and low-flow toilets. Water consumption will be reduced by 30%.Window treatments are designed to capture views of the Lubbock campus.  All newly installed windows will be energy-efficient and will allow for substantial quantities of natural light that will greatly lower the building’s heating and cooling costs.A well-conceived and organized recycling system has been designed for the technology center’s regular day-to-day operations.  LEED® certification requires designated recycling areas within the building.  During the demolition process, copper pipes and steel rebars have been recycled at metal salvage yards rather in disposed in landfills.  Reclaimed concrete and brick was crushed and used for backfill on the new site as well as on other Texas Tech University sites.  Technology and green construction have arrived in Lubbock!

Red Raiders Go Green is a post from: Green Efficient LEED Blog