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Letter from our Editor

Newsletter archives:
July 2007

USGBC Arizona
at Whole Foods

Attending a chapter booth in Whole Foods this past August are Chapter Vice Chair Nora Calato and two students from Arizona State University, Markus Roznowski (left) and Charudatta Joshi (center). Markus Roznowski is currently in the Masters program for Urban and Environmental Planning and Charudatta is completing his M.S. in Building Science. Nora will be Chairing the USGBC Arizona Chapter in 2008.

The Arizona Chapter goes through major changes

2007 has been an active, and productive, year for your Arizona Chapter.

Chapter Chairman Mike Quinn (Arrington Watkins), with his dedicated board and committee chairs, rolled up their sleeves and went to work to further the mission of the Arizona Chapter.

A recent board survey of board member and committee chair volunteer time expended in 2007 on behalf of the chapter indicates that no less than 5000 hours of leadership and experience created major changes and advances in sustainability education, awareness, and impact in Arizona.  This number does not take into account our committee member time, and is a conservative estimate of board time.  At an hourly wage of $30, a value of $150,000 was donated to this chapter by your board.  The true value of their knowledge, experience, and influence greatly exceeds this number.

In addition, 50 Chapter Partners and Friends contributed just under $50,000 to support the chapter operating expenses, membership services, and community outreach efforts.  ...more on p.2

Many thanks to our advertisers:

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Waterless Urinals: Research & Myths

When the indoor, flushing, bathroom fixture was introduced in 1820, some Victorians were disgusted at the thought of bringing an unsanitary ‘privy’ into their homes. Although chamber pots were used, they were taken out, emptied, and cleaned daily.

Since then, flush water closets and urinals have become standard in residential and commercial facilities throughout the developed world. The utilization of flowing water to flush waste away, rinse the fixtures’ interior, and trap odors makes it seem self-evident that their design and operation contributes to sanitation and public health. And, for the most part, this is true.  ...more on p.2

Figure 1 - Bacterial & viral aerosol created by toilet fixture flushing.(see Footnote 1)

Site Selection Strategies for Green Building

Why would an owner want to build a green building?  There are many easily quantifiable answers to this question like reduced energy and water costs, better indoor air quality and lower overall operating and maintenance costs.  These benefits of green buildings have been proven time and time again and are generally accepted as a given.  But as I see it, most business owners want any additional competitive advantage that they can get.  Some of the competitive advantages that green building can give your firm are improved public perception of your company, better employee retention and increased productivity.  But the misconception that green buildings cost more up front still exists, so it may be difficult for some owners to justify a green building program.  Since economics drive decisions on green buildings, I wanted to discuss some site strategies that owners should consider in order to keep those dreaded first costs as low as possible.

Owner site considerations when purchasing property

Site selection is always an important decision for a building owner, but strategic site selection can help to gain several LEED points that otherwise may be impossible to achieve.  At least four points are available within the LEED system that relate directly to site selection.  If you’re an owner who is considering a green building, I would suggest that you consider how your site may help you to gain many “built-in” site-related points.  For example,   ...more on p.2

SRP Launches Program to Plant Trees

Each morning, as we peruse the Internet and newspapers, we can’t help but notice how green our news has become. Stories about global climate change and environmental concerns dominate the headlines. As an electric utility with a history of stewardship, Salt River Project is concerned about the environmental challenges we face today.  We’re committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving the environment for future generations.

SRP customers have expressed interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as conserving water and energy, and we have developed programs to help them do so.  Aside from installing low-flow faucets and CFL light bulbs, customers have told us they want to do more to reduce their carbon footprint.  That’s one reason we’ve created the SRP EarthWise Trees for Change program – an innovative way for customers to lower greenhouse gas emissions while participating in reforestation efforts throughout Arizona. ...more on p.2

Chapter Member Receives Award

Charles Burke received the Western Regional Pollution Prevention Advocate of the Year Award on October 22 at the Western Regional Pollution Prevention Network (WRPPN) Award Ceremony in San Diego California. Staff from both EPA Region 9 (California, Nevada, Hawaii and Arizona) and EPA Region 10 (Oregon, Washingto, and Alaska) were present. With Chuck is his valued colleague for promotion of "Green Schools" Gail Bliss from ADEQ’s Pollution Prevention Unit. The award reflects outstanding effort expended to promote sustainability and pollution prevention in the Region. It has been over 12 years since an Arizonan received the award for EPA Region 9 from WRPPN.

Maricopa County Air Quality Department Issues "No Burn Day" Restriction
s
So you heard on the news that you can’t light a fire in the fireplace tonight.  But why?

The ambiance, the warmth and the crackle coming from your fireplace are all familiar sights and sounds of the winter season.

The problem is the smoke coming from that fire puts a lot of pollution into our air.

The county’s air pollution is monitored by several air quality monitors posted in and around Maricopa County.  When conditions are right during the winter months, state forecasters issue what’s called a high pollution advisory [HPA] for particulate matter.  Once that happens, the director of the Air Quality Department issues a No Burn Day restriction.  That means all fireplace, woodstove and open burning are not allowed.  Aside from taking a chance on getting a fine for $100 to $10,000, it’s just not a good idea to add more pollution into the air when you can avoid it.  ...more on p.

Being green saves green

Photo courtesy Scott Price

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