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.