USGBC Caribbean Chapter Presents: Caribbean Green Expo 2010
December 3 and 4, 2010 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center
Greening the Fields: Creating the local environment
Interested in sustainability and high performance building?
Mark December 3rd and 4th on your calendar to attend The US Green Building Council‘s 2010 Expo and Symposium at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, hosted by the US Caribbean Chapter. This year’s event themed “Greening the Fields- Creating the local environment” must not be missed by: architects, engineers, planners, contractors, developers, facility managers, government officials, landscape architects, education professionals, students…and anyone interested in the planning, design, construction, operation & maintenance of sustainable buildings.
Visit our exhibitor’s booths and see the latest in green building equipment and technology,
listen to global experts on sustainability, hear experiences from sustainable builders in Puerto Rico, attend a LEED for Contractors or a Green Associate training session. We extend a special invitation to our members to participate in our assembly and ?member events.
I. Expo
Over 30 companies will show the latest in sustainable construction materials and equipment, and products for industry, commerce, office and residential buildings
II. Conferences and training sessions.
A. Five conferences on Global Issues in Sustainable Construction
Opening Plenary: Transforming a territory towards sustainability. What is transformational public policy? Positive, progressive policy that can drive change at the local, state and federal level. Roger Limoges will share his experience as an advocate on some of the most contentious social issues of our time. He will discuss strategies for leading dynamic teams of professionals from across the United States to advance USGBC’s powerful mission to bring green buildings to everyone within a generation.Roger Limoges is Chief of Staff of the USGBC in Washington D.C., and was the organizations director of Advocacy. Anyone interested in advocating for a sustainable future for our region must not miss our opening plenary.
Designing sustainable neighborhood and communities. LEED for Neighborhood Development is new rating system from the USGBC. It provides local governments a useful guide when reviewing and revising their own planning regulations to make sure that they facilitate sustainable development to take place in their communities. Robert Cannellos will discuss how to use this rating system as a policy tool to reach sustainability goals, and its impact on communities, neighborhoods and cities.Robert Cannellos LEED AP, is Chair of USGBC Treasure Coast & Palm Beach Branch. Robert is Senior Project Manager, The Spinnaker Group is located in Weston, Florida, a planned community with New Urbanism influences. He is also on the Board of Directors, USGBC South Florida.
Green Infrastructure: New York Case Study on Storm Water Management Design and Implementation
Traditional approaches to storm water management or “gray infrastructure” require considerable capital and maintenance. An alternative are natural and engineered ecological systems that act as living infrastructure. Sarah Pesek, Director, Environmental Finance Center at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, and specialist in Environmental Policy will discuss green infrastructure techniques being used to decrease runoff volume and the conveyance of pollutants in New York State. Sarah has been recognized for her work on a capstone project for USDA Rural Development on water and wastewater infrastructure asset management.
Greening the Schools in Design-Build Projects Achieving Green Schools within a generation-Rachel Gutter Director of the Center for Green School’s, USGBC,This session recommended for all pre-qualified Teams of the School Modernization Program and for teachers, school administrators, school board members, municipal and state schools employees, parents, students Legislators, and assembly members.Rachel Gutter is widely recognized as one of the nation’s foremost experts on the topic of green schools. Rachel came to USGBC in 2006 to launch LEED for Schools green building rating system. Today she runs the Center for Green Schools.
This October 2010 the USGBC has launched a mayor initiative, The National Green Schools Campaign, with the support of sponsors United Technologies and the American Lung Association. School boards, administrators, students and communities are being involved in the green schools movement that is sweeping the nation. It includes building new high performance schools, renovating existing schools and implementing sustainability in curriculums at all levels. Learn about how the USGBC National Green Schools Campaign is working toward reach the goal green schools for every child within a generation and about how you can help move this initiative forward.
Currently in Puerto Rico through ARRA funds, $756 million dollars will be invested on the modernization of 95 existing schools and the construction of 5 new schools, the most substantial investment in Puerto Rico’s schools infrastructure in more than a decade. This will impact approximately 50,000 students and 2,000 teachers throughout the whole territory (with at least one school from each municipality being part of the program). Rachel will discuss strategies at the local level to ensure Green School’s initiatives are implemented in these modernization projects.
Haiti: Efforts and Needs
The USGBC established Rescue and Rebuild Haiti, a U.S. national program, in order to ensure the most impactful and thorough relief and rebuilding strategy possible for the people of Haiti. The program has thrown its support behind President Clinton’s Haiti Relief Fund. Architects Fournier and Pieri will discuss how the Caribbean Chapter and local organizations such as Architecture for Humanity are participating in these efforts and how we are making an impact. They will also discuss special needs and how donations of machinery, materials, and other resources can make the most impact. Jaime Fournier, AIA founder Fournier:Arquitectura is Director of Architecture for Humanity. Vincent Pieri , AIA, is President of the U.S. Caribbean Chapter’s Green Job Enterprise and has served in various Board positions since 2005, his firm Pieri Architects worked on LEED New Construction and Renovation projects in Puerto Rico including the Sheraton Hotel and McNeill. This conference is a must for those interested in the most effective way to help rebuild Haiti.
B. Professional Training Sessions
This year we are focusing on LEED certification for commercial general contractors. Marc Dick, General Contractor and LEED faculty will teach three LEED for Contractors Certification Seminars
Level I An introduction to LEED and Green Advantage
Level 2: From New Construction to Operations and Maintenance: Certifying LEED Buildings in P.R.
Level 3: Certification Seminar
In effect, LEED certification rewards LEED general contractors, real estate developers and business owners for being conscientious about their impact on the environment. As the increasing demand for green buildings continues, this will open up additional jobs which will stimulate growth in the construction economy. Performance-oriented building in turn will require a skilled and knowledgeable workforce about environmentally friendly technology and motivate the search for new and more cost-effective ways to maintain a sustainable balance with the environment.
Reduction of waste sent to landfills
Conservation of water and energy
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Qualify for tax allowances, zoning accommodations and other incentives
Lower costs of operation and increased asset value
LEED-certification for new buildings or existing buildings is the wave of the future and the direction we need to go in to preserve the environment. The days of lead-based paints, appliances that waste power and water and asbestos are over. Informed consumers are inquiring about whether the construction company uses energy efficient fixtures, or has any water conservation measures in place. The more aware the public is about the importance of green buildings, the more general contractors and developers will need to deliver construction projects that comply with the criteria for green buildings.
LEED Green Associate: Exam Prep. 1, Exam Prep 2 and Exam Prep 3
The USGBC has expanded the types of LEED accredited professionals from one simple designation (LEED AP) to three separate tiers. Tier I is called “LEED Green Associates”. Tier I: LEED Green Associates is Ideal for companies that wish to established sustainability programs as well as product manufacturers, marketers, support staff, analysts, designers, students, or anyone who may be involved in a green building project and is interested in learning as much as possible about LEED. Tier II, the credentialing system for LEED APs has become more sophisticated. Plus there is now a more highly regarded Tier III within the USGBC called a “LEED AP Fellow”.??The LEED Green Associates exam covers the basics of green building and does not require the same level of in-depth knowledge that is required to oversee a LEED certified building/development. Unlike the LEED AP exam, the LEED Green Associates exam does not cover one particular area (such as LEED EB O&M) but is limited to basic knowledge of LEED and sustainability.
C. Five Conferences on Green Building in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Municipal Energy Audits Nuts & Bolts – Case Studies -: Architects Fernando Abruña and Diana Luna.
Fernando Abruña Fellow of the American Institute of Architects is Founder of our U.S. Caribbean Chapter of the Green Building Council, author, and educator. His most recent recognition is the Henry Klumb Award 2010. Architect Diana Luna, is President of the Local Chapter of the AIA.
Municipal energy audits are an important step toward long-term energy savings. Undertaking energy audits of municipal facilities can help local governments calculate the municipality’s energy footprint and identify opportunities maximize efficiency while maintaining the quality of services delivered. By achieving these goals, it is hoped that the program will improve the health and well being of staff, deliver cost savings, and result in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Zero Waste in Construction Processes, Operation and Maintenance: The possibility of a new industry for Puerto Rico
The Zero Waste Solution involves using all available construction and demolition debris as productive inputs into the construction process. . Zero waste is a philosophy that encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused. Any trash sent to landfills is minimal. The process recommended is one similar to the way that resources are reused in nature. In industry this process involves creating commodities out of traditional waste products, essentially making old outputs new inputs for similar or different industrial sectors. Zero waste can represent an economical alternative to waste systems, where new resources are continually required to replenish wasted raw materials. It can also represent an environmental alternative to waste since waste represents a significant amount of pollution in the world.
Mark Lichtenstein is the Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Finance Center located at Syracuse University In this capacity, he serves as an Expert Witness to the U.S. Congressionally authorized Federal Environmental Finance Advisory Board (EFAB). He is also Director of Operations & Outreach for the Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems
Certifying LEED Buildings in Puerto Rico- The Standard Refrigeration Experience
Standard Refrigeration Co., Inc. is a mechanical and electrical contracting firm established in Puerto Rico since 1947. On a 5 acre lot of land, just outside San Juan Metropolitan Area, the 9,600 sq.ft footprint two story office building was developed and became operational in 2006. The building serves as an administrative building and has an air conditioned area of 12,000 sq.ft. The building was designed, built and is being maintained as a LEED Platinum Building- a first in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Most credits were obtained from the mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades helping it reach the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest rating; Platinum Certification.”—Energy Star.
Another first for Standard Refrigeration is Certifying the Building as an Existing Building, complying with the USGBC’s Operations and Maintenance requirements. Engineers Juan Sanchez Quintana and Neysa Sanchez will discuss the buildings operations, related management and costs, and the experience of certifying Standard Refrigeration as an existing building.
Panel: Green Buildings from the Owners Perspective- McNeill, Caribe Plaza, Park Boulevard
McNeil Healthcare, LLc, located in Las Piedras and main manufacturer of Tylenol in the world, recently bécame the first global pharmaceutical plant to obtain LEED Certification as an Existing Building. McNeill’s XXX will discuss the challenges and rewards of certifying the manufacturing plant contructed 25 years ago and its impacto on global competitiveness and corporarte environmental stweardships.
Caribe Plaza Office Building located in less than 700 meters from the Cupey Urban Train Station is the process of obtaining LEED Certification, as Puerto Rico’s First Green Office Condominium. Engineer Raul Colón, owner and developer, will discuss his vision and experience building, certifying and operating Caribe Plaza under the concept of Bringing Green to Work. Features include reflective glass windows, inverter driven air conditioning, and a green roof thus providing occupants the opportunity of making their businesses sustainable.
Park Boulevard: Can a residential apartment building become LEED Certified? That is the question Pedro Andújar, Director of the San Juan Chapter of Condominium Administrators has been working to solve. Pedro, whose company administers five residential condominium complexes in the metro area has implemented features to green his properties, such as rainwater capture, low flow water fixtures, efficient lighting, low VOC paints, LED outdoor lighting and recycling programs. His latest challenge Pedro has put together a Green Committee consisting of a a group of owners in one of his properties- Park Boulevard in order to obtain Energy Star and LEED certification.
Closing Plenary:
Achieving Green Schools within a generation- Rachel Gutter Director of the , USGBC’s Center for Green School’s
A green schools movement is sweeping the nation. As part of this groundswell, this October 2010 the USGBC has launched a mayor initiative, The National Green Schools Campaign, Learn about how the USGBC National Green Schools Campaign is working toward reach the goal green schools for every child within a generation and about how you can help move this initiative forward.
At our local level, U.S. Caribbean Chapter’s was one of 18 chapters from across the United States awarded a grant to carry out the USGBC’s National Green Schools Campaign Vision in Puerto Rico. Our proposal to conduct a pilot program called SEEDs for Schools will initially provide training to 30 schools delegates on the Pre Project Phase of the Green Existing Schools Toolkit., providing much needed support from the ground up. Rachel Gutter one of the nation’s foremost experts on the topic of green schools, runs the USGBC’s Center for Green Schools.
III. Member Events
Annual Assembly- Year-end board member reports and board elections
Cocktails and Mixers
