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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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A Letter from the 2007 Chair, Kathy Zarsky
It is with much hope that I look forward to 2008 for both the Central Texas-Balcones Chapter (CTBC) and our communities. As the 2007 Chair of the CTBC of USGBC, I can tell you that we spent much of last year building relationships and creating the organizational framework necessary to sustain our chapter going into 2008. Our accomplishments included providing an unprecedented number of educational opportunities, working with both the Cities of San Antonio and Austin to frame language for green building resolutions, and partnering with other organizations to provide more meaningful outreach. Going into 2008, our chapter is now strongly positioned to continue to expand beyond our traditional offerings.
So what does lie ahead for us? Two areas of focus you should expect to hear much more about are green schools and homes. Unlike the LEED rating systems, USGBCs primary message with schools and homes is the importance of the role they play in influencing the greening of our society, and secondarily the methodology in which they themselves can become green. We have advocates trained specifically, click here.
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Central Texas Chapter Highlighted as Leader in Advocacy by USGBC National
(from the January 2008 USGBC Chapter Members Newsletter)
In early 2007, the Central Texas-Balcones Chapter identified ways to improve a proposed green building resolution for the City of San Antonio and decided the city deserved better.
The proposal did not require third-party verification, did not clearly define what was meant by green building, and had an easy loophole for non-compliance. Realizing they had an opportunity to educate and influence the future of their city's legislation, the chapter partnered with its local AIA to take action.
The two organizations formed a plan to meet with each of their ten city council members and the mayor. The chapter's advocacy committee prepared an education packet for each public official, including a 2-page talking points memo on LEED, cost-benefit of green buildings, and a document detailing LEED's impact and benefits specifically in San Antonio. Then, on the day of the city council meeting, the groups divided up speaking points to be formally read in front of council. Chapter members who spoke before the council were Cesar Garcia, Heather DeGrella, Heather Weiler, Marcello Martinez, Robert Hanley, Robert Harris, and Tenna Florian.
Their action resulted in a tremendous success. On April 19, 2007, the City of San Antonio voted unanimously for two amendments that required any buildings funded with city money to be LEED Silver certified!
Fired up by their accomplishment, the chapter took on further initiatives to support statewide legislation and hosted a panel discussion in June 2007 with (Austin) Mayor Will Wynn to discuss the role of buildings and climate change. Chapter leaders believe their achievements can be credited to the alliances they formed. Their partnerships broadened their reach, created long-term allies, and allowed both less experienced and veteran members to rise as leaders.
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Election Results: 2008 Board of Directors
The Central Texas-Balcones Chapter has elected their new board for 2008! This year saw an outstanding group of candidates. We would like to thank the entire slate who devoted the time and energy to run. Thanks also to all the chapter members who took the time to vote - you are helping shape the future of our Chapter.
To see a list of the new board members, click here. |
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CMPBS and Chapter Christmas Party
The Central Texas - Balcones Chapter teamed up with the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems (more succinctly known as CMPBS) for a Holiday party this past December. As has come to be expected with CMPBS events, generous portions of potluck style food, great music, and a blazing fire set the tone for a fabulous winter evening.
Please check back soon for event photos!
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Past In The Spotlight
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NEWS AND INFORMATION
U.S. Department of Energy Selects San Antonio as one of 12 Cities to Advance Solar American Initiative. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman today announced that DOE will make available up to $2.4 million to 12 cities across the country selected as Solar America Cities, chosen for their commitment and comprehensive approach to the deployment of solar technologies and the development of sustainable solar infrastructures. Click here.
Austin chosen as case study in AIA’s recently released “Local Leaders in Sustainability: A Study of Green Building Programs in Our Nation’s Communities.” The Local Leaders Report examines the current state of green building laws in American cities as of 2007. Since 2003 the number of cities with green building programs has increased greater than 400%, due to a concerted effort by local political leaders, officials, architects and others within the design/building industry, and grassroots support. Click here.
Sustainable design practices honor and re-invigorates an underutilized area of San Antonio. The SoFlo Office Studios by OCO Architects in San Antonio, Texas, earns LEED Certification. Read the full article...
Bexar County passes green building policy for County Buildings as part of their Energy Conservation and Recycling Policy, effective October 23, 2007. Under the new Policy, LEED Silver will be required for new construction as well as for renovations of county buildings. Read full policy.
City of Austin approved a Zero Energy Homes Initiative on 10/18/07. A series of code amendments will make all new single-family homes capable of producing as much energy as they comsume by the year 2015. Read full article.
Green Mountain Energy's Austin Coporate Offices are certified Silver under LEED Commercial Interiors ... click here
For GME LEED Scorecard, click here
Past News |
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