Sandy Bauman

www.hsc.unt.edu

Sandy Bauman is the sustainability coordinator at UNT Health Science Center. She holds MS degree in Environmental Toxicology and Masters in Public Administration, Environmental Policy. She believes that her educational background is one of the reasons why she was selected for the sustainability coordinator position. Most of the time, Sandy says, she needs to give lots of presentations and write lots of reports on sustainability. In addition to this, she is in charge of organizing different events to educate students and faculty about sustainability. She is supposed to be knowledgeable about energy, water, waste, recycling, and much more.

Sandy defines 3 facets of sustainability, which are environment, economy, and society. She places environmental and social sustainability before economic sustainability. In her opinion, the first two have more value to society. 

The UNTHSC building, which is located in Fort Worth, has a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation for achieving high results in sustainable practices. The main goals of UNTHSC are oriented toward conservation of water and energy, reduction of landfill waste, and healthier and safer environment on campus. To achieve these goals, Sandy promotes recycling on campus. She educates faculty and students how to recycle batteries and light bulbs safely. She also makes sure that all students are aware of a 20 percent parking discount for low emission and fuel efficient (LEFE) vehicles, and the benefits of a bike share program.

https://www.facebook.com/UNTHSC

 

I was surprised to hear that Sandy doesn’t drive a car to her work place but she commutes around the city by bus or bike. She is able to give up some comfort and convenience to help the environment and to become the example for others.

TRVA

The Trinity River Vision Authority (TRVA) creates and implements a wide range of projects in relations to the Trinity River in Fort Worth. Some of these projects also include reconstruction of old bridges and building new ones. The goal of the organization is to link several communities in the city by attaching them to the Trinity River corridor. A few of other interesting projects include the expansion of Gateway Park and construction of Trinity Uptown.

 

The TRVA works on the project to control flooding within the city of Fort Worth. One of the most flood vulnerable parts of the city is located on the north side of Fort Worth. People, who reside in this community, believe that creation of an urban waterfront will be a solution to the major flood problem in this area.  Fortunately, the TRVA, in partnership with other developers, knows how to help this community and has already developed the infrastructure plan that will not only stop the flooding problem but also will enhance the development of a recreation zone in this area.

 

I recommend a visit to a few events which are organized by the TRVA and are held on Panther Island Pavilion. One of these events is Rockin’ the River. But there are many more. Just go and check for more information the TRVA website: http://trinityrivervision.org/

http://trinityrivervision.org/TRVBlog

 

 

 

 

Plantation homes

Plantation Homes is a construction company, which offers sustainable and energy efficient features incorporated in the design of their homes. The company currently operates in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth area, Austin, and San Antonio.

The company builds their homes in accordance with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requirements. There are several benefits offered by LEED certified homes. The main advantages of LEED homes are manifest when there is a substantial reduction in energy bills at the end of the month. Chad Giese, who spoke to my real estate class on behalf of his organization, explained in detail what his company does to ensure the high quality standard of their homes.

 

He said that each LEED home is individually tested to reduce unwanted ductwork leakage. When his company builds LEED homes, they also integrate low flow fixtures and energy efficient bulbs into the design of their homes. They install water-efficient utilization systems for irrigation purposes. One of my class-mates asked how the company knows if the employees do their job in accordance with LEED standards. Chad answered that before employees begin to work on a construction project, the company makes sure that their employees understand all requirements associated with building LEED homes. Also, he mentioned that most of their employees are trustworthy people, and they proved themselves, being dedicated to Plantation homes for many years.

 

 

 

 

 

I liked this presentation a lot. I thought that Chad was also dedicated to his work. He openly discussed not only advantages but a few disadvantages of LEED incorporated features. One of these disadvantages might be a high cost.

Partners for Sacred Places

 Partners for Sacred Places is a nonprofit organization, which was founded in 1989. Suzanne Yowell is one of the dedicated employees of this organization. Her responsibilities include, but are not limited, to finding solutions for unused or under-used sacred places. There are a lot of congregations, including some located in Fort Worth area, which possess huge buildings but do not utilize those buildings to their full capacity.

http://www.sacredplaces.org/

 

 Suzanne Yowell believes that churches play an important role in our communities. Many congregations have been actively involved in promoting community development by supporting different kinds of public programs in church buildings. However, she says, that many cultural and social organizations need to find reasonably priced homes to be able to function. Thus, these nonprofit organizations are interested in unused or under-used church spaces.

http://www.sacredplaces.org

 

 At the same time, many congregations struggle to manage the high cost associated with running big buildings. Therefore, Suzanne Yowell also attempts to help churches by connecting them to a potential leaser or renter. She thinks that leasing unused space in the church may improve the economic situation for that church.   

Personally, I do not mind when congregations lease their building to other businesses. Though, I think leasing should be limited to nonprofit organizations. I have hard time imagining a church and a bar located in one building.  But I could see a church and a dental clinic sharing one building.

First Platinum LEED certified building in Tarrant County

Botanic Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) is a holder of the Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The organization is completely devoted to the sustainable practices in its everyday operations.

 

What makes BRIT different from other organizations?

Obviously, BRIT’s goal to achieve the high score in sustainability rating for the Platinum certificate was not based on the idea to become famous. The minimum score to attain the LEED Platinum certification was 52 points. But their actual results were higher. BRIT’s headquarters received 56 points and, consequently, this building was more than qualified to become Platinum certified. Their strong desire to contribute to the overall well-being of the environment and society was one of the main driving forces of the organization which led BRIT to become one of the first Platinum LEED certified buildings in Tarrant County.

What did BRIT accomplish to be qualified for the Platinum LEED status?

By installing 52-killowatt energy-efficient solar panels on the roof of BRIT’s Archive Block, the organization saves approximately $37,000 per year on their electricity bills. Another part of the electricity saving comes with the advantage of using tall windows which let the natural sunlight easily stream into the building. Day lighting improves the quality of the light and helps to reduce the energy consumption. To further gain reduction in electricity usage, the organization installs fluorescent and LED lights throughout the building. In addition, sensors are attached to the lighting system. These control the amount of light to be delivered to the building in accordance with the natural light already present in the building.

 

 BRIT’s management is also concerned with smart water usage. They install huge tanks outside the building to collect rainwater runoff from the roofs. They are able to use this runoff water to irrigate their lands and, thus, reduce the consumption of clean water used in irrigation by 95 percent.

 

 

 Another 51 percent of reduced water usage is achieved by implementing low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets. In addition to these methods of conserving the water resources, BRIT is well-known for their rain gardens. Rain gardens consist of deep-rooted plants and grasses, which helps to slow down the erosion process and decrease pollution.

 

Wool carpets and bamboo ceilings belong to the renewable materials, and they are components of BRIT’s building. To be less dependent on the non-renewable materials, the walls of this building are covered with linen and paper. Low volatile organic compounds (VOC) are used in carpets and flooring, help to improve the indoor quality of the air.  

 

There is much more to add to the full list of sustainable practices BRIT implements in its everyday activities. I recommend a visit to their site and experience for yourself their sustainable relationships between people and nature.

Environmentally friendly homes

Are you dreaming about living in a big house, but don’t want to pay high costs associated with the electricity, cooling and heating systems?

http://www.ferriercustomhomes.com/

 

My advice for you is to contact Donald Ferrier and receive his professional recommendations. Why Donald Ferrier? Who is this man? How can he help?

Well, let me first introduce this man to you. Donald Ferrier is a CEO of Ferrier Custom Homes, a construction company, specializing in building energy efficient commercial and residential homes. The company also provides services in remodeling existing buildings. Donald Ferrier is a professional with the expertise in structural concrete. He is known for building the first energy efficient homes in North Texas in 1984. In addition to his earlier expertise in structural concrete, Donald Ferrier makes use of his knowledge in Structural Insulated Panel construction to deliver the best results to his clients by building sustainable and energy efficient homes.  

Based on the preferences and the financial situation of the client, Donald Ferrier will recommend the best alternative to satisfy the needs and wants of his client. At the same time, Donald Ferrier will consult his client about implementing the sustainable materials in to the building structure to achieve the benefits of the reduction in the energy and water use. Donald Ferrier will make sure that his client properly understands all possible benefits from installation solar panels, implementation of passive solar design and water conservation systems.

Donald Ferrier works with a wide range of customers but his main demographic segment is baby boomers. Baby boomers have special needs and wants. Most of them are retired or will retire soon. As baby boomers plan to spend most of their time at home, they want to enjoy the comfort and coziness of their new house’s design. At the same time, baby boomers, who are retired and have fixed incomes, seek opportunities to pay less for electricity and water. Donald Ferrier is ready to help them with his advice, and, if both parties agree on the terms of the contract, the construction of a new home starts.

One of the best examples of Donald Ferrier’s sustainable residential houses is a 2,028 square-foot Heather’s home.

http://www.ferriercustomhomes.com

 This house is built from the green materials and is energy efficient. The house is constructed in accordance with the passive solar design. To improve internal air quality, the structural insulated panels are installed in the walls and in the roof part of the house. The use of CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs helps to bring the cost of the electricity down. The floors of this particular house are covered with a natural material, which is bamboo. The walls are colored with non-volatile or low-volatile paint, which also enhances the quality of the indoor air. For the purpose of efficiency in water usage, low-flow showers and faucets are integrated as a part of the house structure. To add more to it, the driveways and walkways are composed of pervious concrete. The major benefit of pervious concrete is its ability to allow water to stream into the ground and, thus, to escape the unnecessary and bad consequences of storm water runoff.  

If you are interested in building energy-efficient home and you also want to contribute to the wellbeing of the environment, don’t hesitate to contact Donald Ferrier and ask for his advice.

Laura Blaylock about sustainable practices at TRWD

Laura Blaylock occupies a hydrologist position with the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD). TRWD’s main focus is the development of sustainable management practices, conservation and efficiency of water usage, and flood control. The TRWD building, which is located on East North Side Drive, is the first building in the county with the LEED Gold certification. For those who are not familiar with the abbreviation, LEED is a certificate given to companies that achieve leadership in energy and environmental design.

 

What helped the Tarrant Regional Water District to receive a Gold LEED accreditation?

First of all, the original plan was to obtain Silver LEED certification for this particular building, which they accomplished. With a few additional recommendations from Laura Blaylock and other employees to install the solar arrays on the roof of the building, the company was able to achieve a higher level of recognition and, as a result, they received the Gold LEED certification.

Second, this building’s interior is equipped with recycled or recyclable furniture. The other renewable material, which the company uses for covering the floor surface, is made out of cork. Laura Blaylock defines cork as very renewable and sustainable. However, she mentions a few problems with cork made floors. One of the problems is that the cork surface is very vulnerable to scratches and does not remain shiny and smooth for long. A special care, like polishing, may be required to maintain cork floors in a presentable shape. The carpets on the floor are also made from recycled materials. The walls in the building are colored with non-volatile paints. Non-volatile paint is considered to be very sustainable material, and it improves the air quality in the interior part of the building.

 

Third, the passive design of this building helps to reduce the electricity usage. For example, tall windows provide superior natural light. As a result, the company is able to reduce the energy cost by using less of the artificial lighting. In addition to this, the company uses huge tanks to collect rainwater runoff outside the building and consumes it for irrigation purposes. This practice allows them to conserve water resources.

 

Finally, the company understands the importance of social sustainability. Through organizing different social events, such as ice-cream party or Christmas celebration, TRWD focuses on the healthy culture of the organization.

TRWD delivers drinking water to more than two million people in Tarrant County. The population is expected to grow rapidly in the near future. Laura Blaylock is concerned that TRWD will not be able to provide the rapidly growing population with a sufficient amount of water. Therefore, she encourages everyone to think in ways to conserve water.