GREENVILLE, SC — The SC Chapter Board of Directors announced that Mark Godfrey has been elected Vice Chair for 2012 and Chair-Elect for 2013.

Mark Godfrey, an Architect and LEED Accredited Professional (AP), has served in various roles with the SC Chapter over the last five years. Under his leadership, the SC Chapter has broadened its influence and cemented its role as a leading voice in sustainability. Godfrey graduated from Clemson with a Masters in Architecture and has been Chair and Vice Chair of the Upstate Branch over the last few years.

Mark has been with McMillan Pazdan Smith for six years. The firm has designed over twenty LEED certified buildings to date including Hubbell Lighting Headquarters and CU-ICAR Collaboration 3 in Greenville, QS/1 Headquarters and Mary Black Foundation Office in Spartanburg, Elon University Field House, and the Glendale Shoals Environmental Studies Center for Wofford, which received LEED Platinum. Mark was directly involved in helping the Verizon Wireless Store in North Myrtle Beach and Regent Bank Offices in Greenville achieve LEED certification.

There are over 120 LEED certified buildings in South Carolina, which ranked fifth in the nation for LEED building space per capita in 2010. Mark is one of the 1,100+ LEED APs in the state.

“I’ve watched in awe as the green building movement has grown in South Carolina — as people from widely different backgrounds and industries have united under a common commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable state and world,” said Godfrey.

“I’m humbled to be a part of this movement and I am honored to continue serving the USGBC SC Chapter and its members. We have a great future to look forward to in South Carolina,” Godfrey added.

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Thirty nine buildings in SC were LEED certified in 2011, 15% more than 2010.  Greenville and Spartanburg led the state with four new LEED certified buildings each. The largest SC buildings certified in 2011 were the 291,354 SF Franklin Street Properties 1441 Main Street building in Columbia and the 188,294 SF Tanger Outlet Center on Hilton Head Island.

Of the 2011 SC LEED Certified projects, 38% achieved LEED Gold, 23% more than the state average.  Notable projects certified in 2011 include:
1. Platinum – CRC Federal Building in Charleston
2. Gold – 291,354 SF Franklin Street Properties in Columbia
3. Gold – 175,506 SF Furman University, Townes Science Complex in Greenville, SC.
4. Gold – 80,928 SF Kershaw County School District in Camden
5. Gold – 21,600 SF YMCA of Coastal Carolina in Georgetown

“The people who live, work, learn and play in buildings should be what we care about most,” said USGBC SC Executive Director, Melissa Le Roy. “2011 was a difficult year for much of the SC building industry, but in many areas, the hunger for sustainable development kept the markets moving.”

The largest number of the SC LEED certified projects overall has been from the Higher Education sector. The top Higher Education owners by number of LEED Certified buildings:
1. Clemson 13
2. University of SC 10
3. Furman 8
4. Coastal Carolina University 3
5. Wofford 2

The top SC cities by number of LEED Certified buildings
1. Greenville: 22
2. Columbia: 13
3. Spartanburg: 9
4. Charleston: 7
5. Clemson: 4

The top SC cities by amount of LEED Certified SF
1. North Charleston 12,715,069
2. Greenville 2,383,664
3. Graniteville 2,000,000
4. Columbia 1,051,740
5. Spartanburg 578,234

USGBC’s LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings. Over 44,000 projects currently participate in the LEED rating system, comprising over 9 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 117 countries. In addition, over 10,000 homes have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with nearly 50,000 more homes registered.

For the full list of LEED certified projects, visit: https://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=8784
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U.S. Green Building Council SC
The U.S. Green Building Council SC is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our state through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising over 1,300 LEED Professionals, USGBC SC is a diverse constituency of builders, architects, engineers, environmentalists, corporations, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, and concerned citizens.

Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of the energy consumption, and thirteen % of the water consumption. This makes green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and green building has the potential to generate thousands of SC jobs.

By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. For more information, visit www.usgbcsc.org.
Contact: Dan Gerst
Communications Chair, USGBC SC
Dangerst.usgbcsc@gmail.com

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January 13th Program

Avoid Walking the Green Mile Because of your Green Promises

What happens when green design, planning and construction does not perform and meet the owner’s expectations? What legal ramifications can we avoid?

Join us as attorneys Bachman Smith with Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, PA and Andrew Cole with Collins & Lacy examine potential errors of commission or omission when selling a project and writing contracts for its execution.

Where? USC Green Quad
1216 Wheat Street, Bldg. D

When? 11:30 – Registration 12:00 – Presentation

Registration*
Members: $10
Non Members: $15

Register Now!

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This past October, the National Environmental Education Foundation (www.neefusa.org <http://www.neefusa.org/> ) in partnership with the National Education Association Foundation (www.neafoundation.org <http://www.neafoundation.org/> ) and Green Schools National Conference (www.greenschoolsnationalconference.org <http://www.greenschoolsnationalconference.org/> ) launched the first of a series of three webinars to help educators around the country learn from experts and peers how to green their schools and curriculum. Webinar participants will interact live with national experts and teachers who are transforming their schools for the 21st Century.

Registration is free!  All educators are invited to join us for the webinar.

Going Green through the Curriculum– Wednesday, January 18 at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Whether you are an environmental educator or a classroom teacher, you will love this webinar!  David Sobel, Gerald Lieberman, and Jennifer Seydel have teamed up to provide you with some ideas and practical strategies to use the local community and environmental issues to teach science and socials studies content AND improve reading, writing, and math skills!

David Sobel, Senior Faculty
Antioch University New England
David will provide examples of how teachers use local case studies to integrate the 3rd-8th grade standards in social studies, science, reading, writing, and math.  These examples are illustrative of how teachers across the country use place-based education to meet and breathe life into state standards and benchmarks.

Gerald Lieberman, Director
State Education and Environment Roundtable
Jerry will discuss California’s new EEI curriculum, a wide-ranging set of K-12 instructional materials that teach science and social studies standards in the context of California’s adopted environmental principles and concepts, while strengthening students’ reading and writing skills.

Jennifer Seydel, School Designer
Expeditionary Learning
Jenny will share planning templates that teachers can utilize to design lessons and units using environmental and social justice topics to teach state science, social studies, reading, writing, and math standards.

Learn more and register at www.classroomearth.org/gswebinars <http://www.classroomearth.org/gswebinars> .
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Please consider posting/promoting this announcement on your website, your newsletters, your networks and in your listservs.  We appreciate your support.

If there is someone in your office for whom this email is better suited, please pass it along.

Please contact me with any questions at bcato@neefusa.org.

Respectfully,

Bobby Cato
————
Bobby Cato

Senior Project and Outreach Manager
cato@neefusa.org

National Environmental Education Foundation
4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 160                             Washington, DC 20008
V(202)261-6482
F (202) 261-6464
www.neefusa.org <http://www.neefusa.org/>

Knowledge to live by

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Melissa Le Roy, Executive Director, execdir@usgbcsc.org, 843-329-3131

Call them Green Building Rock Stars, Sustainability Super Heroes or just plain leaders…the South Carolina Chapter of the US Green Building Council wants to honor them at the Sixth Annual Green Building Leadership Awards Program, sponsored by Duke Energy and held in conjunction with SustainSC2012, March 29-30 in Greenville. Nominations will be accepted for Leadership Awards and Exemplary Project Awards through February 15, 2012. Click here for the nomination form and instructions.

The awards honor outstanding people, organizations and projects that have furthered the cause of green building in South Carolina. Nominees must be honored for work performed in the state, and honored projects must have been completed within the past three years.
Leadership awards will honor individuals, firms or organizations that lead by example, or which have helped to transform markets by providing information or education that establishes the value of green building. They are intended to honor efforts “above and beyond” —not simply a job well done.

An Exemplary Project is one characterized by unique environmental, social and economic success, as well as its ability to inspire others. It will also be judged by measurable attributes such as energy or water savings. Projects must be registered for certification under the USGBC’s LEED certification program. In certain instances a project may be considered if it is registered under the Green Globes, EarthCraft or NAHB Green Homes programs.

Past award recipients include:
2006: University of South Carolina, Furman University, Clemson University, John Knott (Noisette)
2007: S.C. Energy Office, Craig Gaulden Davis, Coastal Carolina University, Sen. James Ritchie
2008: Mayor Keith Summey, City of North Charleston, Upstate Forever, 7th Grade Teachers of Georgetown Middle School, Dennis Knight
2010: James Meadors/Charleston Green Committee, Tony Bakker, Frank Powell (Furman University), Beezer Molten/Halfmoon Outfitters
2011: Don Cameron, Housing Authority of Charleston, YMCA of Coastal Carolina, Jackson School, Kershaw County School District, Holiday Inn Hotel, W. Columbia
Keith Sanders Service Award, for outstanding service to the Chapter: Denise Sherman, Allen Taylor, John Hansen

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You are invited to attend and participate in the fourth SustainSC Conference and Exposition, March 29-30, 2012, in Greenville, South Carolina.  Abstracts must be submitted to SustainSC2012@gmail.com no later than December 31, 2011. Candidates chosen as presenters will be notified by e-mail no later than January 15, 2012.

Session Guidelines

Professionals, policy makers, students and all others with experience or knowledge of green building and lifestyle may submit an abstract for an oral presentation, panel discussion, or tour at this event.

Potential Topics include but are not limited to:

• Advocacy, Policy, Enforcement and Administration
• Sustainable Lifestyle Guidance and Operations
• Building Systems and Technologies
• Performance Monitoring and Validation
• Sustainable Site Design
• Smart Growth and Planning
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Commercial/Institutional/Residential Case Studies
• Conservation of Natural Resources
• LEED Specific Credit Topics for BD+C, Interiors, EBOM, Homes. Health Care, ND, and Schools

Presenters must pay their own travel expenses. Complimentary conference registration will be provided to all accepted participants.

Selection of panel sessions will be based upon the following criteria:

• Subject: The subject should be one that showcases and discusses a current topic in sustainable design, construction, operations, or lifestyle choices. The topic must be of interest to conference attendees and will foster discussion.
• Speaker/Panel Participants/Moderator: The speaker or panel must consist of knowledgeable and prepared participants who have varied experiences and opinions on the proposed topic. More than one program may be submitted for review however it is unlikely that multiple presentations from one presenter/organization will be accepted.
• No Sales Presentations:  Vendors may present industry specific information however proprietary or vendor  sales information shall be excluded. Company logos shall be removed from presentation materials.
• Continuing Education: All SustainSC education sessions will be submitted for GBCI and AIA CEU and must be 50 minutes of instructional time with up to 10 minutes for question and answer. Additional consideration will be given to LEED specific and sessions preregistered with GBCI. Examples of LEED specific content include a LEED update, an in-depth LEED project case study, a review of a successful or unsuccessful implementation of LEED, or an analysis of the benefits of LEED.

Abstract Formatting Guidelines:

Abstracts should not exceed 300 words and clearly describe the topic being addressed. If the reviewing committee is unable to get a clear understanding of what you will be presenting, the topic is likely to be rejected.

All abstracts must include:

• Four(4) learning objectives
• Completed conference spreadsheet
• Contact Information-mailing address, email, phone number for primary contact. If more than one person is presenting please provide an email address for each speaker.

Submit Abstracts/Questions:

• Abstracts must be submitted to SustainSC2012@gmail.com no later than December 31, 2011, subject line “Abstract Submittal”
• Questions can be submitted to SustainSC2012@gmail.com,   subject line “Abstract Question”

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Join with others to do your part in protecting our environment and become part of a more sustainable community. Attend this year’s York County Green Business Conference. This one-day comprehensive conference will provide your business, institution, organization or non-profit with new and innovative ways to become more sustainable and environmentally responsible. Sessions will focus on alternative and renewable energy, sustainable policies and business planning, implementation strategies, green building, green cleaning and sustainable landscaping. Don’t miss your opportunity to tell others about your company’s commitment and interest in sustainability For more information click below.

http://www.usgbcsc.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2011-12-Green-Biz-Early-Bird.pdf’>2011-12 Green Biz Early Bird

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Getting Greener
Is the Future of S.C. Schools in Kentucky?
BY BILL DAVIS

After traveling to see a Kentucky elementary school that spends nothing on electricity, Democratic state Sen. Phil Leventis of Sumter now envisions schools of green for future generations.

Leventis and state Rep. Doug Brannon (R-Landrum) took part recently in a program that sent legislators to a small country school building near Bowling Green, Ky., that seems to have done the impossible. Richardsville Elementary in Warren County has become the nation’s first net-zero energy cost school in the nation. Employing a series of architectural and engineering moves — like building much of the school around the gym to insulate what is usually the most expensive area to heat and cool — the school’s power demand was cut by roughly four-fifths.

The final fifth was taken care of by the use of an array of solar panels that generate power to be sold back to the utilities.

The rub with green buildings has long been the misperception that they are too expensive to design and construct — that their exotic materials and shapes are too costly to maintain.

Until now.

According to the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities, the average cost of building a primary school in the United States in 2011 is $200 per square foot.

Richardsville Elementary’s per-square-foot cost was $182, Leventis was told, thanks in part to a federal grant that covered a big chunk of the solar array. Without the grant, Leventis said it was only $208 per square foot.

By his own admission, Brannon is “no tree hugger.” But he was just as impressed as Leventis by what he saw. For every million dollars in energy savings each year a county enjoys — and schools are big power eaters — Brannon said as many as 20
teachers could be employed.

Also, by not aligning the school with the road in front of it, but the sun’s path, Brannon said the school was able to capture more solar energy.

“If they do that in Kentucky … we can do it in South Carolina,” Brannon said.

Brannon, who serves on the House Education and Public Works Committee, said it would be tough passing a bill in Columbia instructing districts in South Carolina to follow suit.

“I could see the ‘home-rule’ people screaming,” Brannon said.

Ed Falco, who used to work on energy-saving projects within the S.C. Department of Education, is still trying to educate the Palmetto State on how to be green like the Bluegrass State.

As project manager of the Palmetto Green Schools Network by the Conservation Voters of South Carolina, Falco wants to build a green “grassroots to grass-tops” movement, where students behaviors and building policy becomes as verdant and lush as the countryside. The network launched a website, palmettogreenschools.com, last week.

Big school districts, like Greenville County, the largest one in the state, spend between $17 million to $18 million a year on energy alone, Falco said.

Falco said minimal upfront investment in design and materials, even in retrofits of existing schools, could result in major cost savings to schools. Too many times, Falco has seen cash-strapped school systems start out with green intentions, but prevailing politics and economic realities weigh down projects, and the greener/leaner elements get “value-engineered” out.

Even with the energy cost savings, green buildings might still be a hard sell in poorer districts that don’t have the tax base to construct anything above the bare minimum, according to South Carolina School Boards Association spokesman Debbie Elmore.

Elmore said this is a touchy subject, as the amount the state puts forward for construction is “minuscule” and shrinking, with most, if not all, money for new schools and retrofits coming from local tax coffers.

Elmore called for legislators like Leventis and Brannon to put forward bills offering incentives to help school districts go green and to create an additional infrastructure bank for smaller districts to dip into for these kind of projects.

Crystal ball: As the state’s economy continues to recover, there will be more money, and potentially legislative support, for greener schools. But education will have to come first, and people will have to get over uninformed sticker-shock fears before communities can reap the benefits of big-time energy savings.

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Senate Briefing
“Conversations with Conservationists”

Hosted by Senators John Courson and Phil Leventis

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Gressette Building, Room 105
1100 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC

House Conservation Briefing
“Conserving Communities…naturally”
Hosted by House Majority Leader, Rep. Kenneth Bingham
and House Minority Leader, Rep. Harry Ott

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
9:00 am – 10:00 am

(Please note that the House Briefing date is subject to change
due to House Committee schedules.)
Blatt Building, Room 110
1105 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC

We invite legislators and our conservation friends to join us for one or both of these brief presentations by South Carolina business leaders for the House and Senate, unveiling the 2012 Conservation Common Agenda priorities.

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