Arkansas Legislative Links
Posted on 05. Apr, 2011 by Karen Stewart, LEED AP in News
What is Renewable Energy?
Posted on 10. Mar, 2011 by Kimberly in Energy, News
Renewable Energy Sources
In just the last couple of weeks we have all seen gas prices increasing at a remarkable rate and you might begin to think “there has to be another option.” Well, if you are close enough you can start biking or walking to work or you can carpool, or start thinking long term about alternative energy sources. Renewable energy not only has an infinite supply, but also has multiple benefits to us and to our Earth.
Utilizing renewable energy can:
- eliminate waste by processing municipal solid waste and garbage into energy
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global warming
- grow local economies and reduce transportation
- alleviate competition for fossil fuels
- preserve water and air quality
So, what exactly is renewable energy? From the Sustainable World Sourcebook renewable energy is “any energy resource that is naturally regenerated over a short time scale and derived:
- directly from the sun (such as thermal, photochemical, and photoelectric),
- indirectly from the sun (such as wind, hydropower, and photosynthetic energy stored in biomass),
- from other natural movements and mechanisms of the environment (such as geothermal and tidal energy)”
How can we reduce global warming with efficient energy choices? The National Resources Defense Council lists six major opportunities to reduce global warming
- Reduce heat and electricity use with sustainable building
- Increase vehicle efficiency and reduce vehicle travel with self-sufficient communities
- Reduce use of fuel for heat and power with industrial efficiency
- Use renewable electricity
- Use low-carbon transportation fuels to replace imported oil
- Implement carbon capture and storage in coal fired power plants
Where does your state stand in the quest to harness renewable energy?
visit http://www.nrdc.org/energy/renewables/default.asp to find out!
Risks of Shale Gas Development in the Natural State
Posted on 21. Feb, 2011 by Kimberly in Energy, News
The Arkansas Public Policy Panel recently released a report describing the rapid growth of natural gas extraction, the impact of gas drilling, and the recommendations to reduce the problems we are currently experiencing.
“Arkansas in the Balance: Managing the Risks of Shale Gas Development in the Natural State”
http://media.arkansasonline.com/news/documents/2011/02/17/A3Preport.pdf
Follow the link above to view the report and to fully understand the risks associated with natural gas drilling.
Reduce Consumption, Preserve Our Planet
Posted on 14. Feb, 2011 by Kimberly in News, Sustainability
Have you turned on a faucet today and had access to clean drinkable water? If so, you are probably better off than the 40% of the Earth’s population that still carries their water from wells. We often take for granted our easy access to water and ability to shower as often and long as we want. Although a little over 70% of the Earth is covered in water, 97% of that water is undrinkable. 2% of the drinkable water is frozen in glaciers and ice caps, leaving 1% for residential, community, agricultural, manufacturing, and personal needs.
By the year 2050 the United Nations has estimated there will be 4 billion people living in water-stressed nations. So what can we do to help preserve water?
Every Drop Counts http://documents.foodandwaterwatch.org/waterTips_online.pdf
Calculate your water footprint www.h2oconserve.org
Can you imagine an area of rainforest the size of West Virginia being cut down each day? Well, currently 100,000 acres of tropical rainforest are being destroyed each day and yes that many acres equals the size of West Virginia. Deforestation releases massive amount of greenhouse gases, roughly 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions are due to deforestation. In addition to contributing to global warming emissions, deforestation is also accelerating species loss. Every 10-20 minutes a species is becoming extinct! We are currently experiencing the greatest extinction period since the dinosaur exodus. You may be thinking “these are huge issues, how are my actions going to help prevent deforestation or help preserve our Earth’s biodiversity?”
Deforestation in Haiti
A few things you can do are:
- Reduce you beef consumption, source meat responsibly
- Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo on wood and paper products
- Do not purchase products made from endangered species’ parts
- Grow a wildlife garden instead of a lawn
- Support animal rehabilitation centers and conservation groups
Saving Our Life Support Systems
Posted on 31. Jan, 2011 by Kimberly in News, Sustainability
In my last post on the “Sustainable World Sourcebook” I discussed how to “Get Informed and Get Involved.” This week I want to help inform you about the state of our life support systems, our oceans.
I have always loved the ocean and have made a point of visiting an ocean almost every summer. I am also an avid fish eater. I tend to watch what I eat and choose healthier options, which are often fish courses. Apparently I am not the only one; since the 1950’s global fish consumption has tripled. If we remain at today’s rates of withdrawal by 2050 all species of wild seafood we are currently fishing could be depleted by 90%! Overfishing is just one of the problems affecting the health of our world’s oceans. Global warming is causing ocean acidification and pollution is creating dead zones, uninhabitable areas that are miles long. Our oceans cover 75% of the globe, such an immense amount and yet we are still depleting, polluting, and destroying them.
One item on my bucket list has been to get my scuba license and go scuba diving among a beautiful coral reef. The “Sourcebook” describes coral reefs as “Colorful ‘Ra
inforests of the sea’”, what a beautiful and enticing description. However, if I want to achieve this bucket list item, I need to register for scuba lessons sooner rather than later. According to a report by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network in 2008, within the next 40 years many of the remaining coral reefs will disappear if our current emission trends continue and 19% of coral reefs are already dead. While I may be able to explore the beauty of a coral reef in my lifetime, will my 5 month old daughter or her children have this luxury? What will be left for our future generations?
So what can WE do to lessen these detrimental affects on our oceans?
- Choose fish and seafood labeled as “sustainable” or “farmed”
- Reduce your use of household toxins: fertilizers, detergents with phosphate, and toxic cleaning products
- Buy local: support local Farmer’s Markets and fishers
- Reduce your use of fossil fuel-based energy, plastic, and styrofoam
- Do not buy coral jewelry or touch coral when snorkeling or scuba diving
Join in the efforts to save our life support systems!
Get Informed and Get Involved
Posted on 07. Jan, 2011 by Kimberly in News, Sustainability
This is the first of seven entries I will complete from my reading of the “Sustainable World Sourcebook” compiled by the Sustainable World Coalition. The “Sourcebook” is a valuable tool that will inspire you to take action and teach you how to make a difference.
In today’s world many of us believe nature is a resource for us to use at our disposal, that we can discard anything and everything, and that we as humans are separate from animals and nature. These assumptions, coupled with our cultural separation of the human and natural world, created a severe state of stress for our Earth. Fortunately the modern world’s understanding is transforming. We are recognizing that our cultural perspective has been misguided. Our current unsustainable individual paths can evolve, establishing communities that work together toward a sustainable way of life.
So, how do you get involved and make a change? Just as our individual actions created the state of stress we are currently in, it is our actions that will also provide many opportunities for us to mend the results of our past behaviors. Empowering yourself through education and awareness of your environmental impact and fostering relationships and conversations with like minded people is a great place to start. Know that one individual can make a difference. Get Informed and Get Involved!
Educate yourself!
Why Did You Become a LEED Professional
Posted on 03. Sep, 2010 by Karen Stewart, LEED AP in LEED Training, News
Over 11,000 people have become a LEED Green Associate. Want to see who they are? Search the LEED Professional directory.
Share YOUR story! Why did you become a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP?
Leave reply below.
10 Steps to Become a LEED AP BD+C
Posted on 30. Aug, 2010 by Karen Stewart, LEED AP in LEED Training, News
- Pass the LEED Green Associate exam.
- Determine Eligibility
- “Candidates must have experience, within three years of application, with a project registered for or certified in one of the LEED Rating Systems.” www.gbci.org
- Read the LEED AP BD+C Candidate Handbook.
- Attend the 2-Day course with EcoPotential
- Study 2 to 6 months. A study plan, standard reference guide and flash cards are provided with the EcoPotential course.
- Take practice exams. These exams are provided with the EcoPotential course.
- When scoring at least 80% on practice exams, apply for the LEED AP BD+C exam.
- Once GBCI accepts your exam application, register for your exam.
- Once you have registered for your exam, schedule the date of your exam.
- Take the 2 hour exam and pass!
How long does it take? 2 to 6 months
Who should become a LEED AP BD+C?
“For professionals participating in the design and construction phases of high performance, healthful, durable, affordable, and environmentally sound commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential buildings, the LEED AP Building Design + Construction exam is designed to measure your knowledge and skill in understanding the LEED Rating System and ability to facilitate the project certification process.” www.gbci.org
How much does it cost to become a LEED AP BD+C? $1,000.00
- EcoPotential Training Course paid to EcoPotential
- $600 ( 2-day course)
- Application Fee paid to GBCI (paid at step 7 above)
- $100
- Exam Fee paid to GBCI (paid at step 8 above)
- $250
- Credential Maintenance Program renewal fee paid to GBCI
- $50 paid every 2 years
10 Steps to Become a LEED Green Associate
Posted on 30. Aug, 2010 by Karen Stewart, LEED AP in LEED Training, News
- Determine Eligibility
- Candidates must have experience in the form of EITHER involvement on a project registered for LEED certification OR current or previous employment in a sustainable field of work OR enrollment in or completion of an education program that addresses green building principles. Only one of these criteria must be met to demonstrate eligibility. The EcoPotential course meets the education program option.
- Read the LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook.
- Attend the 2-Day course with EcoPotential
- Study 2 to 10 weeks. A 239 page study guide is provided with the EcoPotential course.
- Take practice exams. These exams are provided with the EcoPotential course.
- When scoring at least 80% on practice exams, apply for the LEED Green Associate exam.
- Once GBCI accepts your exam application, register for your exam.
- Once you have registered for your exam, schedule the date of your exam.
- Study utilizing flashcards and mp3 recordings. These are provided with EcoPotential course.
- Take the 2 hour exam and pass!
How long does it take? 4 to 12 weeks
Who should become a LEED Green Associate?
“For professionals who support green building design, construction, and operations, the LEED Green Associate credential denotes basic knowledge of green building principles and practices and LEED.” This is also the first step in becoming a LEED AP.
How much does it cost to become a LEED Green Associate? $750
- EcoPotential Training Course paid to EcoPotential
- $450 ( 2-day course)
- Application Fee paid to GBCI (paid at step 6 above)
- $50
- Exam Fee paid to GBCI (paid at step 7 above)
- $200
- Credential Maintenance Program renewal fee paid to GBCI
- $50 paid every 2 years
LEED Green Associate Frequently Asked Questions
Posted on 26. Aug, 2010 by Karen Stewart, LEED AP in LEED Training, News
The Green Building Certification Institute has a great section on their website to answer most of your FAQs about becoming a LEED Green Associate.
Check it out at:
http://www.gbci.org/org-nav/contact/credentialing-faq/leed-green-associate-faq.aspx
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