The Waxman-Markey clean energy climate bill should generate “tens of thousands” of renewable energy jobs in Texas alone according to Jon Berger, CEO of Standard Renewable Energy. Berger said his company has added more than 150 jobs already this year. The Waxman-Markey bill finally lends some government backing and definition to renewable energy initiatives.

Chief energy management officer at Horizon Wind Energy, Antonio Countinho, reported that his company had grown from 50 employees to 300 since 2005. As a clean and proven renewable energy source, wind energy is one of the beneficiaries of Waxman-Markey.

The enthusiasm of the panelists was tempered by John Calaway, chief development officer at Babcock and Brown, who added that “when gas prices go down, we get lazy again in our support for a clean energy policy.”

The ability to transmit solar power has limited the growth of solar energy. With an improved infrastructure, solar power is positioned to expand and have a quick impact on reduction of carbon emissions. The cost of solar panels has been reduced by 35% due to recent technological advances and increased manufacturing capabilities. The panel suggested that grid parity would exist in Texas by 2012 and the solar energy gates would open.

Jeff Chapman, president of Emerging Green Buildings and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) architect with Kirsey Architects in Houston, stated that there are currently only 12 LEED® certified buildings in Houston. Chapman said he is now working on 12 LEED® projects at the present time, but the message was clear. Houston ha snot been aggressive enough about sustainable energy or projects. With Waxman-Markey about to pass, that could change quickly.

“The implications for a city like Houston are pretty profound. We are good at big projects.”

When proud Austin, Texas, passed a resolution that municipal buildings must accomplish a US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification, the city became the first in the country to embrace green construction.  That was in the year 2000.
Dallas followed in January 2003 with its own commitment to LEED® certification and Green Building Programs.  An October 2007 report entitled “Toward a Sustainable Dallas” is filled with facts, figures and plans for the greening of the city.  The report also provides a healthy endorsement for the LEED® certification and rating system.

In June 2005, Houston joined the green and LEED® construction party.  The city originally authorized the LEED® certifications for new and replacement facilities that occupied a building of 10,000 square feet or more.

Since the original green and LEED® commitments, the cities have come to realize that not only do LEED® certifications make sense; they save taxpayer money and reduce the environmental stress as well as create healthier working spaces for city employees.  The Obama administration has reached the same conclusion and has loaded the stimulus package with green and LEED® certified requirements and incentives.

Austin’s Dell Children’s Medical Center, designed by Karlsberger and construction by the White Construction firm of Austin, opened June 30, 2007 as the newest member of the Seton Family of Hospitals.  The $200 million project set its sights on the US Green Building Council’s highest rating, the revered platinum LEED® certification.  Austin LEED® certification professional Aide Uzgiris remarked.  “It couldn’t be a more appropriate application for LEED® strategies.  Children, especially sick children, are more sensitive than adults to the effects of chemicals.”

The esteemed platinum LEED® certification calls for an 80% compliance score for energy and environmental design and implementation.  Uzgiris elaborated that, “the materials encouraged by LEED® not only tend to be naturally attractive, they reduce the amount of toxic chemicals inside the building, contributing to healthier indoor air.”

Sounds like a perfect design for a children’s hospital or any other hospital or work environment for that matter.  Developers and building owners should consult with LEED® professionals to better understand the many advantages to certification.

Houston’s League City is closing the gap on a conceptual plan for a new recreational park.  The Houston City Council is choosing from two possible plans for the newly proposed Eastern Regional Park to be designed by TBG Partners.
Proposals include international soccer fields, a competition pool facility and a community center.  The pool complex will include either a 25 yard competition pool, or a 50 meter/25 yard combination pool. Original plans for a senior center and recreational pool have been changed to include two gymnasiums and a multi-purpose fitness center.

Both plans now under consideration by the City Council include commitments to LEED® certification that will be provided by the US Green Building Council’s rating system.  These third party evaluations are designed to ensure efficiency and environmental benefits and are scored on six basic construction criteria.

The LEED® certification demonstrates the City Council’s environmental stewardship and commendable social responsibility.  This commitment has been intertwined in the 2005 Parks and Open Space Master Plan approved by the City Council in 2006.  The site’s needs have been under review and were adjusted according to a survey of physical resources and resident input.

The LEED® certification will assure residents that operating costs will be low and the net value of the project will be enhanced.  Pro-active energy and water conservancy will be utilized and the Eastern Regional Park project will substantially reduce the amounts of waste sent to landfills.

Additionally, with the LEED® certification, the project should qualify for tax rebates, be healthier and safer for all park users and dramatically reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

As with all LEED® certified projects, the construction represents a win-win undertaking.  With more than 75% of new projects committed to LEED® certification, it only makes sense for communities to be ahead of the trend.  Look around Texas and you will notice the flurry of green building activity.  It is where the jobs are, where progress is and where the country’s future is heading.

The Gulf Coast Green 2009 Symposium is a free-to-the public, two-day conference from April 16 – April 17, 2009 at Houston’s Reliant Park.  The Gulf Coast Green Symposium is followed by another two-day, free-to-the-public Houston Green Expo at the same location.
Both events feature speakers, exhibitors and vendors on all topics green.  Featured presentation include:

•    Reducing the Region’s Footprint
•    Alternative Technologies
•    Smart Planning for Inevitable Growth
•    Implementing Breakthrough Solutions

In addition to community and commercial green topics, many green homeowners’ issues will be addressed.  The Houston Green Expo is the largest green product expo presented by the city each year.  Many educational seminars will be presented, so if you have an idea or are seeking green conservation ideas, pack up the kids and stop by the expo this weekend.

The City of Houston has commenced many Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®®) initiatives.  As the private sector enters the green movement and especially the green construction movement, homeowners, communities, property developers and managers are encouraged to attend the symposium and expo to stay abreast of green industry trends.

Pre-registration is not required at either event.  Walk-in traffic is most welcome.  As LEED’s ® Emerging Green Building program is geared for young green entrepreneurs, all children and young adults are encouraged to participate.

LEED®® is committed to responsible environmental and social conduct.  The LEED®® rating system is a third party evaluation program that results in four levels or certification.  Environmental initiatives are awarded points based on a merit system.  The point total determines the project’s rating.  While many new construction projects are committed to the LEED®® certification, there is a need to bring existing properties up to standard.

Events like the Reliant Park events help to educate the builders, planners and consumers about green topic and products. The LEED®® rating and certification programs give us all a path to environmental change.  Now, we just have to make it happen.

You have probably heard by now, but the new Element Houston Vintage Park hotel has made its proud and commendable debut last month.  The message bears repeating.  The Element Houston Vintage Park hotel is the first in the state to pursue and obtain the United States Green Building Council’s  (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification.

This significant commitment represents a big step forward for Houston, the state of Texas and the visitors to the sparkling clean, energy efficient and user-healthy hotel.  As an example of the hotel’s green efforts, even the gorgeously appointed pool contains no chlorine.

Each room has an energy efficient kitchen stocked with healthy ready-made meals and pasta, sauces and artisanal meats and cheeses.  Now, we are talking about health and progress.  Even better news, is that consumers are liking and responding to the Element’s green message.

The hotel uses Energy Star appliances and was finished with low VOC paints and has implemented incredibly attractive recycled-content carpets, cushions and art mountings.  Water conservation is ensured by low-flow toilets throughout and conservation-rich rain showers.

The Element has installed a proactive recycling campaign.  The hotel provides recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass.  Sound like home?  If so, make yourself at home by visiting the hotel and supporting the green movement.

The Houston hotel is typical of what is happening in new construction around the country, around the globe and specifically in Texas as more than 75% of new commercial-grade development calls for green construction and energy programs.  More and more government projects are taking the green message even further and requiring LEED® certification in all design and construction.

The LEED® rating system evaluates construction for environmental and health quality under six construction-based criteria.  Points are awarded for each rating and the overall score generates one of four LEED® certification classifications.  Congratulations to the City of Houston and a pat on the back to the Texans for their support of The Element Houston Vintage Park.  Try it, you will like it!