Thursday, March 05, 2009

LEED User Group Mtg March 18

You won't want to miss this!

Dave Bennink from Re-Use Consulting will talk about the latest technology in deconstructing buildings. This can get you LEED credits for construction recycling, salvage/re-use and possibly innovation.

Dave will share techniques for deconstructing buildings faster, and cheaper! How this can provide jobs in our tough economy, and how deconstructing buildings can help narrow the gap toward sustainability!

When: Wednesday March 18, 11:45 - 1:15 presentation
Where: PUD in downtown Everett

Scott Schreffler, LEED AP
project designer

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

What"s Your Carbon Foot Print?

Plan to attend the FREE Brown Bag Lunch at the SnoPUD Headquarters in Everett, WA.

Learn more about Carbon Footprints

click the link below


http://community.icontact.com/p/httpsustainablesnohomishblogspotcom/newsletters/brownbaglunch/posts/sdtf-brown-bag-lunch-march-11-2009

Monday, March 02, 2009

Green Drinks goes to Edmonds in March 2009


Green Drinks of Snohomish County will be Sponsored by Sustainable Edmonds for the month of March. Plan to carpool with friends and co-workers to A Very Taki Tiki Bar and Grill. March 10th from 5:30 - 7:30pm.


Let's talk GREEN and make a difference!


click here for more information and directions

Snohomish County Adopt New Development Regulations





Snohomish County Council Adopt New Development Regulations Urban Residential Design Standards The Snohomish County Council on January 21, 2009 approved Ordinance 08-101 relating to new Urban Residential Design Standards.

The ordinance will go into effect on April 21, 2009. This ordinance adds new architectural standards for all forms of residential development located in unincorporated UGAs. Highlights include:

  • New regulations to improve the exterior appearance of residential dwellings (Single family, duplex, townhouses and multiple family buildings) including garages through a menu of design options

  • New regulations to preserve significant trees in perimeter landscaping and critical areas and buffers

  • New regulations to replace significant trees when they are cut down

  • New regulations to require street trees in residential developments

  • New regulations to address compatibility of new development with existing residences

  • Greater flexibility in using alleys and auto courts in all forms of residential development

  • Changes to the way building height is calculated

  • Increased building height in single family and multiple family residential zones

  • New regulations to allow cottage housing

  • Requirement that all new residential developments provide on-site recreation space

  • Administrative review of architectural design standards through an administrative site plan

  • Flexibility built into the review process to allow a continuation of the on-line building permits

  • Improved pedestrian connections within residential developments

  • Increase in director discretionary authority

  • New “Design Manual” to illustrate architectural, landscaping and street standards (user friendly with pictures and illustrations)

  • A new perimeter landscaping table in SCC 30.25

  • A new SCC 30.24 which consolidates roads standard previously located in (SCC 30.41A and 41B and other code chapters)

  • Changes to the use matrix related to townhouses and cottage housing

  • A new bulk matrix for residential zones including new setbacks for upper stories of residential dwellings

  • New EDDS standards for urban roads (Ordinance 08-101)

Rural Cluster Subdivisions The Snohomish County Council on February 4, 2009 approved Ordinance 08-087 relating to Rural Cluster Subdivision. The ordinance will go into effect on April 5, 2009. Highlights include:


  • New landscaping standards for perimeter buffers and buffers between clusters

  • Reduction in the number of lots in a cluster from 30 to 13

  • Increasing the width of setback buffers along roads from 50 to 100 feet (200 feet if the site is meadow or pasture)

  • Requires a minimum 50 foot buffer on site boundaries not abutting a road

  • Increases the width of buffers between clusters from 50 to 200 feet

  • Increases the setback for dwellings adjacent to farmland from 50 to 100 feet

  • Retention of 50 percent of the tree canopy is preferred

  • Requires use of low impact development techniques

  • Makes lot yield and density bonus calculations for properties designated Rural Residential (1 du/5 ac Basic) in the comprehensive plan the same as those designated Rural Residential-5. (Ordinance 08-087 )


    For more information or to sign up for monthly or quarterly e-mail notices and news about specific issues pertaining to the Update Project, visit the UDC Update web page or call the UDC Planning and Development reception at 425-388-3311 ext. 2203 to be directed to a project team member.



Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Built Green Conference March 6th




DON'T MISS THIS!

The 2009 Built Green® Conference will be held on Friday, March 6, at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center and will feature keynote speaker Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Built Green Conference is an annual event for building industry professionals: builders, remodelers, architects, designers, vendors, consultants, engineers, realtors, government agencies and students. The primary focus of the conference is to educate the local and regional building industry on quality green building practices, products, and projects, as well as inspiring groups to continue to build more sustainable communities.


Visit http://gomembers-ecommunicator.com/ct/zdwERiS1BRsJ/ to register today.

Green Residental Appraisal Workshop

Green Residental Appraisal Workshop
February 27 from 8:30am - 5:00pm
click for the Event page
click here to print flyer

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Carbon Footprint Analysis

Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Management:
How a Carbon Footprint Analysis Can Help Get You Started

by Sharon L. Wright, AICP, HDR ONE COMPANY

Climate change and greenhouse gas management are broad topics receiving a lot of attention. These topics are important because they affect our businesses, communities, and developments. As more legislation is passed and more information is evaluated, it is apparent that all of us need to contribute to greenhouse gas reduction. We can minimize our carbon footprints (the rate or amount of carbon gas emissions we individually contribute to the global phenomenon) through constructing more efficient buildings, creating healthier urban, suburban, and rural communities, and reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) through transportation planning and personal travel choices for home and business.

Here are a few great resources, many used as references for this article:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/index.htm http://www.seattle.gov/climate/SCPresources.htm (download a carbon calculator)

click here to read the whole article

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Evergreen Fairgrounds - LOW IMPACT WORKSHOP


A FREE LOW IMPACT DEVLEOPMENT WORKSHOP FOR ALL TO ATTEND ON FEBRUARY 11 STARTING AT 8AM.

FOR MORE INFO GO TO WWW.SUSTAINABLESNOHOMISHCOUNTY.ORG OR CALL TERRI 425-783-8275

http://sustainablesnohomishcounty.org/pdfs/LIDworkshopflier109.pdf

GREENDRINKS Snohomish County


Richard Sullivan has agreed to host GreenDrinks this coming Tuesday the 10th of February - 2009 (5:30-7:30). Thanks Richard for doing this on such short notice.

Richard has been working on the adaptive re-use of the Collins Building down on the Everett Waterfront (just think of all the embodied energy in BIG RED) so the featured non-profit is "The Everett Museum". He is also currently forming two non-profits geared to affordable housing using green building techniques.


We are having GreenDrinks at:

MARIMBA !
Caribbean and South American Cuisine
1405 Hewitt Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
They are geared up and ready to go with appetizers, beer and wine

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Eco Village



Check out this small eco village, hopefully the sizes of the homes will be reduced in her next projects.
http://www.king5.com/localnews/consumer/stories/NW_121208CONB_home_front_KS.5738ad61.html

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Green Drinks January at Zippys....................


Yep.. it's time to get out an mingle at Zippy's in Everett, WA this month.

Come to Green Drinks, to start the New Year off right...

click here for more info.............

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Celebrate Green at New Year's Eve Gala



Reported by Sarah Jackson of the Everett Herald

Are you still looking for the perfect way to ring in the new year? I know it’s hard to imagine even leaving the house right now with all that snow out there, but I just heard about the Greening Snohomish County New Year's Gala, set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Floral Hall in Everett’s Forest Park.

Festivities will cost you $50 per person and include a silent auction, a recycled-fashion “trashion” show, a three-course buffet and two drink tickets, plus live music and dancing.
click here to read more

Friday, November 28, 2008

Intergrating Sustainability into Your Strategic Plan

Integrating Sustainability into Your Strategic Plan
Thursday, December 04, 08
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Location: MBA Housing Center, 335 116th Ave. SE, Bellevue

Learn how to integrate sustainability into your strategic and business planning, resulting in increased profitability and long term vitality. This breakfast workshop is being sponsored by our association, Sustainable Development Task Force of Snohomish County and Sustainable September.

Instructor(s): Brenda Nunes, MBA and executive officer and certified sustainable building advisor, Sustainability FoundationCarolyn J. Hope, president, Sustainable Development Task Force Cheryl Isen, president, Isen and Company

Contact: MBA University
Phone: (425) 451-7920 Ext 208
Email: education@mbaks.com
Cost: $45/person
Notes:
Pre-registration is required. Breakfast will be provided.
Printable Registration Form

Sustainability in Business Planning

Professional Workshop-Integrating Sustainability into Your Business Planning

December 4th 2008, 7:30-9:30 am-Master Builders of King and SnohomishCounties $45

For more information contact: Gretchen Stewart, Director of EducationMBA U 425-460-8206.

Learn how to integrate sustainability into your strategic and businessplanning resulting in increased provitability and long term vitality.This breakfast workshop is being sponsored by Master BuildersAssociation of King and Snohomish Counties, Sustainable DevelopmentTask Force of Snohomish County, and Sustainable September.

Presentersinclude:
Brenda Nunes, MBA, Certified Sustainable Building Advisor, SustainableSeptember Chair, Sustainability Foundation-Executive Officer

Carolyn Hope, Sustainable Development Task Force of Snohomish County -Past President and professional planner

Cheryl Isen, Isen and Company, a strategic planning and marketingfirm, Principal

Workshop address: 335 116th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004.
Tickets may bepurchased for $45 online at www.mbaks.com or by calling (425)460-8206.

Green Roof Function, Design & Installation

Associated Builders & Contractors’
GREEN COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Thursday, December 4, 2008
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Free presentation and networking opportunity
Triad Associates *NEW LOCATION!*
12112 115th Avenue NE, Kirkland

How to Grow a Roof:
Green Roof Function, Design & Installation
Vegetated roofs are one of the hottest concepts in green building these days. Join us as Patrick Carey of Hadj Design explains why green roofs are gaining in popularity and what design and installation methods are best suited to our region.

Speaker: Patrick Carey, Hadj Design
Patrick Carey, principal of Hadj Design, has been researching and experimenting with green roofs, living walls, and other forms of biophilic design since 2000. As director of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild’s Green Roof Project, he designed and installed 20 experimental green roofs in the Puget Sound area. His firm has designed an additional 55 commercial and residential green roofs, featuring a wide range of assembly types and climate zones. His work has won the King County Environmental Hero Award, an A.I.A. Environmental Award, and a Seattle Livability Award.

Moderator: David Hilgers, Triad Associates David Hilgers is a Pacifi c Northwest native and a graduate of Washington State University with a Bachelors of Science in Landscape
Architecture. He is a registered Landscape Architect in Washington and Oregon and currently works for Triad Associates, a multidiscipline consulting fi rm in Kirkland. As a LEED®-Accredited Professional, Mr. Hilgers has been involved in many sustainable design projects including the green roofs for the Going Green at the Beach project and the Zero Energy Idea House in Bellevue.

About the ABC Green Council:
The ABC Green Council was launched in February 2008 to provide a forum for education and networking related to the emerging field of green building. Chaired by Pam Worner of Green Dog Enterprises, the council’s roundtables on the fi rst Thursday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm are free and open to ABC members and prospective members alike. In addition to the monthly gatherings, each of which will feature an educational topic, the council’s activities will include site visits to green projects, a series of seminars, and whatever else council members want to do!

Come join us as together we increase our knowledge of this important field that is transforming the way we build. For more information, to RSVP your attendance or to be put on
the email list for notifi cations on ABC Green Council roundtables, seminars and other events, please contact Member Services Coordinator Kim Trautman at kim@abcwestwa.org, 425.646.8000 or 800.640.7789.

ABC of Western Washington  399 114th Avenue NE  Bellevue, WA 98004  800.640.7789  www.abcwestwa.org

Directions to Triad Associates
If you're heading to Triad for a meeting they’re easy to find in Kirkland just a few blocks from I-405.
12112 115th Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
I-405 Heading North
Take the NE 116th Street exit, #20A
Turn LEFT at bottom of off-ramp onto NE 116th Street
Turn RIGHT at first stoplight onto 120th Avenue NE
Turn LEFT at first stoplight onto NE 118th Street
Turn RIGHT onto 115th Avenue NE
Triad Associates is located a block up on the RIGHT
I-405 Heading South
Take the NE 124th Street exit, #20
Turn RIGHT at the end of the off-ramp onto NE 124th Street
Turn LEFT at second stoplight onto 113th Avenue NE
Turn LEFT onto NE 122nd Way
122nd Way becomes 115th Ave NE
Triad Associates is located on the LEFT

Friday, November 07, 2008

Book of the Month


The Green City: Sustainable Homes, Sustainable Suburbsby Nicholas Low



Publisher Comments:

What does the global agenda of sustainable development mean for the urban spaces where most people live, work and move? Can we keep what we love about city and suburban life and still save the environment? What new methods of planning and building will be needed in the 21st century?

A genuinely innovative book, "The Green City, considers and answers these three basic questions, and challenges the way we think about our cities, the environment and planning for the future. It presents a new and controversial challenge to ideas about sustainability and rejects both economic and environmental orthodoxy. In a nutshell, its message is that the sustainable city can be built by a thousand well-directed small changes. To illustrate this, "The Green City draws on diverse practical case material from Australia, Europe the USA and Asia, and features a photographic essay of 34 colour photographs.

At this post Nov 7th....Powells Bookstore in Portland has this book on special.
You can order it Online....check it out click here

Plan to Rescue Puget Sound

How did this happen? Pollution running off hard surfaces? Scooping doggie poop?


Draft plan to help rescue Puget Sound unveiled
By ROBERT McCLUREP-I REPORTER

Rescuing ecologically battered Puget Sound requires a wide-ranging campaign expected to cost -- for starters -- at least an extra $100 million a year, state officials said Thursday as they unveiled their draft plan.

Topping the list of actions needed are buying ecologically critical lands and beefing up efforts to rein in pollution flowing off hard surfaces such as streets and parking lots after heavy rains. The list of steps proposed by the Puget Sound Partnership looks far beyond the shores of the Sound itself and spans the spectrum -- from actions as simple as scooping dogs' poop to undertakings as complicated as overhauling state water law.

click here to read more from the PI

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Brown Bag Lunch Series: Rain Gardens and.....

photo is rain garden
at the Evergreen Fair grounds









Rain Gardens and Rain Catchments:


Yes, Snohomish County it is time to pay attention to where the water goes.


When Rain falls from the sky, who owns it?.... These questions and more...
..

Plan to attend this FREE Brown Bag Lunch at the Snohomish PUD
on Wednesday, Nov. 12th from 11:30-1:00pm

sponsored by the Sustainable Development Task Force of Snhomish County

click here for more info: http://sustainablesnohomishcounty.org/pdfs/stdf%20e-blast%20for%20raincatchment%20nov2008.pdf

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Green Drinks Nov. 11th in Arlington, WA

GREENDRINKS

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

Tues, November 11th from 5:30-7:30pm

Co-sponsored by

the "Village Store" and "Ronin Northwest" in Arlington

click here for more info...

Carpooling is a Great Idea

Edmonds Community College Blogs About Sustainability

EDMONDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS BLOGGING ABOUT SERVICE-LEARNING AND SUSTAINABILITY

Students engaged in Edmonds Community College’s award-winning service-learning program contribute 30,000 hours of volunteer service to 57 community organizations each year. Now they are sharing their experiences and staying connected to the community on the college’s blog, AfterWords, www.edcc.edu/afterwords.

Student Yin Yu, who organizes events for the college’s Center for Service-Learning, is the featured blogger on AfterWords. She’s writing about service-learning projects and sustainability issues as she completes her Associate of Science degree. A Foundation scholarship recipient, Yu plans to go on to study environmental science at UW Bothell. Lisa Quirk, a student working on her Associate of Arts degree on her way to the University of Washington to study anthropology, will also be a regular contributor to the blog.

Both bloggers are active members of the college club S.A.V.E. (Students Association for a Viable Environment) and alumnae of the Learn-and-serve Environmental Anthropology Field (LEAF) school — a series of three human ecology classes with a service-learning emphasis. Service-learning gives students the opportunity to earn AmeriCorps scholarships, while they make deeper connections between their studies, their community, and the world at large.

Yu and Quirk met this summer while working on ecological projects on Whidbey, Orcas, and Jetty islands in the Puget Sound. Their work included restoration of historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) trails in Moran State Park on Orcas. Both students describe their summer in the LEAF school as a great, life-changing experience.

“I completed 300-hours of AmeriCorps service this summer, and everyday in class, I was introduced to a new environment, studied watersheds around the sound, and met new community partners,” said Yu. “I gained an understanding of the natural habitat in my neighborhood. I tell everyone I meet that they are missing out if they don’t enroll in the LEAF school.”

Blogging is a natural fit for the service-learning students as it provides a way that they can reflect on the impact of their service, a requirement for the AmeriCorps scholarships, as well as remain engaged with the community. Community organizations and members are encouraged help keep the students connected by reading and commenting on AfterWords.

LEAF school students also make use of college’s social network on Ning for group work and reflection. The most recent class posted photo blogs of their service for a final project. See photos of their summer of work as well as pictures from more recent projects at http://edmondscc.ning.com.

AfterWords will also be a place where students and the community can discuss sustainability issues and share ideas. Since 2004, the college has initiated several sustainability projects on campus, including the development of classes and degrees that teach environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable practices.

In the past, AfterWords has helped shine a spotlight on arts and culture events at the college, including its lecture series. However, the previous AfterWords blogger, Jenna Nand, often wrote about her volunteer work with EcoEncore, a Seattle non-profit that recycles books and media. While at the college, Nand helped students collect more than $20,000 in re-sellable media for the non-profit. She is now working at EcoEncore while applying for law schoo
l.