USGBC Idaho

USGBC Idaho Hiring Program Manager

Apr 9 2013

Article written by Charlie Woodruff

USGBC Idaho Program Manager Position Opening

Accepting Applications through April 15^th 2013

The U.S. Green Building Council Idaho Chapter is seeking a full-time program manager to help us achieve the goal of transforming the market for green building in Idaho. The position reports to the Executive Director and is based in Boise. We are seeking a dynamic team member who is passionate about sustainability and able to effectively engage with our every growing network of members, volunteers, partners and constituents.

For more information please download the USGBC Idaho Program Manager Job Announcement March 2013

Tags: Green Building, Green Jobs, Jobs, Program Manager, Sustainability Job
Posted in Articles, Leadership, News, USGBC Idaho | No Comments »

Intro to Photovoltaics- Sustainable Energy Sustainable Homes Series

Apr 8 2013

Article written by Charlie Woodruff

Introduction to Photovoltaics
7pm to 9pm, Thursday April 11
Univ of Idaho Integrated Design Lab
306 S. 6th Boise (6th and Myrtle)

We are blessed with terrific annual solar resource here in the Treasure Valley. Residential photovoltaic (PV) electrical systems can provide much of the yearly electrical energy for many homeowners. We’ll start with why PV systems make sense for the environmentally conscious homeowner. We will explain how PV systems work. We will cover system size, location, and orientation rules of thumb. We will explore PV technology: PV panels, system design, and inverters. We will talk about Net Metering and the changes proposed by Idaho Power. We will take a look at residential PV as an investment and close with some things to remember.

Thanks to these series sponsors:

Gravitas
Green Remodeling
Johnson Brothers
Renewable Energy Solutions
Snake River Alliance
USGBC Idaho

And special thanks to the University of Idaho Integrated Design Lab for the venue.

Tags: Energy Efficiency, Green Building, homes, residential, sustainability
Posted in Events | No Comments »

Starting Early: Energy Modeling Throughout the Entire Design Process

Apr 5 2013

Article written by Charlie Woodruff

Starting Early: Energy Modeling Throughout the Entire Design Process- Building Simulation Users Group 2.0 April Meeting

Image: US Courthouse Cedar Rapids / OPN Archtiects / KJWW MEP / The Weidt Group

Description: Mr. Baker will talk about utility sponsored Demand Side Management (DSM) programs that use energy modeling early in the building design process to inform owner and design team decision. The Weidt Group provides Energy Design Assistance programs for 5 investor owned utilities and one state wide program serving over 100 utilities. These programs have averaged 30% savings beyond code for projects where the comparative analysis starts during Design Development, and 45% savings on average for projects when the analysis starts during the Predesign phase. Mr. Baker will describe how energy modeling a wide variety of design and operational options from Predesign through Occupancy can significantly reduce building energy use. He will discuss the EDA process, key intervention points, setting baselines, and verifying the savings in the final design.

Speaker Bio:

Chris Baker, a Senior Energy Analyst at The Weidt Group, focuses on providing analysis to help design teams understand the energy and environmental implications of various design options. In addition to his project work, Mr. Baker contributes as a subcommittee chair for ASRHAE Proposed Standard 209 “Energy Simulation Aided Design for Buildings”. Since joining The Weidt Group in 2006, Mr. Baker has consulted on more than 100 projects totaling over 13 million square feet, including 30 LEED project submittals.

Mr. Baker received an MBA from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas. He is a Registered Architect, a Professional Engineer, a LEED Accredited Professional, and an ASHRAE certified Building Energy Modeling Professional.

Date: April 17^th, Noon-1:00pm

Location: University of Idaho Integrated Design Lab, 306 S 6^th Street, Boise ID 83702

RSVP: RSVP here by April 16^th for a Free LUNCH!

CEU Credits Available!

Tags: Demand Side Management, Energy Efficiency, Energy Modeling, Integrated Design, lunch lecture
Posted in Events | No Comments »

April Chapter Champion – Leif Elgethun

Apr 2 2013

Article written by Macy

Association: Site Based Energy

What is your background?

I grew up in the Boise area before going to the University of Idaho to study chemical engineering. I returned to Boise after a short stint in N. Idaho and joined the building industry to have a closer connection to the products I engineered and built. I quickly found many flaws with the traditional building process and started looking for a better way to do it. It was through that process that I found the USGBC as an organization that was creating an environment where those that knew we could do better were welcomed and allowed to shape the ongoing dialogue to make that happen. I’ve spent the better part of the last 7 years doing my part to practice what I preach by focusing entirely on clean energy and sustainable buildings while dedicating as much of time to increasing the market demand and knowledge of those practices.

What role(s) have you taken part in for USGBC Idaho?

I started off my work with the Chapter by helping to kick off and organize the Green LEEDers event and eventually ran that program for over 3 years. My next role was Chair of the Advocacy Committee, where I helped grow the committee to over 12 volunteers, accomplishing several policy victories ranging from local reforms to statewide laws. I then joined the Board of Directors and have served as Vice Chair and then Chair of the Board the past two years.

What got you interested in becoming involved with the USGBC Idaho Chapter?

I’ve made it the goal of my life to leave the world in a better place than it currently exists. I believe humanity’s impact on the environment has been largely negative over the past century and the next century will require humankind to repair and reorganize our allocation of resources. The greatest need in this arena is the built infrastructure, which at its core is the interface of the human-environment duality. In addition, buildings are the single largest category of energy use, which is interrelated in this paradigm shift.

How do you feel you have made a difference locally?

I hope I’ve made a small dent in our communities interaction with the built infrastructure by increasing awareness of better buildings and clean energy, while advocating better policies that allow good folks to make better choices when they build and develop our community.

What would you most like to accomplish with your involvement in USGBC Idaho?

My main goals since joining the USGBC Idaho have been to increase the chapter’s reach in the community, expand that presence across the state, and bring new stakeholders into the discussion of responsible development. That requires a strong foundation for the chapter, which I believe has been built. The next phase is helping the chapter meet its mission and vision to create a sustainable built environment for all Idaho within a generation.

What advice would you give to others who are looking to get more involved with USGBC Idaho?

I would recommend getting involved at whatever level they are able to. Whether that’s helping with an outreach event, taking registrations, joining a committee or the board, or simply becoming a member doesn’t really matter as there is a place for everyone to support our efforts to improve the world we live in.

Posted in Chapter Champion | No Comments »

Spring Lunch Series Kick Off

Mar 18 2013

Article written by Charlie Woodruff

Join us this Thursday, April 4th Noon-1pm for our first spring lunch at the Idaho Associated General Contractors in Boise. You’ll hear updates on chapter programs and opportunities, a new membership structure, and our focused advocacy initiatives.
You’ll also have a chance to network and engage in small round table discussions at the end of the lunch hour.