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.

More Green Building Programs with Metro 1 - LEED Prep 2.2

After a successful workshop at the University of Miami last weekend, Sebastian Eilert and Metro 1 are continuing the prep courses for LEED NC 2.2. The deadline is quickly approaching and those that are registered under the 2.2 system see this class as a welcome kick start for their final study sprint.

A happy note to share, all three individuals that attended last weekend’s class and since have taken the exam passed. Congratulations new LEED AP’s !!!




Remaining workshops:

LEED AP PREP COURSE NC V.2.2 SAT. JUNE 6, 2009 8:30AM-1:30PM
CRAM BEFORE YOUR LEED AP EXAM – YOU ONLY HAVE UNTIL JUNE 30TH UNTIL THE CURRICULUM CHANGES!

Instructed by: Sebastian Eilert, AIA, LEED AP, principal of Sebastian Eilert Architecture and adjunct faculty at the University of Miami.

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

Topics Covered:

• Detailed technical review of the LEED NC v.2.2 rating system


• Related material to pass the US Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional (AP) exam


• Registration and certification process


• LEED Online


• The role of the LEED AP


• Overview of the USGBC mission and current available rating systems

The course will provide snacks & refreshments
Registration Fee: $225 for M1 GBRC members & $250 for non-members

http://www.metro1gbrc.com/gbrc/LEED%20AP%20Prep%20Course%20NC%20Registration%20Form.pdf

See you at the class!




Village Green Man

Michael Stavaridis Hollywood Images - SEA

http://stavphoto.com/green/index.html

Found an old link to the photos taken for the Viola Hollywood condo as designed by Sebastian Eilert Architecture.
Photographer Michael Stavaridis captured the custom built in queen size bunk bed, coconut palm floor and intended natural light in these exquisite images.
Be sure to look at his other shoots as well.

Village Green Man

Emerging Green Builder Award from UM Students

Sebastian Eilert was presented the Honorary Emerging Green Builder Award at the University of Miami, School of Architecture. The Emerging Green Builders on Behalf of the student body presented this award for outstanding contribution to the academic and civic life of the school.
It is a great honor to receive this award. Creating the new Contemporary Sustainable Design class was a challenge throughout the semester. This award confirms the positive feedback received from the students attending this class and the overall reaction to incorporating it into the current and future curriculum.
As taking the LEED AP 2.2 exam was part of the class, I like to congratulate all that have passed it and can proudly be recognized as LEED AP’s. The few that missed the passing score have shown a fantastic effort and have shown a strong commitment to green design and building in Miami, South Florida and beyond. It is my hope that the class will enable you to a successful green design future.

THANK YOU!!!

Village Green Man

Ultimate Recycling Project Groundbreaking

With a live coverage on South Florida Live, the day of the Groundbreaking for the ultimate recycling project, The Greening of Chamber South had a perfect start.

http://southflorida.sun-sentinel.com/

The South Miami Green Building movement gets a serious push with the exciting LEED EB O&M project. Even though it is not the largest LEED Existing Building project in South Florida, it is certain to have the largest impact on the community.
Readily visible for all Chamber South members as well as all other interested parties, the project will openly display progress and data to show the improvements to the building and operations.
The efficient lights are already installed, swapping aT-12 for a simple retrofit T-5 from Garper, bound to save approximately 30% of the lighting energy consumption.
PGT has generously donated the new impact and Low E windows and doors. The installation is in progress today. Feel free to stop by and have a look.

http://www.chambersouth.com/

We are looking forward to a well attend groundbreaking, even though no dirt will be shuffled. Instead, look for a creative twist on the standard shuffle and throw.

The ceremony will begin at 4 pm and Keynote Speaker Katy Sorenson is confirmed for the event.

See you there.

Village Green Man

MIA Green 2009 - Miami Green Building Conference is coming...

MIA Green 2009 is coming. More than just focusing on green building, this expo is targeted at businesses and the business side of going green. MiaGreen Expo & Conference - The Gateway to Greener Americas is happening at the Miami Beach Convention Center on June 11 & 12, 2009 (Thursday/Friday). Early registration ends this Friday, May 15...which means the discounted prices are ending, too.

http://www.miagreen.com/index.html

Village Green Man

Green Building in Miami will soon have a wonderful documentation about it. Shades of Green will document and inform about the Sustainable initiatives in SOuth Florida. Susan Spinnato of local station WKLG (www.wklginc.com) has assembled a wonderful amount footage of local specialists and other involved key individuals including Commissionier Katy Sorenson and City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz.

The trailer is now availbale to watch. Take a look:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnWijnv5yAM

Yours truely is also featured in the trailer. We are all eager to see the finished product! Thank you Susan.

Village Green Man

Sebastian Eilert Architecture to join Chamber South as a new Trustee

Sebastian Eilert, AIA, LEED AP, of Sebastian Eilert Architecture, inc (yours truly) has joined Chamber South as a trustee. The new greening of the chamber main office in South Miami will be a very exciting venture and has been noted on this blog already.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for May 14, 4:00 to 6:00 pm and we are very excited to have confirmed Commissioner Katie Sorenson as the keynote speaker. The green building in Miami, more specific South Miami, is on its way to add another small but significant mile stone.

Be sure to stop by the chamber and follow the LEED EB O & M certification progress or get some information about the chamber and upcoming events.

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=0010LgQ-bzRa_TdBKwI-w_uUsoc--CLESE2UXZh7BCNB1TApuFP7h-7tC0j4sX3eYOrKlC7YK3gVER9Hf68F2_b4zZAyiDGD23IzOpauF8M9VCNSbfL0bPhJwyW-KWctmxm

Village Green Man

The National Green Energy Council to host Green Jobs Corps training in Florida

The National Green Energy Council is hosting two workshops in Florida in the near future. The cours will be for Green Jobs Corps training classese, one in West Palm Beach on June 1 & 2, 2009 and the other in Delray Beach on June 8 & 9 2009.


They also announced that their Florida office will be up and running the next few days.

http://www.greenenergycouncil.com/

Village Green Man

Miami Green Building LEED NC 2.2 exam prep workshop with AIA - reduced

The AIA agreed to a reduced rate for the upcoming AIA Miami, AIA COTE and SEA workshop at the Universtiy of Miami, May 16, 2009.

Village Green Man

AIA MIAMI LEED v2.2 Workshop
Reduced!!!!!
In an effort to assist during these tough economic times
AIA Members: $150
Non-members: $200
Offering 5 CEUs/ HSW
We are proud to have one of our own AIA members,
Sebastian Eilert, teaching the workshop.
Sebastian is a co-founder of the South Florida Chapter of the USGBC,
as well as an UM adjunct professor teaching a new elective at the University of Miami, School of Architecture,
including the requirements for LEED and other green building components and focuses his own professional practice on sustainable design, as well as being the LEED AP for a number of projects.
SPACE IS LIMITED
Please see registration form attached

Another Miami Marine Stadium Victory !!!

The green building state in Miami is certailny enriched by one of its most precious structures, the Marine Stadium. Endangered to suffer the similar fate as the Orange Bowl, it has been the center of local preservation efforts, spearheaded by Friends of Marine Stadium and Dade Heritage Trust.

Today, another great victory was achieved on the path to permanently preserve and restore this amazing venue. Please read below and also note the upcoming events!

Vilalge Green Man

April 28, 2009

To: Miami Marines

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) has named the Miami Marine Stadium to its 2009 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. This annual list highlights important examples of the nation’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. This is a highly significant designation and it will generate national and international momentum for the Marine Stadium.
With headquarters in Washington D.C., nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites and partner organizations in all fifty states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education and advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations, and local communities, committed to saving places, connecting us to our history, and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories. To learn more about the National Trust-and the other ten sites that made the list-go to their website, www.preservationnation.org/issues/11-most-endangered/

The Trust has been extremely supportive and helpful in our efforts on the Stadium. Their involvement brings us additional knowledge, contacts, and credibility-and being included in the “11 most” list means that we are one of the most closely watched preservation initiatives nationwide.
We will supplement the Trust’s considerable press effort with another public relations campaign done for us by Susan Grant Lewin & Associates, the finest PR firm in the United States devoted to art, architecture and design.
Click on the link below to see the front page story in today's Miami Herald.
www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/story/1021060.html

May 8 Design Studio on Planning Issues for Virginia Key and the Marine Stadium Basin
The University of Miami Marine Stadium Preservation Planning Studio will make their final presentation on Friday, May 8, from 10:00 AM-12:00 at the Miami Rowing Club, 3601 Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key. The event is free and open to the public; RSVP 305-774-0022; or email Jorge@jlharchitect.com
This studio was taught by Jorge Hernandez, Catherine Lynn, and Hilario Candela and it looks at different potential uses and context for the Marine Stadium & Basin and at alternatives for the Virginia Key Master Plan. We hope that it contributes to continued public discussion of the plan. The event is co-sponsored by the Urban Environment League of Miami, Dade Heritage Trust, and Friends of Marine Stadium.
What Else is Going On
-Our contest to design the Logo for Friends of Marine Stadium closes on May 2 It is still not too late to enter!
-Record your memories of Marine Stadium in a book that is being created by two terrific girl scouts, Kira Feldman and Hannah Imberman
Go to the front page of our website, http://www.marinestadium.org/ and click on the appropriate links for more info about both items.
-And, of course, our Dance Party on May 7.

Miami Dade Heritage Days

With the Dade Heritage Trust, Dade HEritage Days coming to an end, be sure to attend the final strike for this year, the DHT Awards Ceremony. This year it will be held at fabulous Vizcaya. A green building be definition. The gardens are simply amazing and if you have not attended any of the events during the days, be sure to lookout for more tours and special events coming up.

For now, the fantastic Dade Heritage Days are over...but not to worry, there will be more next year!

Village Green Man

Event details:

Dade Heritage Trust’s Annual Preservation Awards Ceremony
in cooperation with the
Vizcaya Museum & Garden Historic Lecture
Thursday, April 30th, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Vizcaya Museum & Garden
3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami
Enjoy a reception and honor those who have excelled in preserving and restoring Miami’s historic treasures. The ten winners of Dade Heritage
Days’ Student Art and Photography Contest will also be honored and their works displayed. Vizcaya Director Joel Hoffman will speak on the restoration of this beautiful National Historic Landmark. A donation of $25 per person is requested to benefit DHT’s historic preservation projects. RSVP by April 25th to DHT by e-mail at dadeheritage@DHT.comcastbiz.net or call 305-358-9572. www.dadeheritagetrust.org

AIA Miami and Sebastian Eilert to host LEED NC 2.2 exam prep course

The AIA Miami, AIA Miami COTE and Sebastian Eilert are bringing you a 5 hour preperation course for teh LEED NC 2.2 AP exam. The course will be hosted at the University of Miami. For registration, please see the AIA Miami website.

The course will be help May 16, 2009 from 8:30 to 1:30.

Village Green Man

http://www.aiamiami.com/pdf/2009/aia_leed_flyer.pdf

Metro 1 and Midgard make South Florida a bit greener

2 green local firms recently joined forces. We are glad to see that the green industry contionues to grow strong with alliances mostly seen in traditional industry sectors.

Village Green Man


In their own words:

Commercial Real Estate News
Metro 1 signs deal with Midgard Management, creating Metro Midgard Alliance, offering integrated commercial real estate solutions

MIAMI, FL – Metro 1 Properties and Midgard Management have officially consummated a strategic partnership, Metro-Midgard Alliance, expanding both companies’ commercial real estate platforms, allowing the firms to offer integrated brokerage, consulting and management solutions to landlords, tenants, investors and sellers of commercial real estate. Midgard Management is one of South Florida's leading commercial property management companies with several million square feet under management. Metro 1 Properties is South Florida’s premier commercial real estate brokerage and investment firm focused on sustainable real estate initiatives. Both companies share a vision to create a more sustainable future by advocating best management practices, smart growth, urban re-development and efficient building operations.

Midgard’s managed properties include office buildings, retail centers, industrial buildings, and commercial condominium associations. One example of Midgard Management’s implementation of green policies and procedures is on the company’s 466,000 square foot campus, Crown Center in the Cypress Creek market of Fort Lauderdale. Crown Center is a 1980’s era suburban low-rise building that is situated on 23 acres of land. The property was not developed with any energy efficiencies and was never intended as such; yet within less than a year, the property was registered with the USGBC for LEED for Existing Buildings. Crown Center is home to one of the first gut-rehabilitated Silver LEED registered buildings in South Florida. The building is anticipated to achieve this certification by the end of 2009. Crown Center will be one of the first buildings in South Florida once the building’s LEED certification is achieved. Midgard Management is a member of the USGBC, and the BOMA Green Committee.

The Metro Midgard Alliance will give clients the comfort of institutional grade organization and relationships while maintaining a boutique, hands approach to customer service.

“In this market it is critical to create strategic alliances with leaders in their respective segments of the industry, thereby offering our customers the best service possible in a very challenging climate”, says Tony Cho, president of Metro 1 Properties. “Many large firms claim to be experts at everything. There are inherent conflicts in that model which do not exist in our model. We know what we do well and we leave the rest to our expert partners.”

Based in Miami, Metro 1 Properties Inc. is a boutique commercial real estate brokerage firm dedicated to providing a superior level of advisory and transaction services for clients conducting business throughout the world. Metro 1 Properties offers clients the services of a vertically-integrated, full service brokerage with a unique twist: the power of an advertising firm as well. Our services include commercial sales and leasing, landlord and tenant representation, sustainability services, M1 debt and equity finance and M1 marketing. Our focus is to build sustainable communities and effect the redevelopment of the urban core through strategic alliances with private investors, developers, landlords, retailers, tenants and governmental entities and to promote services that are sustainable, always advocating for smart growth. Metro 1 Properties is a member of the USGBC, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, ULI, CCIM, ICSC, CIASF, RAMB, and RCA. For more information on Metro 1 Properties please visit www.metro1properties.com or call the Metro 1 Properties office at 305.571.9991. For more information on Midgard Management please visit www.midgardmanagement.com or call the Midgard Management office at 954.771.6714.

Baynanza 2009 – Miami Green’s up

Just in time for Earth day, Miami Dade County’s DERM coordinated the Baynanza Biscayne bay clean up day. April 18, was marked by volunteers sifting through numerous spots along the bay and bagging waste washed ashore. The Village Green Ma plus wife and a dozens of others settled at the Vizcaya shore to climb past the iconic gardens into the mangroves. The picture was amazing. The finely maintained gardens provide a lovely backdrop for typical scenes of Miami. It was no surprise that a photo shoot was ongoing from time of arrival to the time we left, three hours later.

The mangrove? A completely different story. Take a look at my own photo shoot. It remains appalling to the amount of plastic washed into the mangroves. Most of this trash comes from careless boaters, partying out on the shores. Among the items removed were a few unwanted lost items such as flip flops and tennis balls. The majority of waste however was comprised of plastic bags and bottles, lunch sized chip bags and mini zip lock bags. The 2 people team filled nine (9) large garbage bags in this short time…

A ban on plastic bottles clearly came to mind, as was a ban on Styrofoam cups for the local favorite caffee cubano. Caffesito? Sure, but not in that cup…

Even though we lest the area reasonably clean, the question is how long it will last. The people not caring should be the ones out here cleaning. A new community hour program? Maybe. Until then, join in next year and keep your garbage inside your boat, car, truck or whatever. Recycling also helps, but you knew this…

Village Green Man

Green Palette - architectural Facebook...

SEA recently was added to the Green Palette, a new site for green architects to showcase their work, which we are very fortunate to have sponsored by Pratt & Lambert. The site is completely free of charge. The main concern is creating a community for people who enable sustainable living.

www.mygreenpalette.com

The first of many Sebastian Eilert Architecture projects is now featured on the site. Look for it under the Project Gallery.

Village Green Man