May/100
Capture the Rain
I had all intentions of discussing how to capture rainwater and use it. But the rain made me sleepy and I moved much slower today. I promise over the weekend, I will update this post with real information. But, now that the sun is finally out, after a week of gloom, I’m going to get outside and enjoy the evening. And I suggest you get off your computer as well and do the same!
May/100
Good service, NOT lip Service
West Elm is offers green products. With reasonable prices, they want to help sustainable products go mainstream.
They are utilizing these ideas in both their designs as well, their store operations.
Look for their green elm label. These products are either responsibly produced, certified organic, recycled, rapidly renewable or non-toxic.
I am impressed with their glossary. Visit http://www.westelm.com/resources/green-glossary.html for great definitions on some of the following terms:
- Aid to Artisans
- Certified Organic Cotton, including Gots & Okeo-Tex
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
- Global Forest And Trade Network (GFTN)
- Rapidly Renewable
- Recycled
- Responsibly produced or harvested
When retail companies, like West Elm, produce great green products, it makes my job easier. It allows me to focus on particular items and companies, create green homes and turn the project around in a timely manner.
Apr/100
MMPI = LEED
A few facts while you are enjoying your time at ART CHICAGO & NEXT
Did you know the Merchandise Mart is the largest commercial building in the world? Built in 1930, the MM boasts 4.2 million-square feet, 29 million bricks, 60,000 tons of steel and 4,000 windows. 56 years later, the MM began making strides in becoming an energy efficient building (10 years prior to Daley’s Green Machine).
love how a building this large can figure out how to use Green Seal approved cleaning products, a recycling program and implement systems to reduce CFCs, VOCs and plan for further energy-reducing initiates.
Apr/100
Happy Earth Day
Doing my part for Earth Day. As we learn more about going green, each of us will find how we connect with one or more of the core issues. I read through their website to bring you guys a quick overview of the principle issues.
Core Issues:
Advocacy – To move the issues from citizens to local organizations to local officials to push for change in Congress & the White House
Climate Change – To slow down the rapidly increasing climate change by simple actions
Conservation & Biodiversity – As the climate changes, species are becoming extinct, this harms their survival. (I personally find this part fascinating and will focus on this in a different blog)
Education – A growing importance in our schools and curriculum
Energy – Develop a network of renewable energy and wean off coal and oil
Food & Agriculture – Support local farms and production using sustainable practices before we are further harmed by the chemicals and pesticides
Green Economy – Green industries will provide jobs that will help rebuild our economy
Green Schools – Campaign to make all K-12 schools green within the a generation
Recycling & Waste Reduction – Instead of dumping trash, find ways to for it to be reused, recycled or composted
Sustainable Development – As our footprint grows, we must build using the earth’s finite resources
Water – keep it clean
Mar/100
SCi – LEED AP
I cringe when someone refers to me as a “decorator.” I don not decorate. I create environments. I am smart about how I select the materials and finishes that go into my projects. I think about how the space will be used – where the client came from, their current status and their future use of the space. LEED design is all about the future and the footprint people and companies will stamp on our world. It is a smart and responsible way to design for our health, money and community.
When I was in my final year of completing my Masters in Architecture, I had to pull myself out for a myriad of reasons. Becoming a LEED AP for Commercial Interiors was my way of staying connected to the intellectual thought process that goes into sustainable design. I was fortunate to train under some of Chicago’s sustainable pioneers and trend-setters. Often, green design is misconstrued as a marketing ploy from those who don’t comprehend the benefits. By understanding the benefits is what drove me to this section of my profession. I was lucky to get a green project so early in my career. But as someone once said on the golf course, (in a jist at least) the more I practice, the luckier I get.
Feb/101
LEED EQ 4.1 & 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials
LEED point requirements pertaining to carpet and carpet backing. (Note it is important to understand how the points and precedents work together to achieve maximum points)
EQ 4.3– Carpet Systems
- Carpet must meet or exceed Carpet and Rug Institutes Green Label Plus Testing and product requirements. (Green Label Plus does not address backer or adhesive)
- Carpet pad must meet or exceed CRI Green Label testing and product requirements.
- Carpet adhesive must meet the requirements of EQ 4.1
EQ 4.1- Adhesives & Sealants
- All adhesives and sealants used in the building interior must not exceed the VOC content limits of: SCAQMD Rule #1168
SCAQMD Rule #1168 – South Coast Air Quality Management District is a governmental organization with the mission to maintain healthful air quality for its residence. Rule sets VOC limits for carpet backing adhesives.
USGBC – LEED for Commercial Interiors V 2.0, Reference Guide 3rd Edition, October 2006, pages 311-312, 320 www.usgbc.org
