Renewable Energy Credits

I was looking into REC's (Renewable Energy Credits) for a project and what I discovered was interesting. I had always thought that REC's were noble credits, but they were not cost effective. I think I have changed my mind.

I am working with a client that has done an incredible job of building a sustainable office. Their project was registered right at LEED Gold, but my concern was "what if the USGBC throws out a few of their credits?" This project had nothing extra to cover any lost points. This would cause their project to be Silver, despite their golden commitment.

The client was looking into adding more photovoltaic panels to their project, but this was something they preferred to do at a later time. Adding this 18kWh system would require a large capital outlay, but they were willing to do this earlier than scheduled to gain 3 LEED credits. They had already maxed out the Renewable credits, so this would be just to optimize the Optimize Energy credits.

The client had invested significant capital in a PV system, and wanted to conserve their next investment for a few years. Yet, three additional credits might mean the difference between Gold and Silver. Then it occurred to me that there might be another solution: REC's. REC's would allow them to pay a small premium to use green electricity for 70% of their buildings needs. For their building, the initial estimate is between $1000 to $2000 a year for two years. There would be two LEED credits available for using this approach. This is not too bad of an option when faced with a $100,000 - $200,000 additional investment in a photovoltaic array for three LEED credits.

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Getting with the program

No posting since September! This is no reflection of activity. It's been busy, but I do not see things slowing down for a while. Thank you green economy. Since I do not see things slowing down, I need to find time to add to this Blog. This will be my new years resolution.

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2008 Western Sustainability and Pollution Prevention Network Conference

The Western Sustainability and Pollution Prevention Network (WSPPN) will be holding its annual conference in Monterey from October 22-24. I was not familiar with the organization, and was asked to speak at their conference. WRPPN was established in 1997 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to improve communication and information dissemination among network members to maximize efficiency of P2 implementation. As I have discovered, "P2" stands for "pollution prevention." After researching their website at www.wsppn.org, I realized that they are a valuable resource for sustainable practices. For example, they have posted a study on Janitorial cleaners. I will be using their study to further develop green cleaning programs. As a communication extension of the EPA, they can provide valuable information on a regional basis.

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Hartnell College Environmental Management & Sustainable Design Committee

As part of Hartnell College's Center for Sustainable Construction Program, I will be chairing an advisory group. The advisory group is titled "Environmental Management & Sustainable Design." The group will help guide the formation of a Sustainable Academy at Hartnell College. I am very excited about this undertaking, and I am enthused to have outstanding community members as part of this group. The vision we create will foster programs that embrace the new green economy. We will ultimately better prepare our local workforce, create certificate programs and help students on to 4 year degrees in a sustainable field.

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A Floating LEED Project

I am very excited about a project I registered as LEED NC this week. It is a partnership between Forever Resorts and the National Park Service. It will be a 2000 square foot floating houseboat rental building in Cottonwood Cove, on beautiful Lake Mead, NV.

I was introduced to this project by fundraising guru Jan McAdams http://www.fundinggreenbuildings.com/ who believed this project could reach the level of LEED Gold. This will be possible with the help of architect Michael Carlson of Carlson Studio Architecture http://www.carlsonstudio.org/. Michael is considering a modular building for this project. Rod Taylor, from Forever Resorts http://www.foreverresorts.com/marina4.html, has indicated that the floating foundation on this project will be considered for a long lifecycle. This will definitely be a innovative credit for an innovative project. The most interesting part to me about this project is how landscaping will be waterscaping. Any ideas on how to interpret “Open spaces” or irrigation?

More to come….

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Your Town segment

Joe Piedimonte talks about Chartwell School and Green Building on "Your Town" with guest host Tom Carleton. This comes in three segments:

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It's Official for Chartwell School!

Chartwell School was awarded the LEED Platinum plaque this Monday. This was preceded by an executive briefing on sustainable schools. David Thorman, California State Architect, commended Chartwell School for creating a "landmark." Chartwell presented construction cost data for the first time. They confirmed that the state average cost for school construction is $350/sqft. Chartwell was built at $310/sqft...and by the way, it exceeded the USGBC Platinum standard by 5 points (57 as opposed to 52). The Ausonio Incorporated employees in the audience beamed for a bit after that announcement! Chartwell calculated that there was 9% premium for going 5 points over platinum. They believe the premium for building to Platinum level was only 3%!

The USGBC Monterey Bay Branch will be featuring a Green School Expo, with Chartwell featured. The event is free to the public, and you can sign up here:
http://www.usgbc-ncc.org/index.php?option=com_events&type=event&task=details&id=150&Itemid=109

Here are the details:

Event Details - Monterey Bay Branch Monthly Program: Green Schools Expo
Wednesday, May 7, 2008 (05:00 PM - 08:00 PM)

Moss Landing Marine Laboratories8272 Moss Landing RoadMoss Landing, CA 95039
View Map

The Monterey Bay Branch Monthly Meeting Presents: Green Schools Expo
For those interested in a healthy school environment:
School District Facilities Planners and Construction Directors, School Board Members and District Superintendents, Building Maintenance Managers, Purchasing Officers
Architects, Designers, Construction Managers, School Building Planning & Financial Professionals
School Principals, Teachers, Students, Parents, and Community Members

Explore new techniques and trends in school design
-Get answers to your specific questions from local experts
-Hear from those who have championed the process
-See the best new work in school design
-Learn about new and innovative products

A showcase of exhibitors to provide information about funding and services, and share their stories -Chartwell School, Monterey Institute of International Studies, Monterey College of Law -Ausonio Inc., Blach Construction, Daniels and House Construction
-CHPS, USGBC-NCC, Santa Cruz City Schools Green Schools Committee, UCSC
-The SEE Program, MRWMD -EPA Tools for Schools, PG&E, Office of Public School Construction -Powersmiths, Blue line Power, Forbo, Haworth And More to Come!

Carpooling Options/Parking
Directions: Take Highway 1 to Moss Landing Road. The Marine Lab is directly after the cemetery when coming from the south, and past the Moss Landing School when coming from the north. Go up the hill and park in the lot on the left. At the end of the parking lot walk straight to the building closest to Monterey. Informal Carpool: Participants should arrive no later than 5 p.m. at one of these locations: Santa Cruz County Governmental Office Building, 701 Ocean Street, near the front doors at the visitor parking spaces; Seaside Home Depot parking lot, near the Shell Station.

Space is limited. You must pre-register before noon on May 5, 2008 to guarantee attendance at this event. Those who are not pre-registered will be admitted first-come first-served at the event. The registration fee for this event is free.

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