Chicago Green Festival 2009

Looking for something new to do that’s fun, educational and won’t burn a hole in your pocket? Look no further. Chicago Green Festival is your ticket to good, green fun for the entire family…all weekend long. And youths 18 and younger get in FREE at the Chicago Green Festival.

Your all-inclusive 2-day pass includes access to the following:

• Inspiring presentations featuring renowned authors, educators and leaders
• Great tips for home improvements and greening on a budget at the Green Home Pavilion
• More than 300 exhibits offering the best green products and services available today
• This year, the Community Action Area includes 3 great networking opportunities: green career presentations for individuals interested in=2 0the diversity of this growing field, local action presentations offering tips for participation, andlocal nonprofits providing information about what they are doing to make the world a better place.
• Great activities for children and young adults: check out the Organic Valley Kids’ Zone and theYouth Unity Pavilion.
• Tasty, sustainable delights at the Fair Trade Café, the Organic Beer & Wine Garden (21 & older) and the Natural Food Dining Area
• Some of the best local talent around on theMusic Stage
• So much more — rain or shine, a one-stop opportunity for a fun-filled weekend!

Visionary Speakers include . . .
Mayor Richard M. Daley (invited), Ron Reagan, Amy Goodman, John Perkins, Alice Waters, Jim Hightower, Damali Ayo, William Ayers, Bernadine Dohrn, Mike Farrell, Medea Benjamin, Stuart Pimm, Naomi Davis, Greg Palast, Paul Stamets, Zoe Weil, Jeffrey Smith, Alisa Gravitz, Kevin Danaher and many more

All at a nearly zero-waste event!

Your all-inclusive 2-day pass: $15

Only $10 (at the door) for seniors, public transit and bike riders, students

FREE – Children 18 and younger, volunteers, Green America and Global Exchange members

Donate 3 books to Better World Books and get in for FREE!

See you on May 16th and 17th at Navy Pier for Chicago Green Festival and be sure to stop by the GreenWerks booth!

GreenMaker is now Green Depot Chicago

This is an email we received from Joe and Ori at GreenMaker.

Dearest Greenmaker Customers:

As many of you already know, in November of 2008 we finalized an exciting merger with Green Depot a company based in Brooklyn, NY whose owners share our values and our mission. Greenmaker is now part of the nation’s largest chain of stores providing green living and building supplies through a network of 8 stores… and growing!

This merger represents amazing opportunities for you our customers. By harnessing the buying power of green consumers in multiple markets we can purchase more effectively, negotiate better terms and pass on savings to our growing customer base. Through a consolidation of our administrative functions we have centralized our administrative functions and again gained in efficiencies that will translate to better prices and better service for you our customers. For those of you that have shopped with us in recent months you may have already noticed improvements in our selection and pricing!

This week we officially switch our name to Green Depot. You will notice that attempting to log on to www.greenmakersupply.com forwards you immediately to Green Depot. This finishing touch on our merger will allow us to create a recognizable name that spans the nation. We wear our new name with pride as it represents our growing family of colleagues and friends and the only company of its kind in the world!

In the coming months, we hope that you will get to know our new look and our new friends… We are convinced that you will quickly understand why we are so excited to have our new partners.

From the bottom of our hearts wanted to thank you for your continued support and we hope to see all of you return as happy customers of Green Depot.

Warmest Regards,

Ori Sivan and Joe Silver, Founders Greenmaker Supply Co.

USGBC to Obama Administration: Yes we will

Nation’s Green Building Leader Promotes Green Jobs as the Cornerstone to Reviving and Restoring America’s Economy

In his first full week as president, President Barack Obama is moving swiftly and boldly with the full support of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to chart a new course for our struggling economy – a path that invests in our buildings, from our homes to our schools, and that creates millions of new green-collar jobs and saves Americans billions in energy.

Expanding on its 16 years of work to transform our nation’s buildings and communities, USGBC is engaging closely with the Obama administration to demonstrate that immediate and long-term investments in green building and in the green economy are the down payment needed to restore America’s economic leadership. 

From the East Room of the White House on Wednesday morning, President Barack Obama urges support and swift passage of an economic recovery package “so that we can climb our way out of this crisis.” 

 

 

Whether meeting directly with the administration on its economic recovery plan, providing strategic advice to senior energy and environmental officials on transforming the country’s built environment, or presenting bold new ideas on expanding the green economy, USGBC is advancing green building as a central plank to rebuilding a healthy and sustained economy while putting Americans back to work. 

Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council, and Valerie Jarrett, a White House senior adviser, after President Barack Obama’s speech Wednesday in support of his economic recovery plan. 

“Our member companies across the country provide examples of success to an administration that is seeking new answers and a new direction,” said Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chairman. “USGBC will continue to deliver innovative and deliberative plans of action that will simultaneously create millions of green-collar jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advance proven opportunities to deliver greener, more energy-efficient buildings.” 

Read Rick’s public policy ideas in Roll Call »

USGBC is actively monitoring and informing deliberations about the economic recovery package urged by President Obama and now under development in Congress. Even with passage in the House yesterday, the specifics of the plan are not yet final—and are currently the subject of debate and negotiation in both the House and Senate. Nevertheless, the following elements of the packages proposed by both chambers hold particular promise for green building and represent an important recognition of the transformative potential of existing buildings:

• Green Schools: The House and Senate economic recovery plans currently provide multiple billions of dollars for modernization of K-12 and higher education facilities, with preferences or requirements for green improvement projects.
• Green Federal Buildings: Both the House and Senate plans currently include several billion dollars for the General Services Administration’s Federal Buildings Fund, with green or energy efficiency requirements for funded facility projects.
• Weatherization Assistance Program: Both plans would provide multiple billions of dollars for and expand the reach of the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides weatherization services to help improve the energy efficiency of homes and enable lower energy bills for low-income families.
• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants: The House and Senate plans currently provide multiple billions of dollars for block grant funds for states, localities, and tribes for energy efficiency projects.
• Public Housing: Both packages currently provide several billion dollars for the Public Housing Capital Fund to support improvements to public housing developments, including authority or priority for energy efficiency incentives and projects.
• Green Job Training: Both plans would provide billions of dollars for job training programs, with a preference or requirement that portions of such funds be used to prepare workers for jobs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors.

USGBC will continue to support the new administration, working to ensure the final passage of an economic recovery package that taps the full potential of green building to advance the new green economy of the future.

LEED Ginger Bread Home

(Click to see bigger version) GingerBread House, originally uploaded by jon.peck.

We found this picture on Flickr and thought it was quite fitting for the holidays. This ginger bread house features some green home features. You can see to the upper left the electric solar panels and green roof. As you travel to the outside of the home you will see the LEED plaque on the on the exterior wall. On the right you will see the residential wind turbines powering the building. Of course the project has a carpool lane and parking for electric cars. You can view the orginal photo on Flickr.

The building sports eco-friendly features galore: high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, solar panels, a wind turbine, a “carbon negative” annual energy profile and a yard filled with native and endangered plants … and more.

And the best part: It’s entirely edible. In fact, surplus building materials doubled as snacks for the architects. Via Cornell.

Via Prefab

Storing Energy in "Super Concrete"

Finding ways to harness solar energy more efficiently, researchers are working on creating a mix of concrete that could store thermal energy created by solar panels at temperatures up to 600 degrees C. Researchers from the University of Arkansas, with a $770,000 award from the US Department of Energy will expose their creations to high temperatures, paying close attention to the rates of thermal loading and the effects of temperature cycles.

Solar Panels Heat the Concrete
Solar panels are used to gather heat that the concrete absorbs, but the energy must be transferred to the concrete via a steel tube. The researchers are also looking for ways of making this energy transfer more efficient.

“Solar holds great promise as an alternative source of energy,” said Panneer Selvam, professor of civil engineering. “The government recognizes this and knows that we must move in this direction. The problem is that scientists and engineers have not yet developed technology that will allow producers to harness solar power efficiently. So, one area of emphasis to reduce costs is something called thermal energy storage, which is nothing more than developing effective and cost-efficient methods of transferring heat from collectors and holding it before sending it to generators. That is what we are trying to do.”

Cheaper Solar Power
It costs anywhere between 13 and 17 cents per kilowatt hour to store solar energy. The Department of Energy wants to achieve the same storage at 5 cents per kWh by the year 2020.

via TreeHugger

Chase is pushing Tight Envelope Homes

Expanded Energy Conservation Mortgages under the SEAL-SOLID® program offer homebuyers short and long-term savings. Closing cost rebate, tax credits, long-term rate locks, and lower utility bills are just a few of the mortgage and energy savings homebuyers can benefit from by building an energy efficient home under the SEAL-SOLID® program.

Using an Expanded Energy Conservation Mortgage, qualified homeowners can stretch their home buying dollars to include more amenities and higher quality materials. Options like dream kitchens, larger closets, expanded garages and extra bedrooms — that once were affordable only in high-dollar custom homes — are now within the financial reach of everyone.Chase is also offering a $500 bonus to those who participate in the program. You can see from the chart below the estimated energy cost savings from Chase on a Monthly basis. A 2500 sqft. which is quite common for the Chicago area, you would save over $1,000 a year and increase your comfort in the home.

To learn more about the program check out the Seal Solid Website.

Green Building Standards

The green movement first put down roots in the U.S. in the 1970s, in response to the energy crisis and decades of urban development that ignored climate issues and their effect on buildings and occupants. Yet it wasn’t until 1990 that the pioneering Austin Green Building Program formed in Texas, notably followed in 1993 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The remainder of the decade saw the formation of a number small green building groups – primarily on the west coast – and with it came a recognition of the need for uniform green building standards and guidelines.

To this end, a number of groups set out to develop programs – including the USGBC, which premiered its groundbreaking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System™ in 1998. After the advent of LEED, the green building movement exploded, as municipal, state and federal agencies began to establish standards and guidelines, tax incentives, and governmental regulations to encourage green practices, and a host of other organizations followed suit – among them the National Association of Home Builders. Although there is no “national” standard, all strive for the same goal: the design and construction of high-performance green buildings that afford maximum quality of life, with minimal environmental impact.

Following is a list of noteworthy standards and guidelines, tax incentives, and governmental regulations that are in use today, as well as prominent green building organizations. Take a look state-by-state for an indication of how the local dialogue has evolved over the years.

National Standard & Guidelines:
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
USGBC’s LEED Green Building Rating System
National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)
NAHB’s Model Green Home Building Guidelines
Whole Building Design Guide
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Department of Energy
The Green Schools Initiative
High Performance Green Buildings Act of 2006 (Pending)

(Source GreenDepot)

GreenMaker merges with Green Depot

Green Depot ( www.greendepot.com) — the Brooklyn-based supplier of environmentally friendly and sustainable building products, services and solutions — today announced that it has merged with Chicago-based Greenmaker ( www.greenmakersupply.com) to create the nation’s largest and most sophisticated supplier of green building materials.

Green Depot serves residential and commercial builders and everyday homeowners nationwide through its Web site and throughout the Northeast with five outlets in Brooklyn, Boston, Philadelphia, Long Island, N.Y. and Newark, N.J. It also has 10 additional distribution centers in the mid-Atlantic region. In 2009, it plans to open three new retail outlets in Albany, N.Y., Newark, D.E., and a flagship store in the Bowery neighborhood of Manhattan.

Since 2005, Greenmaker has served similar customers in the Chicago area through its retail store, e-commerce site and direct delivery. Greenmaker’s achievements have been recognized by numerous agencies and media outlets. Its strong position in Chicago coupled with its extensive proprietary product lines made Greenmaker an attractive partner for New York based Green Depot.

“Green Depot’s mission is to make high quality, sustainable materials and product solutions accessible to builders and consumers. We strive to demystify what ‘green’ means so that customers are empowered to make the best decisions and drive the marketplace,” said Sarah Beatty, president and founder of Green Depot. “While our Web site allows us national reach, we are eager to serve the Chicagoland community better than ever. Read the full story on Market Watch.

Congrats to Ori and Joe at GreenMaker with this merger with a larger well established east coast supplier. We are looking forward to new offerings and news from this merger.

Pizza Fusion Naperville

Freshness and quality have always been invaluable elements for any chef or restaurateur. And for more and more chefs across the nation, finding the best ingredients also means reconnecting with local growers. Buying locally produced foods allows you to experience the seasonal diversity of your region, helps to maintain the local economy, and means that food spends less time in transport, allowing it to retain more of its nutritional value. Since the locavore lifestyle first started gaining attention in 2005, people have been taking a look at where their food comes from and questioning why food is being shipped in from distant (or even international) growers when there are small family farms in the next valley producing marvelous produce or meats. Restaurant chefs are no exception, and as a result, restaurants across the country have begun offering menus that are chock-full of locally and sustainably sourced goodies.

Pizza Fusion proves that the words “chain restaurant,” so often uttered in disappointment, don’t have to mean low quality food. Based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Pizza Fusion proudly serves up delicious, gourmet pizza in its purest form – untainted by artificial additives, like preservatives, growth hormones, pesticides, nitrates and trans fats (just to name a few). While they’re famous for pizza, their 75% organic menu features an eclectic variety of gourmet sandwiches, salads, desserts, beer and wine. But the goodness doesn’t stop there. In the interests of holding up their strong environmental mission, Pizza Fusion seeks out local and environmentally conscious vendors and suppliers and educates the general public on the importance of sustainable living through ecological community service, consumer education and environmental mentoring, like their Organics 101 course for kids. Visit their website for locations nationwide www.pizzafusion.com. They have a new store opening soon in Naperville @ 2555 W. 75th St. Naperville, IL 60540.

Energy Star House stops in Chicago

Join the fun with GE, the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), and ComEd, who will host the Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR exhibit at Navy Pier. During this October weekend, Navy Pier is transformed into Navy Fear, with fun Halloween activities all day for all ages. The custom-built exhibit will be stationed right outside the Children’s Museum at Gateway Park. GE’s own ‘Mad Scientist’ booth will be across the pier; this interactive laboratory will be a fun way to illustrate the science behind energy-saving light bulbs, with lots of interactive gadgets including meter comparators, energy bikes, fun ‘monster mash’ music, and beakers with dry ice, for effect. Coupons, brochures, and giveaways will be provided. Don’t miss out, this event is sure to be a scream!

Take a room-by-room tour of the home and learn about ways to save with energy-efficient practices and ENERGY STAR qualified products, such as:

* Lighting
* Electronics
* Home Sealing and Insulation
* Appliances
* Office Equipment
* Heating and Cooling Equipment

While you’re there, take the ENERGY STAR Pledge to join in the fight against global warming. And if you’ve already made energy-efficient changes to your home, inspire others to do the same! Each event will have a “testimonial booth” where you can record your individual energy-saving story about how you have made a positive change for the environment.

Where: Navy Pier Chicago, Illinois
When: October 18–19, 2008