Miami Dade County first LEED NC building GSA in LEED Design Submittal

As the building is progressing on schedule, it is a nice milestone for my involvement as the LEED Consultant to report that the USGBC, or now GBCI, has work to do for our project.
As of last week, the Miami Dade County, General Service Administration (GSA) Trades Shop Facility has been submitted for the Design review under the LEED NC rating system. We are eagerly awaiting any comments and looking for a good number of “anticipated” credits after submitting this important hurdle in the process.

Lookout for more updates about this project and contact me with any details for this project or other LEED services.

Making Miami a green building capital, one step at a time…

www.SebastianEilert.com

Vilalge Green Man

Metro 1 GBRC - WATER EFFICIENCY

Always glad to share green evenets around town... anotherone by Metro ! Green BUilding Resource Center...

Village Green Man


Subject: FREE - TOMORROW! WATER EFFICIENCY & MANAGEMENT FOR SOUTH FLORIDA SPEAKER SERIES

Please join us!

WATER EFFICIENCY & MANAGEMENT FOR SOUTH FLORIDA

Thursday, August 27, 2009 6PM-8PM

Metro 1 Green Building Resource Center 120 NE 27th ST #200, Miami, FL 33137

FREE for Members $5 for Non-Members

This seminar will focus on water saving and water capturing technologies, with an emphasis on solutions tailored to South Florida. Other topics include the basic environmental science of water related issues in South Florida, future trends in water management, and implications of current water management strategies.

Speakers include Mark Gunia of Alterna Corp., Jack Burden of Raindrop Cisterns and Erich Dautel from the Metro 1 GBRC.

RSVP TODAY and get free entry! Offer expires http://www.facebook.com/l/;08.26.09 @ 6PM


For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.metro1gbrc.com or call http://www.facebook.com/l/;305.571.9991

Want to get involved? We are always seeking volunteers to help us in anyway they can! If you want to inspire others and be a part of this exciting green building movement email us today!

How to LEED with Water Efficiency

TEH USGBC Emerging Builders of South Florida have put together a nice workshop addressing water efficieny under the USGBC LEED rating system. The program will be on August 29 from 9:30 to 2:30 at the Four Fillies Farm.

Village Green Man

The Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program is a joint effort between the State of Florida, Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, Florida Water Management Districts, and the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension Services.
This educational program provides resources for understanding the needs of a Florida yard, an interactive yard and plant database, and a toolkit for professionals. The Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program has coordinators in every county.
Coordinators assist builders and developers, landscape architects, and local governments with the implementation of Florida-friendly landscaping. The Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program also educates Homeowners and other community members about the techniques and benefits of Florida-Friendly Landscaping with the help of nine key principles.

Date and Time
Saturday, August 29, 2009
8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Location
FLORIDA YARDS & NEIGHBORHOODS
18710 SW 288 St., Homestead, FL 33030
Directions
Take the Florida Turnpike to SW 288th St.
(Biscayne Dr.) exit (Exit 5).
Turn right (west) on SW 288th St.
and go 4.8 miles to SW 187th Ave. (Redland Rd.),
which is a 4-way stop sign.
The John D. Campbell Agricultural Center
(Extension Office) is on the southwest corner.

Earth is Art @ Metro 1 Green Building Resource Center

Tomorrow, if you have nothing else to do, take a look at this great event. If you have somethign else to do, make time to stop by anyway !!!

I HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! IT'S FOR A GREAT CAUSE!

Life is Art & Metro 1 GBRC bring youEARTH IS ARTAn environmentally artistic showcase benefitingThe Life is Art Foundation - a non-profit organization who's mission is to promote and support the artistic and creative communities in Miami and beyond. Support a good cause! All proceeds go to the Life is Art Foundation.

Saturday, August 22, 20092:00PM - 10:00PM

Over 15 amazing artists, DJs, live bands, live auction, fire performers, drinks, eats and more!Metro 1 Green Building Resource Center120 NE 27th Street #200, Miami, FL 33137

$10 suggested donation

To purchase tickets call 305.571.9991 or visit www.metro1gbrc.com Also available at the door!

The Great Grove Bed Race...

Vroom! Vroom! Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! Er.... Um. Tie your shoelaces? Get ready for a super-fast (or super-crazy) night o' SPEEED!


The Great Grove Bed Race
Sunday, September 6th
There are still entry slots available! Let your friends, family and co-workers in on the fun, or ask them to join, because honestly, you know your team will beat them.

Kidding aside, as you are already aware, 100% of the registration fees go to support the great work of the Alonzo Mourning Charities.To register visit the Great Grove Bed Race website.The Great Grove Bed Race is produced by The Grove Merchant Group.

Thank you for being a part of the return of bed racing to Coconut Grove.See you at the races!

EPA Greenversations Question: Beach Water quality...

As the EPA Greenversatoin continues to post good environmental quesions, here is this weeks:

http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2009/08/17/qotw-beach-water/

and your hosts comment:

Water use and quality are truly a great concern. Living in a beach vacation destination, it is noticeable that the water is not the same as when I first moved here in 1996. Odors have increased and pollution has gotten much worse. The Miami Dade County Department of Environmental Management (DERM) is organizing a yearly Baynanza, cleanup of the bay. This year my wife and I filled over 15 bags within less than 3 hours. Mostly with Styrofoam cups and chip bags… this pollution does not just come from water users, but also from debris littered on land that is swept in the water.

With the current trend, the appeal to be at the beach and actually go into the water is strongly diminished here in Miami.
The last beach traveled to was Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The first signs noted above were certainly visible, but the water was softer and cleaner. This maybe partly due to the location of the club we stayed at and a very strong current at its beach.

Interesting to note the initial reactions about tab drinking water. Being German and still going back frequently, drinking, and cooking with, tap water is quite normal and good. I would not consider it here or at any of the recent vacation spots. Besides questions about contamination, the scent and taste is quite bad…it still transpires in ice cubes used.

We need to pay attention to this source of water, as using plastic bottles is not sustainable, in any sense of the word. The bottles itself cause a huge problem, so does the water that has been sitting in them through varying levels of heat and thus absorbing chemicals that we than intake with our “clean” water…

Good filters are a good start and maybe the vacation industry will lead the way here . Once we tate nice clean and fresh tap water on the road, we want to have the same in our house and bring it home.

Village Green Man

Miami Circle Groundbreaking

Since the Miami Circle has been shadowed by the neighboring failing monstrosity of Icon Brickell, it has not received much attention. The site is safe, but there is still more to be done. It with happiness that I see the groundbreaking ceremony for Miami Circle Park tomorrow. At least something is done for this great site and the historic meaning for the city of Miami and its pioneers.

Let us celebrate the shining beacon of early Miami history, at least during the short time the sun is actually shining on it and not being blocked by its towering neighbor. It seems to be influenced by its location as the building is doing poorly, even considering the overall condo bust in Miami. Not surprised that Icon is not the biggest hit that was anticipated. After all, who wants to move right next to a graveyard, particularly one with this history. The energies may be scary…

Village Green Man

Daily Show - Obama Healthcare - Healther Skelter

OK, this is just oo funny, not to share... Thank you Erin!

Good sketch on health care reform and the importance of death sentence squat... daily show style...

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-august-10-2009/healther-skelter---obama-death-panel-debate

Vilalge Green Man

LEED Green Associate review @ Metro 1 GBRC

Sebastian Eilert and Metro 1 Green Building Resource Center are at it again. Offering a affordable option to get some study help for the US Green Building Council LEED Green Associate exam.
August 15, 2009 from 9 am to 1:30 pm.

Go to M1GBRC.com for more information and see flyer below…

Village Green Man

Emergency Architect

Project off course? Design concepts needed? Emergency administration to save the project?

Let S.E.A. help you see the light again. Limited time involvement. Total project analysis and bail out plans…

Project architect, LEED specialist, or construction administration.


Architect available worldwide for project specific and limited engagement opportunities with key strength in sustainable and LEED related fields.
Extensive experience in contract management and development, inspections and building code reviews, design, construction administration and LEED services.
Available worldwide, based out of Miami, Florida and Hamburg, Germany. German, English and conversational Spanish.

Sebastian Eilert Architecture, Inc
www.SebastianEilert.com

Village Green Man

EPA Green Vehicle Guide

It seems the universe listened.
After the interesting note about the additional approved funds for the cash for clunkers program from last week, the EPA now released a green vehicle guide. Listed are all the vehicles by consumption and other factors.
You can search by State, type, year, etc.

A fantastic resource for selecting a better car, if you must select one after all.

http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/Index.do;jsessionid=2ac86e595a54057434a17dc90b5a20d5f24c39bf4fec65811427dc21b2da6ed9.e34MbhqOa3uSby0RaxuPa38OaNv0n6jAmljGr5XDqQLvpAe

Village Green Man

Non toxic cleaning materials to green up your home.

Ever wondered about what you can do remove the toxins found in most cleaning materials? There are so many of them that linger in our house and contribute to the demise of our health.
Sure, you can create your own soaps and cleaners, but few people are willing and able to go that route.

I have been using WOW Green products for the last three month and am very happy with the line. There is also a network marketing opportunity to earn some extra money and actually have all those cleaning supplies paid for and more…

Take a look at the toxic free products available online at:

www.VillageGreenClean.net

The company also has a promotion to sign up as a distributor. A fantastic opportunity in this market.

Unlike supplements and other non essential network marketing concepts, everyone will clean their home and do their laundry… just do it toxic free from now on.

You can also contact your Village Green Man with any questions about this.

In 1 Day The wowgreen World of Wealth EXPLOSION Begins!
wowgreen has turned a new page with regards to distributor compensation! We are on the verge of EXPLODING! If you have ever dreamed of earning a LONG TERM SOLID RESIDUAL INCOME in network marketing; NOW is THE TIME!

We have developed the World of Wealth compensation plan that is designed for the opportunity of massive earnings. This plan can be one of the most rewarding plans in the direct sales industry. WE are geared and WE stand fast to match our powerful mission with our compensation plan. On the corporate call on July 27th, 2009 we will reveal for the very first time the complete details along with posting those details on our corporate web site explaining the World of Wealth compensation plan that goes LIVE on August 3rd, 2009!
For those of you that have not yet attained DIRECTOR Rank you will be grandfathered in at the Director level provided you are currently Basic Active or Fully Active. To be paid as a Director you must have 1 FULLY ACTIVE distributor on your LEFT LEG AND 1 FULLY ACTIVE distributor on your RIGHT LEG and both have to be FULLY ACTIVE distributors per the new requirements.

This is a perfect opportunity to reinvigorate your downline! Right now, they have the opportunity to be advanced to the highest earning percentage in our new compensation plan. If you have not purchased at least a distributor kit at any point of becoming a wowgreen distributor you can simply activate your position BY ENGAGING WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS:

• purchase a distributor kit
• purchase a GREEN YOUR HOME PACK w/distributor kit
• purchase a GREEN ACTION PACKby midnight August 2nd, 2009 and you will be grandfathered in at our new Director’s Position with the potential to start earning the HIGHEST percentage in NETWORK MARKETING HISTORY........20%!!!!
  

Don't delay - sign up today!

House clunker plan extended, then what…?

After the initial money ran out for the cash for clunkers program, an additional 2 billion were just approved by the house. The rebate program is a great concept to trade in the big clunkers and replace them with more efficient cars. The industry is getting a much needed kick start and consumer spending is going up, at least for this industry. Yet the efficient cars are still nowhere near where they ought to be. Just take a look across the big lake to Europe. Fuel efficiency is being pushed to the one liter car. The measurement is reverse, measured by liters used for 100 kilometers. So a 30 mpg car is about a 9 liter car in Metric calculations. Most efficient cars are operating in the 4-6 liter range. A standard that this country is still far behind. Also, more cars mean less attention to alternative and mass transportation.

In the overall scheme of saving this planet and reducing carbon emissions, this program fails to achieve its mission, in my opinion.

And finally, what happens to the old cars? Are filling up more landfills with crushed clunkers? How is the leaking of toxic materials from these cars measured and remedied? Is the idea not reducing landfill?

What if they make their way right back on the streets. Backdoors are common and cars are a commodity after all…

I am thrilled to see a government program working so well. The concept of driving change through monetary issues, is something that is essential to lasting change in the building industry and the people of this country. So now that a precedent is established, lets really get creative with the programs.

Send me your suggestions for even better programs for posting, or link it to this post. Looking forward to the next steps.

Village Green Man

Durapalm repair in Hollywood

After the original completion of the Viola Beachfront Condo in Hollywood, Florida, the owner contacted me recently about a water damage to the installed floor. This project is one of, if not the first project in South Florida to install the Durapalm Coconut Palm Flooring. It has been in use since early 2007 and welcomed for its warm look and great performance. The above mentioned water damage was due to a leak in the building that passed water through the windows of the 1970’s structure and damaged some floor area. The owner wanted to maintain the floor and ordered a more palm to repair the damage for a timely installation prior to the July 4th celebrations. Some of the natural stone inlay was also damaged and just recently completed.

The floor has performed extremely well and the project has been featured in local green building articles and publications, including a special section on the coconut palm flooring. I am very glad to receive such ongoing positive feedback from my client and the use of the floor. It has been recommended for a few other of my designs, where applicable. To this date, the Viola residence remains my favorite installation though.

Interested in this sustainable floor material? Like the design? See more images of the project here…

http://www.sebastianeilert.com/projects.php click on "Viola Hollywood Condo"

Village Green Man

Chamber South LEED EB O&M You Tube update

Thank you for providing ongoing documentation of the Greening of Chamber South in South Miami. The latest improvements to the lighting of the Chamber can be viewed in this little YouTube vidao presented by L.E.E.D. Depot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seRFNFyQIvA

Enjoy and stay current on more updates to the greening of Chamber South.

Village Green Man

EcoChamber launch part @ Metro 1 Monday, July 13.

Please note the upcoming event:

...the launch party for the EcoChamber and Pure Energy Radio next Monday, July 13th from 6:00-8:00PM.

This is an invite-only event that will be a great way for you to network and meet some of the leading ‘green’ professionals in our respective industries. The event is graciously sponsored by Veev and will host an array of delicious Hors d'oeuvres in addition to the great recycled fashion works by Luis Valenzuela.
This will also give you an opportunity to tour the vision of the Metro 1 Green Building Resource Center and meet the team who is making this happen.

An event not be missed. Contact Susie Glass through the GBRC to be on the Guest list.

www.metro1gbrc.com

For more information about the Eco Chamber, click here:

www..ecochamber.com


Village Green Man

Super Therm part II

With summer in full swing I am exciting to present the second part of the Super Therm installation to my house. As the avid self tester that I am, reaping the fruits of the installations, is always a great benefit. So it was a great satisfaction to receive my latest power bill. $ 93.

Even though we had a rather wet stars into this year’s Hurricane Season, the South Florida summer is here. High humidity and temperatures well in the 90’s. I remember last year’s bill coming in at almost $250. Now I did change my old worn out air conditioning to a splendid 17 SEER unit, but still the impact of the reflecting roof is a key contributor to the comfortable power bill.
The attic temperature measured 140 last year and it did not come close to the 100’s this time around. Yesterday I checked with a full day of sun in the early afternoon and had a reading of 92. It feels cooler, the AC lasts longer and the house adjusts. Cooling hardly ever begins before noon and the night time is comfortable at 77.

Test result? Super Therm works. The reduction in a single story structure of roof related heat gain is enormous. I have been recommending this product and will continue to do so. Feel free to contact about any details of my installation. And no, I am not working for Superior Industries.

What next? Not sure.

The landscaping is growing well, but it will be at least another 2 years before the mango and avocado tree will shade the southeast corner.

Sure I will find something else to test. Keep out for more updated on the green building state in Miami and more reports about truly green products. Beyond the literature…

Village Green Man.

Metro 1 / SEA LEED 2.2 Prep class

After completing the second and final class of the USGBC LEED NC 2.2 prep class for the LEED AP exam, we are glad to report an exquisite success rate and positive feedback from the attendees.

“Your class was extremely useful”, Maria Contreras

“I wrote the exam this past Tuesday June 16th and I am happy to report I scored a 184.
Your course was a major factor in calming me down and giving me the confidence to write the exam”, Scott Flegel

Now that the 2.2 craze is nearing the end, we are working to bring to you a similar course for the new LEED 3.0. After the changes taking effect for the new rating system and new names, the first course will focus on Building Design and Construction (LEED BDC); formerly New Construction and Major Renovation (LEED NC). We are also working on a special session for LEED for Homes.

Leaving the realm of the US Green Building Council, one of the upcoming lectures will be on tax credits and incentives available to homeowner and businesses that are looking to green up, with a particular focus on funds allocated through the recovery act. The green building movement in Miami is alive with Metro 1 and Sebastian Eilert Architecture.

Look out for courses by the Green Building Resource Center of Metro 1 and your Village Green Man, Sebastian Eilert.

Happy father’s day to all…


Village Green Man

Chamber South Groundbreaking photos

I already posted about the great groundbreaking event for the greening of Chamber South, the ultimate recycling project. The event was truly a great success and has been cited in a number of magazines and the local newspaper.

I am very glad to see some of the pictures form the event on the Chamber South website. The green building project is on its way to be one of the, if not the, first LEED EB O&M project for the County. Keep following the updated and also look for it on YouTube.

http://www.chambersouth.com/index.php?src=photo&srctype=lister&ref=%22The%20Greening%20of%20Chamber%20South%22%20Groundbreaking&submenu=special&albumpos=0,5,68&category=Chamber%20Photos#

Village Green Man

CCI and USGBC Show How to Go Climate Positive with 16 Demonstration Projects in 10 Countries

As noted from teh US Green Builing Council:

Vilalge Green Man

Clinton Climate Initiative and USGBC Show the World How to Go Climate Positive with 16 Demonstration Projects in 10 Countries
The potential of green building and green development to create green jobs and save energy, water and money will be most successfully realized when it is implemented at every level, from green retrofits of individual existing buildings to the infrastructure of entire cities. The Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) last week announced a new program, in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, that will support the development of large-scale urban communities that are designed to reduce the amount of onsite CO2 emissions to below zero.The Climate Positive Development Program will support developments in 10 countries on six continents. Watch President Clinton discuss the program now »Climate Positive developments use a number of strategies that reduce energy use and generate clean energy. The initial 16 projects will see property developers and local governments working together to holistically integrate specific priorities , including implementing economically viable innovations in building, waste management, clean energy generation, water management, transportation and outdoor lighting systems. USGBC is working with the Clinton Climate Initiative, a project of the William J. Clinton Foundation, to provide technical guidance in support of CCI’s business and financial expertise. USGBC will help develop and establish the standards and metrics by which the participating sites can measure their climate-positive outcomes. “A program that aims to set a new global benchmark has to be set on solid metrics,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair of USGBC. “We know this from our experience with LEED and believe it’s fundamental to delivering immediate and measurable results.”The projects participating in the Climate Positive Development Program so far are:
Destiny, Fla., USA.
Dockside Green, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Godrej Garden City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Elephant & Castle, London Borough, Southwark, UK.
Albert Basin, East London, UK.
Magok Urban Development Project, Magok-dong Gayang-dong, Seoul, South Korea.
Mahindra World City, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, South Africa.
VicUrban @ Officer, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Panama Pacifico, London & Regional, Panama.
Zonk’izizwe Town Center, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Victoria Harbour, Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Toronto Waterfront-Lower Don Lands, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Treasure Island Redevelopment Project, San Francisco, Calif., USA.
Stockholm Royal Seaport, Stockholm, Sweden.
Pedra Branca Sustainable Urbanism, Palhoça, Greater Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil.