Commerce South LEED EB O&M

Another LEED project for Sebastian Eilert Architecture.

Commerce South was successfully registered as a LEED EB O&M Project.
The initial steps are on their way with the Energy Star analysis completed. As expected, we did not make the initial score and will have to update the HVAC and lighting systems as well as the overall insulation for the building. As the contact for the Chamber, Edward Stieglitz of the LEED Depot, is as excited about finally moving the project forward, as me.
Together we are looking to maximize the efficiency of the small structure and make it a shining green example for the City of South Miami.
Plans are on their way to add solar panels to the project and showcase as many items as possible. Cleaning policies and best practices will be available for members and visitors to take a piece of this future registered green building to their homes and businesses.

Keep an eye out for updates about this excellent project, right in your backyard…

New Class @ University of Miami

It is great pleasure that i can share that a new elective will come to the University of Miami, School of Architecture:

Contemporary Green Design
Concepts of sustainable building, regional sustainable building and the current most common green building initiatives
Spring 2009

Contemporary sustainable design will educate about the current state of the construction marketplace with a focus on green design. The general introduction will include global markets, with a particular focus on European technologies and trends. Sustainable or green design as well as local green building challenges will be reviewed.
The course will provide information about available rating systems such as the US Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as well as other available systems such as the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE), the Florida Green Building Coalition and Environmental Protection agency (EPA) programs. Current technologies and old versus new design strategies will also be part of the class.

Taking the US Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional (AP) exam is a requirement of this course. Registration, examination and related cost are the responsibility of the student.

Required reading material is the USGBC Reference Guide for New Construction (NC).

2008 Greenbuild Update - Boston

After another attendance to the Greenbuild conference, this time in Boston, I am glad to report of the success of the conference.

First, a note on the exhibitor space. The floor has grown once again in size from the previous year. It is observed with great pleasure that more vendors as well as more variety within the different fields was represented. One area that I was particularly thrilled with was the availability of LED lighting. Numerous vendors specializing in this field as well as other that are adding a line to their exiting offerings displayed their products. Implementing these lights will be very exciting.
The Boston Convention center has two very clever designed bridges crossing the floor allowing for a spectacular overview of it. At any given time it was filled. I am certain most vendors will call it a success.

As for the lectures, I was a little disappointed. The presenters were good but the content was lacking a bit of cutting edge for my taste. Much of the information presented was all too familiar for me. Maybe I just choose the wrong lectures. I am also sure that most attendees found the information rather stimulating.

Various organizations organized numerous tours of Boston, a very interesting city indeed. Personally, I attended the Boston Harbor Cruise. A very educating three hour ride through the harbor area to also feature two wind turbines.
Thank you to everyone that helped to organize the event and we will see you all again next year.

CB