James River Green Building Council

This Month
>JRGBC 2007 Calendar
>2010 Imperative Global Emergency Teach-In
>2007 Go Green Competition
>JRGBC Announces $10,000 Grant
>Green Legislation Before the Virginia General Assembly
>Get Involved and Join a JRGBC Committe
>Richmond Town Hall Features Climate and Green Building Experts
>Help EPA Document Energy Savings in New Building Design
>Green Roof Infrastructure: Design & Installation 201 Course
>AIA COTE Top Ten Green Projects Awards
>Environmental Design + Construction Magazine's Fifth Annual Excellence in Design Awards
>Fireman's Fund Launches Green Building Insurance
>Register On-Line for New LEED AP Exams
>Green Arlington
>VRA is Holding a License Plate Design Contest
>2007 JRGBC Board

JRGBC 2007 Calendar

"Green Drinks" JRGBC Socials
Beginning on Thursday, January 25th and occurring on the last Thursday of every month, the JRGBC will host a "Green Drinks."
6-8pm @ Legends Brewery (click HERE for directions and a map)

Green Drinks is a simple and unstructured event where people interested in sustainability can get together to meet others, network, talk shop, learn something new, share something innovative or maybe even find a job! When you arrive, there will be someone to welcome you and have you fill out a name tag. It's a great time to chat with people you know as well as make new acquaintances. Everyone is welcome and is also welcome to invite others. See Greendrinks International for more info about this novel idea.

JRGBC Programs
Every Third Thursday of Every Other Month, Beginning in February
Lunch Meetings ~ Noon - 2pm
Location and Topics TBA
Come network, socialize and learn the latest trends in "green building"

February 15, 2007
June 21, 2007
August 16, 2007
October 18, 2007

JRGBC Special Events

Go Green Project Awards and Forum
Friday, April 20, 2007
Time and Location TBA

Third Annual JRGBC Green Building Awards Luncheon
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Time and Location TBA

Other JRGBC Events & Programs
Other JRGBC programs, events and tours will be scheduled throughout the year as they come up.

2010 Imperative Global Emergency Teach-In
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Noon - 3:30 pm

Don't miss the 2010 Imperative Global Emergency Teach-In addressing global warming and climate change. The Teach-In is an interactive webcast broadcast live from New York that will reach more than 500,000 students, faculty, deans and practicing professionals in the architecture, planning and design communities in both North and South America. It will bring together the entire academic design community to understand and discuss the implications of global warming and the design community's role in addressing this crisis.

Produced by Architecture 2030/America Speaks, the webcast will feature speakers including Susan Szenasy , Metropolis Magazine; Dr. James Hansen, NASA GISS; Edward Mazria, AIA, Architecture 2030; and Chris Luebkeman, Arup. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.

Teach-In Registration Update:
The response to the 2010 Imperative Global Emergency Teach-in has been incredible with tens of thousands of people from all over the world registering. This is a reminder to all the Architecture 2030 subscribers who wish to participate to register soon. The Teach-in will be a great opportunity to hear the latest developments on global warming and climate change, presented by Dr. James Hansen, Director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies; to learn why the Building Sector is the major contributor to global warming and how those in the design fields can turn this sector around, presented by Edward Mazria, Founder and Executive Director of Architecture 2030; and to be inspired by the global building projects of Arup that are achieving dramatically reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, presented by Chris Luebkeman, Director of Global Foresight and Innovation Initiative.

Because the Teach-in will be interactive (providing for questions and comments to be submitted in real-time), it will also be an unprecedented opportunity to engage a large cross-section of your peers in a critical discussion on the future of design as it relates to global warming and climate change. In addition to opening the Teach-in and speaking on the importance of all design fields in addressing this global crisis, Susan Szenasy, Editor of Metropolis, will also be moderating this thought-provoking and informative discussion.

HSW Continuing Education Credits:
The Teach-in qualifies for three AIA HSW Continuing Education Credits. We will be posting the instructions for how to apply for these credits on the website next week.

Technical/Equipment Information:
To avoid millions of individual log-ons (which only Google could handle!), we are encouraging everyone to participate in groups whenever possible. This will allow for and encourage discussion, which is critical to the goals and success of the Teach-in. We are also asking everyone to limit their log-ons to one computer for viewing the web-cast (via LCD projector and screen for groups) AND one computer/laptop per 100 participants for submitting questions/comments. For example, a group of 1 to 100 would have one computer for viewing/screen projection and one computer for submitting questions/comments. A group of 800 would have one computer for viewing/screen projection and up to 8 computers/laptops for submitting questions/comments. If you feel you need additional computers/laptops, we ask that you limit your groups' log-ons to one computer/laptop per 50 participants.

For more information, please click HERE.

Richmond area participants:
Join us at the Virginia Center for Architecture
2501 Monument Avenue
Bring your own bag lunch, and plan to arrive by 11:45 AM.

RSVP to info@aiaric.org no later than Friday, February 16.

2007 Go Green Competition
James River Green Building Council (JRGBC) is calling for submissions to its Second Virginia Go Green Competition. The program was created to highlight design that supports the principles of sustainability in Central Virginia. JRGBC seeks Virginia designers' projects for display and discussion that illustrate regional efforts to integrate environmentally responsible design methods and materials into the built environment.

Winners of the Virginia Go Green Competition will be selected by a panel of five jurors to include Frank Harmon, FAIA. Winning entries will be discussed by the panel of jurors in a Forum at the 2nd Annual Virginia Go Green Awards Ceremony, moved this year to April 20th to coincide with Earth Day 2007.

Entry forms and fees are due February 16th and submissions are due March 30th . For more information, please click HERE.

JRGBC Announces $10,000 Grant
The JRGBC will be awarding a $10,000 grant to promote the inclusion of green features to K-12 schools and affordable housing projects in Central Virginia.

Applications must be postmarked no later than April 5, 2007. Awards will be made no later than April 30, 2007. Please click HERE for an application and additional requirements.

Green Legislation before the Virginia General Assembly
What can you do to help promote good stewardship of our taxpayer dollars? Well, through Wednesday January 17th, you can get in touch with your Delegate and your Senator, and ask them to sign on as co-patrons to any of these bills. At any time during this session, you can also ask them to support these bills when they come to a vote.

If you don't know who your Delegate or Senator is, you can very easily find out by clicking HERE and then clicking on the link "Who's My Legislator?"

Remember, this is a short session, so time is of the essence. Please get involved and let your representatives know you care about high performance buildings!

There are six pieces of legislation before the General Assembly this session that center around high performance state-owned buildings. Brief summaries of these bills are as follows:

HOUSE BILL NO. 2555 (click HERE for full Bill)
Department of General Services; Green Buildings Act.
Patrons-- Ebbin, Moran, Bulova and Toscano; Senator: Edwards
Requires all major facility projects of state agencies to be constructed to meet the United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) silver certification standard, unless granted an exemption by the Director of the Department of General Services. Such projects will not be required to obtain official LEED certification. Application of the requirement will be phased in over the next three years based on the square footage of the project. The provisions of the bill do not apply to construction projects of public school districts.

SENATE BILL NO. 1273 (click HERE for full Bill)
Department of General Services; Green Buildings Act.
Patron-- Whipple
Requires all major facility projects of state agencies to be constructed to meet United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification standards, unless granted an exemption by the Director of the Department of General Services. Such projects will not be required to obtain official LEED certification. Application of the requirement will be phased in over the next three years based on the square footage of the project. The provisions of the bill do not apply to construction projects of public school districts.

HOUSE BILL NO. 2656 (click HERE for full Bill)
Department of General Services; capital outlay projects; green buildings. Patrons-- Marsden and Sickles
Requires all departments, agencies, and institutions of the Commonwealth to ensure that the design and construction of state-owned buildings comply with the LEED Silver standard established by the United States Green Building Council unless an exemption is granted by the Division of Engineering and Buildings of the Department of General Services. The bill provides for an appeal process to the Division that shall include a requirement that a department, agency, or institution demonstrate that the project requirements would result in a cost that is at least 15 percent higher than the desired design cost if the project were built to the LEED Silver Standard.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 681 (click HERE for full Bill)
Study; climate change; report.
Patrons -- Ebbin and Bulova
Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the risks and opportunities created in the Commonwealth as a result of the changing climate. Specifically, the joint subcommittee will report on steps the public sector can take to minimize harmful impacts on the environment, such as green building practices and forest preservation; identify business opportunities for Virginia industry arising in various economic sectors that benefit from the efforts to mitigate the harm from climate change, such as alternative fuel technology and feedstocks; review the costs and benefits of possible regulatory schemes, such as market-based and command control initiatives; and suggest ways that the Commonwealth can act now to reduce the future cost of such regulation and explore the value of participating in a nonnational regulatory scheme.

SENATE BILL NO. 1023 (click HERE for full Bill)
Department of General Services; Division of Engineering and Buildings; purchase of electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
Patron -- Whipple
Requires that at least 15 percent of the total electricity purchased by state-owned buildings be electricity generated from renewable energy sources by 2020 pursuant to a phase-in schedule. The bill defines "renewable energy" as energy derived from sunlight, wind, falling water, sustainable biomass, energy from waste, wave motion, tides, and geothermal power and does not include energy derived from coal, oil, natural gas or nuclear power.

SENATE BILL NO. 1275 (click HERE for full Bill)
Renewable energy and energy efficiency program requirements.
Patron -- Whipple
Requires that by the period June 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021, and in subsequent years, 12% of the electric energy sold by each supplier to retail customers in the Commonwealth be generated from renewable generation energy sources, and that each supplier achieve reductions in the consumption of electric energy by its retail customers, through the supplier's implementation of energy efficiency programs, in an amount equal to 5% of the amount of electric energy consumed by its retail customers in 2006. The requirements are phased in over a period commencing June 1, 2008. The 12% requirement for renewable generation energy sources is comprised of three categories of renewable energy sources, each of which has separate percentage requirements. Generators of renewable energy receive renewable energy credits for power generated through eligible renewable sources or conserved through energy efficiency programs. Suppliers who do not comply with the minimum percentage requirements are required to make alternative compliance payments into a new Virginia Sustainable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Energy Conservation Fund. Distributors are authorized to recover incremental costs of compliance incurred during the capped rate period under the procedure for recovery of the costs of purchased power. Electric cooperatives and municipal electric utilities are exempted from the measure.

Get Involved and Join a JRGBC Committee
As the JRGBC Chapter grows and as the JRGBC Board is expanded, there are plenty of opportunities for you to help us spread the "green" word! There is something for everyone. Whether you can devote a few hours a week, a few hours a month, or just a few hours one month of the year, there is a Committee that can use your help.

If you are interested in any of the committees below, or would like to find out more about what the committees do, please e-mail the Committee Chairs directly.

Advocacy: Bryna Dunn
Communications: Scott Kyle and Sandra Leibowitz Earley
GoGreen Forum: Scott Kyle
Membership: Matte Anderson
Programs: Scott Wheeler
Special Events: Karl Bren
Sponsorships: Don Guthrie

Richmond Town Hall Features Climate and Green Building Experts
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
First Unitarian Universalist Church
1000 Blanton Avenue
Richmond, Virginia
7:30 - 9:30pm
Free

Town Hall Engages Citizen Responses to Future Energy Challenges facing the region and personal solutions in response to climate change will be the focus. The program will feature engaging presentations from each of the four guest speakers, followed by a Call to Local Action and a moderated Question and Answer session.

Mike Tidwell: Author, Founder of CCAN: Keynote Speaker
Mike Town: Director, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club
Rev. Jeanne M. Pupke: Senior Minister, First Unitarian Universalist Church
Karl Bren : President of Green Visions Consulting.

This event was planned by the sponsors to respond to the increasing attention drawn to the issues of global warming, green energy, and energy security. The discussion will focus on specific local solutions that citizens can pursue in order to confront these challenges.

Sponsors (click to go to web sites):
CCAN Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Sierra Club, Virginia Chapter
VALCV- Virginia League of Conservation Voters
Green Visions Consulting
Earthcraft Virginia
AirResolutions (866) 604-7699
Earth Committee-UU Church
VICPP- The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy/Interfaith Power & Light

Help EPA Document Energy Savings in New Building Design
ENERGY STAR Challenge
Team with EPA and ENERGY STAR to report the intended energy use of buildings designed by your firm. It's that easy. Bring your whole-building energy simulations to table. Help us show that our built environment can use less energy.

1. Select your most energy-efficient design projects
2. Determine the design's energy efficiency rating by using Target Finder
3. Projects with an energy performance rating of 75 or higher achieve ìDesigned to Earn the ENERGY STARî and are eligible for the Challenge
4. Submit eligible design projects to EPA by March 2, 2007

EPA will recognize design firms on the ENERGY STAR web site, in nationally distributed publications, and at national and local events. To learn more, please click HERE.

For more information, join the webcast on January 23rd, 1:30pm EST by clicking HERE. Eligible for AIA learning credits.
Green Roof Infrastructure: Design & Installation 201 Course
Friday, January 26, 2007
McGuire Woods LLP
One James Center
901 East Cary Street
Second Floor
Richmond, Virginia
8:30am - 5pm
Cost: $395

For more infomation, please click HERE.
To register on-line, please click HERE.

AIA COTE Top Ten Green Projects Awards
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) is currently accepting online submissions for the 2007 COTE Top Ten Green Projects awards program. Since 1996, this juried recognition program has celebrated the best in sustainable design. The project submission deadline has been extended to January 31, 2007 . For details please click HERE.

Environmental Design + Construction Magazine's Fifth Annual Excellence in Design Awards
Environmental Design + Construction Magazine is seeking completed Project Entries for the Fifth Annual Excellence in Desing Awards. Buildings must clearly demonstrate a commitment to green building and sustainable design, and the submission deadline for this award is February 7, 2007. For details, please click HERE.

Fireman's Fund Launches Green Building Insurance
Now there's another reason to go green: Fireman's Fund Insurance Company has launched Green Building Replacement, Green Upgrade, and Commissioning coverages, which offer significant discounts for LEED Certified buildings because of their lower risk factors. Fireman's Fund® is the first and only insurance company to offer coverage specifically for green commercial buildings and to address the unique features of sustainable building practices.

The coverage both protects buildings that are already LEED certified, and facilitates renovating and upgrading buildings to be green. Conventional insurance policies only cover the cost to restore a building to its original condition, but under Fireman's Fund new coverages commercial property owners and managers are able to rebuild and replace with green alternatives such as:

~ Non-toxic, low-odor paints and carpeting
~ Energy Star-rated electrical equipment
~ Interior lighting systems that meet LEED requirements
~ Water efficient interior plumbing
~ Energy Star-qualified roof and insulation materials
~ Commissioning ñ Engineering inspection of systems such as HVAC

Fireman's Fund worked closely with USGBC to ensure that the coverage and upgrade options align with LEED, and the initiative has been embraced by the green building industry. Fireman's Fund representatives attended the Greenbuild Conference and Expo in November, and USGBC's President, CEO and Founding Chairman Rick Fedrizzi will be appearing in a video about the coverage. To learn more, please click HERE.

Register Online for New LEED AP Exams
USGBC has launched two new tracks towards earning LEED Professional Accreditation: The LEED for Commercial Interiors exam, for professionals participating in the design and construction of high performance commercial spaces and tenant improvements; and the LEED for Existing Buildings exam, for professionals participating in the operation and maintenance of existing buildings. USGBC has also released a new version of the existing exam for LEED for New Construction, updated for version 2.2.

In addition to being able to choose from three exam tracks, exam candidates and existing LEED APs can now create "Accreditation Profiles" via the USGBC Web site, which allows them to schedule and register for the exam(s) online; manage their accreditation records; and view exam results.

To learn more about the new exam tracks or to update your Accreditation Profile, please click HERE.

Green Arlington
Paul Ferguson, the new chairman of the Arlington County Board, announced this week that he wants to implement a raft of new measures to cut his jurisdiction's greenhouse emissions 10 percent by 2012. Under the plan, the county will voluntarily meet national "green" building standards -- which emphasize energy efficiency -- in its new public structures and give private developers incentives to do the same. Arlington will experiment with solar power panels and purchase 5 percent of its electricity from renewable sources -- at this point, energy from wind farms in West Virginia. And the county will plant more trees and pass out free energy-saving light bulbs.
VRA is Holding a License Plate Design Contest!
The Virginia Recycling Association is holding a design contest for a license plate to be offered by the VA DMV. Other environmental license plates include Chesapeake Bay, Clean Special Fuel, Wildflower and several Wildlife plates. This new plate will show support for recycling, raise awareness, and provide funds to the VRA for its important work. What a great advertisement for recycling across the state!

Who Should Design A Plate?
Artists, Students, Environmentalists, Anyone!

This would be a great Earth Day project for students. And don't forget that America Recycles is a year-long campaign now. Why not start your America Recycles events early this year and use this contest as your promotion. Deadline for submission of designs is April 20, 2007. Designs will be presented and voted on at the conference in May. For more details on the license plate design contest, please click HERE.

How to order a recycling license plate.
Encourage everyone you know to order a recycling license plate. The DMV requires a minimum of 350 pre-paid applicants to produce a specialized license plate. Complete the form by clicking HERE and send with a check for $25 made out to Virginia Recycling Association.

Mail to: Virginia Recycling Association, P.O. Box 18155, Richmond, VA 23266.

According to instructions from the VA DMV, VRA will hold all applications and checks until the special license creation process is complete and then forward one large check to the VA DMV.

For more info, go click HERE or call 888-867-1923.

2007 JRGBC Board
Executive Board
Bryna Dunn, Chair, Moseley Architects
Patrick Farley, Vice-Chair, Watershed
Andrew McBride, Treasurer, University of Richmond
Don Guthrie, Secretary, McKinney & Company

One-Year Directors
Matte Anderson, Trane
Karl Bren, GreenVisions Consulting
Matt Carr, American Hydrotech
Chris Earley, Timmons Group
Scott Kyle, SKAAT
Sandra Leibowitz Earley, Sustainable Design Consulting
Scott Wheeler, BCWH

Two-Year Directors
Jeanne Indelicato Berry, Higgins & Gerstenmaier
Rebekah Burke, HSMM
Lynn Rogien, W.M. Jordan Company
Corey Simonpietri, ACF Environmental


Promoting Healthy Places to Live and Work in the Central Virginia Region
	January 2007 Newsletter	From the Website
	This Month >JRGBC 2007 Calendar >2010 Imperative Global Emergency Teach-In >2007 Go Green Competition >JRGBC Announces $10,000 Grant >Green Legislation Before the Virginia General Assembly >Get Involved and Join a JRGBC Committe >Richmond Town Hall Features Climate and Green Building Experts >Help EPA Document Energy Savings in New Building Design >Green Roof Infrastructure: Design & Installation 201 Course >AIA COTE Top Ten Green Projects Awards >Environmental Design + Construction Magazine's Fifth Annual Excellence in Design Awards >Fireman's Fund Launches Green Building Insurance >Register On-Line for New LEED AP Exams >Green Arlington >VRA is Holding a License Plate Design Contest >2007 JRGBC Board JRGBC 2007 Calendar "Green Drinks" JRGBC Socials Beginning on Thursday, January 25th and occurring on the last Thursday of every month, the JRGBC will host a "Green Drinks." 6-8pm @ Legends Brewery (click HERE for directions and a map) Green Drinks is a simple and unstructured event where people interested in sustainability can get together to meet others, network, talk shop, learn something new, share something innovative or maybe even find a job! When you arrive, there will be someone to welcome you and have you fill out a name tag. It's a great time to chat with people you know as well as make new acquaintances. Everyone is welcome and is also welcome to invite others. See Greendrinks International for more info about this novel idea. JRGBC Programs Every Third Thursday of Every Other Month, Beginning in February Lunch Meetings ~ Noon - 2pm Location and Topics TBA Come network, socialize and learn the latest trends in "green building" February 15, 2007 June 21, 2007 August 16, 2007 October 18, 2007 JRGBC Special Events Go Green Project Awards and Forum Friday, April 20, 2007 Time and Location TBA *Third Annual JRGBC Green Building Awards Luncheon* Wednesday, November 28, 2007 Time and Location TBA Other JRGBC Events & Programs Other JRGBC programs, events and tours will be scheduled throughout the year as they come up. 2010 Imperative Global Emergency Teach-In Tuesday, February 20, 2007 Noon - 3:30 pm Don't miss the 2010 Imperative Global Emergency Teach-In addressing global warming and climate change. The Teach-In is an interactive webcast broadcast live from New York that will reach more than 500,000 students, faculty, deans and practicing professionals in the architecture, planning and design communities in both North and South America. It will bring together the entire academic design community to understand and discuss the implications of global warming and the design community's role in addressing this crisis. Produced by Architecture 2030/America Speaks, the webcast will feature speakers including Susan Szenasy , Metropolis Magazine; Dr. James Hansen, NASA GISS; Edward Mazria, AIA, Architecture 2030; and Chris Luebkeman, Arup. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Teach-In Registration Update: The response to the 2010 Imperative Global Emergency Teach-in has been incredible with tens of thousands of people from all over the world registering. This is a reminder to all the Architecture 2030 subscribers who wish to participate to register soon. The Teach-in will be a great opportunity to hear the latest developments on global warming and climate change, presented by Dr. James Hansen, Director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies; to learn why the Building Sector is the major contributor to global warming and how those in the design fields can turn this sector around, presented by Edward Mazria, Founder and Executive Director of Architecture 2030; and to be inspired by the global building projects of Arup that are achieving dramatically reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, presented by Chris Luebkeman, Director of Global Foresight and Innovation Initiative. Because the Teach-in will be interactive (providing for questions and comments to be submitted in real-time), it will also be an unprecedented opportunity to engage a large cross-section of your peers in a critical discussion on the future of design as it relates to global warming and climate change. In addition to opening the Teach-in and speaking on the importance of all design fields in addressing this global crisis, Susan Szenasy, Editor of Metropolis, will also be moderating this thought-provoking and informative discussion. HSW Continuing Education Credits: The Teach-in qualifies for three AIA HSW Continuing Education Credits. We will be posting the instructions for how to apply for these credits on the website next week. Technical/Equipment Information: To avoid millions of individual log-ons (which only Google could handle!), we are encouraging everyone to participate in groups whenever possible. This will allow for and encourage discussion, which is critical to the goals and success of the Teach-in. We are also asking everyone to limit their log-ons to one computer for viewing the web-cast (via LCD projector and screen for groups) AND one computer/laptop per 100 participants for submitting questions/comments. For example, a group of 1 to 100 would have one computer for viewing/screen projection and one computer for submitting questions/comments. A group of 800 would have one computer for viewing/screen projection and up to 8 computers/laptops for submitting questions/comments. If you feel you need additional computers/laptops, we ask that you limit your groups' log-ons to one computer/laptop per 50 participants. For more information, please click HERE. Richmond area participants: Join us at the Virginia Center for Architecture 2501 Monument Avenue Bring your own bag lunch, and plan to arrive by 11:45 AM. RSVP to info@aiaric.org no later than Friday, February 16. 2007 Go Green Competition James River Green Building Council (JRGBC) is calling for submissions to its Second Virginia Go Green Competition. The program was created to highlight design that supports the principles of sustainability in Central Virginia. JRGBC seeks Virginia designers' projects for display and discussion that illustrate regional efforts to integrate environmentally responsible design methods and materials into the built environment. Winners of the Virginia Go Green Competition will be selected by a panel of five jurors to include Frank Harmon, FAIA. Winning entries will be discussed by the panel of jurors in a Forum at the 2nd Annual Virginia Go Green Awards Ceremony, moved this year to April 20th to coincide with Earth Day 2007. Entry forms and fees are due February 16th and submissions are due March 30th . For more information, please click HERE. JRGBC Announces $10,000 Grant The JRGBC will be awarding a $10,000 grant to promote the inclusion of green features to K-12 schools and affordable housing projects in Central Virginia. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 5, 2007. Awards will be made no later than April 30, 2007. Please click HERE for an application and additional requirements. Green Legislation before the Virginia General Assembly What can you do to help promote good stewardship of our taxpayer dollars? Well, through Wednesday January 17th, you can get in touch with your Delegate and your Senator, and ask them to sign on as co-patrons to any of these bills. At any time during this session, you can also ask them to support these bills when they come to a vote. If you don't know who your Delegate or Senator is, you can very easily find out by clicking HERE and then clicking on the link "Who's My Legislator?" Remember, this is a short session, so time is of the essence. Please get involved and let your representatives know you care about high performance buildings! There are six pieces of legislation before the General Assembly this session that center around high performance state-owned buildings. Brief summaries of these bills are as follows: HOUSE BILL NO. 2555 (click HERE for full Bill) Department of General Services; Green Buildings Act. Patrons-- Ebbin, Moran, Bulova and Toscano; Senator: Edwards Requires all major facility projects of state agencies to be constructed to meet the United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) silver certification standard, unless granted an exemption by the Director of the Department of General Services. Such projects will not be required to obtain official LEED certification. Application of the requirement will be phased in over the next three years based on the square footage of the project. The provisions of the bill do not apply to construction projects of public school districts. SENATE BILL NO. 1273 (click HERE for full Bill) Department of General Services; Green Buildings Act. Patron-- Whipple Requires all major facility projects of state agencies to be constructed to meet United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification standards, unless granted an exemption by the Director of the Department of General Services. Such projects will not be required to obtain official LEED certification. Application of the requirement will be phased in over the next three years based on the square footage of the project. The provisions of the bill do not apply to construction projects of public school districts. HOUSE BILL NO. 2656 (click HERE for full Bill) Department of General Services; capital outlay projects; green buildings. Patrons-- Marsden and Sickles Requires all departments, agencies, and institutions of the Commonwealth to ensure that the design and construction of state-owned buildings comply with the LEED Silver standard established by the United States Green Building Council unless an exemption is granted by the Division of Engineering and Buildings of the Department of General Services. The bill provides for an appeal process to the Division that shall include a requirement that a department, agency, or institution demonstrate that the project requirements would result in a cost that is at least 15 percent higher than the desired design cost if the project were built to the LEED Silver Standard. HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 681 (click HERE for full Bill) Study; climate change; report. Patrons -- Ebbin and Bulova Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the risks and opportunities created in the Commonwealth as a result of the changing climate. Specifically, the joint subcommittee will report on steps the public sector can take to minimize harmful impacts on the environment, such as green building practices and forest preservation; identify business opportunities for Virginia industry arising in various economic sectors that benefit from the efforts to mitigate the harm from climate change, such as alternative fuel technology and feedstocks; review the costs and benefits of possible regulatory schemes, such as market-based and command control initiatives; and suggest ways that the Commonwealth can act now to reduce the future cost of such regulation and explore the value of participating in a nonnational regulatory scheme. SENATE BILL NO. 1023 (click HERE for full Bill) Department of General Services; Division of Engineering and Buildings; purchase of electricity generated from renewable energy sources. Patron -- Whipple Requires that at least 15 percent of the total electricity purchased by state-owned buildings be electricity generated from renewable energy sources by 2020 pursuant to a phase-in schedule. The bill defines "renewable energy" as energy derived from sunlight, wind, falling water, sustainable biomass, energy from waste, wave motion, tides, and geothermal power and does not include energy derived from coal, oil, natural gas or nuclear power. SENATE BILL NO. 1275 (click HERE for full Bill) Renewable energy and energy efficiency program requirements. Patron -- Whipple Requires that by the period June 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021, and in subsequent years, 12% of the electric energy sold by each supplier to retail customers in the Commonwealth be generated from renewable generation energy sources, and that each supplier achieve reductions in the consumption of electric energy by its retail customers, through the supplier's implementation of energy efficiency programs, in an amount equal to 5% of the amount of electric energy consumed by its retail customers in 2006. The requirements are phased in over a period commencing June 1, 2008. The 12% requirement for renewable generation energy sources is comprised of three categories of renewable energy sources, each of which has separate percentage requirements. Generators of renewable energy receive renewable energy credits for power generated through eligible renewable sources or conserved through energy efficiency programs. Suppliers who do not comply with the minimum percentage requirements are required to make alternative compliance payments into a new Virginia Sustainable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Energy Conservation Fund. Distributors are authorized to recover incremental costs of compliance incurred during the capped rate period under the procedure for recovery of the costs of purchased power. Electric cooperatives and municipal electric utilities are exempted from the measure. Get Involved and Join a JRGBC Committee As the JRGBC Chapter grows and as the JRGBC Board is expanded, there are plenty of opportunities for you to help us spread the "green" word! There is something for everyone. Whether you can devote a few hours a week, a few hours a month, or just a few hours one month of the year, there is a Committee that can use your help. If you are interested in any of the committees below, or would like to find out more about what the committees do, please e-mail the Committee Chairs directly. Advocacy: Bryna Dunn Communications: Scott Kyle and Sandra Leibowitz Earley GoGreen Forum: Scott Kyle Membership: Matte Anderson Programs: Scott Wheeler Special Events: Karl Bren Sponsorships: Don Guthrie Richmond Town Hall Features Climate and Green Building Experts Tuesday, January 16, 2007 First Unitarian Universalist Church 1000 Blanton Avenue Richmond, Virginia 7:30 - 9:30pm Free Town Hall Engages Citizen Responses to Future Energy Challenges facing the region and personal solutions in response to climate change will be the focus. The program will feature engaging presentations from each of the four guest speakers, followed by a Call to Local Action and a moderated Question and Answer session. Mike Tidwell: Author, Founder of CCAN: Keynote Speaker Mike Town: Director, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club Rev. Jeanne M. Pupke: Senior Minister, First Unitarian Universalist Church Karl Bren : President of Green Visions Consulting. This event was planned by the sponsors to respond to the increasing attention drawn to the issues of global warming, green energy, and energy security. The discussion will focus on specific local solutions that citizens can pursue in order to confront these challenges. Sponsors (click to go to web sites): CCAN Chesapeake Climate Action Network Sierra Club, Virginia Chapter VALCV- Virginia League of Conservation Voters Green Visions Consulting Earthcraft Virginia AirResolutions (866) 604-7699 Earth Committee-UU Church VICPP- The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy/Interfaith Power & Light Help EPA Document Energy Savings in New Building Design ENERGY STAR Challenge Team with EPA and ENERGY STAR to report the intended energy use of buildings designed by your firm. It's that easy. Bring your whole-building energy simulations to table. Help us show that our built environment can use less energy. 1. Select your most energy-efficient design projects 2. Determine the design's energy efficiency rating by using Target Finder 3. Projects with an energy performance rating of 75 or higher achieve ìDesigned to Earn the ENERGY STARî and are eligible for the Challenge 4. Submit eligible design projects to EPA by March 2, 2007 EPA will recognize design firms on the ENERGY STAR web site, in nationally distributed publications, and at national and local events. To learn more, please click HERE. For more information, join the webcast on January 23rd, 1:30pm EST by clicking HERE. Eligible for AIA learning credits. Green Roof Infrastructure: Design & Installation 201 Course Friday, January 26, 2007 McGuire Woods LLP One James Center 901 East Cary Street Second Floor Richmond, Virginia 8:30am - 5pm Cost: $395 For more infomation, please click HERE. To register on-line, please click HERE. AIA COTE Top Ten Green Projects Awards The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) is currently accepting online submissions for the 2007 COTE Top Ten Green Projects awards program. Since 1996, this juried recognition program has celebrated the best in sustainable design. The project submission deadline has been extended to January 31, 2007 . For details please click HERE. Environmental Design + Construction Magazine's Fifth Annual Excellence in Design Awards Environmental Design + Construction Magazine is seeking completed Project Entries for the Fifth Annual Excellence in Desing Awards. Buildings must clearly demonstrate a commitment to green building and sustainable design, and the submission deadline for this award is February 7, 2007. For details, please click HERE. Fireman's Fund Launches Green Building Insurance Now there's another reason to go green: Fireman's Fund Insurance Company has launched Green Building Replacement, Green Upgrade, and Commissioning coverages, which offer significant discounts for LEED Certified buildings because of their lower risk factors. Fireman's Fund® is the first and only insurance company to offer coverage specifically for green commercial buildings and to address the unique features of sustainable building practices. The coverage both protects buildings that are already LEED certified, and facilitates renovating and upgrading buildings to be green. Conventional insurance policies only cover the cost to restore a building to its original condition, but under Fireman's Fund new coverages commercial property owners and managers are able to rebuild and replace with green alternatives such as: ~ Non-toxic, low-odor paints and carpeting ~ Energy Star-rated electrical equipment ~ Interior lighting systems that meet LEED requirements ~ Water efficient interior plumbing ~ Energy Star-qualified roof and insulation materials ~ Commissioning ñ Engineering inspection of systems such as HVAC Fireman's Fund worked closely with USGBC to ensure that the coverage and upgrade options align with LEED, and the initiative has been embraced by the green building industry. Fireman's Fund representatives attended the Greenbuild Conference and Expo in November, and USGBC's President, CEO and Founding Chairman Rick Fedrizzi will be appearing in a video about the coverage. To learn more, please click HERE. Register Online for New LEED AP Exams USGBC has launched two new tracks towards earning LEED Professional Accreditation: The LEED for Commercial Interiors exam, for professionals participating in the design and construction of high performance commercial spaces and tenant improvements; and the LEED for Existing Buildings exam, for professionals participating in the operation and maintenance of existing buildings. USGBC has also released a new version of the existing exam for LEED for New Construction, updated for version 2.2. In addition to being able to choose from three exam tracks, exam candidates and existing LEED APs can now create "Accreditation Profiles" via the USGBC Web site, which allows them to schedule and register for the exam(s) online; manage their accreditation records; and view exam results. To learn more about the new exam tracks or to update your Accreditation Profile, please click HERE. Green Arlington Paul Ferguson, the new chairman of the Arlington County Board, announced this week that he wants to implement a raft of new measures to cut his jurisdiction's greenhouse emissions 10 percent by 2012. Under the plan, the county will voluntarily meet national "green" building standards -- which emphasize energy efficiency -- in its new public structures and give private developers incentives to do the same. Arlington will experiment with solar power panels and purchase 5 percent of its electricity from renewable sources -- at this point, energy from wind farms in West Virginia. And the county will plant more trees and pass out free energy-saving light bulbs. VRA is Holding a License Plate Design Contest! The Virginia Recycling Association is holding a design contest for a license plate to be offered by the VA DMV. Other environmental license plates include Chesapeake Bay, Clean Special Fuel, Wildflower and several Wildlife plates. This new plate will show support for recycling, raise awareness, and provide funds to the VRA for its important work. What a great advertisement for recycling across the state! Who Should Design A Plate? Artists, Students, Environmentalists, Anyone! This would be a great Earth Day project for students. And don't forget that America Recycles is a year-long campaign now. Why not start your America Recycles events early this year and use this contest as your promotion. Deadline for submission of designs is April 20, 2007. Designs will be presented and voted on at the conference in May. For more details on the license plate design contest, please click HERE. How to order a recycling license plate. Encourage everyone you know to order a recycling license plate. The DMV requires a minimum of 350 pre-paid applicants to produce a specialized license plate. Complete the form by clicking HERE and send with a check for $25 made out to Virginia Recycling Association. Mail to: Virginia Recycling Association, P.O. Box 18155, Richmond, VA 23266. According to instructions from the VA DMV, VRA will hold all applications and checks until the special license creation process is complete and then forward one large check to the VA DMV. For more info, go click HERE or call 888-867-1923. 2007 JRGBC Board Executive Board Bryna Dunn, Chair, Moseley Architects Patrick Farley, Vice-Chair, Watershed Andrew McBride, Treasurer, University of Richmond Don Guthrie, Secretary, McKinney & Company One-Year Directors Matte Anderson, Trane Karl Bren, GreenVisions Consulting Matt Carr, American Hydrotech Chris Earley, Timmons Group Scott Kyle, SKAAT Sandra Leibowitz Earley, Sustainable Design Consulting Scott Wheeler, BCWH Two-Year Directors Jeanne Indelicato Berry, Higgins & Gerstenmaier Rebekah Burke, HSMM Lynn Rogien, W.M. Jordan Company Corey Simonpietri, ACF Environmental	How to Join If your company is not a member of the USGBC yet, please convince them to join. To join the USGBC, click HERE for an application (pdf file) and mail your check. Or do it on-line by clicking HERE with the option to pay by check or credit card.. To join the JRGBC, please click HERE for an application (pdf file) and mail your check Or do it on-line by cliking HERE with the option to pay by check or credit card. There is a discount for National Members who join the JRGBC and for Emerging Green Builders. Member Benefits It pays to be a Member! Please click HERE to see a list of Member Benefits (pdf file). LEED Workshop Search and Register To find or register for a LEED Workshop please click HERE. JRGBC Sponsorship Opportunities Thank You to Our FOUNDING SPONSORS! If you are interested in sponsoring an Event or becoming an Annual Sponsor, please click HERE. CONTACT US



James River Green Building Council A Chapter of the US Green Building Council