Boston GreenScene

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 

 

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.

Guest Post: Green Spaces Provide Great Economic Potential

by Jack Lundee

If you are interested in environmental policy this has been quite the year for you already.  Some of the recently discussed topics of early 2010 include climate change, green infrastructure, clean water, and more.  In particular, the addition and/or the substitution of green spaces have been quite controversial as of late.  Senior resident of Urban Land Institute Ed T. McMahon believes that, "green space adds value to property." Not only do areas of conservation drive economic trends upward, but they also improve the overall health of the surrounding community.  For example, substituting things like golf courses for conservation areas essential increase surrounding property value while diminishing overpriced maintenance fees. The same holds true for airports and other large acre-eating developments.

Many of these areas are already abandoned or unkempt. For instance, park and recreational areas that were once highly visited have become urban wastelands. In an article from the Salt Lake Tribute, Lindsay Whitehurst discusses how an area that was capped with tennis courts to replace an old reservoir had been empty for some time. Whitehurst further explains that the University of Utah received a loan to fill the old reservoir and turn the land into a conservation area. 

Much larger metropolitan areas are also playing their role in promoting sustainability by creating and refurbishing green spaces within city limits.  In her new book, Boston's Gardens & Green Spaces, local author Meg Muckenhoupt discusses different green space within the city of Boston. With very low cost maintenance fees and little liability, these areas are perfect for protecting our wildlife and the environment. They also attract further tourism; which in turn generates revenue from ticket or tour sales.

Event: HEET Weatherization Barnraising 2/28/2010

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: Sunday, February 28, 2010, from 12:30-5:00pm
Where: 94 Spring Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
Contact: heet.cambridge@gmail.com, heetma.com
Cost: Free

Policy Corner: Cash for Caulkers

by Dan Burgess, Boston GreenScene's Policy Corner Commentator

In a slew of clean energy policy news this past week, the most intriguing idea I’ve heard is that of a ‘Cash for Caulkers’ program.  This initiative, as explained by David Leonhardt in the New York Times, would provide federal subsidies to encourage home weatherization in the United States. 

Much like how the Cash for Clunkers program helped buoy the automotive industry by encouraging car owners to purchase more energy efficient vehicles, the Cash for Caulkers measure would provide incentives for homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient.  Household energy efficiency would be gauged through energy audits and money would then be provided by the federal government to homeowners to help offset the overall costs of the weatherization.  There are numerous benefits to this idea and it should be enacted as soon as possible.

This program would undoubtedly reduce energy use immediately.  In the article, Leonhardt mentions that the consulting firm McKinsey estimates there could be a 28% reduction in energy use over the next decade with proper weatherization in the United States.  This reduction not only would make our country less reliant on unclean energy sources, but also would provide immediate financial relief for struggling families in Massachusetts. 

Mayor Menino Raises the Green Roof on Runoff

Harvey the Hoverfly II

by Daniel E. Walsh  Author of Our Sunday "History & Reflections" Series

When I come home feelin' tired and beat
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet (up on the roof)
I get away from the hustling crowd
And all that rat-race noise down in the street (up on the roof)
On the roof, the only place I know
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Let's go up on the roof (up on the roof)

~ Goffin and King

Harvey the Hoverfly* is a little confused. He and his antecedents have hovered around the Hub for eons. Until quite recently things had been tough and growing tougher for the average hoverfly to do what hoverflies do. Pesky humans and their swatting -- unfortunately for the hoverflies, they look like wasps, only smaller, and folks like to whack them.

For the flies in this urban setting there are fewer places to land; there is smoke and bad air to contend with and that music! What’s the point? Why it’s enough to poke your eyes out, all 5 of them! That’s the question raised around the haunts of the hoverfly. But, now I’m into something good, hums Harvey. This is nice - freedom up in the air and plenty of Bailey’s Gold to land on and a surfeit of aphids to eat, say the flies. Hoverfly heaven. From Yarmouth Town to Brockton the buzz abounds. What could be causing all this Diptera fluttering and excitement? Why, it’s the green roofs popping up around Boston!

The Green Architecture: Style and Function

by Daniel E. Walsh  Author of Our Sunday "History & Reflections" Series

The city is built
To music, therefore never built at all,
And therefore built forever.
~ Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Labor Day, an American holiday birthed in the aftermath of the labor wars of the late 19th century, has become a day to reflect on our labors and the pride we take in them. Some who labor in disciplines that incorporate green and sustainability values may take an extra measure of pride. Increasingly, there has been much to be proud of—and this figures to help shape a better future. Architecture can be seen as a combination of style and function. Within the architectural style is the music of the culture. The spirit of the architect is expressed in the design for the assigned purpose. An overall shape takes place and thus is created the identity of a city or culture.  

The pride of a civilization is seen in its cities and in the building of these great centers.  The style of a city identifies the best qualities that the builders see inside themselves and in what they are charged to do. The élan of Paris, the steadfastness of London, the hustle and bustle of the great Eastern cities in the U.S., with Boston among them, and the spiritual ascension of the capitals of the Mayan people all can be seen in the city’s architecture.

Today an impressive skyline attests to the financial might of a culture. Cities are the population centers and they reflect the spirit of the citizens. Sustainability, conservation, and green are the buzzwords that shape much new architecture.  Many disciplines are incorporated and no part of the construction is too insignificant to be considered.  Like the care we are now giving to the appearance, as well as the cost and effectiveness of lighting in these structures, our cities will shine through to the people of the future. We are now starting to see a green style throughout this land.

Get Listed in Boston GreenScene's Local Green Directory While it's Still Free!

From the Editor's Desk

Looking for things green in Boston? Look no further! Boston GreenScene is working hard to fulfill its commitment to be THE online portal to all things green in Boston and beyond. Whether you are looking for a green builder or architect, a scholarship for environmentally-geared education, green clothing and accessories, a green group to join, green parenting resources, recycling resources, funding for your green project or initiative, or anything else green in the Greater Boston Area or within Massachusetts, Boston GreenScene provides an excellent source of information! Visit our Local Green Directory for all things eco in and around Boston!

If you are a green organization, sell green products, or are otherwise connected to the green movement and are not currently listed with us, contact us today! Listings are currently free, but in order to maintain our service to our readership, we will eventually have to charge! We anticipate instituting a fee in the coming few months. Get grandfathered in today!

Let the Sunshine in!

by Katina Fontes

Katina Fontes is Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.   She is EcoBroker Certified® and works with buyers and sellers in the Greater Boston Area.

Last night I took a course on Solar Heating taught by my friend Amy Beaudet at the Alternative Energy Store in Hudson. The class was an introductory course on the basics of solar air and water heating. When thinking about solar energy, most of us think of photovoltaic modules -- the blue or black solar panels that store and convert sunlight into electricity. Solar heating, on the other hand, uses sunlight to heat water or air without a conversion to electricity. This technology is not as well known, but is more efficient, less expensive and the payback to the consumer is much faster.

The course was very enlightening and I took several things away from the three hour class.

• Solar heating is not an all or nothing solution. It is a way of offsetting existing systems for heating air and water. They don't completely replace the furnace or water heater in one's home. In fact, a back-up is generally required to keep the water and air warm in regions with colder climates.

Patch of Woods

by Daniel E. Walsh  Author of Our Sunday "History & Reflections" Series

“Ah, great it is to believe the dream
As we stand in youth by the starry stream;
But a greater thing is to fight life’s battles through,
And say at the end, 'The dream is true!'”

Charles Edwin Markham (1852-1940)

My memory sees a gateway to a place where such dreams occurred. At the opening to a patch of woods, next to a ramshackle basketball backboard, grew a persimmon tree; its spindly, scrawny branches stretched over the path into the woods like a sentinel.