Boston GreenScene

Remodeling Green in Boston: Improving Sustainability and Overall Health

By Krista Peterson

With Boston being one of the most history-rich cities in the nation, proper preservation and use of building materials is a matter of more importance in this city. There are some decisions in building creation that are having an effect on the health consequences of inhabitants in certain dwellings. The use of sustainable green products in remodeling, preservation, and building construction could help prevent residents from health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases.

Going green has been considered more of a luxury and not so much of a cost effective choice in the past. As the lifestyle choice is showing monetary savings, it’s also having a duel effect on our health. While asbestos use hasn’t been common for a few decades, with a number of buildings built before the 1980’s in Boston, the use of asbestos in construction was normal and commonplace for a number of local structures. Being aware of the consequences of possible asbestos materials would be particularly beneficial to long-term health for residents and building owners.

In some older buildings and structures, asbestos related substances are being released. Employees and families in older buildings may have direct exposure to mesothelioma symptoms as a result. Lung Cancer and mesothelioma life expectancy are not issues to be taken lightly.

Residents and building owners in Boston should take a look at whether or not there structures may contain asbestos related materials. Replacing these with sustainable materials would not only be energy efficient, but great for long-term health.

Image courtesy of ct.gov.

Event: Greening Government Center

 

What will Boston's Government Center look like in the next ten, twenty, or even fifty years?  The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) is partnering with private firms and local experts to ensure that Government Center and City Hall Plaza is green and accessible to all.  In December 2010, a three-day charrette was held on the re-design and now the BRA and several key stakeholders want to share these plans with the local community at a public event on Monday, February 7th.

Tim Love of Utile Inc. will be presenting the key recommendations and ideas from the charrette, and Tim Love and Gary Hilderbrand of Reed Hilderbrand will discuss their thoughts on the next steps for the green redesign of Government Center. Alex Krieger of Chan Krieger NBBJ and Ted Landsmark of the Boston Architectural College will be sitting on a panel to provide feedback on the design and recommendations. As in the last symposium, the event will provide a chance for the public to ask questions of the presenters and panel, as well as share their thoughts on the Greening of Government Center.  Should be a great event and we hope to see you there!

 

Who: You, open to the public

When: Monday, February 7th, 4:00-6:00 PM

Where: Modern Theatre, 523-525 Washington Street in Downtown Crossing, Boston

Contact: Boston Redevelopment Authority

Cost: Free 

 

EVENT: HEET WEATHERIZATION BARNRAISING

If you're looking to keep your 2011 New Year's resolution to volunteer in your community more often or to be more environmentally aware, the team at HEET has the perfect event for you.

Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) is a grassroots nonprofit that organizes free weatherization parties to teach volunteers hands-on how to lower their energy bills and carbon emissions.  HEET consults with energy experts to pass on accurate information and aims to build community, create social marketing for energy efficiency and help facilitate exchanges of ideas.  Volunteer work includes weatherizing doors, sealing windows, caulking air leaks, and programing thermostats.  You can pitch in to help a neighbor, learn skills to help you save money at home, fight climate change, and meet other concerned Bay Staters!   No previous work experience required.

Who: Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) 

When: Saturday, January 29th, 2011, from 12:30-5:00pm

Where: First Church of Cambridge, 11 Garden St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Contact: heetma.com

Cost: Free

 

EVENT: Sustainable Preservation: The Power Of Preservation/Reuse As A Green Strategy

Buildings account for nearly 40% of all U.S. energy use and carbon emissions.  With one of the country's leading preservation architects as your guide, the lecture will explore the power of adaptive reuse to reduce those numbers and move us toward sustainability.  

Jean Carroon, FAIA, LEED AP, a principal in Goody Clancy''s highly regarded preservation practice, has earned national recognition for her expertise in applying sustainable-design technology to historic buildings, including Trinity Church and more than a dozen National Historic Landmarks.  In this lecture, Carroon explores the power of adaptive reuse to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, and move us toward sustainability.  Learn how an icon such as H.H. Richardson's Trinity Church in Boston can go green and why a 1970's strip-mall supermarket not only deserves similar attention but also can emerge as a building that delights users and protects the environment.

 

When: Wednesday, January 26th, 2011, 7:00 PM

Where: Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon St, Boston, MA

Contact: Kathy Acerbo-Bachmann - kacerbobachmann@trinitychurchboston.org or go here for more information.

Cost: $15 to the general public

ARE YOU A PARENT? ARE YOU AWAKE?

by Heather Burns

I only needed to open the door a few days ago to my child's gymnasium and take one whiff of the newly polished floor to be reminded of how much work still needs to be done to create awareness, turn inaction into action and create real change when it comes to the toxic environment our children are exposed to. 

And while I may not be able to instantly control what school administrators put on floors, on the lunch menu, or on the school yards - I can create change to the degree I feel comfortable, have time for or feel compelled. 

Healthy Child, Healthy World is a stand up organization helping keep "conscious" parents like me well informed so I can make sound choices on behalf of my children. 

EVENT: HEET WEATHERIZATION BARNRAISING: 9/11

Looking to take part in the 9/11 Day of Service?  Here's a perfect way to volunteer in a green way:

Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) is a grassroots nonprofit that organizes free weatherization parties to teach volunteers hands-on how to lower their energy bills and carbon emissions.  HEET consults with energy experts to pass on accurate information and aims to build community, create social marketing for energy efficiency and help facilitate exchanges of ideas.  Volunteer work includes weatherizing doors, sealing windows, caulking air leaks, and programing thermostats.  You can pitch in to help a neighbor, learn skills to help you save money at home, fight climate change, and meet other concerned Bay Staters!   No previous work experience required.

Who: Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) 

When: Saturday, September 11, 2010, from 12:30-5:00pm

Where: Tot-Lot DayCare and Home - 65 Chestnut Street, Cambridgeport, MA 02139

Contact: heet.cambridge@gmail.com, heetma.com

Cost: Free

bGreen Mobile Showroom

Our friends over at bGreen have recently completed their mobile showroom and were just covered by the Boston Globe's Innovation Economy.  bGreen founders Barry Greenstein and Lee Schneider have been working hard to ensure that living green is second nature and we are excited to see this green Boston start-up getting recognition.  Check out bGreen for your green lifestyle and building needs and be sure to keep your eye out for the bGreen mobile showroom!

Green Sells: Energy Upgrades Raise Home Value

By Josh Lynch

The housing market, like the U.S. economy, is a mess. GDP growth dropped from 3.7% to 2.4% in the second quarter. In the housing market shrinking incomes and greater lender restrictions mean fewer qualified buyers are looking, which is driving down prices.

Here is the bottom line: if you want to sell your home without losing your shirt, you need an edge.

To find an edge, just look to the part of the economy that’s still growing – the green sector. In Massachusetts, major utility companies have stepped up energy efficiency investments this year with the goal of tripling enrollment in their programs. A recent report funded in part by the state department states that renewable energy use is at “a clear tipping point” for growth. Never before has it been more affordable to green your home.

Green home improvements enhance comfort, make homes more durable, save on monthly utility costs, and reduce pollution. One benefit that people don’t often think about is higher resale value. While your realtor may have asked you to add a fresh coat of paint, refinish your basement, or make a few renovations to spice things up, she probably hasn’t asked you to upgrade your insulation or qualify your home for ENERGY STAR.

A recent study published in The Appraisal Journal indicates that the market value of a home increases by $10 – $25 for every $1 decrease in annual fuel bills. An ENERGY STAR qualified 3,000 square foot new house can save around $800 per year (around $70/month) on utility bills compared to the standard new home. According to the report, this level of investment in improvements would add $8,000 to $25,000 to the market value. Energy savings and sale value benefits to existing homes are typically even higher because of the greater opportunity to upgrade energy performance. And unlike a new paint job, these investments will actually pay for themselves.

5 Ways Boston Could Be More Environmentally Friendly

by Louise Baker

The city of Boston, Massachusetts is one of the most historically significant in the entire United States. From the Boston Tea Party to the famous ride of Paul Revere, Boston was a focal point for America in its fight for Independence from the British. Well known as a center for higher education, Boston and the immediate surrounding area is the home of Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Northeastern and dozens of other colleges and universities. It is also a very beautiful and picturesque city. While there is widespread consensus that it is important to keep Boston beautiful, talk is not enough. Following are 5 ways Boston could be more environmentally friendly. 

Alternative Transportation

The city of Boston could pass a law requiring more use of environmentally positive modes of transportation. They would reward good behavior and penalize non-compliance. You don't have to drive a car to get around the city. Cars are a major source of air pollution and discouraging their use could have a very positive effect on the environment. Boston has a very good public transportation system that can get you just about anywhere you want or need to go. Instead of driving, you could decide to take the "T" (Boston's subway system) when traveling around Boston and the surrounding cities. Buses can move a large number of people in a much more efficient way than an automobile. As a college town, taking a bike to get from point A to point B, is pretty common and it is environmentally friendly. Finally, Boston is a great walking city. Quincy Marketplace, Cambridge and the riverfront are great places to take a stroll and leave the car behind. 

Driving Fuel Efficient Cars

Boston could have an incentive system for driving more fuel efficient cars. They might offer free parking if you have a fuel efficient car or give you a break on your city taxes. Most people still need to drive. If you are going to drive around the city, think about replacing your gas guzzling SUV with a more efficient, smaller car. If you can get 30 miles per gallon, you'll be using less fossil fuel and also saving a bunch of money at the gas pump. Small cars. Hybrid Cars. Electric cars. Buy one and you'll be doing your small part to help Boston be a little more environmentally friendly. 

Replace Incandescent Lighting with High Efficiency Lighting

The city of Boston could require all buildings to have energy efficient lighting or you could get fined. This is a very simple way to have a big impact on energy usage in Boston. Lighting technology has been advancing rapidly in recent years. Those "twisty" light bulbs are now selling for much more affordable prices then when they were first introduced. Fluorescent lighting consumes far less energy than incandescent lighting. The most promising new lighting that can have a mass appeal is LED lighting. If all the businesses in the tall buildings in the downtown area eventually converted to LED lighting, it would take only a small fraction of the energy it now takes to light up the city.

Recycle

The city of Boston could subsidize recycling making it more worthwhile to be conscientious and recycle. They might double the going rate for aluminum cans or set up special recycling stations where it would be convenient for the general public. Save your cans, save your bottles. Cardboard and newspaper can be recycled. Clothes can be recycled too. Instead of always going for "new", consider quality used merchandise. 

Stop Littering!

Heavy fines for littering would discourage the careless practice. The city could hire enforcement agents who would be ready to ticket anyone they caught littering. Take it upon yourself to make an effort to throw your trash in a garbage can. When you see a plastic bottle or a stray candy wrapper, pick it up! Deposit it in the nearest receptacle. Do your part to keep Boston environmentally friendly.

Louise Baker is a freelance journalist and blogger who most recently wrote about online degree programs for the Zen College Life blog.

Sustainable Design Summer Courses at BAC

Interested in learning more about sustainable design, green building, environmental systems, LEED ratings and other green practices?  The Boston Architectural College (BAC) has recently announced its online sustainable design courses for the Summer 2010 session.  These courses are a part of the BAC's Sustainable Design Program, which offers four possible graduate certificates in sustainable design.  These courses were developed in partnership with BuildingGreen and are a part of the most design curriculum in the country.  Sounds like a great opportunity to us!

Who: You

When: June 7 - July 31 2010

Where: Boston Architectural College

Contact: Boston Architectural College