So it begins... LEED NC in the news

Team, check out the article at this link: http://www.facilitiesnet.com/bom/articleemail.asp?id=8965

I have been waiting for some publicized audits of LEED NC buildings to come out. As I expected, they are not all that much better than many of their counterparts with regard to energy use. Why? Because there is precious little emphasis (staff, budget, cultural, systemic, and otherwise) on supporting green buildings after they are built. The result: new buildings emblazoned with LEED plaques that soon after close out documents are passed on, begin to resemble the twenty-year old building next door in almost every way. Now is the time for IFMA to lead the USGBC EB initiatives. In an interesting move for FM's, now is the time for the USGBC to outsource EB implementation, education, and culture shift to the organization that has the moxie to get it done. Plaques should not be adhered to walls with compliant adhesive unless the building certification includes a component to maintain the certification. Some teeth in the current NC system would be nice. Maybe not a pit bull, but at least an angry terrier. Plaque police? Annual Audits/recertification? Published lists of Green Buildings with current status - including the names of the design and construction teams?

Bottom line: Without FM's carrying the green flame after it is lit, all LEED will be is a lot of smoke reflecting in the shiny plaque. - ww

Virtual Energy Forum '08

Ran across this last night and thought of my Sac Valley friends and colleagues.

http://virtualenergyforum.com/index.php

The Virtual Energy Forum is a two day online-only event focused on how leading companies can adopt better energy management practices to cut costs, while at the same time adopting clean energy alternatives -- presenting alternative energy technologies, policies, and best practices in a live, interactive environment. The event is designed to meet the needs of corporate energy executives in a way that is not possible with physical events, webinars or other means.

The first Virtual Energy Forum, which took place on June 10th and 11th, received extremely positive responses from attendees, sponsors and partners alike and was featured in CNN's Situation Room. Speakers from the June 2008 Virtual Energy Forum included senior executives from Marriott, Raytheon and the U.S. Department of Energy as well as Senator John Kerry and Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

The next Virtual Energy Forum will take place on December 10th and 11th 2008 with all new speakers, track presentations, virtual booths and informational resources from the top institutions and individuals in the field.

The Virtual Energy Forum features:

• - Live streaming video presentations from alternative energy thought leaders - with the opportunity for attendees to ask questions of these experts in real-time
• - Industry-specific tracks of live video and panel presentations that will present green case studies in industries such as consumer products, healthcare, government, education, retail and high technology
• - A virtual exhibit floor and virtual booths featuring several of the leading technology product and service providers
• - Live chat among attendees and exhibitors, with the opportunity to easily exchange contact information and collect materials in a virtual briefcase
• - Meet-the-Expert live video chats that will provide attendees access to experts in specific energy areas
• - An emerging technology showcase featuring award winning companies with green products or services

Steven Greenwood, CFM, LEED-AP, IFMA Sac Chapter Secretary
Instructor
UC Berkeley Extension

IFMA Holiday Party - LIVE MUSIC!!!

Party-goers, we have live music for this year's Holiday Party featuring Kirby DeShay & Cold Sweat. This year's party is atop the Holiday Inn in Sacramento on J Street. Follow link for details: http://www.ifmasac.org/i-prgram/m-08dec05.pdf