The Tennessee State Parks Calendar of Events: www.tnstateparks.com/events.pdf
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November 21, 2008
Ceres has just launched a visionary new business coalition calling for strong U.S. climate and energy legislation. Click to learn more.
EPA Webinars
Hello State and EPA Colleagues...please forward to those who might be interested. It is free and open to anyone. THANKS!
R4 GreenColleges
Subject Collegiate Environmental Sustainability Conference--Follow-Up Webinar on November 20th
The first follow-up Webinar has been scheduled! It will be held on November 20th at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. The topic will be integrated pest management. See below for instructions on how to register:
http://hawkeye.epa.gov/imtapp/app/pubschconf.uix
Conference Title: Follow Up - Sustainability for Colleges Conference Code: 325809
Participants just need to click on "Enroll" under your meeting. An on-screen form will be provided for them to register. The system will send them a confirmation e-mail, and another reminder e-mail one day before the conference.
Also a reminder: presentations from the conference are available for download until December 12, 2008, and can be found at: http://epa.gov/region4/greencolleges/agenda.html
Upcoming FREE EPA Web Cast
Innovative Funding Methods for Emissions Reductions Improvements
Join us for a Webinar on November 21
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/983781535
On Friday, November 21, 2008 from 2:00-3:30 PM Eastern, NALGEP and Spiegel & McDiarmid will host a free web cast featuring innovative funding methods for emissions reductions improvements.
With the increased focus on climate change in recent years, cities all over the country are placing higher and higher priority on reducing their carbon footprint and increasing their energy efficiency. Cities are undertaking a wide variety of projects to save taxpayer dollars, set a good example for their citizens, and make a positive contribution to the environment.
However, even if the short-term savings and long-term economic benefits of energy efficiency improvements are obvious, up-front capital for these projects is often hard to find. The goal of this Webinar is to explore a few innovative funding methods which allow energy efficiency projects and renewable power to essentially pay for themselves within existing operating and capital budgets.
In this Webinar we will examine three types of funding mechanisms: (1) Performance Contracting – whereby a local government contracts with a private energy service company to identify and evaluate energy-saving opportunities and then recommend a package of improvements to be paid for through the achieved savings; (2) Revolving Energy Funds – whereby a local government uses seed money to invest in an energy efficiency project and then reinvests a portion of the achieved savings into future projects, maintaining a constantly replenished fund for these improvements; and (3) Public/Private Partnerships.
Case studies and local initiatives will be presented throughout the course of this web cast.
Title: Innovative Funding Methods for Emissions Reductions Improvements
Date: Friday, November 21, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer
Farleigh Wolfe
NALGEP
1333 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel:202-448-9214
Fax:202-638-6254
Email: farleigh.wolfe@spiegelmcd.com
An MSWG Workshop
Developed in collaboration with the Climate Change, Sustainable Development and
Ecosystems Committee of ABA/SEER
Hosted by Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal
Support provided by Farella Braun + Martel LLP and greentrack strategies
CLICK HERE to see the MSWG workshop agenda, for the meeting in Chicago, December 8-9, 2008. Much work has gone into creating an outstanding agenda with many outstanding speakers and discussion leaders. For additional information, please contact:
Bob Stephens
Interim President
MSWG
510-813-8607
APR Webinar Series
Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers is continuing the “Into the Bin and Back Again” series with three free webinar topics. You are invited to join APR in these one-hour recycling training geared to helping recycling coordinators collect more plastic more efficiently! Each session is offered twice, but you need only attend the session once. Individual registration is required for each session.
To register or for more information, please visit http://www.plasticsrecycling.org/webinar/
Session One: Getting to Know You: The Ins and Outs of the Plastics Industry This free, hour-long web seminar is designed for the recycling program that would like to improve their plastic recycling techniques. Get real tips from the industry to make sure your program is operating free of kinks and at full profit potential. Learn about plastic recycling resources to make your job easier. Leave with a check list of possible program improvements and an acronym cheat sheet.
Dates: Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST) -or-
Wednesday, January 7, 2009, 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Session Two: Plastic Recycling : Switching to All Bottles Collection This free, one hour seminar will present a step by step approach on switching to all bottles recycling collection. Participants will learn from case studies and will leave with a to-do for easy implementation. Session will provides definitions, specifications, and sorting tips.
Dates: Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST) -or-
Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Session Three: Working With the Middle Man : Tools for Efficient Plastic Recycling Participants in this web-based workshop will learn how to get the most out of hauler contracts. We'll also discuss when it might be better to market plastic bales directly. Discussion of contract provisionsthat are beneficial to the community, including reducing contamination, sharing revenue, and monitoring performance.
Dates: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST) -or-
Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 1:00pm – 2:00pm (EST)
Please note that the times are all EST - Eastern Standard Time. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.3.9 (Panther®) or newer
Questions about these workshops? Email Keefe Harrison with the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers at postconsumerplastic@gmail.com To register or for more information: Visit http://www.plasticsrecycling.org/webinar/
Thanks and hope to hear from you soon - Keefe Harrison
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SAVE THE DATE
Down to Earth Celebration
Shelby Farms Park
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Please save the date on Sunday, April 19, 2009 for Shelby Farms Park's Earth Day 2009. Our Down to Earth Celebration will be bigger, better and greener than ever. We are expecting a crowd of 25,000 people from all parts of our community. We hope you will join us for the Mid-South's premier Earth Day event.
We are finalizing the application and will forward along to you soon. If you would like additional information or have questions, please feel free to contact Margaret Cross at mcross@shelbyfarmspark.org .
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TP3/PTrack Member in the News!
Bridgestone Firestone’s Warren Facility Earns
Prestigious LEED Certification from U.S. Green Building Council
Facility is first tire plant in the world to be awarded LEED certification
NASHVILLE, TENN. (Nov. 17, 2008) – Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC.’s
(BFNT) Warren County Plant has earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED is a recognition of outstanding
environmental building design and utilization that is rarely given to existing manufacturing sites.
CLICK HERE to see the whole article.
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November 14, 2008
Nashville to track greenhouse emissions (Tennessean)
Dean lays out his plan for a greener city
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean is laying out a blueprint to turn this city green. We're talking literally green. At the second annual Summit for a Sustainable Tennessee, Dean called for a citywide push for green spaces, public parks and community gardens in every neighborhood in Nashville.
The speech also marked the kickoff of a three-month effort to inventory every source of greenhouse gas emissions created by the city government, its residents and its businesses. Using existing records from the utility companies and the health department, the survey will be the first time the city has traced its pollution levels back to their sources. "This will help us determine what we're putting into the air. Commercial, residential, governmental, we're all equal offenders," Dean said. "This will give us a starting point." Once the city knows where the pollution is coming from, it can start planning to reduce those emissions. Other cities have used similar surveys as a baseline to begin planning for everything from more fuel-efficient bus fleets to energy-efficient streetlights. "The climate and energy crisis stretch far beyond our city, but at the same time, needs to be addressed at the local level," Dean told a gathering of local environmental activists and members of his Green Ribbon Committee on Environmental Sustainability, a task force he founded three months ago to delve into environmental issues in the city. In the long term, Dean's plans for a greener Nashville include a beefed-up mass transit system that would include more busses, bus routes that link Nashville with neighboring counties and rapid transit bus lines. He pledged to spend the next year working on a regional transit plan that would get more people out of their cars and onto public transportation. Dean also trumpeted a pilot program that is expanding recycling programs into new areas of the city. Some 300 homes in Bellevue have signed up for curbside recycling through the program, he said. The Green Ribbon Committee is looking for public input about what Nashville can do to improve the environment. So far, more than 1,700 people have filled out online surveys and more than 100 people attended the committee's first public meeting on Tuesday. The Summit for a Sustainable Tennessee is underway at Lipscomb University's Ezell Center and will continue through Saturday. The public is invited to attend. Single-day registration is $75 on Friday and $50 Saturday. Students can attend for $25 a day.
For more information about the summit, visit: www.sustainabletn.org
To learn more about the Green Ribbon Committee: www.nashville.gov/mayor/green_ribbon/index.asp
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20081114/GREEN0201/811140420/1906/GREEN
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U.S. Green Building Council Middle Tennessee Chapter
LEGACY PROJECT
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
The Middle Tennessee Chapter is excited to announce an effort to promote LEED Certification for Existing Buildings. The mission of the Legacy Project will be to facilitate the growth of high performance building operations throughout Middle Tennessee through education and demonstration. The focus will be on educating USGBC members and the Legacy Project facility on the LEED process through assistance from the Legacy Project Team. The Legacy Project Team will act in an advisory consultant role to assist with the LEED certification process to advance a building that is environmentally responsible, profitable, and a healthy place to work.
The Chapter is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be part of this project. The building chosen for this educational experience is the State of Tennessee, Department of Environmental and Conservation, Nashville Environmental Field Office located at 711 R.S. Gass Blvd located in the East Nashville area. See the link below for directions:
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/efo/nashville.shtml
As a volunteer, we are looking for people who can commit to scheduled meetings during the Performance Period at the project location to learn about the LEED certification process and review the progress of the various LEED credits being pursued. Volunteers will be assigned various credits, with the credit overview and progress being discussed at the next scheduled meeting.
It would be great to have volunteers to commit to as many meetings as possible! However, we are asking that volunteers interested in being a part of the team commit to attending all of the meetings associated with at least one of the environmental categories (Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation in Operations) to learn about and facilitate the progress.
It is the intent that the each volunteer will be assigned a credit(s), present the findings of possibility of pursing the credit, and keep the team informed of the progress. Employees at the state have formed an internal team and will be assisting the chapter volunteers in providing information to achieve the various credits. The following table is a tentative schedule of the meetings and the credits being pursued at the building. All meetings are to be held from 3:00-5:00 PM.
Please note that this is intended to be a Chapter Member benefit, so volunteers will be encouraged to join the chapter membership.
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EPA Performance Track Newsletter
CLICK HERE to find the November 2008 issue of P-Track News
or visit: http://www.epa.gov/performancetrack/members/news/current/index.htm
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE
* Teleseminar November 19 on Reducing a Company's Energy Footprint
* Nominations Requested for the 2008 Performance Track Outreach Awards
* Performance Track Plans Networking Calls to Facilitate Sharing of Sector-Specific Information
* Performance Track Holds Successful State Conference in Seattle
* Call for Speakers for the 2009 Environmental Summit
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The Environmental Sustainicator
“a communicator of sustainable efforts”
CLICK HERE to see Volume I: Issue 7 November 2008
Be sure to check out School Chemical Cleanout Campaign (SC3) Visit to Alabama to read about TN SC3 program efforts
For additional information, please contact:
Angela Bivens
Waste Management Division
Front Office
EPA - Region 4
Phone (404) 562-8623
e-mail: bivens.angela@epa.gov
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CLICK HERE to see the newsletter online.
November Urban Design Forum to Feature Local Designers
"From Micro to Macro: Recent Work in Landscape, Architectural, and Urban Design"
Thursday, 20 November
5.30 PM NCDC
Nashville Civic Design Center to Facilitate Mayor's Green Ribbon Committee Meetings
The Nashville Civic Design Center will facilitate public meetings held by the Mayor's Green Ribbon Committee during the month of November. The Public is invited to attend these meetings, where ideas and strategies will be discussed.
Celebrating a Successful "Living The Plan " 2008
Nashville Civic Design Center
138 Second Avenue North | Suite 106 | Nashville, Tennessee 37201
office: 615-248-4280 | fax: 615-248-4282 | email: stacy@civicdesigncenter.org
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Your UT Center for Industrial Services Manufacturing Solutions
CLICK HERE to see the newsletter
In This Issue of UT Center for Industrial Services Manufacturing Solutions :
The Price of Advice—Hiring Consultants
Exploring New Opportunities With Government Sales
Is Anybody There? Saving Energy with Occupancy Sensors
Drying and Curing of Coatings and Thin Substrates
Cost Control Tips for Small Businesses
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EPA News Items and Updates
EPA Education Grant: Solicitation Notice
CLICK HERE to find the attached RFP from EPA. Note that there is a 25% cost share.
The document solicits grant proposals to support environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and citizens. This grant program provides financial support for innovative projects that design, demonstrate, or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques as described in the notice.
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EPA News Briefs
News Brief
News for Release: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Communities Measure Up on Smart Growth
Dave Ryan, 202-564-4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. – November 19, 2008) EPA is recognizing four communities for innovative approaches to development that expand economic opportunity and protect public health and the environment. The 2008 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement goes to the Silver Spring Regional Center in Montgomery County, Md.; the Atlanta Regional Commission; the Urban Edge Housing Corporation in Roxbury, Mass.; and Mercy Housing California and the San Francisco Housing Authority.
"By adopting smart growth approaches, the recipients of the 2008 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement are helping improve the quality of life and the quality of the environment for their residents," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "This year's award winners are responsibly building toward a healthier, brighter future, and I encourage other communities to follow their fine example."
As communities around the country look for ways to grow that protect and enhance their natural environments and create prosperity, many are turning to smart growth strategies. They are cleaning and reusing previously developed land, providing more housing and transportation choices, preserving critical natural areas, and using a variety of green building techniques. In addition to developing vibrant places to live, work, shop and play, these smart growth strategies also protect the quality of our air, water and land.
This year's competition was open to public and private sector entities. Winners were selected based on how effectively they used smart growth strategies to improve their communities and how well they engaged citizens and fostered partnerships.
EPA created the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement in 2002 to recognize outstanding approaches to development that benefit the economy, the community, public health, and the environment. Since 2002, EPA has recognized 32 smart growth leaders from among 523 applications representing 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
In addition to presenting the annual awards, the program conducts research and policy analysis on growth issues, provides direct technical assistance to state and local governments, delivers outreach and public education, coordinates EPA's green building efforts, and collaborates with partners in the Smart Growth Network, a coalition of more than 30 state and national organizations focused on development issues.
More information on the winners and EPA's smart growth program: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth
More information on the Smart Growth Network: http://www.smartgrowth.org
The award categories and winners are:
Overall Excellence: Silver Spring Regional Center in Montgomery County, Md. for the Downtown Silver Spring Redevelopment Project that united public and private organizations in revitalizing their historic downtown.
Policies and Regulations: Atlanta Regional Commission for the Livable Centers Initiative that helps communities meet air quality goals by planning transportation improvements in concert with revitalization of existing development centers and corridors.
Built Projects: Urban Edge Housing Corporation for the Egleston Crossing project, which helped renew a neglected corridor in Boston's Roxbury and Jamaica Plain neighborhoods with two new buildings that used green building techniques and provided new amenities and much-needed affordable housing.
Equitable Development: Mercy Housing California and the San Francisco Housing Authority for the Mission Creek Senior Community project, which transformed a brownfield site into an attractive, mixed-use, low-income senior community.
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For Release: (Washington, DC – November 18, 2008)
Celebrate the Environment: Remember Mother Earth this Holiday Season
Contact: Dale Kemery – 202-564-4355 / kemery.dale@epa.gov
Mother Earth has worked up a holiday list this year. It includes recycling leftover wrapping paper, giving energy-efficient gadgets and finding a better way to grandmother’s house.
From getting there to getting rid of the extra trash, there are many ways Americans can celebrate both the holidays and the environment. In cooperation with Mother Earth, EPA is providing a few tips for this holiday shopping season:
- Travel efficiently: Map your shopping route to make a number of stops in one trip instead of one stop in a number of trips. Take public transportation, or hitch a ride with a friend or family member.
- Shop for green decorations and gifts: Give gifts and decorate your house with electronics that have earned the Energy Star rating, unplug your gifts and decorations when not in use, and choose gifts that have less packaging.
- Extend the useful life of gifts: Before tossing the old to make room for the new, check to see if you can donate it, reuse it, or recycle it.
Check www.epa.gov to find out how you can give a gift to Mother Earth this holiday season. To see how others are being green this holiday season and to let us know what you’re doing, please visit: http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2008/11/18/celebrate-the-environment-shopping/.
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For release: (Washington, D.C. - Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008)
Report Lists Environmental Progress
Contact: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov
A new report has been released that describes EPA’s environmental and financial progress over the past year. The Performance and Accountability report highlights the agency’s efforts to dramatically reduce air pollution, improve water quality, make significant strides in cleaning up Superfund sites, increase health and environmental safety through pesticide and chemical evaluation, and avoid pollution through strong enforcement actions in fiscal year 2008.
The report was delivered to President Bush and Congress on Nov. 17, meeting the requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act and other management-related statutes. The 1993 GPRA requires federal agencies to report to Congress annually on the results of their activities during the fiscal year.
The 2008 Performance and Accountability Report: http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/par/2008par/index.htm
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For release: (Washington, D.C. – Monday, Nov. 17, 2008)
International Partnership Opens Doors to Methane Reductions in India
Contact Information: Suzanne Ackerman, 202-564-4355 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov
At an event in Ranchi, India, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in cooperation with the Government of India and other U.S. federal partners, launched a new Methane to Markets information center that will help India reduce methane emissions and aid in the global fight against climate change. The Coal Mine Methane/Coalbed Methane (CMM/CBM) Clearinghouse is the first of its kind in India and will be instrumental in developing programs to recover methane from coal mines and use the gas as clean energy.
By bringing together suppliers, purchasers, financers, and regulators, Methane to Markets and EPA are ensuring that valuable methane is captured and a clean source of energy does not go to waste. Through the partnership, successful coal mine methane clearinghouses are in operation in several other countries including China, Russia, and Ukraine.
The clearinghouse, located at the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute in Ranchi, will be the initial point of contact for domestic and international investors interested in the development of coalbed and coal mine methane projects in India. It will also help develop and promote the CMM/CBM market, providing information on technical, economic, financial, and policy issues to potential investors and service providers.
Event sponsors include the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, EPA, the Indian Ministry of Coal, the Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Coal India Ltd.
Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is more than 20 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. As the primary component of natural gas, methane is a valuable and clean-burning energy resource.
Methane to Markets, launched in 2004, is a public/private partnership that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the cost-effective, near-term recovery and use of methane, while providing clean energy to markets around the world. The partnership has grown to include 27 countries and more than 750 private sector entities, financial institutions, nongovernmental agencies and other organizations.
More information on the Methane to Markets Partnership: http://www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets
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For release: (Washington, D.C. – Monday, Nov. 17, 2008)
Blog Question of the Week: How are you going green for the holidays?
Media Contact (for media only; please leave responses as comments on the blog instead of sending email): Jeffrey Levy, (202) 564-4355 / levy.jeffrey@epa.gov
Ever wanted to tell EPA what you thought on an environmental topic? Each week, you have your chance in the EPA blog, Greenversations. Each question is an open-ended blog entry; please share your thoughts as comments.
This week’s question:
How are you going green for the holidays?
During the holiday season we shop, decorate, entertain, and travel more than usual. But all these activities can affect the environment, for example, with more energy used for lighting, or increased recycling.
¿Cómo piensa adoptar prácticas verdes durante las fiestas?
Durante las fiestas normalmente compramos, decoramos, agasajamos y viajamos más de lo habitual. Sin embargo, estas actividades afectan el medio ambiente, por ejemplo, al utilizar más energía para el alumbrado o aumentar el reciclaje.
Share your answer: http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2008/11/17/qotw-how-are-you-going-green-for-the-holidays/
Get email when we post a new question: http://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USAEPA_345
Read the rest of the blog: http://blog.epa.gov/
You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.
This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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Clean Air Partnership of Middle TN
CLICK HERE to see the Fall 2008 issue of the Clean Air Quarterly, the Clean Air Partnership of Middle Tennessee's e-newsletter. This issue is packed with information. As always look out for active links around photos, graphics, and calendar events.
Melissa Stevens
Communications Director
Clean Air Partnership of Middle TN
(615) 340-0383
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November 10, 2008
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency offers a free brown-bag lecture called "Salamanders of Tennessee" by Mark Thurman, TWRA's Region III Nongame Wildlife Biologist, 12 noon on Thursday, November 6, in the TWRA Region II building at Ellington Agricultural Center, 5105 Edmondson Pike. (615) 781-5276. Free and no reservations needed.
The next program on December 4 is about bird banding in Mexico, presented by the state ornithologist, Scott Somershoe, who was in Mexico recently.
Thanks for passing this around to everyone! CLICK HERE for a full write-up about the Salamaders lecture.
For more information about Lunch & Learn, please contact Patricia Miller, Aquatic Education Program Coordinator, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, ad (615) 781-5276 or Patricia.Miller@state.tn.us
A SPECIAL PRESENTATION
NASHVILLE METRO PARKS
IS PLEASED TO WELCOME RICHARD LOUV , AUTHOR OF “LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS : SAVING OUR CHILDREN FROM NATURE DEFICIT DISORDER .”
Monday, November 10, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Hume Fogg Academic High School
( 700 Broadway Ave. Downtown)
Admission is FREE. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Free parking for this event will be available at the Metro Library Garage. For more information contact the Warner Park Nature Center: (615) 352-6299 and wpnc@nashville.gov
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Foothills Fall Festival-TP3 Member DENSO is a Sponsor
Click Here to see two videos produced by DENSO to promote recycling at the Foothills Fall Festival, held in October.
Visit http://foothillsfallfestival.com/FFF_Site08/ for additional information on the Festival.
If you're having trouble viewing this article, you may see it online.
AND
Southeast Rivers and Streams Program 
present
"Floods, Drought, and Climate Change:
Fixing Water Now"
with Bob Zimmerman
____________________
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Lipscomb University's Swang 108
7 o'clock
____________________
Email Margo Farnsworth, Senior Fellow at
screendoor@toast.net for more information
____________________
“We’re not running out of water, we’re just throwing it away,” said Bob Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Charles River Watershed Association in Boston.
____________________
Zimmerman will discuss work done by CRWA to better understand water, particularly in urban regions, and the things we can and should be doing to protect and sustain water resources like daylighting culverted streams, while restoring water quality and habitat in our rivers and streams.
Founded in 1965, CRWA is a private nonprofit environmental advocacy, research, and education group charged with using science and the law to protect and enhance the Charles River and its watershed. Over the past fourteen years, CRWA has become a leading authority on the science of how water works in urban watersheds, and has developed pilot projects that address issues such as stormwater pollution, water quality, low instream flow, nutrient loading, habitat protection and restoration, community zoning, suburban sprawl and sustainable development. CRWA has also led initiatives that reformed Massachusetts’ park and open space agencies, that protected essential urban parkland while fundamentally changing the process used to dispose of protected open space.
A leader in the state’s environmental community, Zimmerman seeks non-traditional solutions to old environmental problems. He has been appointed by four governors to the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission, and he represents the environmental community on several statewide task forces. He is serving or has served on numerous boards, including River Network, EarthShare of New England, EarthShare America, and the MIT Sea Grant Advisory Board. He also served two terms as an elected member of the Littleton, Massachusetts, Board of Health.
Prior to working at CRWA, he co-founded and was the Headmaster of the National Sports Academy at Lake Placid, boarding school offering a complete preparatory curriculum and world-class training programs for winter sports athletes.
___________________________________
A big thank you to
Lipscomb University's Institute of Sustainable Practice
for providing the space for this presentation!
________________________________________
The mission of the Cumberland River Compact is to enhance the water quality of the Cumberland River and its tributaries through education and by promoting cooperation among citizens, businesses, and agencies in Kentucky and Tennessee.
P.O. Box 41721 | Nashville, TN 37204
info@cumberlandrivercompact.org | 615.837.1151
www.cumberlandrivercompact.org
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CLICK HERE to see information regarding a call for presentations and registration announcement for the 2009 TRI National Training Conference. The conference, to be held March 30-April 2, 2009, in Bethesda, Maryland, is co-sponsored by the U.S. EPA TRI Program and the Environmental Council of the States.
For additional information, please contact Lia Parisien, ECOS, at (202) 624-3674 or lparisie@sso.org.
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America Recycles Day
November 15, 2008
ASI System Integration is sponsoring free recycling of old and unused electronic and computing devices (including TVs) at two New York City locations on America Recycles Day.
PSI (Product Stewardship Institute) wants you to know about this event because even if you cannot participate directly, you may be able to inform others about the opportunity to recycle. Please feel free to pass this along to help raise awareness about America Recycles Day.
CLICK HERE for ARD Flyer
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TOGETHER
MAKING NASHVILLE GREEN
G R E E N R I B B O N C O M M I T T E E
You are invited to attend public meetings where ideas and
strategies will be discussed. Come and contribute your ideas
to help shape a greener city!
CLICK HERE for more information
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Proposal Writing Workshop Opportunity: FREE WORKSHOP!
EPA will offer Successful Proposal Writing Workshops for local governments, community groups and other non-profits, and colleges and universities in AL, KY, MS, and TN between November 13 and December 9, 2008. See announcement below for further details. Take advantage of this opportunity soon; seating is limited!
CLICK HERE for details
Campus Ecology Fellowship application ! Apply by Friday, November 14,2008 for the opportunity to make your campus a better place, while building your resume.
National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology program awards fellowship grants to undergraduate and graduate students who are committed to reduce their campus carbon footprint; projects including: greenhouse gas inventories, climate action plans, energy conservation and efficiency, habitat restoration, convening climate action gatherings and more will be considered.
Grant awards:
Up to $2,000 for Undergraduate Students
Up to $5,000 for Graduate Students
Deadline: November 14, 2008
Next Deadline: February 2, 2008
Visit www.nwf.org/fellows or details about the Campus Ecology Fellowship program.
Julian Keniry
Senior Director, Campus & Community Leadership
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New York Times
EDUCATION | October 20, 2008
With Free Bikes, Challenging Car Culture on Campus
By KATIE ZEZIMA
Free bikes or bike-sharing programs have cropped up on campuses nationwide, aimed at reducing traffic and parking shortages on campus and improving community building.
CLICK HERE to see the article as pdf
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EPA News Items and Updates
EPA Brownfields Grant Cycle for 2009 PDF with email, please link to click here
CLICK HERE if you are interested in applying to EPA grants program to see an important Information Update
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News Briefs
If you need more information on any of these subjects, call the listed Press Officer.
For release: (Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008)
- Make a 2009 Green Chemistry Award Nomination
- Missouri, New Hampshire and Rhode Island Receive Funding for Innovative Environmental Protection Strategies
(1) Make a 2009 Green Chemistry Award Nomination
Contacts: (News media only) Dale Kemery, (202) 564-4355 / kemery.dale@epa.gov
(Other inquiries) Priscilla Flattery, (202) 564-2718 / flattery.priscilla@epa.gov
EPA is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. These awards recognize innovative chemical technologies that incorporate green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture and use, and that have broad applications in industry.
Nominated technologies should reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances from a chemical product or process. Any individual, group or organization, both nonprofit and for-profit, including academia and industry, may nominate a green chemistry technology for these awards. Self-nominations are welcome and expected.
Typically, awards are given each year in five categories: Greener Synthetic Pathways;
Greener Reaction Conditions; Designing Greener Chemicals; Small Business; and Academic. Each nominated technology must have reached a significant milestone within the past five years in the United States. Nominations must be sent no later than Dec. 31 to be eligible for the 2009 awards, which will be presented on June 22, 2009.
For more information on applying for an award: http://www.epa.gov/greenchemistry/pubs/pgcc/howto.html
(2) Missouri, New Hampshire and Rhode Island Receive Funding for Innovative Environmental Protection Strategies
Contact: Dave Ryan, (202) 564-4355 /ryan.dave@epa.gov
EPA has awarded $825,000 to Missouri, New Hampshire and the Narragansett Bay Commission in Rhode Island to support innovative approaches for improving permitting programs, which impose limits on pollution emissions to the air, water, and land. This funding is taking place under EPA’s State Innovation Grant program, which helps states develop and test leading edge ideas in environmental protection.
The grant recipients will receive $275,000 each to test several permitting innovations, including the use of environmental management systems (EMS) and an Environmental Results Program (ERP) first created by Massachusetts. EMS allows facilities continuously to improve the management of their environmental performance to achieve superior environmental results and find cost efficiencies through elimination of waste. ERP combines three elements: compliance assistance from state governments, self-certification of compliance by regulated facilities, and auditing of a statistical sample of self-certifications to ensure compliance. Sixteen states have used the ERP approach for 11 business sectors, typically for small businesses.
Since 2002, EPA has provided 25 states with 38 State Innovation Grants totaling almost $7.5 million. The 2008 grants will leverage an additional $428,000 in state funding. EPA is now soliciting grant applications for 2009. This latest competition, which began Oct. 9 and closes Dec.10, also focuses on innovation in environmental permitting programs.
More information on the State Innovation Grant Program: http://www.epa.gov/innovation/stategrants/index.htm
More information on EMS and ERP:
http://www.epa.gov/permits
More information on the 2008 State Innovation Grant projects:
http://epa.gov/innovation/stategrants/2008selection.htm
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News for Release: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Industry Steps Up Recycling and Reducing Waste
Contact: Latisha Petteway, (202) 564-4355 / petteway.latisha@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. – Oct. 29, 2008) Twenty-six WasteWise partners and 29 National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP) partners are being recognized for their environmental achievements in reducing greenhouse gases and preventing harmful chemicals from entering the environment. Both EPA programs work with organizations to achieve environmental benefits beyond regulations. In addition, 13 students and professionals are being honored through the Lifecycle Building Challenge for their contribution to sustainable building design.
“Americans from all sectors of society are embracing the fact that environmental stewardship is a responsibility we all share together,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Communities, companies, organizations and individuals are taking voluntary actions that not only enhance environmental quality and human health, but set a ‘green’ example for others to follow.”
WasteWise partners have used innovative waste management methods to reduce and recycle more than 150 million tons of waste. By decreasing the demand on raw materials, WasteWise partners have shown that they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower costs.
NPEP partners are taking significant steps in reducing or removing priority chemicals, such as lead and mercury. This year’s award winners reported reductions of more than 9 million pounds of priority and other environmentally harmful chemicals, far exceeding the amount reported last year.
The Lifecycle Building Challenge, which partners EPA, the Building Materials Reuse Association, the American Institute of Architects, Southface, West Coast Green, and StopWaste.Org, invited professionals and students nationwide to submit designs and ideas that support cost-effective disassembly and anticipate future use of building materials. The designs extend the lifecycle of building materials and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of new building materials.
Information on WasteWise and NPEP 2008 Awards: http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/wastewise/conf.htm
Information on the Lifecycle Building Challenge: http://www.lifecyclebuilding.org
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News for Release: Monday, Oct. 27, 2008
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Growing the Green Power Market: Sixteen Organizations Flex Their Green Muscles
Contact: Suzanne Ackerman, (202) 564-4355 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 27, 2008) It’s expected that the Philadelphia Phillies have the power to hit the ball out of the park. But when it comes to green power, the Phillies and the 15 other winners of the Green Power Leadership Awards are all showing they can hit a home run, too! These partners, who represent retail, travel, athletic teams, U.S. military, universities and communities, are being recognized by EPA for buying green power and helping advance the nation’s green power market.
“Our nation is shifting to a ‘green culture’ and Americans understand that environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “EPA commends our partners for making a long-term commitment to protecting the environment by purchasing green power.”
The Green Power Partners purchase nearly 5 billion kilowatt-hours of green power annually, equivalent to the amount of electricity needed to power more than 460,000 average American homes. The purchases made by these organizations will also avoid the same amount of CO2 emissions that 640,000 vehicles would produce in one year.
EPA is recognizing winners in three award categories at the Eighth Annual Green Power Leadership Awards in Denver, Colo. Winning organizations are judged on their purchase, leadership, overall green power strategy and impact on the green power market.
Green power is generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. Green power sources produce electricity with an environmental profile superior to conventional power technologies and no human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Purchases of green power also help accelerate the development of new renewable energy capacity nationwide.
EPA co-sponsors the Green Power Leadership Awards in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Center for Resource Solutions.
2008 Green Power Leadership Award Winners:
Green Power Partner of the Year: Bellingham, Washington Community; Cisco Systems Inc.; Intel Corp.; University of Pennsylvania; WhiteWave Foods Co.
Green Power Purchasing: City of Houston, Texas; ING; Merritt 7 Venture, LLC; Oregon State University; PepsiCo Inc.; Powdr Resorts; The Estée Lauder Cos. Inc./Operations; The Philadelphia Phillies; U.S. Air Force.
On-Site Generation : Lundberg Family Farms; Kohl’s Department Stores.
More information on Green Power Awards: http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/awards/winners.htm
Information on EPA’s Green Power Partnership: http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/
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Question of the Week: What are your energy vampires?
Media Contact (for media only; please leave responses as comments on the blog instead of sending email): Jeffrey Levy, (202) 564-4355 / levy.jeffrey@epa.gov
Ever wanted to tell EPA what you thought on an environmental topic? Each week, you have your chance in the EPA blog, Greenversations. Each question is an open-ended blog entry; please share your thoughts as comments.
This week’s question:
What are your energy vampires?
Vampires could be lurking the shadows of your home. Energy vampires continuously suck energy from electrical outlets and unnecessarily waste energy. These vampires won’t drain your blood; they’ll drain your pockets! Energy vampires cost Americans almost $10 billion a year, and account for almost 11 percent of all U.S. energy use!
Energy vampires are the electronics, adapters, and appliances with fangs in your outlet, sucking power even when apparently not in use or “off.” For example, a TV always uses a little power so it can always receive the “on” signal from the remote control. Adapters, too, use power even when not plugged into their device. You can easily check your home for energy vampires using your power meter. Turn everything off as you normally do, as if you were leaving for the day - but don’t unplug anything you don’t normally unplug. Now, look at your power meter. What do you have for vampires sucking energy from your home?
¿Qué son los vampiros de energía?
Podrían haber vampiros al asecho en las penumbras de su hogar. Los vampiros de energía continuamente chupan energía de los interruptores eléctricos y malgastan innecesariamente la energía. Estos vampiros no le chupan la sangre. Al contrario, ¡están vaciando sus bolsillos! Los vampiros de energía cuestan a los estadounidenses alrededor de $10 mil millones cada año lo cual representa cerca del 11 por ciento de toda la energia usada en EE.UU.!
Los vampiros de energía son los efectos electrónicos, adaptadores, enseres eléctricos cuyos colmillos clavan al interruptor y chupan la energía aún cuando aparentemente estos aparatos no están en uso o está apagado (“off”). Por ejemplo, un televisor siempre usa un poco de energía para que pueda recibir la señal de “on” del control remoto. Los adaptadores también usan energía aún cuando no se le haya enchufado el efecto electrónico. Usted puede verificar si hay vampiros de energía en su hogar utilizando un medidor de energía. Apague todo como normalmente hace como si fuera estar fuera de la casa por todo el día, pero no desenchufe nada. Entonces mire su medidor de energía. ¿Cuáles son algunos de los vampiros que están chupando la energía de su hogar?
Share your answer: http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2008/10/27/qotw-what-are-your-energy-vampires/
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News for Release: Monday, Oct. 27, 2008
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Is Your Energy Bill Scary?
Slaying Energy Vampires Can Save Americans Millions
Contact: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 27, 2008) This Halloween, watch out for lurking energy vampires. These are the electronics and adapters that consume electricity when they are not being used. Power adapters and phone chargers are easy vampires to spot, and also easy to slay. Every energy vampire you vanquish saves you money, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helps in the fight against climate change.
“EPA encourages everyone to look for vampires in their home and get rid of this energy waste,” said Brian McLean, director of EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Protection. “Using less energy means less greenhouse gas emissions.”
The average U.S. household spends $100 per year to power devices while they are off (or in standby mode). On a national basis, this standby power accounts for more than 100 billion kilowatt hours of annual U.S. electricity consumption and more than $10 billion in annual energy costs.
These simple steps can protect our homes and offices from energy vampires:
· Unplugging power adapters or battery chargers when equipment is fully charged or disconnected from the charger.
· Using a power strip that can be switched off when electronics and appliances are not in use.
· Looking for the Energy Star label when purchasing products.
Slay Energy Vampires: http://www.energystar.gov
Public Service Announcements about Energy Vampires (in English and Spanish): http://www.epa.gov/multimedia/playercontents/audio/vampires/index.html
Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products as well as buildings and new homes. Products that have earned the Energy Star prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2007 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $16 billion on their energy bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million vehicles.
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News for Release: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Organizations Honored for Environmental Justice Achievements
Contact Information: Dave Ryan, (202) 564-4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. – Oct. 21, 2008) Projects that include empowering residents to clean up New Orleans East for a safe return after Hurricane Katrina and developing a tool to target high-risk homes with lead contamination in Durham, N.C., are winners of EPA's first Environmental Achievement Awards. Twelve award recipients include community-based organizations, universities, and state and local governments from nine states.
"We all have a stake in ensuring that our air is cleaner, our water is purer, and our land is better protected," said Granta Nakayama, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "These organizations are making a positive impact in their communities by promoting a clean and healthy environment for all people."
The awards recognize organizations for their distinguished accomplishments in addressing environmental justice issues. EPA received dozens of nominations from across the United States.
For information on recipients of the Environmental Justice Achievement Awards visit: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/awards
The following organizations received awards:
1. Anahola Homesteaders Council (Anahola, Kauai, Hawaii)
2. Center for Environmental and Economic Justice (Biloxi, Miss.)
3. Citizens for Environmental Justice (Savannah, Ga.)
4. Communities for a Better Environment (Huntington Park, Calif.)
5. Dillard University, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (New Orleans)
6. Duke University, Children's Environmental Health Initiative (Durham, N.C.)
7. Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, S.C.)
8. Negocio Verde Environmental Justice Task Force (County of San Diego, Calif.)
9. New Mexico Environment Department (Santa Fe, N.M.)
10. Safer Pest Control Project (Chicago)
11. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (Columbia, S.C.)
12. West End Revitalization Association (Mebane, N.C.)
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CLICK HERE to see the Fall Issue 2008 issue of the TN Department of Environment and Conservation Newsletter.
Highlights include:
- Governor's Land and Water Forum IV meets at Cumberland Mountain State Park
- Officials Mark Completion of Spencer Wastewater Treatment Project
- Department Hosts 35th Natural Areas Conference in Nashville
- Empowering P2 Conference Meets at Montgomery Bell State Park
- Friends of Tennessee State Parks Gather at Pickwick Landing State Park
- State Parks and Natural Areas Celebrate Public Lands Day
- Tims Ford Celebrates Elk River History; Rolley Holes Winners from Standing Stone
- Cumberland Mountain Pro Kelvin Burgin Takes 3rd Straight TN PGA Title
- Warriors' Path Marty Silver receives TEEA Distinguished Service Award
- September and October Service Anniversaries
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CLICK HERE to see the September Land Trust E-newsletter
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Wednesday, November 12
CLICK HERE to see it online
Special America Recycles Day Edition
KNOXVILLE TO CELEBRATE AMERICA RECYCLES DAY
DOWNTOWN EVENT NOVEMBER 14
Wednesday, November 05
In This Issue:
TRC RECYCLER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
NEW GUIDELINES ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING OF ELECTRONICS
NASHVILLE EXPANDS CURBSIDE PROGRAM THROUGH CONTRACT WITH EARTHSAVERS
Tuesday, October 28
Annual Meeting Reminder
The annual meeting of the TRC Membership is next week. It is being held in conjunction with the Board of Directors’ planning retreat. Lunch will be provided for all members in attendance.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
11:00 a.m. CST
Foglight Foodhouse
275 Powerhouse Road
Walling, TN 38587
In This Issue:
TENNESSEE’S HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM CHANGES WITH THE TIMES
RECYCLING INVESTMENT SAVES ENERGY BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
TENNESSEE BREAKS GROUND FOR INNOVATIVE CELLULOSIC ETHANOL PILOT BIOREFINERY
Wednesday, October 22:
In This Issue:
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE'S CENTER FOR CLEAN PRODUCTS TO MANAGE NEW EPEAT STANDARDS
KILOWATT OURS TO AIR ON PUBLIC TELEVISION
ASSOCIATION OF POST-CONSUMER PLASTIC RECYCLERS WEBINAR SERIES
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U.S. EPA Go Green! Monthly Consumer Newsletter November 2008
GO GREEN!
EPA News You Can Use - November 2008
http://www.epa.gov/newsroom/gogreen
IN THIS ISSUE:
Enviro-Tip of the Month
What You Can Do, What You Can Use
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
America is shifting to a "green culture" where all 300 million citizens are embracing the fact that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility. "Go Green!" is a monthly newsletter from the US EPA with information about activities and events that everyone can use to make a difference in their homes, communities, and offices.
Want more news? Sign up to receive daily EPA news releases on topics that interest you.
http://www.epa.gov/newsroom/email_signups.htm
You can update or cancel your subscription at any time. You need only your e-mail address.
This service is provided free of charge by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
If you have any questions or problems about this service, please contact support@govdelivery.com for assistance.
Sent by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355
TSRA Members and Friends ,
The November issue of The Watershed is here! In just one mouse click, you can view this month's newsletter and find out the scoop on November's trips, activities, events, and the upcoming Conservation Summit for a Sustainable Tennessee (November 13-15).
CLICK HERE for a pdf version of the newsletter.
Mark Your Calendar!
The Christmas Party has been re-scheduled for Saturday, December 13
(not December 6 as previously announced).
Check it all out here. Or go to www.paddletsra.org and click on the November 2008 link in the Newsletter section.
Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association
P.O. Box 159041, Nashville, TN 37215-9041
www.paddletsra.org
Sign up to receive our future emails.
There is also mention of a wonderful exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum - "The River Inside" October 3-November 30, 2008. "The River Inside" tells the story of photographer John Guider's solo trip starting on Spencer Creek in Tennessee all the way to New Orleans.
Don't miss it! More about it here. and here.
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KPPC October Newsletter
Vol. 1, Issue 1
October 2008
In this issue...
- KPPC Introduces "Sustainable Solutions Post"
- KEEPS Moving Forward
- Louisville Youth Summit
- Renewable Energy Focus at Sustainability Fair
- "Change a Light, Change the World Month"
- Cold Weather Energy Saving Solutions
- Compressed Air Workshop Draws Overflow Crowd
- Mark your Calendar: Electric Transportation for the Bluegrass
KPPC News...
- New Members Join KPPC Board
- KPPC Highlighted in News for the Green Campus
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Sign up here to receive the newsletter directly 
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USGBC MIDDLE TENNESSEE CHAPTER
NEWSLETTER- October 2008
CLICK HERE for a direct link to the October 2008 edition of the US Green Building Council Middle TN Chapter newsletter:
http://chapters.usgbc.org/middletn/chapternewsletters.html
What's inside:
- Notes from the Chair - Mike Leonard
- Committee Corner: Programs - Gina Emmanuel, Chair
- Member Spotlight: Dan Huitt
- LEED and Historic Buildings – Michelle Fox
- Foam Facts and Fallacies – Barry Westbrook
- The Future of USGBC and the Green Building Movement – Jamie Qualk
- Chapter Announcements
- Technologies Help Hospital Meet Water Efficiency Goals – Winston Huff
- Government Focus Membership Meeting Follow-up, Lisa Platt
- Biomimicry for a Sustainable Built Environment - Announcement
- Change for Charity Program Postponed Indefinitely – Laurie Parker
- Heat up your winter savings – Laurie Parker
- Thank You 2008 Gala Sponsors!
- Local Happenings
P.O. Box 22515 Nashville TN 37202-2515 WWW.USGBC.ORG/CHAPTERS/Middletennessee
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Monday, November 17
• EPA Administrator Johnson to Speak at National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Ceremony
• November 2008 Planning Magazine
• Sustainable Sites Initiative Guidelines and Benchmarks
• Connected and Sustainable Mobility
• Livable Communities Publications and Resources
• Creating Affordable Housing in New York City
Monday, November 10
NEW RESOURCES• Green Communities News -- October 2008
• Local Government-School District Collaboration
• 2008 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement
• Guiding Growth and Development in Georgia Handbook
• How Healthy are National Green Building Programs?
• Creating Community-Oriented Schools
Monday, November 03
• 30 Great Places in America
• Healthy Kids Healthy Communities
• Regional Conservation Priorities
• Neighborhood Metrics -- Online Tool
• Transit Savings Calculator
• Public Transportation: Benefits for the 21st Century
Monday, October 27,
• Housing + Transportation Affordability Index
• 2008 National Preservation Awards
• Land Policy Institute Ask the Expert
• Implementing Smart Growth Streets
• Access to Destinations
• 2008 UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development Speaker Series
Monday, October 20
• Sustainable Prosperity: Grow Smart Rhode Island's Briefing Book for Candidates
• Best Practices for Preservation Organizations
• Transportation for America: Let's Build a 21st Century Transportation System
• Maryland Smart Growth Listening Session Online
• Renewable Energy on Contaminated Land Resources
• Jumpstarting the Transit Space Race
Monday, October 13
• Tax Increment Financing for Brownfields Redevelopment
• Perspectives on Transportation Policy
• Urban Land -- September 2008
• Mountain Megas: America's Newest Metropolitan Places
• Metroburbia, USA
• Transportation Performance in the Twin Cities
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Words of Inspiration and Reassurance for All
Dear USGBC Constituents:
In recent weeks, a wave of fear and pessimism propagated by the world financial crisis has stolen the headlines, gripped the nation, and challenged our movement. In conversation after conversation, people are asking what will happen to the green building movement if our community is plunged into a recession.
And I have an answer for them. The greed that led the world economy into crisis will not defeat our commitment to good work. Fear will not dominate our agenda. And our commitment to change - even in the face of so great a challenge - will not waver.
Change doesn't wait on Washington. And it doesn't depend on Wall Street. Change comes from within. The green building movement has been demonstrating that fact for more than 15 years. Before there was a single government green building policy, before the business community stood up and took notice, before there was a LEED - there was you. Thousands upon thousands of committed individuals dedicated to doing better by doing good. You've built this movement. You're building sustainable communities. And every single one of us has a contribution to make towards pulling our country out of this crisis.
We cannot lose sight of our mission. It is within reach.
How? It's time for the green building movement to deploy the expertise and capacity we've built in new construction to green what we've already got. Ninety-nine percent of achieving our mission is wrapped up in our existing homes and buildings. It will save money. It will save energy. It will help save our climate. And directly relevant to today's economic environment, it will create good, green, local jobs. As just one example, USGBC estimates that a 100% commitment to greening existing commercial buildings alone would create more than 1.5 million new opportunities for employment for out of work Americans.
In four weeks, we will meet together at Greenbuild. And when you get to Boston, we will celebrate everything that your individual commitments have accomplished so far. We'll enjoy the fellowship of more than 20,000 friends and colleagues who share our vision for a sustainable future. And we will keep moving forward, together. I'll see you there.
With gratitude,
S. Rick Fedrizzi
CEO, President and Founding Chair, USGBC
U.S. Green Building Council, 1800 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036
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Tennessee Photographer John Guider’s Amazing Journey
October 3-November 30
Tennessee photographer John Guider stepped into his 16-foot canoe on Spencer Creek in Williamson County five years ago and began his incredible journey. He paddled down the Harpeth, Cumberland, Tennessee, and Ohio rivers, paddling the mighty Mississippi and arriving at his final destination of New Orleans. The River Inside, opening October 3 at the Tennessee State Museum, tells the story of Guider’s solo journey through the camera’s eye.
Guider, who completed the upper portions of the Mississippi in three subsequent solo canoe trips taken from 2005 to 2007, captured more than 10,000 scenes of America’s waterways on film during his trips. He then selected and processed 75 platinum prints representative of the people and places he encountered along the way. The images offer a revealing perspective on the natural and controlled inland waterways that bisect the nation.
A short documentary film, distilling the essence of Guider’s trips, produced by Brittany Hailes and Coke Sams of Nashville’s Ruckus Film, will complement the exhibition. The film underscores the immense physical and mental fortitude necessary for enduring such a journey. Guider experienced powerful storms, multitudes of mosquitoes, serene sunrises and a variety of wildlife along the way. He often paddled 8 to 10 hours a day and was sometimes alone for 5 to 6 days at a time; the quiet, almost haunting solitude of Guider’s journeys are vividly evident in the resulting photographs.
Homepage: Canoe at River's Edge, Sunset along the Mississippi River
Above Right: Robert, Deckhand on the Harbor Tug Marjorie, near Natchez, MS
All photographs copyright © 2008 by John Guider
http://tnmuseum.org
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USGBC TENNESSEE CHAPTERS
ANNOUNCEMENT
We are proud to announce an opportunity that has been presented to the three US Green Building Council Chapters in Tennessee.
Panache Partners, one of the leading coffee table book publishers in the country, is in the process of launching a coffee table book with a Tennessee focus, Shades of Green – Developing a Sustainable Home and Environment. Some of you may recognize Panache as the publisher of Spectacular Homes of Tennessee and the soon to be released Dream Homes of Tennessee which features some of our members and their residential projects.
Shades of Green features the outstanding work and opinions of local professionals as it pertains to designing, building or refurbishing both residential and commercial structures with the goal of sustainability. It also features the work and advice from the providers of sustainable products on the use of these products in both the home and at work. The overall objective of educating readers as to the availability, the beauty and affordability of green products or design is an objective that the USGBC Chapters in Tennessee can easily lend their support.
Panache has already begun the selection process for potential professionals in our Tennessee region. Mary Brooks and Beth Benton, the publishers, are contacting prospective firms and professionals for possible inclusion in Shades of Green over the next several weeks. If you would like one or more of your projects considered for this new book please contact Mary Brooks directly at 856.621.7993.
Finally, we are thrilled that Panache is providing our USGBC Chapters with a significant fund raising opportunity associated with the book. This locally focused book and the additional revenues to the chapter will certainly help us further the mission of green building practices in Tennessee.
We hope that Shades of Green will be a great opportunity for many of our members. Thank you for your continued support of the USGBC Tennessee Chapters.
Sincerely,
USGBC Chapters in Tennessee,
Middle Tennessee, Mike Leonard, Chair
Memphis Regional, Bob Land. Chair
East Tennessee, Elizabeth Eason, Chair
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TP3 Performer in the News! DENSO Athens
Denso gets greener with 'Ecovision' (Times Free Press)
ATHENS, Tenn. - Denso Manufacturing Athens facilities have gone from being "green" to having "Ecovision" that saves the environment, and money, a company official said Thursday. the savings realized as Denso reuses items or cuts consumption is a windfall being divided among employees as a monetary bonus, said Jeannette Widman, Denso's Environment Department supervisor. "We began with the easy things," she told a group of reporters during a facilities tour designed to emphasize efforts to reduce pollution and waste products. More difficult items were tackled and as the savings ideas developed, Ms. Widman said. The result: Waste products have been reduced dramatically at Denso plants in Athens and Maryville. She said water consumption was cut more than 50 percent, landfill waste nearly 75 percent, and carbon dioxide emissions are down nearly 18 percent. Denso has a program that pays employees a percentage of savings for cost cutting, and they have helped with energy saving ideas that have resulted in more than $90,000 in monetary rewards being distributed to the workers, Ms. Widman said. Improvements made include processes designed for recycling waste products, reducing air leaks at machines, improving heating and air conditioning cycles. There was even replacement of alcohol cleaning solvents with a household detergent to clean pallets, for a savings of $2,800 a year and elimination of 1,500 pounds of hazardous waste. She said the firm has reusable containers to ship the products to their customers, and a freight line is hired to return the containers to the plants for reuse. She said the Ecovision program has taken Denso a step past being a "green" company that is environmentally friendly. It is now saving money and conserving with changes to management, products, factory and manufacturing processes and in work with the community. Denso spokesman Hugh Cantrell said the Athens plants manufacture spark plugs, fuel injectors, oxygen sensors and other items related to vehicle engines.
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TP3 Green School in the News!
Schools go green (Daily Herald)
Julie Stickney used to keep trash cans crammed full of garbage at her Spring Hill Elementary School classroom. Now, the first-grade teacher finds she has a hard time filling up one since the school implemented a recycling program. Not only does recycling generate money for the school and keep trash out of the landfill but it also teaches students about the importance of caring for the planet, Stickney said. “Being green is such a big thing now,” she said. “It’s the new trend.” Spring Hill Elementary held an assembly Friday to launch its recycling program. The school will recycle plastic bottles, steel and aluminum cans, cardboard and paper. Six other Maury County schools will join Spring Hill Elementary this semester, marking a dramatic expansion of the number of schools in Maury County that recycle. Once all of the programs are up and running, 15 Maury County schools will be recycling. All the construction paper, milk cartons and juices boxes students consume can add up. During this past school year, Spring Hill Elementary School produced 51 tons of garbage — equivalent in weight to about four school buses. That equates to about 200 pounds of trash each student produces over the course of a school year, according to the report. In an effort to keep some of the garbage out of landfills, the Maury County Commission adopted a resolution earlier this year that placed bins at seven schools. The solid waste department agreed to pick up the containers. The county and schools are splitting proceeds from the sale of recyclable goods. The county received about $142,600 from the sale of recyclable materials during the 2006-07 fiscal year. There’s also money to be saved by not having to transport the waste to a landfill, said Cynthia Rohrbach, director of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s green schools program. It costs about $35 per ton to transport garbage to the landfill. “There’s a real incentive for doing it,” she said. As concerns mount about global warming, Rohrbach said she has noticed more and more educators calling with questions about what they can do to help the environment. Rohrbach said she is encouraging school officials to think about how they can conserve energy and reduce waste. In Maury County, school officials recently installed an energy-efficient lighting system they hope will help the system save on its utility bills.
Mary Hamilton helps to oversee the recycling program at Highland Park Elementary School, which started recycling cans in 1995. The school narrowly edged out Hampshire School as the county’s top recycling school during the 2007-08 school year. Hamilton said she never viewed recycling as a competitive sport until she saw a report breaking down recycling performance at different schools. “I thought this is like a football game,” she said. “We can really win this again.” The Highland Park teacher said she has considered embarking upon a new environmental mission — trying to persuade the school to stop using Styrofoam in its cafeteria.
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Building Outside the Box: FEATURE NEWS
Bells Bend Nature Center - Solar Power Tracking Live Online!!
The new Bells Bend Nature Center is open for business and its Solar Power generation is live online for everyone to see. Since the installation on May 30, 2008 the site has been tracking the power generation for the center and counting up the pounds of carbon dioxide saved using solar power. So far the solar panels have generated near 3000 Kilowatt hours of power and avoided over 6600 pounds of green house gas production. That’s equivalent to powering 48 houses for one day or 241 days of average car driving. Go to www.fatspaniel.com and find the "Live Sites" button at the top of the page. Scroll down the list of solar providers to “Lightwave Solar Electric”. This is Steve Johnson’s company, a key solar provider in middle Tennessee and a strong BOB supporter. There you can check out Bells Bend, Mellow Mushroom and Street Dixon Rick solar power generation in real time. Congratulations to these companies for using solar power that benefits their bottom line and all of us too!!
Main site: www.fatspaniel.com – Click on “Live Sites” and scroll down to Lightwave Solar Electric
Direct Link to Bells Bend: http://view2.fatspaniel.net/PV2Web/merge?&view=PV/detailDC/HostedAdmin&eid=134284
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EPA Performance Track
CLICK HERE to see the October 2008 issue of P-Track News
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE
- Teleseminar October 22 on Creating Value from Business-to-Business Byproduct Exchanges
- Recruitment Open Season Ends October 31
- PRIZIM Workplace Practices Bring Recognition from Environmental Business Journal
- UCSD Offers Advice and Tips on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Accounting
ARE WE REACHING THE RIGHT PEOPLE?
If there are others at your facility, or corporate headquarters, that should be included on the P-Track News distribution list, please e-mail your request to Hamilton.Luctrician@epa.gov with "Add to P-Track News" as the subject, and the individual's e-mail address in the message text.
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EPA News Items and Updates
News for Release: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Doing More with Less Water - First WaterSense Partners of the Year
Contact: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 9, 2008) One less drop in the bucket means kudos for three organizations and one individual who are promoting water efficiency and saving water. The first WaterSense Partners of the Year are being recognized for encouraging Americans to tap into their water resources wisely over the last year.
"EPA commends these partners for being blue ribbon winners in water efficiency," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA's assistant administrator for water. "These water stars are helping WaterSense transform the way Americans view and value our most precious liquid asset and, as a result, we are saving more and wasting less for future generations."
While EPA's WaterSense program depends on the efforts of more than 1,000 partners, these four exceptional partners earned this special distinction from EPA:
· Promotional Partner of the Year: The Saving Water Partnership
· Manufacturer Partner of the Year: Kohler Co.
· Retailer and Distributor Partner of the Year: Ferguson
· Irrigation Partner of the Year: Timothy Malooly of Shorewood, Minn.
These organizations and individual represent the best of WaterSense's four partner categories. The Saving Water Partnership is a collaboration between Seattle Public Utilities and 17 participating local water utilities. Kohler Co. is a leading bathroom and kitchen product manufacturer. Ferguson is one of the country's largest wholesale distributors of plumbing supplies. Timothy Malooly is a WaterSense irrigation partner and president of two Minnesota-based irrigation firms: Irrigation Consultants & Control and Irrigation By Design.
The 2008 Partners of the Year helped advance the WaterSense mission through a range of activities demonstrating creativity and collaboration, and promoting water efficiency from New York City's Times Square to the Minnesota Zoological Garden. Three of the winning organizations have also worked together to educate plumbers and consumers on the benefits of WaterSense labeled products.
In 2007, WaterSense partners were responsible for labeling, selling and promoting more than 193,400 WaterSense labeled products, saving the United States more than 277 million gallons of water annually.
WaterSense, a partnership program launched in 2006 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water.
The first WaterSense Partner of the Year awards are being presented at the WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nev., the first national water-efficiency conference for an interdisciplinary audience.
WaterSense Partner of the Year awards: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/awards.htm
Information on the WaterSense program: http://www.epa.gov/watersense