New Hampshire Chapter, U.S. Green Building Council News

USGBC NH Letter in Support of Building Code Change

Kim Pyszka — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:20:19 GMT

Phil Sherman, PE

Chair

New Hampshire State Building Code Review Board

Dear Mr. Sherman,

I am writing on behalf of the United States Green Building Council – New Hampshire (USGBC NH) Chapter in support of updating the State’s energy building code to 2024 IECC level. As indicated in the report, “Quantifying the Cost and Benefits of Upgrading the NH IECC 2018 Building Energy Code to the IECC 2024 Code” shared with the BCRB, there are significant cost savings to homeowners and building owners for operational costs, while having a small impact on the costs of construction. This benefits all home and building owners in the state and falls in line with USGBC NH’s mission statement to have a healthy community built on social responsibility, environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.

Please consider recommending the adoption of the 2024 IECC Building Code with the New Hampshire Legislature.

Sincerely,

Kim Pyszka

Chair of United States Green Building Council – New Hampshire Chapter

Peterborough Town Library Tour Recap

Kim Pyszka — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 13:07:00 GMT

On May 23^rd, the NH Chapter of USGBC NH toured the recently renovated and expanded Peterborough Library. It was a beautiful spring evening. Corinne Chronopoulos, Library Director greeted us warmly and toured us around the beautiful spaces. Annum Architects (formerly Ann Beha Architects) were unable to join us but provided the following narrative about the project:

“Our 17,320 GSF expansion and renovation of the Peterborough Town Library creates a new civic forum for Peterborough with a design that is in three parts. At one end is the original 1893 masonry building, with its restored reading room, special collections storage, and offices. At the other end, and balancing the original building in scale, massing, and materiality, is a new community wing with a flexible auditorium and multi-purpose classrooms. In between a new connector building provides open and transparent spaces for children, young adult, and general collections, as well as the help desk, and technical services. The Library is located in the center of Peterborough with expansive views of the adjacent Contoocook River. The building’s glass facades, reading porch, new gardens, parking lot, and a river terrace connect the Library with town life, offering additional settings for community gatherings outside. An adjacent building is retrofitted to accommodate a biomass boiler to heat and cool the Library, partially financed by state grants, while electrical loads are offset by roof-mounted photovoltaics.”

We were joined by Revision Energy who described the solar electric system (which generated 78,000 KWH of electricity in 2023) and by Froling Energy who showed us the unique biomass system which is used to provide heating and cooling via a Yazaki Absorption Chiller using water as the refrigerant and lithium bromide as the absorbent. After the tour the group enjoyed refreshments and conversation in one of the community rooms and departed into the lovely evening.

Chapman Roundtable

Kim Pyszka — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:36:00 GMT

The NH Chapter kicked off the new year with a roundtable event hosted by Chapman Construction/Design in Manchester, NH. The event brought together like-minded green building professionals to discuss current trends in the industry, share ideas and network. Much of the discussion focused on reducing embodied carbon which accounts for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the construction industry. Embodied carbon looks at the lifecycle of construction materials from extraction to disposal and is quantified as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) units. Examples of materials include asphalt, concrete, steel and insulation. Potential impacts are conveyed through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) which can be used when selecting materials. EPDs also include information such as global warming potential, eutrophication impacts, and manufacturing processes.

In addition to reviewing EPDs to make informed decisions, attendees discussed Building Green’s Contractor's Commitment where contractor’s can pledge to reduce the environmental impact of their project. Categories include carbon reduction, jobsite wellness, waste management, water management, and material selection. As part of the process, contractors implement planning and track various metrics to showcase their improvement over the course of the project.

Based on the great topics of discussion and attendance last week, we’re hoping to schedule more roundtable events in the future. Please let us know if you have ideas for future discussions, sign up for our emails and check website to learn more.

GreenBuild 2023 Washington D.C.

Kim Pyszka — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:20:00 GMT

This year was the 30^th year of USGBC and GreenBuild was located in the place where the organization was created. Once again there was a big push in embodied carbon, electrification, and resiliency.

This year I attended a few sessions on the WELL rating system which is a rating system for the interiors of buildings. There was a specific session where each table had to discuss what makes their work environment comfortable and enjoyable. It was great to see that daylighting & views, food options, and indoor air quality were all at the top qualities that our table wanted in a work space.

Another interesting fact was that Boston College installed geothermal in their newest building with the boreholes at a 1500 feet depth, where normally a borehole is 500-800 feet deep. With the Inflation Reduction Act, there has been a lot of buzz with future tax credits that are waiting to be used. https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator a website that was shared during a session to help determine what tax incentives can be used for an individual.

The EPA and GSA also announced new funding for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) research and creation which is some of the best news for the manufacturing industry.

Manufacturers are also asking for more clear and concise information from the market, as in using the same wording and rating systems universally so they can continue to provide greener products.

Cannot wait to see what is in store for next year as the conference is planned for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

NH Saves Program for a Residential Home

Kim Pyszka — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:42:00 GMT

As a resident of New Hampshire with a house built in the 1950s, the winters in New Hampshire were always a concern when it came to heating my house. My oil furnace felt like it was running constantly to keep the temperature up to 67 degrees in the few hours I was home after work and when it did turn off, I found that my house felt cold. After three years of ordering heating oil up to four times per calendar year, I was informed of the NH Saves program. The NH Saves Program is a collaboration of multiple electric and gas utilities in New Hampshire offering rebates to homeowners for improving their homes.

To get started, I completed the online form (https://nhsaves.com/residential/weatherization/) requiring my heating usage for the past twelve months, total square footage of my house, my heating source, my utility provider, and my zip code. Shortly after I received an email from my utility provider, indicating my property had been assigned an Energy Audit company. An Energy Audit was then scheduled at a time convenient for me. The cost of my energy audit was $100 and took approximately two hours. The energy audit was an amazing experience to watch. I was able to be an active observer for a blower door test at my home. It was a great experience to say the least.

A few days later the final report of my energy audit was emailed to me. The report contained the suggested fixes for my house to improve efficiency. For me, the fixes included reinsulating the ceilings, walls, and basement along with air sealing. The report also indicated the cost for the work to be completed. The NH Saves program currently provides a $6,000 credit per calendar year. The total for my fixes was approximately $12,000 not including the NH Saves credit. I made the decision to move forward with all fixes and pay the difference out of pocket. The Auditor mentioned that I could have reapplied for the program the following year to receive the $6,000 credit again, but I chose to get all the work done at once.

Work was scheduled for the fall of 2022 and was anticipated to take four days. The company performing the work did a great job. They were informative, clean, and timely. Additionally, they took photos of their work for record. Shortly after the work was finished, a third-party inspection was completed on my home.

I am happy to say that I have noticed a huge impact from the NH Saves Program. In a single winter year, I went from ordering heating oil four times a year to only two. My house feels warmer even when the furnace is not running. I have noticed that outside noises are duller. I am excited to continue to see the savings for the next few years as my expected payback is only four years.

Revision Energy Presents - Solar for Municipalities

Kim Pyszka — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 19:15:00 GMT

The New Hampshire Chapter of the USGBC recently hosted a webinar to learn about solar for municipalities. Revision Energy’s Rachel Eades presented on the latest policy updates, Inflation Reduction Bill impacts to municipal solar projects, and important considerations for a successful solar installation. The webinar started with an overview of the electricity cost in NH and potential climate change impacts to our state if we continue with business as usual. She provided a great background on how solar energy works, the types of systems, equipment, and a sample construction timeline. Then we looked at financing options and project economics. One of the components of the Inflation Reduction Bill is the 30% “direct pay” rebates for solar installations for municipalities and non-profits. Rachel also provided action items for those municipalities looking to install solar in their town. Finally, she stressed the importance of community engagement, outlining a clear vision for the project and ensuring buy-in from all stakeholders. The NH Chapter is grateful for Rachel’s time and sharing her knowledge on this important topic.

2022 Annual Meeting Recap

Kim Pyszka — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:00:00 GMT

2022 Annual Meeting Recap

United States Green Building Council New Hampshire Chapter's Annual Meeting took place on December 8, 2022, at the Southeast Land Trust in Epping, NH. SELT’s building is a recent LEED certified building. The night started off with networking and drinks as USGBC New Hampshire has not hosted an in-person Annual Meeting since 2019, then continued to a building tour. It was stunning to see how millwork sourced from the site was used inside the building in offices and public spaces. The building was designed to accommodate for growth in SELT’s organization. Following the building tour, attendees were able to network and snack on some Popovers, salad and fruit provided by USGBC New Hampshire. A panel discussion with SELT, Sheldon Pennoyer Architects, Chapman Construction / Design, and Resilient Buildings Group moderated by USGBG New Hampshire’s President, Doug Shilo took place where attendees could learn more information on the design development, construction, and sustainable features of SELT’s building. Board members were introduced and a summary of chapter events from 2022 was shared with attendees. To wrap up the evening, USGBC New Hampshire announced the Building of the Year Award. This award goes to the project with the highest number of LEED points built in the state of New Hampshire. The winner for 2022 is the Ruth Lewin Griffin Place apartment building. Thank you to all who attended our 2022 Annual Meeting.

A shoutout to our event sponsors: Bruss Project Management, Chapman Construction / Design, Resilient Buildings Group, Revision Energy, and Sheldon Pennoyer Architects.

Have a safe and happy New Year!

USGBC NH Tours the 2021 Building of the Year

Kim Pyszka — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 19:20:00 GMT

The NH Chapter of the USGBC recently toured the Goel Center for Theater and Dance at the Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH. The 63,130 square foot building won the NH Chapter’s 2021 Building of the Year Award for having the highest number of LEED points. The building received 60 points and is certified LEED Gold.

The building has multiple theater stages, dance studios, scene shop and classrooms to support the school’s performing arts programs. The exterior of the building has a minimalist design with limited strategically located windows (at the end of corridors, for example), front entrance and southwest corner. Although few, the windows provide a connection to nature and provide natural light. At night, the murals inside the building create a warming light through the windows that invites students to the building. Since this is a theatre building, acoustics were important to the students and event attendees. Acoustical ceiling and wall panels were used throughout the reception area and corridors to help control the sound.

The energy efficient building utilizes a geothermal heat pump system and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption. Lighting controls allow students and staff the ability to adjust light levels based on activities. Stormwater runoff is captured in the nearby rain garden which also provides greenery for the outdoor space. Custom bike racks are located close to the front and back entrances to promote alternative transportation. The project also transformed the street adjacent to the building for pedestrian use and connecting the Center with the academic campus and athletic facilities.

Energy Efficiency Impacts

Kim Pyszka — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Written By: Laura Samoisette, High Performance Buildings Project Manager at Resilient Buildings Group

The November 12th the Public Utility Commission (PUC) order has caused a string of confusion amongst those who are in the NHSaves pipeline. The drastic cut of 40-60% of the NHSaves budget proposed in the PUC order would have been catastrophic to the NH energy efficiency industry and a stomp on all progress made to date. In November 2020 the NH Public Utility Commission rejected the 2021-2023 three-year energy efficiency plan to boost energy efficiency rebates and incentives for homeowners and businesses. In addition, commercial and industrial customers in particular were facing a Systems Benefit Charge of 168% under the PUC order. Many of us fought long and hard to keep the budgets up in the interest of the people. The problem is now (mostly) resolved, with HB549 being signed to law about a month ago. We in the energy efficiency industry are relieved, as it means we still have jobs identifying projects and facilitating their incentives. However, I’ve found that many clients today are questioning why their energy efficiency awards are less than what they were expecting.

The current NHSaves program budget is set to 2020 levels with the signing of HB549 instead of what many were expecting to be a notably higher 2022 rate. We have essentially taken a step backwards in the budget available to assist project owner’s and their teams. We are now seeing the 2022 close-out of several projects started in 2021, whose owners are expecting the incentives rates that were set when they engaged their projects, or even higher assumed 2022 levels. These projects are receiving adjusted incentives rates because currently the 2020 rates are in effect.

Let’s be clear, energy efficiency incentives are never guaranteed until you sign an acceptance letter. Registering or engaging your project with your utility provider does not ensure that you will receive all the incentives you are filling out paperwork for. There are many reasons for this: your initial assessment may be inaccurate, the year you are filing in may lapse and budgets for the program are typically adjusted annually and in some cases the budget may already be spent. My experience has mainly been working to facilitate NHSaves Path 3 incentives- electric and natural gas savings over code and Path 4 incentives- energy efficiency equipment. Engaging early and frequent communication is key to receiving maximum incentives. Here is some helpful advice for proceeding with these programs:

● Engage early and have frequent communication with your utility provider in order to receive maximum incentives.

● Fill out paperwork early to avoid issues.

● Ask about the possibility of incentives on equipment that is just out of reach of that

SEER threshold, it never hurts to ask.

● For path 3, work congruently with a technical assistance vendor to find cost-effective

solutions for pushing the energy efficiency of your project. You will be awarded in the

end with larger incentives check as well as lower operating costs. Not to mention free

assistance from professionals with many years of experience to pull from.

Negative Impacts of Food Production, What can Green Designers and Builders do?

Kim Pyszka — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 14:45:00 GMT

Written By Grady O’Rear

According to the United Nations, “Food …. lies at the heart of trying to tackle climate change, reducing water stress, pollution, restoring lands back to forests or grasslands, and protecting the world’s wildlife.”

With the many threats humanity faces brought about by COVID-19, much emphasis in the green building sector is focused on IEQ improvements and workplace best practices. While these initiatives provide important opportunities to mitigate risks, there are other built environment tools and features that can help curb root causes that lead to the emergence and reemergence of infectious disease as well as greenhouse gas production, pollution, and land degradation. Let’s explore some of them.

Reduce Natural Resource Extraction. The green building industry has a strong commitment to conserving natural resources. For example, most of us are aware that we can:

· Prioritize development in urban areas
· Promote passive and active solar design and construction
· Make electricity and water use more efficient
· Generate and use more renewable energy
· Reuse and recycle materials
· Select and install local materials that are environmentally benign
· Plan and utilize state-of-the art storm water management systems.

But there is another arena of activity within the built environment that can bring significantly beneficial results that is lesser known and rarely emphasized – promotion of low on-the-food-chain eating. Here are some of the reasons this area of environmental impact needs to be prioritized:

· A recent United Nations report on climate change warned that “The rearing of livestock generates 14 per cent of all carbon emissions, similar to the amount generated by all transport put together. Currently, farmed animals occupy nearly 30 per cent of the ice-free land on Earth. The livestock sector generates a seventh of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes roughly one-third of all freshwater on earth.”
· Although still under debate, many scientists believe there is convincing evidence that COVID-19 got its start in non-human animals. They contend that like MERS, SARS, HIV, Influenza A and Ebola, the coronavirus is zoonotic – it originated in animals and jumped to humans. Moreover, health experts warn that the problem isn’t the animals, it’s us. Agricultural intensification, deforestation and urbanization are responsible because they bring animals in closer proximity to humans.
· Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs), according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are agricultural businesses in which animals are kept and raised in confined situations. Rather than grazing in pastures, fields, or rangeland, these enterprises congregate production facilities, animals, feed, manure, urine, and dead animals within a small land area. Among other negative impacts, AFOs contaminate surface and ground water and contribute to air pollution. There are approximately 450,000 AFOs in the United States.
· The potential for transfer of pathogens among animals is higher when they are in confinement. Asymptomatic animals may carry microbial agents that can infect humans.

These data point to animal food production, as practiced today, as detrimental to humanity and the planet. In addition to changing our own dietary habits, what can the green design and construction industry do to change this picture?

Use and Advocate for Built Environment Incentives. The industry has taken some important initial strides in this area. LEED now offers several credits that address food production issues. Below are some examples of additional actions that can be taken:

· Explore and utilize plant-based food options in the workplace and at company events.
· Educate colleagues and clients about food-related best practices and their impacts on sustainability goals.
· Utilize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scoring metrics. ESG investors recognize the direct link of financial performance with environmental and social impacts. Last year, 60 top global businesses committed to publicly support and transparently share ESG reports. The time is ripe for ESG + Nutrition.
· Consider R&D Tax Credits for companies that work to create or improve outcomes that promote plant-based products and diets.
· Create and submit additional LEED food-related credits.
· Influence other green building rating systems, standards, and codes to create, recognize, and promote food-production incentives.

Elegant solutions can be described as ones that simultaneously address multiple concerns and risks. Efforts to promote plant-based diets rank high on the list. It’s an amazing and timely opportunity for the green design and construction industry to pick this low hanging fruit and benefit from its profound effects.

2021 Annual Meeting Recap

Kim Pyszka — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 13:00:00 GMT

This year’s Annual Meeting took place in early December virtually. Even though this was another tough year of the pandemic, we were able to do four Green Egg in-person building tours and start selling logoed merchandise. The Green Egg events included touring the USGBC NH 2020 Building of the Year winner, the NH RANG Hooksett Field Maintenance Shop, a co-gen plant at UNH Durham, William Boyce Thompson Field House at Phillips Exeter Academy and Kingston Hall at Southern New Hampshire University. All tours were informative about current green building practices in New Hampshire.

The 2021 Building of the Year Award went to The Goel Center for Theater and Dance at Phillips Exeter Academy. The building received 60 points and is certified LEED Gold. Be sure to continue to check your emails for updates on the Green Eggs tour of this building!

Eric Corey Freed’s keynote was about “The Urgency of Carbon”. Eric Corey Freed is an award-winning architect, author, and lecturer and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Sustainability for CannonDesign, leading the healthcare, education, and commercial teams toward better and higher performing buildings. For over 20 years, he was Founding Principal of organicARCHITECT, a visionary design leader in biophilic and regenerative design.

As a mentor and lecturer, Eric brings a high level of passion and drive for sustainability and challenges those he teaches, speaks to, and practically everyone he meets to think, design, and present outside of the box and outside their comfort zone. As a facilitator, adjunct professor, and lecturer, Eric has educated more than 300,000 people across all 50 states and 7 countries on issues related to sustainability, high-performance building, and the built environment and does so in his own comedic and entertaining style.

Eric was previously the Chief Community Officer at EcoDistricts, a nonprofit that helps cities and developers create regenerative, resilient, and socially equitable neighborhoods for everyone, and Vice President of the International Living Future Institute, a nonprofit that developed the Living Building Challenge, a global, regenerative, deep green building standard. He is the author of 12 books, including "Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies", "Sustainable School Architecture," and “Green$ense for your Home”. His latest publication, "Circular Economy for Dummies" was released in the Spring 2021.

Eric is considered a leader in the field and was previously named “Best Green Architect" in 2005; "Best Visionary" in 2007; and "Green Visionary" in 2008. In 2012, he was named one of the 25 "Best Green Architecture Firms" in the US, and one of the "Top 10 Most Influential Green Architects." He also holds a prestigious LEED Fellow award from the US Green Building Council. Eric’s keynote was engaging as he delighted attendees with his knowledge on the circular economy and global climate change. The entire keynote was recorded and can be found on our website.

Through your donations we were able to raise over $300.00 to the following local organizations: Bridge Street Recovery, Family Promise, NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, and Families in Transition. One of our USGBC NH members even won a Door Prize that consisted of items for a covid-19 survival kit. Thank you to all who joined us, and we look forward to what 2022 brings!

The Property Restoration Industry and the Green Building Industry: Ripe for Integration

Kim Pyszka — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 18:35:00 GMT

Have you heard of Belfor Property Restoration, Servpro, or CRP Contracting? These are some of the largest property restoration companies in the U.S.

Companies like these typically provide residential and commercial fire, water, wind, mold/biohazard cleanup, disinfection, and reconstruction services.

For example, Belfor with over 7,000 employees and more than 150 locations in North America boasts over 450 locations around the world. Servpro has grown since its founding in 1967 to more than 1,700 franchises with over 1,900 locations in the United States and Canada.

Why are such companies important stakeholders in sustainability?

Property restoration services are increasingly needed to address the greater frequency and intensity of both small-scale and large-scale disasters. The annual market of the American property restoration industry has skyrocketed to well over $200 billion. During the past three years, 60% of restoration contractors surveyed predicted American industry revenues growing in the 25% range each year.

For example, on the small-scale side of the disaster continuum, let’s take a quick look at some data about water and mold damage. According to Water Damage Defense, an estimated 14,000 people in the U.S. suffer water damage at home or work each day. And within a homeowner’s lifetime, 98% of basements in the U.S. will flood.

Mold growth often accompanies water damage. Mold growth can also occur without water damage. A case in point, some modern, energy saving homes have very tight building envelopes, but were constructed without frequent air exchanges. Under these circumstances, with or without the owner’s knowledge or awareness, mold can thrive due to limited air movement.

On the macro-level, the chart below from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows the alarming trend line of climate and weather disasters in the U.S. overtime that cost $1 billion or greater. Over the period from 1980 to 2020, these disasters cost over $2.2 trillion.

What are the implications for green design and construction?

Historically, USGBC Chapters have focused on green built environment projects that either involve new construction or remodeling. Architects, engineers, and construction (AEC) personnel deserve accolades for helping green buildings become more of the norm.

However, there is a gap between the green building community and the property restoration community. The green building community has been squarely focused on eco-friendly new construction and remodeling for decades; the property restoration community has an interest in green design and construction, but this hasn’t been their primary area of emphasis.

Concerted efforts by the green community must be made to bridge this gap. Beyond the collaborative business potentials, the existential threats from climate change, including sea level rise, wildfires, superstorms, earthquakes, epidemics and pandemics, and mass extinction demand is integration.

Here are a few kick-off ideas for USGBC chapters and green AEC professionals:

1) Reach out to property restoration companies in your area. Create forums that may be of interest to them. Work toward their joining your USGBC chapter or other green building associations. Gain understanding about the work they do and discover synergies together.
2) Give greater emphasis to resilience. Explore the use of the RELi™ 2.0 Rating System (RELi 2.0). It’s a resilience-based rating system for neighborhoods, homes, commercial buildings and infrastructure. Learn about FORTIFIED. This insurance carrier financed home, commercial, and re-roofing program uses research supported approaches to strengthen buildings against severe weather.
3) Support green/disaster recovery/resilience training and credentialing. Associations like AIAand ASCEas well as NIBShave developed important initiatives that can help inform professionals and be woven into webinar presentations. Some non-profits like Green Advantage offer ANSI-accredited credentials that can be utilized to advance green/disaster recovery/resilient means, methods, materials, and best practices for construction-related personnel.

This is just a partial list of ideas to consider. I’m sure you and other readers can add more. By working together, these two industries can make critical strides toward greater sustainability in the built environment.

University of Nevada Evaluation Shows Effectiveness of ANSI-accredited Healthcare Construction Worker Credential

Kim Pyszka — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 20:30:05 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic is just one of many threats that must be addressed by healthcare construction workers whether in hospitals or in long-term care, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Protection of workers, patients, staff, and the public during construction activity from minor repairs to new construction is of utmost concern. In addition to protection from COVID and other biological risks, workers need to be familiar with state-of-the-art best practices to reduce risks from disasters, fire equipment and systems, utility services, noise, vibration, odors, delivery/handling/storage of supplies and materials, waste management, and ventilation.

To help mitigate the risks of healthcare construction, renovation, demolition, maintenance and repair, The Joint Commission, the organization that accredits over 22,000 U.S. healthcare organizations, requires a comprehensive protocol known as a Pre-construction Risk Assessment (PCRA). An Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA), which is part of the PCRA process, is also required by The Joint Commission. Accredited healthcare organizations are required to develop a PCRA for all planned and unplanned healthcare construction from minor repairs to major construction.

Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in "Environment of Care News", a publication of The Joint Commission, five authors advocated for more stringent requirements for PCRA/ICRA. The authors called for all construction personnel participating in pre-construction, maintenance, and construction activities on healthcare facilities to demonstrate their competence by possessing an ANSI/ASTM-accredited PCRA/ICRA credential.

To evaluate the impact of this credential nationally, the University of Nevada, Reno, Public Health Training Center was commissioned by the Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity to pilot a workforce development project. Since currently Green Advantage, a non-profit organization, offers the nation’s only ANSI/ASTM-accredited Pre-construction Risk Assessment/Infection Control Risk Assessment (PCRA/ICRA) Certificate Program, project participants were solicited from those trained in the Green Advantage program. Below are excerpts from the evaluation’s conclusion:

The Green Advantage PCRA/ICRA certificate training is a successful program in improving the knowledge of PCRA/ICRA best practices. ….. Construction industry workers who were enrolled in the program were surveyed and assessed to demonstrate their pre-certificate and post-certificate confidence and knowledge while working in health care construction, as well as the readiness to protect themselves and others from increased risks and infection exposures. The survey results demonstrated that this knowledge and readiness improved among participants in the PCRA/ICRA certificate program ….. Based upon the survey analysis, it is advised that the Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity put forth policy guidance on PCRA/ICRA certification for health care construction industry workers.

Public protection remains paramount in healthcare construction. In particular, the frequency and intensity of risks from infectious disease and disaster are on the rise and must be continually addressed. ANSI-accredited personnel credentialing offers an important tool to ensure that construction workers are trained and have successfully demonstrated their competencies to reduce these risks.

Green Advantage is the only organization that offers a PCRA/ICRA Certificate Program that meets these requirements. Note: The PCRA/ICRA Certificate Program has been approved by GBCI for 12 CE Hours.

The PCRA/ICRA Certificate Program prepares construction personnel to address the serious risks posed by healthcare construction. Learning objectives include:

•   understanding the need for PCRA/ICRA
• knowledge about key concepts related to      infection control during construction
• recognition of the pathogen transmission factors related to construction processes
• awareness of the unique construction challenges represented by the hospital environment
• familiarity with the regulatory context for healthcare facility construction
•   application of PCRA to healthcare facility construction activity
• cognizance of the details of the PCRA process
• awareness of construction impacts on building systems
• familiarity with PCRA procedures
• familiarity with Interim Life Safety Measures
• knowledge of approaches and best practices to ensure health & safety during healthcare facility construction

Green Eggs: Thompson Field House Recap

Kim Pyszka — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 12:30:30 GMT

As the summer moves to fall our chapter visited the William Boyce Thompson Field House at Phillips Exeter Academy. The building won our 2019 Building of the Year Award by reaching LEED Silver.

It was very important to the school that the original gym be remembered in the new building. They were able to save an original piece of stone that rests above a narrative sharing who William Boyce Thompson was. In addition, in a room on the second floor there is reclaimed flooring from the original Thompson gym.

There is a parking garage below the gym that gives the school 100+ more parking spaces than it had with the old gym. Currently, the EV chargers are free to anyone who uses them. The rain garden located right outside the main entry allows runoff rainwater a place to go without flooding the campus or nearby sports fields.

Walking up to the building one would have no idea that 1,552 solar panels are on the roof. Surprisingly this is a concern for the school, they have plans to do student tours of the building since the students have no idea that the building can produce most of its own electricity. The solar panels on the roof provided enough electricity for 80% of the building in 2019 and in 2020 they provided 135% of the building’s energy. The school has their own substation, so energy was distributed to neighboring buildings.

The main part of the gym does not have any air conditioning instead there are large fans that circulate the air depending on the air temperature at the floor and at the ceiling.

Be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram accounts to see photos.

We look forward to seeing you on our next tour!

Building Carbon

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 23:28:47 GMT

We emit too much carbon. As I write this, the greatest nations in the world are addressing this issue by launching the G7 Industrial Decarbonization Agenda, committing to emission reductions in all sectors: power, transportation, agriculture, and building. The building sector represents 39% of these emissions. This number will only go up, with the building stock slated to double by 2060. To mitigate our carbon the way we need to, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has recommended incremental steps toward carbon neutral buildings by 2030. This is usually accomplished in two steps: reducing operational carbon as much as practical, and producing enough renewable energy to take the remainder off fossil fuels.

Let’s start with Operational Carbon, which is what it takes to run a building. For every gallon of gasoline, kWh of electricity, or therm of natural gas used, there is an equivalent amount of carbon. Convert each of your energy bills to carbon, add that carbon up, and you have your operational carbon. A great way to reduce this number is to follow Passive House principles. By utilizing lots of insulation, airtight construction, and high-efficiency equipment; buildings of all types are able to drastically reduce their energy use, and therefore the carbon emitted. This is the most important and cost-effective step.

Then, you make sure the remaining energy used is not sourced from fossil fuels. Sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, or biomass are all considered carbon neutral. The simplest solution (for the building sector) would be if the grid was 100% renewable, but that may not happen anytime soon, so most of us have to look at production on site for the moment. If you followed passive principles, then you likely just need to add solar panels to the roof to make up for the small amount of energy your project uses. If you don't have a renewable grid and cannot install renewables on site, you can install on another site you own, join forces with your neighbors, or buy Renewable Energy Credits (REC's). Some projects have a tougher time meeting this threshold than others, but the idea is to have enough carbon-neutral production to make up the difference. Homeowners, businesses, and even entire downtown districts in major cities are making the carbon neutral commitment. This is all very encouraging, but it's only half the picture.

Embodied carbon is what it takes to build a building, which may be as much as all the operating costs over the life of a building combined. Every wood stud, nail, brick, bag of concrete, and roofing shingle used on a project is extracted, manufactured, transported to the site, installed, maintained, and eventually replaced. The amount of carbon embodied in all that is assessed by a third party in what’s called an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Multiply each EPD by the amount of each product used, do this for each product, add it all up, and you have the project’s embodied carbon. We like to use a program called Tally in our office, which is connected to a reliable database of EPD’s and takes material volumes right off our virtual design models. Once you know your projects embodied carbon, you can use this materials palette to learn how to reduce it. You'll see familiar "soft" concepts have quantifiable advantages in your model: salvaging and reusing materials, using more wood, using less cement, using less XPS, using less PVC - it all suddenly makes a visible difference in a forehead-smacking proof-of-concept. The USGBC helped bring these calculations into the mainstream with the inclusion of a “Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment” as a credit option in LEED V4. With the characteristic rigor and reward a LEED credit brings, demand for this service is sure to follow.

If the project owns enough renewable energy to make up for both operational and embodied carbon - that is a true zero-carbon building. The AIA has set incremental thresholds towards carbon neutrality for us to follow, and a standardized reporting mechanism so we can share successful strategies along the way. We have a long way to go, but the path is clear, the demand is mounting, and we have all the tools we need to get the job done.

See you in the field,

Doug Shilo, USGBC NH Chapter Chair

ASHRAE Event Recap: Solar Energy In New Hampshire

Kim Pyszka — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 14:00:00 GMT

On Monday, January 25^th, Granite State ASHRAE held a webinar about solar energy in New Hampshire with Madeleine Mineau, the Executive Director of Clean Energy NH. Madeleine dove right into Clean Energy NH’s mission and advocacy for the state, stating that solar is one of the fastest growing renewable energies, yet New Hampshire has the lowest numbers in New England. Maine is undergoing a solar energy boom due to policy change and is expected to grow solar significantly over the next few years while New Hampshire grows at a moderate rate.

Despite New Hampshire being last in New England for solar energy, the state created $3 million in CO2 benefits in 2019, removing the equivalent of 6,000 cars from roadways. From 2014 to 2019 New Hampshire saved $83 million from solar. New Hampshire is working for a more solar future but not at the same rate as neighboring states. Massachusetts, clearly a leader in solar energy saved $513 million from solar from 2014 to 2019.

Mineau stated that New Hampshire set a goal to be 25% renewable by 2025. The ISO New England, the grid operator for the entire New England grid, is projecting that New Hampshire will have 19.3 MW of annual total solar for 2021. Mineau mentioned there is very low operational costs for solar compared to other types of renewables.

Wrapping up the webinar Mineau went beyond the solar discussion to mention the opportunities ongoing in the Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS) which is undergoing development for 2021 to 2023 and more opportunities for heat pump conversions through rebates. Clean Energy NH is working to improve overall energy savings.

Check out Granite State ASHRAE's website.

Check out Clean Energy NH's website.

2020 Annual Meeting Recap

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 18:13:44 GMT

What a year it has been! We had virtual chapter meetings, virtual educational opportunities, and, well, are you sensing a pattern? Our distance didn't stop us from having some fun last Thursday evening for our Annual Chapter Meeting!

After some catching up, James Scott Brew joined us from Japan, and he taught us all about the real value of sustainability, the people factor. Fun fact: it was the next morning in Japan, so we were basically time traveling.

I then talked about the recent Chapter happenings, including our partnership with Green Advantage, our letter to Governor Sununu, and virtual educational opportunities on our calendar. Despite everything, our Chapter has been busy! Then came the introduction of our board members. Please reach out to any one of us in the coming year if you'd like to get something on the Chapter Agenda!

Then, we presented the USGBC NH Chapter Building of the Year Award to the the NHRANG Hooksett Field Maintenance Shop. This exemplary project earned 58 LEED points (including all available energy efficiency points!) and negotiated a difficult site sustainably to achieve LEED Silver Certification. Joseph Campbell accepted the award on behalf of the project team (really enjoy the Star Wars collection in your background, Joseph!). Congratulations to North Branch Construction, the New Hampshire Army National Guard, and Smith Alvarez Sienkiewycz Architects. Keep an eye out for a tour (whenever we do that sort of thing again)!

Finally, we'd like to talk a little about our beneficiary, the Capitol Center for the Arts, which we raised $260 for with our raffle drawing! If you haven't already, please take a look at their This is Only Intermission campaign. Our very own Kim Pyzka presented the "Covid-19 Gift Basket" (we gotta come up with a better name...) raffle prize, and the winner was none other than John Pietroniro! Congratulations, John!

And to all our members, stay warm this winter! Until next year, this is your chair, signing off.

-Doug

GreenBuild 2020 Virtual

Kim Pyszka — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 15:15:00 GMT

This year’s Greenbuild was expected to be in San Diego however it was held virtually, due to the covid-19 pandemic. There were live virtual educations sessions and a virtual expos hall. These covered topics such as electrifying all buildings, embodied carbon in building operations and providing more transparency in construction materials. On-demand sessions will be available for those who need to catch up on continuing education hours for the next 30 days.

On Day One, there was an informative Opening Keynote from Christiana Figueres and Mahesh Ramanujam. They spoke to attendees through the virtual format about LEED positive buildings by 2050, limiting competition between rating systems and the new USGBC ALL IN equality strategy. Christiana Figueres spoke about how the decade of 2020 will be the most important decade for humanity regarding the environment. She begged the question - do we reach our green goals by 2030? The future is always under construction and humanity must build it appropriately.

Day Two’s Keynote starred three female designers, Julia Watson, Kotchakorn Voraakhom, and Catherine Huang. These women embrace the concept of a sustainable future using successes from the past. After each designer spoke about their inspirations, they held a round table discussion between the women about what how many new technologies and developments have shifted our symbiosis with nature.

To wrap up the conference, at the Leadership Ceremony, awards were given out the project teams and individuals that deserved them the most in an hour-long ceremony that was very well done.

Overall Greenbuild keeps pushing us to make the planet a greener place for future generations by bringing together the latest education and industry. It is up to the green building professionals around the world to continue a green mission.

Working From Home

Kim Pyszka — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 19:45:52 GMT

Check out our board member's Work From Home desks!

COVID-19 Recommendation

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 18:57:15 GMT

A sustainable building is not only about energy use and occupant health. It's about resiliency. Buildings should be able to withstand what is thrown their way. Here in NH, it's snow. In California, it's earthquakes. On the coast, it's rising sea levels. In 2020, COVID-19 has exposed vulnerabilities and shortcomings.

As is always the case after disaster, it's time to improve. Fortunately, we know how, and we reached out to Governor Sununu last month to offer advice. There has been no word back yet.

USGBC NH Chapter - COVID 19 Suggestions.pdf

ECN_November_ 2019.pdf

ECN_December_2019.pdf

2020 Summer Social Re-cap

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 18:19:32 GMT

Folks,

The first half of this year has been a roller coaster. We started with a bang - a full line-up of tours in the most sustainable buildings in NH, a partnership with Green Advantage, and much more. This all went on hold as our collective focus turned to a pandemic.

As we gathered (virtually) to share our experiences this summer, there was a common thread: we miss each other. We miss having shared experiences, seeing great buildings, meeting informally to see where a discussion takes us. Education, jobs, mentorships, and friendships are all taking a huge hit. The best internet connection in the world cannot replace what we are missing.

With the outside world closed, our chapter has looked to see what else we can offer. We can still video conference with chapter members, as we did for our summer social! We can work with other organizations to provide virtual education opportunities, as you see on our calendar! We can also advocate, as we in our letter to Governor Sununu this year!

So, keep your head up. Take a look at yourself in that webcam mirror and ask what you can still do. Sign up for that next activity and get out there, even if it is virtually. You are still making a difference, and we would love to hear about it. So, send an e-mail my way if your have something to say.

Miss you all,

Doug Shilo, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Your USGBC NH Chapter Chair

10th Anniversary Celebration Recap

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 02:35:12 GMT

This year, we celebrated our chapter's 10th anniversary at the new Bank of NH Stage in Concord!

It is a beautiful venue, and we were happy to announce our event with a proper downtown marquee! We were even more excited to see such an exemplary urban revitalization project by Milestone Engineering.

Chapter members and curious passers-by trickled in to network with some food from the Coop and local brews on tap.

After everyone settled down, we took a couple trips down memory lane. First, I took us back to a couple of our favorite tours from the past year.

John Pietroniro, our chapter's esteemed chair alumnus and current historian, took us through a history of our chapter. What a trip it has been.

Then, it was award time!

This year, we are thrilled to give our "Building of the Year" Award to the William Boyce Thompson Field House. This extraordinary facility not only showcases Philips Exeter Academy's athletic program in quality daylighting (though it does do that quite well). It also halves its impervious surfaces by stacking the track and fields on top of parking. The remaining impervious surface, the roof, is completely covered in solar panels. Peter Reiss, Architect at ARC, spoke to these sustainable features and more, showing our state what we hadn't seen before in a field house. Keep an eye out for a tour this summer!

To cap off the night, Sam Evans-Brown, host of NHPR's Outside-In, regaled us with Possible Energy Futures. In a whirlwind presentation inspired by experiments around the globe, we had wake-up calls, reality checks, and a call for all hands on deck as we head towards our carbon-neutral goal.

As I recall this year's 10th anniversary, I also recall the Paris climate accords, which say we have 10 years left to get to carbon neutrality. Never has our mission been more urgent, and never have I been more inspired. It will take everyone: visionaries like Sam, designers like Peter, builders like Milestone, and organizations like Philips Exeter Academy.

I can't wait to see what you come up with this year,

Doug Shilo, USGBC NH Chapter Chair

How Do You Get Fresh Air Into Your Home?! Let's Talk About Balanced Ventilation.

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 14:55:56 GMT

The USGBCNH group was having a discussion on ventilation systems recently, and we thought it would be a good topic to share here.

Now that winter is almost here and everyone's windows are staying shut for the next 4-6 months, the question about indoor air quality becomes a lot more relevant. We all know how important mechanical ventilation is for our health and for the health of our buildings, but in the building industry it is still a relatively foreign concept.

This is especially true in single family residential design, where the building code is behind where it should be on ventilation requirements. Homes are now being built pretty air tight thanks to building code improvements, but an air tight home isn't a great solution for the occupant if no fresh air is getting inside.

A poorly ventilated home leads to high humidity and mold growth, lack of oxygen, and toxins from materials and household products being trapped in the home.

So what do we do about it?!

I think we are all in agreement that providing balanced ventilation systems is the way to go. We want to bring fresh air inside the building at the same rate that we exhaust stale air. But that doesn't go far enough to answer the question.

There are still plenty of options for providing a balanced ventilation system in a home. I'm in the process of designing a residential art studio with one main room and a small bathroom, and I had the question, 'What's the best way to ventilate this space?'

ERVs and HRVs

We know that using an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is a good solution because these units recover heat (and moisture if using an ERV) from the conditioned air to help temper fresh, cold outdoor air before being released in the home. This helps reduce energy burdens.

But now we need to decide if we're using an HRV or an ERV! In our cold climate, an ERV needs to turn off intermittently so that frost doesn't build up on the unit. Is this the best approach? An ERV helps keep some humidity inside the home that our cold, dry winter air doesn't bring in. Is that benefit worth mitigating the frost issues?

Ducted vs Non-Ducted

And then, as in the case of my small art studio, we need to decide if the fresh air should be ducted through the whole space or if a single distribution system such as the Panasonic WhisperComfort would make more sense. I asked this question to the group, and it turns out that this type of system doesn't function when it's very cold out. The Panasonic unit turns off completely when outdoor air dips below 20 degrees F.

For a home, a ducted system seems to be the best approach so that fresh air is getting into every bedroom, but is there a method that works well for a large open space (such as a studio apartment over a garage) that doesn't require ducting?

After some discussion with the energy experts in the group, it looks like the art studio is going to go with a ducted ERV so we can retain some moisture in the winter and distribute fresh air easily throughout the space. Is this the best method?

What Would You Do?

What is your approach for residential mechanical ventilation? Let us know in the comments below.

GREEN EGGS: River House

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 19:34:41 GMT

Awards Tour, Part II

River House, Hanover

The Architect, USGBC NH Chapter Member Sloane Mayor, led the tour by starting outside. There, we took in the beautiful River and surrounding wetlands, a serene environment demanding protection.

Unapologetically modern and durable, but modest, materials are used here: galvalume for the standing seam roof, cement fiberboard for the siding. The overall building has been intentionally de-emphasized through simple colors and details, keeping the focus on the beautiful landscape. You may notice one of our members busily tracking the ethereal qualities of the site (light, wind, air quality, I'm sure much more as well - make sure to ask her about it at the next meeting!).

One of the pieces of testing equipment. This one looks like it's measuring air speed.

Another piece of testing equipment. I was told, but still do not understand, quite what this does.

LED "pucks" light up the owner's beautiful artwork and custom furniture. Everything inside seems to be a sustainable product, from the wood to the counters to the paint.

Yes, the all-important HRV (or ERV?). Crucial in a tight, high-performance house like this to ensure fresh air without a big hit to energy efficiency.

Even the basement was given special consideration. The finishes and great natural light almost fooled me into thinking we were on the first level.

With 52 LEED points, and a shared award for last year's most sustainable building, this residence stands out as a success story in NH, making us all think a little harder about how we build our homes.

Thanks to both Owner and Architect for the inspiration. I hope many follow suite.

Behind LEED

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 19:17:16 GMT

Today, there are so many green building standards to choose from, including CHIPS, LEED, Passivhaus, Energy Star, Living Building Challenge, … too many to even try to list them all. So, what’s the right standard for your building? Well, that depends on what story you want your building to tell. Let’s take a look at a couple examples.

· Do you want to cut down on your energy bills? Well, the EPA’s Energy Star and Watersense programs are a great place to start. Get appliances with these labels, and you’re already doing better than most. Check for “Most Efficient” to get the really good stuff. But why stop there?

· If you want to go really low-energy, then Passivhaus is the way to go. When you get this efficient, you can downsize the equipment you get, and potentially start realizing savings immediately. You can even use Passivhaus as a way to make your building “net-zero ready”.

· If you add solar panels to that roof, and succeed in producing as much energy as you use, the DOE’s Net Zero, Living Building Institute’s Zero Energy, or LEED’s Net Zero programs would all be great fits for your project.

Thanks to energy models and accurate data, designers can easily make a compelling economic case for high-performance buildings. Building owners are savvy to this, and are mandating these standards (if not always for environmental stewardship, then at least for their pocketbooks!). For those that remain unconvinced, building codes are requiring more and more efficient buildings as a baseline. In fact, NH’s energy code will be updated next month. This is all encouraging news, and I hope this emboldens designers and building owners alike to create high-performance buildings.

So, what’s next? Are we done? No way! LEED consists of 57 possible credits. Most of these have nothing to do with what we’ve talked about so far. In fact, if you remove all the credits that have to do with water and energy efficiency, it’s still possible to get LEED Platinum certification. Don’t believe me? Here’s a theoretical scorecard for you! So, there’s a lot left to explore, and the next step is convincing building owners there’s money in all these other credits. It’s easier than you think!

For example, let’s focus on the Indoor Environmental Quality credits. You can use daylighting, acoustic isolation, low-emitting materials, indoor air quality, ergonomics, and thermal comfort to boost productivity in measurable ways. All told, you can expect a 16% productivity gain in green workplaces vs. non-green workplaces. As new research about these gains comes to the fore, it becomes easier to quantify these previously “soft” decisions, converting them to “hard” ones. As you business owners know, employee costs increasingly dwarf operating costs. So, expand your focus to include wellness – or be left in the dust.

See you in the field,

Doug Shilo, LEED AP BD+C, AIA

USGBC NH Chapter Co-chair

GREEN EGGS: Hillsborough County Superior Court North Tour Recap

Fri, 10 May 2019 14:53:17 GMT

On Friday, April 5th, our chapter had the unique opportunity to tour the inner workings of the LEED Silver-certified Hillsborough County Superior Court North. John Harper, from Lavallee Brensinger Architects, led the tour. Sarah Lineberry and Steven Lorentzen, from the State of NH, lended us their client perspective.

Reuse was theme of the day. The entire project takes the best of the old, while updating for contemporary standards.

A revitalized entrance conveys transparency while maintaining secure sight lines for the public areas. The existing cladding, a beautiful granite, was repurposed as a paving material for a new landscape design.

The group learns about how to fit all the complex mechanical equipment necessary to run a modern courthouse into an old courthouse. It is not an easy task!

The group learns about the State of New Hampshire's commitment to the arts, and how this resulted in beautiful hanging installations for the public areas.

USGBC NH Endorses National Carbon Dividend Act

Kimberly McCarthy — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 22:08:18 GMT

National Carbon Dividend Act Endorsement:

Last month, the USGBC NH Board of Directors endorsed the National Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.

"The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 763) will drive down America's carbon pollution and bring climate change under control, while unleashing American technology innovation and ingenuity. This policy was also introduced in the Senate in 2018 as S. 3791."

If you would like to personally endorse the bill, please visit The Citizen's Climate Lobby website.

Wood Home

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 11:44:13 GMT

84% of New Hampshire is forested. Every few years, we trade places with Maine for most woody biomass in the U.S. These trees are everywhere, and they define our everyday lives.

Every fall, leaf peepers descend on the White Mountains to witness the multi-colored foliage of Red Maples and Paper Birches. As winter draws to a close, you may be burning the last of your White Ash or Red Oak in that wood stove. If you have a stand of Sugar Maple, you might be in your shack boiling down sap to welcome spring. When summer hits, we will be building houses with Fir and Pine.

This is all very nostalgic (for me, at least), but our current experiences have not always been. For a bit more perspective, let’s take a step back in time.

Near my home in Concord, you can walk through the Mast Yard, so named because the 2-3 foot diameter trees growing there were reserved for “His Majesty’s Royal Ships” back in 1800. None of these dense, old growth monoliths remain, nor would we have much use for them.

On countless other trails, one may encounter mysterious rock walls weaving through the forest, marking the property lines of ghost farms that lie in ruins. By current appearances, one might think these farms are ancient, but virtually the entire state of NH was clear-cut for farming not so long ago. Maybe it was the rocky soil, maybe it was the promise of cheap land out west, or maybe it was a particularly bad growing season. Whatever it was, many farmers abandoned their lots, and mature forests stand in their place.

More recently, entire towns were founded around the pulp and paper industry in the North Country. As paper demand decreases in the age of the Internet, many of these towns are not quite sure what to do. Like our forests, our use of wood is in a constant state of change.

Maybe we can learn from these forests. In them, the species are diverse, lending resilience in the face of blight, drought, and fire. Likewise, expanding our portfolio of wood products can provide a buffer to unpredictable markets.

So, what else can we make with wood? Well, it’s a mystery to me why we don’t make more engineered wood products such as PSLs, LVLs, or Glulams in state.

We could make exterior rigid insulation out of wood fiber like the Germans currently do (also our friends in Maine soon).

Why not fire up those paper plants in the North Country and start making composite counters? Check out Richlite and Paperstone.

Instead of importing Western Red Cedar or Teak for exterior use, why not heat treat native trees right here? Cambia creates thermally modified wood right here in New Hampshire.

Of course, there’s always the wood stove, but that’s not healthy, safe, or creative. We can do better.

See you in the field,

Doug Shilo, LEED AP BD+C

USGBC NH Chapter Co-chair

Working With LEED V4

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 00:59:43 GMT

LEED V4 came out 6 years ago, but it was only required starting late 2016. So, what have we learned these past couple years? What do we have to look forward to? I’ve had the opportunity to be the LEED administrator for a couple new construction projects pursuing LEED Gold in V4 recently, and have the following to report:

1. There are no more gimme credits. You all know the ones I’m talking about. “Install a bike rack next to a freeway, get a credit”. “Find a LEED AP somewhere on the project, get a credit”. Well, the USGBC heard all the jokes... Now, bike racks require connections to bikeable paths. The LEED Accredited Professional credit now requires a critical role on the project and appropriate specialization. Sorry, legacy AP’s!

2. The easy credits have been consolidated into tougher credits. Stormwater Design credits combined to one. Heat Island Reduction credits combined to one. Reuse credits combined into one. Recycled Content, Rapidly Renewable Materials, and Certified Wood credits combined into one. Construction IAQ credits combined into one. Low Emitting Materials credits combined into one. Thermal Comfort credits combined into one. Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring, Increased Ventilation, and Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control credits combined into one. These changes have made every single one of these credits more meaningful, comprehensive, and streamlined. It also means you need to basically earn all the combined credits to get one. Where’d all my points go!?

3. Out with the old. Innovative wastewater technologies is nowhere to be found. If you’re going that far, you may want to check out the Living Building Challenge. Regional Materials is now just a multiplier for the Sourcing of Raw Materials credit.

4. In with the new. Integrative Project Planning credit rewards teams for early sustainability planning. Site Assessment credit rewards teams for a thorough analysis. Building-Level Energy and Water Metering now required, with reporting for 5 years (extra credits for sub-meters). Outdoor Water Use Reduction rewards projects for reducing irrigation. Cooling Tower Water Use rewards projects for efficient design. Demand Response rewards projects for participation in load-shedding programs. A Construction Waste Management Plan is now required. Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction rewards projects for completing a Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Material Ingredients (HPDs) reward projects for using products with a life-cycle analysis.

It still stings to remember how easy the 2009 version of LEED was when doing some of this documentation. However, LEED is best viewed as a working, evolving set of guidelines. As markets adapt to these changes, new versions will challenge us to push the envelope further. With the proliferation of EPDs and HPDs in the marketplace, whole-building LCA models will soon become as common as energy models. Sub-meters and participation in demand response programs may soon be a requirement to “shave peaks” and reduce infrastructure costs. Flush-outs will become obsolete as we shift to using all low-emitting materials. These changes might not be as flashy as planting a green roof, but they might change the entire economy into one that’s a little closer to where we need to be. As the IPCC reminds us in their latest report, we have a lot of work to do. More than ever, we know how to get there.

See you in the field,

Doug Shilo, AIA, LEED® AP BD+C

USGBC NH Chapter Co-chair

2018 Annual Meeting

Sat, 05 Jan 2019 22:41:34 GMT

To wrap up our year, we met at the Manchester Millyard Museum, a fascinating throw back into a time when water ran miles of textile factories! Hard to believe, but true! Once we caught up for a bit and everyone settled down, it was time to announce who has been the most sustainable this year:

And our building of the year award goes to...

River House and Hillsborough County Courthouse!

Both projects got LEED Silver this year, with 52 points. They were very different projects, but both leveraged re-use of existing buildings.

Also, we donated a bunch of winter gear to the Salvation Army. Great job to those who donated!

Bensonwood Facility Tour

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 16:00:00 GMT

In 2017, The USGBC NH Chapter presented their “Building of the Year” award to the New Hampshire project with the highest LEED rating, The Unity Home. This project achieved Gold certification, the only project in New Hampshire to do so last year. Because this is a pre-fabricated building, and the sites are unknown, many site-related LEED credits were not possible, which means the building design and construction were all the more impressive. What made this unique, repeatable project possible was the factory in which it was made, so we were all very eager to tour this impressive facility.

Special thanks to Hans, our tour guide! Check for pictures here!

2017 Annual Meeting

Sat, 17 Feb 2018 14:13:04 GMT

We had a great turnout for the Annual Chapter Meeting at the Centennial Inn! Our esteemed president, Jeff Myrdek, gave a state of our chapter address, we presenting Building of the Year to Unity Homes, and made about $500 in donations to the Friendly Kitchen of Concord.

If you were one of those who came out, find yourself here!

Great to see you all!

-Doug

GREEN EGGS: Millyard Museum Recap

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 17:52:43 GMT

Our USGBC Members came from all over the state to the Manchester Millyard Museum, where the director regaled us with accounts of early hydro power during the industrial revolution. The Millyard was a very different place then, with Canal Street actually being a canal, and world-class textiles filling the iconic brick buildings. Everyone had different take-aways, but this USGBC member works in the Millyard, and was left in awe at the changes that can take place over such a short time.

Annual Meeting!

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 15:12:54 GMT

This year's Annual Meeting was a great success! We were fortunate to have an excellent venue, which included tours of the LEED-Gold-Certified Smuttynose Brewery, top-notch food and drink, and, of course, some of the leading minds in sustainability all catching up. It's been an exciting year.

Rodney Bartlett presented the largest solar array in NH to the group, which powers the town of Peterborough. We saw why many cities and towns are now looking at this project with interest, and learned all about the many nuances of accomplishing such a large-scale renewable energy endeavor.

Next we presented our "Building of the Year" award to our host, Smuttynose Brewery! They really raised the bar, so to speak, and it was wonderful to be able to see what it takes to be on top during the tours.

Finally, we took a few moments to appreciate the great work of a local charity, New Horizons, by chipping in for their wish list:

Great to end the year on a positive note, and I hope to see us do even better next year! Happy Holidays, everyone!

-Doug Shilo, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Net Metering Increased to 100 MW!

Sat, 07 May 2016 02:21:15 GMT

On May 2, 2016, Maggie Hassan signed HB1116 into law, raising NH's net metering cap from 50MW to 100MW. This is a critical step for the future of renewable energy in our state. Find out more here.

2016 Summit at the Summit

Sat, 07 May 2016 02:10:29 GMT

This year's summit at our own Mt. Washington Hotel was a great success. Kudos to the speakers, who inspired us all to look to the future; our sponsors, who made this great event possible; and our participants, who will go forth and put all this knowledge to use!

Check out this great video recap. We will post the entire broadcast soon.

USGBC Regional Summit

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 18:08:12 GMT

Chapter members Heather Fournier, Michael Eardley, and John Pietroniro attended the 2015 Regional Summit at the historic Mechanic's Hall in Portland, ME on May 1st. Following the presentations, the group participated in a service charrette with stakeholders from the City of Portland to examine principles and features of resiliency for four buildings on the waterfront. Climate change and sea level rise are particularly relevant to the future of Portland's waterfront built environment.

Next Summit coming to ... NEW HAMPSHIRE!

Green Eggs Recap: Smuttynose Brewery

Sat, 21 Mar 2015 20:50:29 GMT

Our green eggs program got off to a great start. Keith McBrien of GDS and two representatives from Smuttynose brewery took 14 of us on a great tour. GDS was nice enough to give us a tour and pay for breakfast to boot! Couldn't resist trying the beer, of course - very tasty by all accounts! Big thanks to everyone involved in making this tour (and great building) happen!

GSA LEED V4 Comments sought

Sat, 21 Mar 2015 19:24:46 GMT

The GSA is now seeking public comment on its 2014 report which determined that LEED V4 aligns better than ever with Federal green building requirements. GSA is also asking for input on questions about GSA's process for reviewing green building certification systems, whether GSA should emphasize certain credits, and how the federal agencies can be involved in developing and supporting such systems. Let the GSA know you support LEED V4.

LEED v4 Overwhelmingly Approved by USGBC Members

Fri, 05 Jul 2013 18:16:51 GMT

After three years of development, six public comment periods, and plenty of controversy, USGBC members voted to approve LEED v4undefinedin a landslide. Read More...

New US Efficiency Bill Threatens LEED

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:37:36 GMT

While the LEED system is already applied to around 1,000 federal government projects, chemical and forestry industries have made concerted efforts to scupper its usage.

The Green Building Initiative, which is comprised of a number of chemical and forestry companies, has pushed for the use of the Green Globes standard instead, which is an ANSI-certified system. Click here for more.

Green Apple Day of Service

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:34:14 GMT

Join The New Hampshire Chapter for the Green Apple Day of Service on Sept. 29!

The first annual Green Apple Day of Service, hosted by the Center for Green Schools, brings together advocates from around the world, including students, teachers, parents, USGBC chapters and community members in support of healthy, sustainable schools through service projects in their communities.

Visit mygreenapple.org to find or start a project in your community, show your support for our movement, connect with others who are already taking action and share your story with us.

Let us know if you’re interested in starting or leading a project in your community! Visit mygreenapple.org for project ideas or to start a project. Contact Emily Davis, Green Apple Day of Service Capacity Organizer at 202-587-7170 or via email at edavis@usgbc.org with any questions.

Traditional Building Conference comes to Boston this month

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:27:12 GMT

The Traditional Building Conference Series returns to Boston July 25 and 26. The conference takes place at the historic Exchange Conference Center on Boston’s Waterfront.

“Traditional Building: Design, Materials, and Methods” is the theme for this two-day design and construction industry conference. Seminars will cover historic preservation, careful remodeling, and building new in traditional ways. The study of historic buildings teaches traditional climate response strategies and durable, sustainable building practice.

Participants can earn up 10 AIA HSW Learning Units as well as several GBCI CMP Continuing Education Hours for LEED accredited professionals.

The cost to attend is $199 for two-days and $149 for a single day. In addition, a new breakfast seminar, “From Mills to Micro-Lofts: Sustainable Design Solutions for Urban Living” will be available for $65 on Wednesday, July 25 at 8 am. Prices increase on July 18 as space is limited. Tuition includes continental breakfast and lunch each day as well as a cocktail reception on July 25.

The program’s speakers are outstanding national, regional and local leaders from the field of traditional building field including the following:

Michael Abbott, AIA, CNU-A, APA, Principal; John K. Grosvenor, AIA, Principal; Glenn R. Gardiner, AIA, LEED AP, Principal; Holly Grosvenor, AIA, LEED AP, Associate; Northeast Collaborative Architects, Providence and Newport, Rhode Island, and Middletown, Connecticut

Matthew Bronski, PE, Senior Project Manager, Simpson Gumpertz Heger, Boston, MA

John D. Milner, FAIA, Principal; John Milner Architects, Inc., Philadelphia and Chadd’s Ford, Pennsylvania.

David Martin, President, Allied Window, Inc., Cincinnati, OH

John Canning, David Ricchio, and William Barry, John Canning Studios, Cheshire, CT

Graham S. Wyatt, AIA, Partner, and Preston Gumberich, AIA, Partner, Robert A.M. Stern Architects, New York, NY

Art Reeves, Commercial Business Development Manager, Marvin Windows and Doors

Ray Tschoepe, Director of Conservation, Fairmount Park Trust, Philadelphia, PA

The Palladio Award winners will present their award-winning projects on July 26. The Palladio Awards recognize excellence in traditional design.

The Commercial and Institutional project awards session will be moderated by Martha McDonald, Editor, Clem Labine’s Traditional Building. Award winning firms making presentations include: John G. Waite Associates, Architects, Albany, NY; Treanor Architects, Kansas City, MO; Robert AM Stern Architects, New York, NY; and HBRA Architects, Chicago, IL

The Residential Palladio awards session will be moderated by Will Holloway, Editor, Clem Labine’s Period Homes. Award winning firms presenting include: John Milner Architects, Chadds Ford, PA; Architectural Resource, Ann Arbor, MI; Don B. McDonald Architect, San Antonio, TX; and Janice Parker Landscape Design, New York, NY.

Conference and exhibition details can be found at www.traditionalbuildingshow.comor call Judy Hayward, Education Director 802 674-6752. Registration inquiries may be directed to Carolyn Walsh at cwalsh@restoremedia.comor 781 779-1560.

USGBC Responds to Members - Postpones LEED 2012

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 13:16:03 GMT

In response to overwhelming feedback from members, core LEED users and engaged stakeholders, USGBC announced today that it will delay ballot on LEED 2012 until June 1, 2013. Because of this date change LEED 2012 is being renamed LEED v4.

To be clear... this change is 100% in response to helping our stakeholders fully understand and embrace this next big step. The passion for market transformation that resides in our membership and our LEED users is undeniable, but we also acknowledge the reality of the day-to-day assessment of market conditions that has informed this decision. Our commitment to you is that the balloting and launch of LEED v4 will be seamless for our users and successful in terms of advancing the market transformation we all seek.

Full Story

New Hampshire Chapter Offers GBCI Certified Courses

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:42:13 GMT

We are pleased to announce that USGBC has added the New Hampshire Chapter to the list of USGBC Authorized Education Delivery Partners on their website. The Chapter has signed a Curriculum License Agreement that will enable your NH Chapter to present GBCI-certified courses for continuing education and earning GBCI credentials. Details will be coming soon as the Education Committee works to develop the program.

The Responsible Director for Education is Jeff Bennett, Please contact him education@usgbcnh.org or the Chapter Chair John Pietroniro john.prg@comcast.net if you have questions, and be advised that we are actively seeking volunteers to serve on the Education Committee to help bring this program into the marketplace this year. If you are interested in education and the advancement of LEED knowledge, here is an ideal opportunity for you to become engaged and share your vision for a sustainable New Hampshire.

Lean and Green Make a Winning Team

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:20:06 GMT

Did you know that recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours? This is one of many ways to be kind to the earth, and we want to hear about yours. Business NH Magazine is now accepting applications for the 5th annual Lean & Green awards to honor businesses whose practices are good for the environment and the bottom line.

Awards will be given in three categories:

1. Sustainability Champion, to highlight businesses with sound environmental practices;

2. Product Award, to highlight a product or service that helps other businesses be more environmentally friendly;

3. Green Building award, which honors a new or remodeled building built in the last two years with environmental sustainability in mind.

Applications are due April 20 and will only be accepted via email. To download the application, visit www.businessNHmagazine .com and click on the competitions button.

LEED 2012 Needs Your Input

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:52:32 GMT

This is a very exciting time for the New Hampshire Chapter and the LEED green building program. LEED 2012 is entering the program delivery process that will culminate with a launch in November at USGBC’s Greenbuild Conference & Expo in San Francisco.

As with all versions of the rating system, LEED 2012 will be balloted and approved by USGBC members with the ballot will be held from June 1-30, 2012.

Get Involved:

To vote in the LEED 2012 ballot, you must be part of the Consensus Body. The Consensus Body opt-in period begins April 2 and is open to employees of USGBC national member organizations in good standing. The consensus body ensures participation from the full diversity of LEED users and a balanced representation of USGBC membership. To be eligible to join the Consensus Body and vote in the LEED 2012 ballot your organization’s membership must be in good standing by March 1, and be maintained throughout the balloting period.

1. By March 1:Become a USGBC member or renew your membership

2. April 2-May 1: Opt-in to the Consensus Body

3. June 1-30: Vote for LEED 2012

Thank you for your contribution to USGBC and the sustainability movement through your vote.

New Hampshire Jumps a Hardiness Zone

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:54:20 GMT

The USDA released their newly updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The map hadn’t been updated since 1990, and things have definitely changed since then.

In their 2009 report, the US Global Change Research Program predicted that New Hampshire could have a climate similar to present-day North Carolina by 2070 or so. That’s a shift of two or three USDA plant hardiness zones over the next 60 years. That’s a zone shift every 30 years. Possibly faster. That’s an awful lot of change.

Click Here for the full story…

NEEP Comments on House Bill 1490

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:59:19 GMT

As a non-partisan organization that deals with energy efficiency matters NEEP offers comments on House Bill 1490

Comments of Natalie Hildt, manager of Public Policy Outreach, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) to the House Committee on Science, Technology and Energy regarding House Bill 1490 - An Act Repealing New Hampshire’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Cap and Trade Program for Controlling Carbon Dioxide Emissions.

In light of last year’s extensive discussion about New Hampshire’s participation in the RGGI program, we do not wish to re-state our comments from that time. Rather, as a non-partisan organization that deals with energy efficiency matters, we offer three observations for your consideration as you debate the future of RGGI in New Hampshire.

Click Here for the Full Story…

KEENE — The city has embraced unique goals for creating a sustainable community

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:53:51 GMT

KEENE undefined The city has embraced unique goals for creating a sustainable community in all aspects of civic activity, even maintaining municipal infrastructure.

The city is among the first in New Hampshire to install porous pavements and rain gardens in the roadway cross section of a major arterial corridor (12,000 vehicles per day) serving urban downtown areas.

During the project design phase, the city sought to incorporate "green" infrastructure and environmentally friendly materials into the project to exemplify the community's sustainability goals.

Underwood Engineers reviewed innovative technologies and alternative material applications for implementation in the city's 2010 infrastructure project. Specifically, recycled construction materials and low-impact development were reviewed based on performance criteria and feasibility.

Click Here for the full story...

King Tide Photo Contest announced

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:54:09 GMT

King Tide, the highest tide of the year is rolling into the Seacoast on Thursday October 27 and the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) a member of the New Hampshire Coastal Adaptation Workgroup (NHCAW), in partnership with the University of New Hampshire and Clean- Air Cool-Planet are seeking the support of area photographers to capture this natural phenomenon through the announcement of the PREP King Tide Photo Contest.

Click Here for more.

Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act - Overview of Recent Changes

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:47:55 GMT

As you are aware the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act was amended with the changes becoming effective on July 1, 2011. I know this has created some confusion. To help clarify, Jason Aube, Shoreland Program Outreach Coordinator, will provide an overview of these changes. There are two presentation date options to choose from, with both being held at the HGCCC. No charge but RSVP is required. See attached flyer

New Hampshire Sustainable Designer of the year

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:49:46 GMT

The New Hampshire Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council is proud to announce that C. Stuart White Jr. AIA has been awarded the 2011 Sustainable Designer of the Year Award. Stu has held a lifelong commitment to protecting the environment through his energy conservation commitment. In the late 60’s, even before the oil embargo, Stu started his commitment to sustainability. Stu created one of the first residential projects to be accepted into the pilot LEED for Homes program – a home in Dorchester, NH. Stu was an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the environmental studies program at Dartmouth College and as energy consultant to the Brookhaven National Labs focusing on passive solar energy utilization.

The New Hampshire Green Building Council is also proud to announce that the South Cove Recreation Center at Eastman in Grantham, NH has been selected as the 2011 NH Sustainable Building of the Year. This LEED Gold Certified building was designed by Warranstreet Architects from Concord, NH and constructed by Milestone Construction from Concord, NH. This building opened in 2009 utilizing regional New Hampshire Materials in construction and reducing energy consumption by more than 34%. The building is designed and located to fit into the natural surroundings of Grantham and maximize conservation land.

Twelve other New Hampshire LEED certified buildings will be receiving recognition at the New Hampshire Green Building Council’s First Annual Awards Banquet. The First Annual New Hampshire Green Building Awards Banquet will be held at the Harbor Events and Conference Center in Portsmouth, NH on November 10, for additional information please visit www.usgbcnh.org.

The 2011 Building New Hampshire Awards - nominations due 09/09/11

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:29:57 GMT

The 2011 Building New Hampshire Awards Program celebrates energy-efficient, high-performance building of new and existing buildings in New Hampshire.

A committee of regional building professionals selects the winners of the 2011 Building New Hampshire Awards, which honor those who have made significant contributions toward enhancing both residential and commercial buildings of the Granite State.

Winners of the 2011 Building New Hampshire Awards are the people to watch, as they're the ones who are producing some of the most beautiful, innovative, energy-efficient buildings and remodeling projects in New Hampshire.

Categories include community and cultural places, residential home building, and commercial spaces. All projects must be located in New Hampshire and must have been built or retrofitted using sustainable building practices and principles. While any applicant is eligible for entry, Energy Star, National Green Building Standard, LEED, and REGREEN certification programs will be considered equally.

Nominations for 2011 and all supporting materials are due by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, September 9, 2011. To learn more, go to www.buildingnh.com.

Winners for 2011 will be announced at a special reception and via a press release on November 2, 2011. Winners may be selected to be featured inGranite State Builder and Building New Hampshire News.

Contact kathy Poggi at kpoggi@seacoastink.com

Call for Residential LEED Regionalization Volunteers

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:17:56 GMT

Greetings Chapter Members and Friends of USGBCNH:

We would like to invite you to participate in an activity that will affect the LEED green building certification system in a tangible manner.

As you may know, certain credits in the commercial LEED rating systems are prioritized for particular areas, reflecting their importance in addressing the priority environmental issues of each area. These credits are called Regional Priority credits (RPCs) and debuted in the current commercial rating systems, collectively called LEED 2009.

The current version of LEED for Homes does not feature RPCs, as it was previously developed on a different cycle from the commercial rating systems. However, all LEED rating systems are now on the same development cycle and will be collectively called LEED 2012.

With this in mind, the future versions of LEED for Homes and LEED for Homes Mid-Rise will feature RPCs. You are therefore invited to join the New Hampshire Chapter Task Force in identifying priority environmental issues and select RPCs for Homes and Mid-Rise (in addition to the commercial rating systems). For more information on the process, upcoming timeline, recommended expertise of the volunteers, and other details, please visit usgbc.org/regionalization and review the LEED Regionalization Executive Summary.

If, after reviewing the information, you are interested in participating in any portion of it, please contact Vice Chair John Pietroniro at john.prg@comcast.net and/or complete the volunteer form for LEED Regionalization at usgbc.org/volunteer.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to influence the future of LEED.

New Hampshire Chapter

U.S. Green Building Council

Support The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:08:31 GMT

Senator Jeanne Shaheen recently introduced The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011. A section-by-section summary of the bill and an important letter of support can be viewed through the links below. The letter of support, authored by The Alliance to Save Energy's Brad Penney, has already been signed by numerous companies and organizations. We need your help to get this letter into the appropriate hands, so that more businesses can add their names to the list of supporters. Please forward this message within your company or organization and to other business owners so they can help continue the momentum behind this important legislature.

Summary of energy bill

Letter of Support

To add your company's name to the list of supporters, copy and paste the paragraph below in an email to Senator Shaheen's office, c/o Scott Merrick at Scott_Merrick@shaheen.senate.gov .

Dear Mr. Merrick,

We commend Senator Shaheen and her staff for their work on The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011 and ask to add our company,[company name], to the list of supporters. We thank Senator Shaheen for her leadership in developing this comprehensive package, and offer our support in helping to advance this important bill toward enactment by the 112^th Congress.

Sincerely,

- - - - - - - -

Thank you!

New Hampshire Chapter

U.S. Green Building Council

Follow us on Facebook!

Fri, 13 May 2011 18:39:27 GMT

The LEED Users Group New Hampshire Chapter, U.S. Green Building Council is now on Facebook. Simply click the Facebook link in the header of this website to go straight to our page. Like us and receive our latest news and updates immediately as they are posted.

May Green Eggs Presentation Material

Fri, 13 May 2011 18:07:41 GMT

Another successful Green Eggs event is in the books! Download the powerpoint presentation given by architectural firm Lavallee Brensinger's Vice President, Chris Drobat. Learn what helped their design for the Manchester Community College Automotive Science and Technology Center earn a LEED Gold Certification.

Thanks to all those that participated! Stay tuned for information on the next Green Eggs event!

The 2011 Building New Hampshire Awards

Fri, 06 May 2011 16:23:43 GMT

The 2011 Building New Hampshire Awards Program celebrates energy-efficient, high-performance building of new and existing buildings in New Hampshire.

Nominations for 2011 and all supporting materials are due by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, August 12, 2011. To learn more, go to www.buildingnh.com.

Winners for 2011 will be announced at a special reception and via a press release on November 2, 2011. Winners may be selected to be featured in Granite State Builder and Building New Hampshire News.

Click here to see official notification

$500 scholarship fund to assist all Leadership Summit attendees

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:42:13 GMT

A $500 scholarship fund has been approved by the New Hampshire Chapter Board of Directors to assist all who attend the 2011 Annual Leadership Summit for the USGBC Upper Northeast Region. The fund will be divided equally among all chapter attendees to help defray the cost of mileage, registration and lodging.

For Green Building leaders, Chapter members, and sustainable community advocates, this is a must-attend, impact-filled day of information on financing, advocacy, chapter growth, LEED, and USGBC development, launched by guest speaker, Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC President and CEO.

The $81.22 ticket price covers a full day event of presentations, workshops, and networking at the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge. Included is breakfast, lunch, and ample time to connect with other Green Building peers from the entire Northeast: Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Upper New York state.

The Summit takes place April 29, 2011, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, at the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, MA.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER!

Plan NH to hold 5K Run-Walk May 26 at NHTI Campus, Concord

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:09:50 GMT

Fun, family event open to all ages and abilities. Proceeds to benefit Plan NH and its Scholarship Fund. Same-day registration begins at 4:30 PM, shotgun start at 6:15. Course is USTAF-sanctioned. $20 registration before May 12th ($5 for students); $25 same-day registration ($10 for students). Free tee shirt to each of first 50 entrants. To register, go to www.active.com. For more information and paper registration, go to www.plannh.org.

Plan New Hampshire promotes “excellence in sustainable planning, design and development of the built environment” by championing Smart Growth principles for communities throughout the Granite State. Its membership of architects, landscape architects, planners, engineers, contractors and others within the building industry brings a unique variety of views and perspectives to their approach to shaping New Hampshire’s built environment – and its effects on the future of our state.

Contact: Robin H. LeBlanc, Executive Director 603-452-7526

Green Eggs Presentation Materials

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:30:59 GMT

The kick-off to the Green Eggs Series was a great success! Thanks to all those who participated. Download the files below to recap the topics that were discussed.

Kate Epsen, Analyst with the NH Public Utilities Commission

State Incentives for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Public Utilities Commission Programs

Steven Epstein, Business Program Specialist for Rural Development with the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

Be Lean. Be Green. Be Rewarded.

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:35:34 GMT

Business NH Magazine is now accepting applications for the fourth annual Lean & Green Competition, which celebrates environmental practices undertaken by NH companies to be more environmentally sound and cost-efficient. Winners will be featured in the 2011 Green Guide, appearing in the August issue. A celebration of the winners will also take place in September.

If your company has innovative environmental practices, used green building practices to develop your facility or has products that help companies become more environmentally friendly and fiscally sound, let us know about it! You could be among the companies selected to receive statewide recognition for your eco-efforts.

Deadline to apply: Friday, April 22

Applications will be accepted online only. Click here for the link. Please contact Associate Editor Erika Cohen at 603-626-6354 or ecohen@businessnhmagazine.com if you have any questions.

Businesses rally to support Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:32:43 GMT

Businesses from across New Hampshire are joining in the fight to protect the state’s energy future and support participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

So far over 100 businesses have signed on.

"Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is a regional market-based program designed to reduce air pollution at the lowest cost. It was instituted by ten northeastern states to help limit carbon emissions, encourage innovation in alternative energy, and improve energy efficiency. Continuing participation in RGGI ensures NH citizens and businesses will continue to reap benefits from a program they will pay for no matter what, and serve to help reduce the billions of dollars sent out-of-state to meet our energy needs."

For further information, visit http://conservationnh.org/climate-energy/nh-businesses-stand-up-for-rggi/

Workshops for new NH Energy Code offered this Spring

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:58:36 GMT

These day long workshops will review all of the changes and equip building professionals to meet and exceed regulations.

For detailed information about the events and how to register, visit www.nhenergycode.com or download the brochure.

Early Bird Registration for Building Energy 11 Ends 2/7

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 01:11:21 GMT

"There are lots of ‘green building’ conferences, some good, some bad, and most too broad with little quality control. There are fewer places where multiple disciplines come together to discuss something as specific as “building energy”, and with such rigor. Our discussion has many scalesundefinedfrom policy shaping, to community building, financing, to single building design, to materials and systems choices for that building, and on to verifying performance. It brings together those who work in policy, development, financing, architecture, engineering, and renewable energy technology, among others. This cross disciplinary approach is both a ‘real’ and ‘perceived’ strength of NESEA. It is what draws me there, and one of the things that separates NESEA." -- Jason Forney, Bruner/Cott & Associates Architects

Register now, while early bird pricing is still in effect. Early bird ends February 7.

BuildingEnergy is an annual event organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA). It is the nation's oldest and largest regional conference for renewable energy and high performance building professionals, with participants from across the US and Europe. It will take place this year March 8-10, 2011, at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, MA.

Plan NH seeks nominations for the 2011 Merit Awards Program

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:57:24 GMT

Each year, Plan New Hampshire, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the Granite State’s quality of life through excellence in sustainable planning, design and development of the built environment, recognizes exemplary projects. Nominations are now being sought for this year’s awards.

Projects must be located in NH and have been completed since 2006. Although design is important, selection will be based on the project’s fulfillment of the Mission of Plan NH and incorporation of :

· Smart Growth principles;

· Sustainability;

· Social Responsibility; and/or

· Creative approaches to partnership and collaboration

Award selection will be made by a jury comprised of Plan NH members representing architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners, construction managers and/or others in the professions of the building industry. Selected projects will be recognized at a Merit Awards Dinner at the end of March 2011.

Submissions are due March 3, 2011. For more information, and an application form, please go to www.plannh.org and click on AWARDS.

Network with Your Professional Peers

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:36:02 GMT

Network with NH's Foremost Experts
in Green and Sustainable Building

WHERE: Building NH Trade Show & Conference, Grappone Center

WHEN: Wednesday, November 3rd, 5-7pm

USGBC LEED Workshops - Fulfill your CE, CMP & eligibility requirements!

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:38:32 GMT

Plan your professional development and credential maintenance with this schedule of LEED workshops being held near you. See how these courses support your credential preparation and maintenance at www.usgbc.org/credentials, and see all of USGBC’s LEED trainings at www.usgbc.org/LEEDcurriculum. If the course you want is not being offered near you, contact your local chapter or keep an eye out for our quarterly newsletter, as courses are still being added. Also be sure to check out the online trainings in the right-hand column of this e-mail. USGBC member companies also have the option to host an in-house LEED workshop for your employees.

All USGBC LEED education programs meet GBCI eligibility requirements for the LEED Green Associate Exam.

Half-Day Workshops
LEED 101: Green Building Basics and LEED
CE Hours: 3.5 AIA/CES (HSW), 3 BOMI, 3 CoreNet, .35 CSI

September 13, 2010: Miami, FL (1:00pm-5:00pm)
September 21, 2010: Stony Brook, NY (8:30am – 12:30pm)
September 24, 2010: Macon, GA (8:30am – 12:30pm)
October 22, 2010: Venice, FL (1:00pm-5:00pm)

Full-Day Workshops (8:30am – 5:00pm)
LEED 201: Core Concepts & Strategies
CE Hours: 7 AIA/CES (HSW/SD), BOMI, CoreNet; .7 CSI

August 26, 2010: Leesburg, VA
August 26, 2010: Chicago, IL
August 27, 2010: Los Angeles, CA
September 7, 2010: Chesapeake, VA
September 10, 2010: Watertown, MA
September 13, 2010: Miami, FL
September 16, 2010: Salt Lake City, UT
September 24, 2010: Tulare, CA
September 30, 2010: Ashland, VA
October 15, 2010: Denver, CO
October 18, 2010: Reston, VA
October 23, 2010: Sarasota, FL
October 29, 2010: New York, NY
November 13, 2010: Coopersburg, PA
December 3, 2010: New York, NY

BD+C 251: Understanding Building Design + Construction LEED Rating Systems
CE Hours: 7 GBCI CMP, 7 AIA/CES (HSW/SD), BOMI, CoreNet; .7 CSI

August 27, 2010: Austin, TX
September 14, 2010: Leesburg, VA
September 14, 2010: Chicago, IL
September 16, 2010: Gainesville, FL
September 21, 2010: Arlington, VA
September 22, 2010: Nashville, TN
September 27, 2010: Timonium, MD
September 30, 2010: Savannah, GA
September 30, 2010: Omaha, NE
October 21, 2010: Knoxville, TN
October 28, 2010: Philadelphia, PA

BD+C 301: Implementing the Building Design + Construction LEED Rating System CE Hours: 7 GBCI CMP, 7 AIA/CES (HSW/SD), BOMI, CoreNet; .7 CSI

September 10, 2010: Raleigh, NC
September 24, 2010: Oklahoma City, OK
September 30, 2010: Warwick, RI
October 7, 2010: Memphis, TN
October 14, 2010: Charlotte, NC
October 20, 2010: Little Rock, AR
October 21, 2010: Hurlburt Field, FL
October 22, 2010: Louisville, KY
October 27, 2010: Chesapeake, VA
October 29, 2010: Baton Rouge, LA
November 4, 2010: Harrisburg, PA
November 5, 2010: Opelika, AL

O+M 251: Understanding the Operations + Maintenance LEED Rating System
CE Hours: 7 GBCI CMP, 7 AIA/CES (HSW/SD), BOMI, CoreNet; .7 CSI

September 10, 2010: New Orleans, LA
September 15, 2010: Atlantic City, NJ
September 16, 2010: San Antonio, TX
October 21, 2010: Leesburg, VA
November 2, 2010: Ashland, VA
December , 2010: Atlanta, GA

O+M 301: Implementing the Building Operations + Maintenance LEED Rating System
CE Hours: 7 GBCI CMP, 7 AIA/CES (HSW/SD), BOMI, CoreNet; .7 CSI

September 21, 2010: Gaithersburg, MD
November 4,2010: Charlotte, NC
November 5, 2010: Denver, CO

ID+C 301: Implementing the Interior Design + Construction LEED Rating System
CE Hours: 7 GBCI CMP, 7 AIA/CES (HSW/SD), BOMI, CoreNet

September 17, 2010: Jacksonville, FL

ND 251: Understanding the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System
CE Hours: 7 GBCI CMP, APA/AICP, AIA/CES (HSW/SD), BOMI, CoreNet; .7 CSI

September 9, 2010: Washington, DC *Offered at the ASLA Annual Meeting & Expo*

Two-Day Workshops (8:30am – 5:00pm)
REGREEN 301: Implementing Residential Remodeling
CE Hours: 14 GBCI CMP, 1.4 IDCEC/ASID/IIDA (HS), 1.4 NARI, 14 AIA/CES (HSW/SD), 7 BOMI, 7 CoreNet

Presented in partnership with the

American Society of Interior Designers

September 27-28, 2010: San Luis Obispo, CA
October 28-29, 2010: Denver, CO
October 29-30, 2010: Venice, FL

HOMES 401: Green Rater Training
CE Hours: 14 GBCI CMP, 14 AIA/CES (HSW/SD), 7 BOMI, 7 CoreNet; 1.6 CSI

For a full description of the LEED for Homes Green Rater Program, visit www.usgbc.org/greenrater

October 15-16, 2010: Portland, Oregon *Offered at EEBA Earth Advantage*

Workshops at Greenbuild
Over 15 of the latest USGBC Workshops will be offered at Greenbuild 2010, including our NEW discounted packages! November 15-19, 2010: Chicago, IL
Registration is live NOW!

***
Register NOW directly at the links above or visit http://www.usgbc.org/LEEDcurriculum for full descriptions and quick links to USGBC's diverse offerings for professionals seeking education at any level.

***

Group Discounts
If you have 10 or more full-time employees who plan to attend the same workshop, you may receive a 10% discount on each individual registration fee. Prior to registration, please contact LEEDEducation@usgbc.org for more information and to receive a discount code to use when registering as the discount cannot be applied retroactively.

LEED Professional Exams

USGBC Online Training

LEED 101: Green Building Basics and LEED
CE Hours: 2 AIA/CES (HSW/SD), BOMI, CoreNet; (.2 CSI-English-language version only)

Introduction to LEED for Schools

LEED 201: Core Concepts & Strategies
CE Hours: 4 AIA/CES (HSW/SD), BOMI, CoreNet

The course provides essential knowledge of sustainable building concepts that are fundamental to all LEED Rating Systems. The course presents LEED intents and concepts at the credit category level - across building types and rating systems - touching on strategies, synergies, and specific examples that are reinforced by real project case examples. Key LEED metrics and LEED referenced standards are addressed throughout. . This course provides the foundation required for any 300-level LEED education offering.
Register today (from $145)

LEED 202: How to Document & Certify Projects
CE Hours: 3 GBCI CMP, AIA/CES (HSW/SD), BOMI, CoreNet

**NEW** Webinar - The Costs and Benefits of Green Building: Putting the Research into Practice
Live Session Date:September 30, 1- 2:30 PM ET
CE Hours: 1.5 AIA/CES, GBCI CMP, CSI

Register today (from $25 USD)
Developing Your Green Building Education
Live Session Date: October 28-29, 2010

USGBC Introduces Knowledge Exchange Podcast Station

USGBC wants to bring you the latest stories of green building and sustainability – for free. Introducing the USGBC Knowledge Exchange Podcast Station – Conversations in Green Building. Join USGBC as we connect you with experts and practitioners in the field, highlighting innovation and best practices in sustainable design, construction, operations, planning – and of course, LEED. Listen to at least one hour’s worth of USGBC podcasts and you can submit them to GBCI for self-study continuing education hours. Plug into the conversation today with our latest podcasts:

USGBC Update - Lend your voice to LEED for Healthcare

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:15:13 GMT

August 2010

LEED for Healthcare: Public Comment and Consensus Body Opt-in

The LEED for Healthcare green building rating system was developed to meet the unique needs of the healthcare market. It is imperative that the spaces used to both provide preventative care to maintain health and provide treatment to those who are sick are facilities that support the health and well-being of staff and patients.

As with all LEED rating systems, LEED for Healthcare's success is driven by the USGBC member community and the input of stakeholders from throughout the industry.

The healthcare market has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by designing, constructing and operating facilities that have less of an environmental impact and the best indoor environmental quality possible. The need for quality healthcare spaces will only increase with an aging population as evidenced by the increase in not just healthcare facilities but green healthcare facilities in recent years.

LEED for Healthcare Public Comment and Consensus Body Opt-in
The third public comment period for LEED for Healthcare is now open.

The changes made to the rating system since the last public comment period can now be viewed, and comments on the changes may be submitted through 5 p.m. PT Sept. 5. USGBC will only accept comments on the revised credits.

Members-only consensus body: As part of USGBC's published ballot procedures, USGBC impanels a consensus body to approve proposed changes to LEED once the public comment process concludes. The consensus body is open to individuals employed by USGBC member organizations. You must opt in by 5 p.m. PT Sept. 30 in order to vote when the ballot launches.

To achieve a consensus body that is naturally balanced, individuals whose organizations are in any of the following member categories are especially encouraged to join:

Contractors and Builders
Federal Government (and Government-Owned, Contractor Operated Labs)
Nonprofit & Environmental Organization
Product Manufacturers, Building Controls, Service Contractors, & Distributors
Professional Societies & Trade Associations
State & Local Governments
Utility/Energy Service Companies

View the proposed changes and submit comments »
Opt into the consensus body »

The development of LEED for Healthcare
The LEED for Healthcare rating system represents a culmination of seven years of close collaboration between the Green Guide for Healthcare (GGHC) and USGBC. LEED for Healthcare could not exist in its current form without the work done by the GGHC over the past 10 years. The GGHC has helped to streamline LEED for Healthcare's development schedule by aligning with the LEED for New Construction rating system's organizational structure, with permission from USGBC, and conducting a robust pilot program that has included more than 100 health care facilities. Learn more about the partnership between GGHC and USGBC (PDF) »

The LEED for Healthcare rating system will be available to projects that include inpatient and outpatient care facilities and licensed long-term care facilities. LEED for Healthcare may also be used for medical offices, assisted living facilities and medical education and research centers. LEED for Healthcare addresses issues such as increased sensitivity to chemicals and pollutants, traveling distances from parking facilities, and access to natural spaces.

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USGBC Community

Generation Green, We Want Your Videos!
You are Generation Green, and we want to know how you are redefining the future. Visit www.greenbuildexpo.org/GenGreen to find out how you can submit your video and to view videos from others around the world.

You can also share your excitement about Greenbuild on your blog or website with Greenbuild outreach graphics and buttons and Twitter widgets!

Nominate a Person or Organization for 2010 Leadership Awards
The U.S. Green Building Council is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2010 USGBC Leadership Awards. Award nominees should embody the attributes expected of a green building leader and achievements that demonstrate excellence, exemplify the intent and spirit of the green building movement, and have made a significant impact in advancing the green building movement within their sector.
Learn more »

August Members-Only Education Discount
LEED 253: Greenhouse Gases & Green Buildings: Understanding and Achieving Key Reduction Goals

» Online training,available on-demand
» 1.5 GBCI CE hours

USGBC is offering employees of member organizations a special discount for one of our most popular online trainings. Join experts from USGBC and the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program to explore fundamental concepts, accounting requirements, and important reduction goals related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions – and the cutting-edge strategies needed to meet these goals.

Register by Sept. 1, and get access to this session for $25 (a $75 value).

Learn more and register »
Learn about USGBC membership »

ASHRAE's Annual Conference Seeks Papers
Papers addressing advances in alternative technologies and net-zero buildings, as well as HVAC&R fundamentals and commissioning are being sought for ASHRAE’s 2011 Annual Conference in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The deadline for paper submissions is Sept. 17, 2010. For complete information on tracks, contacts and submittal requirements, visit www.ashrae.org/montreal.

State of the Industry Survey
Please lend your voice to a joint green building survey between the National Real Estate Investor and USGBC. This survey seeks to deepen the industry's understanding of the state of green building and seeks input from both a corporate and developer perspective.

Take the corporate survey »
Take the developer survey »

LEED News

Project Owners: Participate in Building Performance Partnership
USGBC's Building Performance Partnership (BPP) seeks to establish a comprehensive data-collection and analysis infrastructure that is capable of capturing feedback from all LEED-certified projects that will help guide the ongoing development of the LEED rating systems. The first phase of the data-collection effort has begun, and we're asking owners of all LEED projects– regardless of what version or rating system you used – to participate. In addition to helping improve the way LEED promotes the ongoing performance of buildings, you will also receive information about how your project is performing to help you fill any gaps that may exist.
Learn more at www.usgbc.org/bpp »

Presenters Wanted: Green Building Conference 2011

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:14:37 GMT

Greetings!

The New York State Green Building Conference is looking for presentations. If you want to share your expertise with other green building professionals, this is your chance.

Call for Presentations
9th Annual New York State Green Building Conference

Thursday, March 24th
&
Friday, March 25th 2011

We welcome your presentation abstracts. Abstracts should be submitted no later than Friday, October 15, 2010. Submit your abstract today by emailing your abstract (MS Word document) to: Maureen Wakefield, mwakefield@esf.edu

Abstracts should be 250 words or less and formatted using the template available on the web: http://www.esf.edu/greenbuilding/.Abstracts will be reviewed by the green building advisory committee with a tentative program published on the conference website: http://www.esf.edu/greenbuilding/2011/agenda.htm by Thursday, November 11, 2010.

Confirmation Emails will be sent to everyone who submits an abstract. If your abstract is not accepted for presentation, we encourage you to create a poster as an alternative.

Here are some presentation topics from recent conference years, but remember,
if it's green- we're interested.

Preview of ENERGY STAR 2011

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:24:03 GMT

Build Green New Hampshire: Meetings and Educational Series

Presented by: Tom Werst Sustainable Energy Engineer and Entrepreneur

To register visit www.buildgreennh.com

The US EPA has been diligently working with various stakeholders over the past year to update the ENERGY STAR Homes program to reflect the widespread adoption of IECC 2009 across the US. The program has undergone two rounds of public comment and preliminary documents are available for review. This presentation will provide a preliminary look at some of the significant changes to the ENERGY STAR Program that will be phased in starting 1/1/2011. The Energy Star program is one of the most widely used rating programs for energy efficiency and is an integral part of both the NAHB Green Standard and LEED for homes. Come see how the national ENERGY STAR pro-gram is changing and start to get prepared for the new ENERGY STAR program in your area.

Speaker Tom Werst is a Sustainable Energy Engineer and Entrepreneur with more than thirty-two (32) years experience in energy engineering, technical training, consulting, project management; residential housing, construction and finance; and network design and implementation. His recent focus has been on sustainable energy; certifying ENERGY STAR Homes, providing BPI training services, alternative energy projects, and performing residential and small commercial energy audits.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 3-5pm

PSNH Energy Park 780 North Commercial Street , Manchester , NH 03105

Free for Build Green NH Members
Non-members $25.00

USGBC Hot Topics Update - June 14

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:19:32 GMT

News & Deadlines

Apply to Participate in Congressional Advocacy Day

USGBC's Advocacy Department announced the dates for the third annual Congressional Advocacy Day: September 28-29, 2010. All chapters with active advocacy programs are encouraged to submit an application and commit to working in a coordinated fashion with USGBC and members of Congress in your state. Find the application form on the Extranet's Advocacy & Outreach tab.

Winning Chapter Awards of Excellence Submissions Available for Reference

The Chapter Awards of Excellence recognize chapters in the categories of Advocacy; Education; USGBC as a Community; and Organizational Excellence. In completing your chapter's application, you are welcome to reference winning submissions from years past. You can reference the archive on the Extranet here. (This is the first year for the Chapter Leader Awards of Excellence, so similar history is not available for this competition.) Submissions are due Aug. 31, 2010 by 11:59 p.m. EDT. Contact Eli Reisman with any questions.

Support Haiti Through Joint Design Fellowship

USGBC and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) are supporting an Architecture for Humanity Sustainable Design Fellow, who will help facilitate the rebuilding of the infrastructure that was demolished in Haiti's earthquake. The qualified design professional selected will make a two-year commitment to work directly with community members on the ground in Architecture for Humanity's Rebuilding Center, based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. You're welcome to advertise this opportunity to your chapter members. To view the press release and learn how to apply, click here.

Sound Bites

The Urban Green Council announces William McDonough as opening keynote at Urban Green Expo 2010 * USGBC national staff are excited to visit with 160 chapter leaders at the retreat this week * USGBC Nebraska Flatwater wins the grand prize in the Heartland Chapter Awards * Got news? Submit your sound bite to Clare Magee.

Webcasts & Trainings

For a complete list of chapter webcasts and descriptions, click here. Most webcasts require registration so we can track attendance and interest. Such webcasts include a link to the registration page.

Awards of Excellence Drop-in Call
Date: June 23
Time: 3-4:00 p.m. EDT
The 2010 USGBC Chapter Awards of Excellence program has launched and we welcome your applications. This call is your chance to ask any questions you might have regarding the revised structure and new opportunities, including the category for chapter leaders. Register here.

Advocacy Call on Building Energy Codes
Date: June 24
Time: 5:00 p.m. EDT
Register here.

FREE: Self-Paced USGBC/GBCI Online Orientation
For instructions and the registration code, click here.

New Resources

Member Recruitment & Events

Thank you for your time and attention and for everything you do to help advance our shared mission.

USGBC Chapters Staff
chapters@usgbc.org

Last chance to register for the Green Summit with US Senator Jeanne Shaheen

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:05:17 GMT

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce presents:
Green Jobs Summit with
US Senator Jeanne Shaheen

Join fellow Chamber members and community leaders at a special "Green Jobs Summit" with US Senator Jeanne Shaheen. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Shaheen is at the forefront of efforts in Washington to create jobs through investing in clean energy and energy efficiency. Senator Shaheen will discuss the various programs currently in place and other legislative proposals currently under consideration in Congress.

Senator Shaheen will be joined by a panel of local business leaders who have created jobs thanks to new green technologies or are playing a role in preparing the workforce for future green jobs.

Friday, June 4, 2010
11:30 am to 1:30 pm
NH Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College

Lunch will be served.

$30 Members / $35 Not-yet Members

Click here to register or call 603.792.4122

USGBC Hot Topics Update

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:03:48 GMT

News & Deadlines

Grant Money Available for Your Schools Committee

One-time matching grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded to chapter green schools committees. Applications are due July 2 by 11:59 PDT. Grant criteria and applications were distributed to committee chairs May 24 and can also be found on the Extranet. Grants will be awarded by July 23. Contact Emily Knupp with any questions.

Are You "Generation Green?" Show us!

In a 30-second video, tell us what you're doing to redefine our future. We're looking to hear from everyone: from children to the most seasoned professional, from student to chief executive. Whether you're taking small steps in your daily life or creating the next big green innovation, let us know, and it could end up on usgbc.org or maybe even part of the Greenbuild 2010 opening plenary! Details are on the Extranet.

Download Federal Summit Presentations Starting June 4

The 2010 USGBC Federal Summit, "Leadership in Sustainability from Coast to Coast," was a huge success with more than 700 attendees. Powerful, inspiring speeches were delivered by U.S. General Services Administration Administrator Martha Johnson, former Mayor of Pittsburgh Tom Murphy and others. Presentations will be available for download on June 4 here.

Sign up to Receive the Advocacy & Policy Update

USGBC is releasing its quarterly Advocacy & Policy Update to keep the community up to speed on their important work on policy development at all levels of government, as well as internationally. Manage your subscriptions on usgbc.org here if you wish to receive this update. To review the February Advocacy & Policy Update, click here.

Webcasts & Trainings

For a complete list of chapter webcasts and descriptions, click here. Most webcasts require registration so we can track attendance and interest. Such webcasts include a link to the registration page.

LEED - ND Webinar Series Starts June 9
Registration for a six-part LEED for Neighborhood Development webinar series is open. Led by LEED Faculty, ND 252 will review the credits in the LEED - ND rating system and provide examples of successful implementation practices. Register here.

Leveraging Data in the New Chapter Reporting System
Date: June 9
Time: 3-4:00 p.m. EDT
Register here.

Monthly Chapter Advocacy Call
Date: June 10
Time: 3-4:00 p.m. EDT
Chapter advocacy chairs and primary advocacy contacts are encouraged to join the Advocacy team for their sixth joint advocacy coordination and communication call in 2010. The discussion will also cover USGBC's Congressional Advocacy Day in September. Register here.

FREE: Self-Paced USGBC/GBCI Online Orientation
For instructions and the registration code, click here.

New Resources

Member Recruitment & Events

Thank you for your time and attention and for everything you do to help advance our shared mission.

USGBC Chapters Staff
chapters@usgbc.org