Resource Reports
Resources are as follows: The City of Houston is not responsible for the contents or reliability of any third party documents to which we provide on this website.
Perhaps some of these titles might spark the perfect gift,
"presents of mind," for someone you know this holiday season.
Indoor Environmental Quality: We have a marvelous opportunity to hear from a premier source of information in this realm: the Executive Director of the Healthy Building Network, founded by Bill in 2000. The HBN has been a leader in creating tools that encourage the use of healthier building products including the Green Guide for health Care, new pilot Credits in LEED, and the Pharos Project, an online evaluation tool for building materials. Bill has spoken here at Gulf Coast Green three years ago; and at Greenbuild 2011 addressed a standing room crowd as he introduced a new tool for the green building movement: the Health Product Declaration. If you are concerned about what kind of toxic materials are present in your environment, this declaration is an open standard format which encourages the standardized disclosure of content and health hazard information about building products. Bill’s talk will focus on new trends in product transparency and disclosure that are growing in the green building movement and likely to change the way LEED material credits are awarded. Come and learn from one of the best….. PowerPoint Presentation: Bill Walsh
Houston has a tough climate for energy conservation. Learn from the design side and the construction side of real methods to keep your homes comfortable in the context of affordability, safety, and sustainability. With a focus on the building envelope and the equipment inside, we will hear from an engineer and an HVAC installer that have real know-how and experience with Houston climate challenges, and not only with new projects. We will hear about an “extreme makeover” residential project that will detail the host of retrofit techniques that changed an energy “hog” home to a high performer. PowerPoint Presentation: Gary Beck PowerPoint Presentation: Gary Parr
Sustainable development means compact mixed-use infill neighborhoods featuring connectivity, walkable streets and sites for social interaction – which contrast with sprawl development patterns that convert agricultural land, destroy wildlife habitat, require costly extensions of infrastructure, and make people dependant on personal automobiles. These are not new ideas — they work today just as they worked in neighborhoods built before the car. Learn how the LEED-ND rating system guides the development of new neighborhoods such as the City Centre project in West Houston. The same principles can be used to evaluate existing neighborhoods, using the results of the Midtown Livable Centers Study as an example. Then take a walk through Midtown and see how the design of streets, sidewalks, transit, and buildings work together to create livable, environmentally friendly places with a 40 minute total 3/4 mile walking tour of Midtown beginning and ending at the GBRC. PowerPoint Presentation: LEED ND PowerPoint Presentation: CityCentre PowerPoint Presentation: LEED EN Midtown Map of Walking Tour
What if every single act of design and
construction made the world a better place? PowerPoint Presentation: Living Building Challenge
Where on earth are we going, and what can we do about it? The Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium is a profound inquiry into a bold vision: to bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on Earth. If you are ready to explore what this vision means for you, and the opportunity to create an inspiring future, we invite you to attend (There was no separate presentation that is typical of our prior education sessions, the presentation used was material from this website). PowerPoint Presentation: Symposium Audiovisual Materials Green is Mainstream: December 3, 2010. Repeat January 20, 2011.
The speakers will cover the best practices in Green residential building and energy efficiency technologies, primarily intended for building officials, builders, suppliers, subcontractors, architects/engineers/residential designers, building trades’ instructors, students, apprentices, bankers, real-estate agents, and the general public. Each participant receives a course book containing more than 200 course slides and related green building information. (The downloadable presentation does not include the comments of the speakers). PowerPoint Presentation: Green is Mainstream Urban Pest Management in Houston: October 20, 2010. If you are concerned about how toxic pesticides can affect you, then you are interested in nontoxic alternatives (and living with pests is not one of them). Learn about the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) and choices you make regarding your pest control and impacts to environmental quality. PowerPoint Presentation: Texas AgriLife Extension Service PowerPoint Presentation: Environmental Coalition, Inc.
Solar panels are a hot topic in Houston. Here are some frequently asked questions: Why are they so expensive, and how many do I need to take my house off the grid? Are there any rebates and tax incentives? What type of new technologies are in the pipeline? Do I need a permit? PowerPoint Presentation: Environment Texas PowerPoint Presentation: Alternative Power Solutions PowerPoint Presentation: Standard Renewable Energy
RENT: Green Style in Houston: May 13, 2010 Some people living in apartments or duplexes might think they are left out
of the green building and energy conservation world because they rent instead
of own. Steve Stelzer will give
introductory remarks about the Houston Multi-Family Habitability Code that
brings below-par facilities up to code (and in the direction of Green). Guest speakers will discuss their approaches
to: -Design a LEED-registered multifamily project in Houston discussing the various Green building strategies as well as how it will be used. -Install affordable retrofits and repairs in apartments to save on energy and water consumption. -Analyze multifamily residential facilities to improve their energy and water efficiency and assign a rate of return on investment. Presentation: A Guide for Renters Presentation: Habitability Code Presentation: Multifamily Green Presentation: New Hope Sakowitz Green Rainwater Harvesting in Houston: April 22, 2010 Rainwater harvesting is not common practice, but many people are becoming interested in learning more about it. This education session will cover both commercial and residential scale projects, focusing on irrigation techniques and what works and what doesn't for rainwater storage, pumps, and hookups (without getting overly technical) with an overview of code requirements. We'll also have a quick look at residential stormwater retention requirements that can be solved with rain barrels. PowerPoint Presentation: Rainwater Harvesting - SparkleTap Water Company PowerPoint Presentation: Landscape Management Services PowerPoint Presentation: City of Houston Code Review Green Neighborhoods for Green Buildings: February 25, 2010 PowerPoint Presentation: City of Houston's in Developing Green Neighborhoods PowerPoint Presentation: Livable Centers: A Strategy for Sustainable Mobility
Learn about the various components of home energy bills for Houston’s climate, and what options you have to lower them and save money. Introductory remarks will target current energy consumption patterns globally and in Texas. Speakers will discuss various approaches that their companies take to analyze residential energy and resource consumption patterns in an effort to help the public better understand how to reduce their energy use. PowerPoint Presentation: Texas Home Energy Rating Organization PowerPoint Presentation: Bluegill Energy Management PowerPoint Presentation: Standard Renewable Energy Waste Diversion & Reclamation in Green Buildings: August 27, 2009 Learn about how businesses can reduce their landfill load with various methods during renovations, during construction, and during office hours. Introductory remarks will target current landfill pressures. Speakers will discuss recycling demolition and construction waste during construction projects, carpet reclamation projects, recycling of office waste at local businesses, and an overview of the secondary/used furniture market. PowerPoint Presentation: Houston-Galveston Area Council PowerPoint Presentation: Invista, Carpet Reclamation Program PowerPoint Presentation: Tandus PowerPoint Presentation: City of Houston Building Materials Reuse Warehouse PowerPoint Presentation: Lone Star Disposal PowerPoint Presentation: Office Furniture Connection Common Sustainability Terms A GBRC compiled glossary to help you navigate the complex world of Green. Home Energy Audit You can easily conduct a basic home energy audit yourself. Energy Efficiency Best Practices This is a useful 20 page 2007 booklet by the Department of Energy targeting the residential sector, with some case studies that include multifamily. Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development This an extensive 171 page 2005 document produced by a consortium of international agencies, including the United Nations. Going Green Checklist A one pager from Martha Stewart. You've seen some of these before... Going Green on a Budget A 4 page article of facility managers with examples written by Picture Framing Magazine Spring 2009. It's important to see that all industries are now talking about solving the problem. Green and Brown Facts Three page 2008 piece from Houston's George Brown Convention Center outlining Green measures taken there and within the City. Green Building Ideas A four page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Green Job Study A 52 page 2008 Booz Allen study commissioned by the US Green Building Council thoroughly describing what Green Jobs are, and predicting trends in the Green building market. Houston Recycling Locations a 2009 map of City of Houston locations. Recycling for the Future A 19 page 1998 article from the White House Task Force on Recycling. Residential and Commercial Emissions A very efficient 9 page 2009 article from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change that covers emissions as well as energy use by sector. Understanding Preventing Greenwash An excellent 41 page 2009 booklet on Greenwash, which is the deceptive practice of projecting a greener impression of a product or practice. Why We Build Green An efficient 4 page collection of building sector statistics compiled by the US Green Building Council. Houston Area Green Roofs 3 page document highlighting residential and commercial green roof projects in and around the Houston area. Exploring Sustainability in Agriculture An excellent 16 page 2003 brochure. Local food is an extension of Green building. Landscape Brochure An 8 page brochure that introduces the Sustainable Sites Initiative. Federal Energy Management Program (DOE/EERE) Green Roofs A 32 page 2004 brochure that thoroughly covers Green roofs. Rain Water Harvesting A 4 page introduction to rainwater harvesting. Charting Your Solar Course A 12 page 2010 article from Home Power Magazine.
Chasing Interior Ducts A very useful and still current 2002 article from Home Energy Magazine. Combination Water & space Heating System A three page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses a Green Affordable Housing design strategy. Concentrated Solar Thermal Power A 48 page 2005 brochure on a renewable technology in the pipeline. DIY Home Energy Audit A useful tool for familiarizing yourself with the various components of your house with suggestions for improving your home's energy efficiency. Get Your Power from the Sun This is a useful 20 page 2003 booklet by the Department of Energy for both residential and commercial uses. IREC Solar Market Trends 2008 This is a resourceful 17 page 2009 booklet by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council for to see where the market is going. Lone Star Power This is a very informative 20 page 2010 booklet by Environment Texas for both residential and commercial uses. How to Buy Energy Efficient Appliances A useful 4 page 2006 fact sheet. Lighting A 4 page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Solar Power Questions Answered A 15 page 2008 brochure from a British author with a good explanation of the basics of photovoltaics. Energy Savings From Small Near-Zero_Energy-Houses A 16 page 2007 brochure from the Federal Energy Management Program explaining the near-zero concept of home building. Savings from Operations and Management A quick 2 page 2006 brochure from the Federal Energy Management Program explaining commercial energy saving techniques. Saving from Lighting A 6 page 2006 brochure from the Federal Energy Management Program explaining commercial lighting energy saving techniques. Bamboo Flooring A two page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Building Savings A six page 2000 article and 7 case studies from US Environmental Protection Agency focusing on Construction & Demolition Waste (C&D). Cork Flooring A 3 page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Cotton Insulation A two page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Countertops A 9 page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Fiberglass Insulation A two page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Flooring A 5 page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Insulation and Air Sealing A 4 page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Low and No VOC Paint A 3 page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green affordable Housing design strategies. Steel Recycling and LEED Content A 4 page 2006 article from the Steel Recycling Institute along with the American Institute of Steel Construction. APA Engineered Wood Association A 8 page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Air Filter A two page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Daylight for Homes A 3 page 2005 article from Build It Green in California that addresses Green Affordable Housing design strategies. Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems A two page 2003 article from the US Environmental Protection Agency with good facts for flood prone areas. |
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