(As published in Environmental News Record Magazine, May 2013) The design and construction industry can often be a confusing whirlwind of acronyms. On any given job one might encounter acronyms relating to building codes (e.g., ICC, IBC, BOCA, IECC), trade associations (e.g., AIA, NAHB, ASHRAE), or government organizations (e.g., DOE, GSA, DERM). So it is more »
On March 12, 2013, I was appointed by Palm Beach County Commissioner Paulette Burdick to serve on the Palm Beach County Zoning Commission. I am honored to have received this post, and look forward to serving the residents of Palm Beach County.
In anticipation of the March elections, I initiated a Green Candidates Forum to create a forum for the Mayoral and Commission candidates around the subject of sustainability. The Forum proved to be a great event, standing room only. It is our hope that the City elected officials and staff continue to recognize the support for more »
As the selection of a new City Manager in Delray Beach for the first time in 22 years approached, I felt it important to raise the awareness of the importance of sustainability in the new era in which the new City Manager would be serving. I started a petition on Change.org which garnered more support more »
When planning a LEED building, one of the most important aspects of the building will be the flush fixtures (i.e. water closets and urinals) chosen. Aside from the all important sustainability aspects of reducing the need for potable water, from a purely LEED project management perspective, fixture selection is significant because: 1) An important pre-requisite more »
In August 2012, I was the recipient of the 2012 USGBC South Florida Chapter Outstanding Community LEEDer award at the organizations annual Gala Verde event. The award recognizes “An individual who demonstrates progressive initiatives, effort and a commitment to green-building initiatives.” I am greatly humbled by the Award and recognition from the great people of more »
What happens when one tries to renovate a historic building using both historic preservation guidelines and LEED green building guidelines? Do the goals conflict with one another, can they coexist? Do the perhaps even complement one another? The following case study takes a real historic building and analyzes and cross-references each specific LEED credit with more »
I was honored to be selected be included in a group of individuals highlighted by Delray Beach Magazine as people in Delray Beach up and coming.
Historic Preservation is inherently sustainable. Maintaining historic buildings saves the energy already embodied in their materials. Historic communities are walkable and less resource dependent. Historic buildings are energy efficient as they make the most of daylight and natural thermal strategies through integrated design. Historic buildings often used less toxic, less processed building materials. Read entire more »
Green Building’s Powerful Tool: the Checklist
(Published in Atlantic Avenue Magazine, December 2010) While Microsoft might not be entirely aware of it, green initiatives are likely increasing demand for their Excel spreadsheet software. This is because the “checklist” has become the preferred tool of green initiatives, whether it is green building programs such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership more »