September 2015
Green Building & Smart Growth News and Events


Opening Night of the Commercial Street Night Market- winner of KAPOW Placemaking Competition
Hi ,

Happy Fall everyone. While we haven't turned on the heat pump just yet, things are heating up around here. The Commercial Street Night Market had its opening night last Friday with such a tremendous response! A brainchild of the KAPOW Placemaking Competition we held earlier this year, this event is building a stronger, healthier and more vibrant community. Thanks to all for coming out and we hope to see you for the next 4 Fridays.

We are also gearing up for the Sustainable Design and Development Conference. This conference is our regions premiere green building event and will be better than ever. The line up of speakers and workshops will blow you away. Make sure you mark your calendars (the date has changed slightly) so you can be a part of the best educational and networking event of the year.

If you are interested in volunteering for either of those events, let me know. It takes great people to make great things happen.

-Rose Lathrop

Green Building & Smart Growth Manager
  Whats_HappeningWHAT'S HAPPENING
Green Building Nerds Users Group 
real projects, real solutions, real fun 
 
This week we will discuss Toward Net Zero Energy, the retrofit pilot program and ways to create a successful proposal for those incentive dollars.

Join your peers, bring your plans, and NERD OUT on the third Monday of every month while we:
  • discuss strategies to meet new stormwater regulations
  • troubleshoot technical envelope details
  • identify "low hanging fruit" to improve sustainability
  • share your experience and innovative ideas
  • take your projects to a deeper level of green
  • vet plans across multiple disciplines
  • have fun with your peers nerding out over plans with beer
When : September 21, 5:30-7pm
Where: Sustainable Connections, 1701 Ellis St. Bellingham
Cost: FREE
CEU: 1.5 HSW AIA
 

DATE CHANGE!    

Sustainable Design and Development Conference

Inspiring Resilient Communities

 

Each year Sustainable Connections and the Northwest WA AIA host the region's premier green building and smart growth conference, bringing together our leaders in planning, design and construction.  

 

This year's conference just got better! Now two full days of high quality education and networking with the tools and resources to help you achieve your business goals.  We are pleased to announce the keynote speaker will be Denis Hayes, president of the Bullitt Foundation and founder of Earth Day.

Because of a scheduling conflict with the venue, we have moved the dates! 

When: November 4 & 5
Where: Bellingham Technical College
CEU: 16 HSW AIA

 

 
 
Green_Building_Smart_Growtn_NewsGREEN BUILDING & SMART GROWTH NEWS

New Toward Net Zero Energy Program Seeks Homes for Pilot Project
 
High-performance homebuilders and homeowners interested in deep energy savings may be eligible to take part in a pilot program that offers funding, technical assistance and marketing support to help achieve better home performance.

With support from the Northwest Clean Air Agency, The Community Energy Challenge is looking for existing homes to take part in their new Toward Net Zero Energy program. The new program aims to identify and understand the most cost-effective ways to achieve maximum energy savings in residential retrofit construction.

The Community Energy Challenge, a partnership between the Opportunity Council and Sustainable Connections, has been achieving an average of 20-25% energy savings on residential and small business retrofits since 2010. The program has put many people to work through the recession, has helped contractors develop new skills and tap into newly evolving markets. Their new Toward Net Zero Energy program builds upon this success by utilizing local contractors to complete retrofits achieving 50% or greater energy reductions while maintaining or improving indoor air quality.

"We are excited to be partnering with the Northwest Clean Air Agency on this very important step toward achieving the State's climate action goals," Said Ross Quigley, Community Energy Challenge Manager.

Reducing home energy use is indispensable to the larger goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Completing deep energy retrofits on a larger scale will play a key role in the state's Climate Action Goals while meeting energy demands for a growing Pacific Northwest population. The materials and techniques for deep energy retrofits are proven and well understood, but they are not widely employed. This pilot program seeks to bring awareness to the success and mechanisms by which public, non-profit, or utility programs may support retrofits that achieve very deep energy savings or even net zero certification, meaning the total amount of annual energy used by the house is equal to the amount of renewable energy created by the house .

A committee will select three projects to be completed by Spring 2017. For complete evaluation criteria and RFP supporting documents, interested homeowners and builders can contact Lee Laney at (360) 676-6099 ext 101, or lee_laney@oppco.org.


KAPOW Projects Light Up Downtown This Fall
Remember the Placemaking Competition we held in March? The results are amazing! 
 
The plaza on Commercial Street will light up with activity, Bellingham orators will have their soapbox, and animals will leap from the shadows as winners of Bellingham's first placemaking competition (" KAPOW!") see their projects come to fruition.
 
The purpose of these projects are to enliven public spaces and create opportunities for more community interaction by utilizing low-cost, easy-to-implement tactics. Project ideas were submitted by local citizens and a jury selected 10 finalists, who then pitched their ideas onstage at a " Pecha-Kucha"-style party held at Mount Baker Theatre last March.
 
Like the contest, the projects were made possible through partnerships between Sustainable Connections, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Make.Shift, Whatcom County Realtors Association and the City of Bellingham, as well as numerous other businesses, and volunteers.
 
"Seeing the KAPOW placemaking competition ideas come to life is a testament to the dedication from our community," said Rose Lathrop, Smart Growth and Green Building Manager at Sustainable Connections who initiated the event. "These projects will continue to make Downtown Bellingham the heart of this city."
 

Projects include:
Urban Fern Kingdom
Bellingham Soapbox
Shadow Sail Theater
SynchroTreeCity

 
Metropolitan Development Council (MDC) is Hiring for Community Action Program Weatherization Auditor   
The Weatherization Auditor will support the Weatherization Program and clients to provide energy efficient housing. This Auditor will partner with clients and contractors to provide repair and weatherization measures. The Auditor will have a good understanding of Weatherization Processes and procedures. The Auditor will work in a team with other Auditors and Inspectors and program management to efficiently serve the weatherization needs of low income residents in the City of Tacoma.

MORE DETAILS HERE

 
Low Impact Development Code Integration   
County Seeks Assistance in Creating Low Impact Development Stormwater Regulations

Whatcom County is beginning the process of updating its codes and standards to be consistent with the Low Impact Development (LID) principles condition of the 2013-2018 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit.  As a Phase II Permittee, the County is required to review and update its development codes and standards to make LID the preferred and commonly used approach to site development within the geographic areas of the County covered by the NPDES Permit.

The County wants to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to have their voice heard.
In addition to the creation of this project website and the formal public adoption process later this and next year, a Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) is being established to facilitate the process of providing input to the Planning Commission and County Council on potential policy, code, and standards revisions. In particular, we are looking for people who work with development and stormwater regulations, such as engineers, planners, landscape architects, government and tribal agencies, and other technical specialists, as well as representatives from various interest groups, such as environmental organizations, property owners, and neighborhood associations.

The SAC is expected to meet monthly for 4-6 months. If you are interested in being a member of the SAC or you would like more information regarding the project, please email Cliff Strong, Senior Planner, at cstrong@whatcomcounty.us and provide a brief statement as to your interest and qualifications.

MORE DETAILS HERE 
 
Green_Building_Smart_Growtn_NewsOther Events and Opportunities
 
Save the Date
Don't miss the smart growth event of 2016! 
 
The New Partners Conference is heading back to the West Coast - Portland -after stops in America's Heartland, the Rockies and the Chesapeake Bay over the past three years.

The nation's largest smart growth and sustainability event, the theme for New Partners 2016 is "Practical Tools and Innovative Strategies for Creating Great Communities," underscoring this year's stronger emphasis on implementation. The program will feature tools, strategies, focused training and new technologies that will help communities NOW.

MORE DETAILS HERE
 
City of Bellingham  
Comprehensive Plan Open House 
 
The City of Bellingham is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, a 20-year vision and roadmap for Bellingham's future growth and development. Join Bellingham's Mayor and City staff for an open house to provide input into the discussion about focus areas that will help frame up-coming changes to the plan. Participants are welcome to visit topic tables to talk with City staff and provide feedback on issues such as housing affordability and choices, healthy communities, economic vitality and urban villages. Community input is an important part of the update process. We look forward to hearing from you. 
 
WHAT: Bellingham Comprehensive Plan Update Open House
WHEN: Tuesday, September 15, 2015, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Old City Hall, 121 Prospect Street, 2nd floor, Rotunda Room
For more information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, visit www.cob.org/compplan .


Public & Private Partnerships: Success in Skagit County 
 
Join Lautenbach Industries and Skagit County for a look at the success of public and private partnerships in Skagit County. The day will include an in-depth and in-person look at their hub of solid waste resources with tours of both Lautenbach Industries' construction and demolition recycling facility and their neighbor, the Skagit County Recycling & Transfer Station.

An in-depth look at the Skagit County hub of solid waste resources and the partnerships that made it happen

*Updates from experts on the C&D industry, green building community, and facility licensing.
*Behind the scenes tours of Lautenbach Industries and the Skagit County Recycling & Transfer Station.
*An opportunity to network with recycling industry professionals

We will get updates from experts in the local and national C&D industry, green building community and more!

When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015
9:15-3:30 PM
Where:  Burlington City Hall
833 S Spruce St
Burlington, Washington  98233
United States

MORE DETAILS HERE
 
Bike Tour New Facilities 

Try out Bellingham's new bike boxes, green pavement markings and shared lane markings as we ride from Bellingham High School to Barkley Village and back. Learn about great low-stress routes to get across I-5 via bike lanes and bike boulevard streets on an easy 5 ½ mile loop. Mt. Baker Bicycle Club members will serve treats at Barkley Village. City of Bellingham and Whatcom Smart Trips staff will lead the ride.

Children under 5 must be on their parent or guardian's bike (bike seat, trailer or tag-along bike).
For more information contact: kimbrown@cob.org

When: October 25th , 1pm
Where: Bellingham High School
 
Wonder-Flora Events- Fall 2015  

RAIN GARDENS: BEAUTY WITH BENEFITS
Whether you are dealing with drainage issues or simply love low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly gardens, you will appreciate what rain gardens have to offer. Discover how to work with our Northwest climate and soils in this practical and inspirational class with Wonder-Flora Landscape designer Janaki Kilgore.

When: Thursday Sept. 17th 7:00-8:30 pm
Where: RE Sources Mtg. Room, 2309 Meridian St., Bellingham (Above the REStore)
Cost: $5.00

ECOLOGICAL GARDENING: ABUNDANCE NATURE'S WAY
A whole systems approach to garden design and practices fits into the web of life. Learn about healthy soils, sculpting the landscape to store rainwater, attracting beneficial life and growing bountiful produce with Wonder-Flora Landscape designer Janaki Kilgore

When: October 15th , 7:00-8:30 pm
Where: RE Sources Mtg. Rm. 2309 Meridian St., Bellingham (Above the REStore)
Cost: $5.00

MORE DETAILS HERE 
 
Featured_SponsorFEATURED SPONSOR
Lautenbach Industries 
 A family-owned business with a mission

Turning scrap drywall into bedding for dairy cattle - that's the idea that Troy Lautenbach, an unemployed, broke college graduate, had way back in April of 1991. With that idea, a company called T&T Recovery was born.

Eight years later, in 1999, it was obvious that larger equipment and better trucks were needed. Along with his brother Torrey, Troy started Lauts, Inc. and began hauling commingled construction debris. Their mission to improve recycling and sustainability was well underway!

Now, with 20 employees, 8 roll-off trucks, 3 live floor trailers, 3 excavators, and a large fleet of other vehicles and equipment, Lautenbach Industries serves contractors, businesses, and individuals all up and down the I-5 corridor. Troy has received the 2005 Washington State Recycling Association Recycler of the Year Award, and the whole Lautenbach Industries family looks forward to working with you!
 
 
Stormwater_StewardSTORMWATER STEWARD
  
 
At Studio Galactica keeping our community looking good doesn't stop at the stylist's chair. This business is helping to keep our community clean and green by being a DIG steward and providing maintenance for one of 36 rain gardens downtown. These rain gardens help filter polluted stormwater, keeping Whatcom Creek clean.

 
  Program_GoalsGREEN BUILDING & SMART GROWTH PROGRAM GOALS

The Green Building & Smart Growth Program at Sustainable Connections promotes healthy, durable, efficient, and environmentally responsible homes, neighborhoods and workplaces through education, technical assistance and advocacy.  

 

 

  Program_SponsorsGREEN BUILDING & SMART GROWTH PROGRAM SPONSORS
 
Gold Sponsors












 
Silver Sponsors






 
Silver Sponsors
Featured_EventFEATURED SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIONS EVENT
 
Whatcom County Farm Tour
  Discover Whatcom County Farms!
always the second Saturday in September
FREE * SELF GUIDED* ADULT & KID SIZED FUN

Saturday | September 12th | 2015 |10am-5pm 

Head out with family and friends for a chance to see, taste and explore Whatcom County's diverse family-owned farms, on this free, self-guided tour. Find exciting educational and interactive activities at each of the 12 tour stops, meet local farmers and see how your food is grown and raised from seed to plate. Savor the flavors of our region by sampling fresh produce, cheese, apples, chocolate milk, wine and more!


JOIN US! 

Sustainable Connections is a non-profit network of local businesses and community partners from all sectors of our local economy. We support our members in their efforts to achieve a healthy triple bottom line including not only profitability, but also the social and environmental impacts of their business.

 

 

Do you want to reduce your construction waste? Participate in our Toward Zero Waste program and we'll support you with assistance, signage, workshops, educational materials and promotion along the way. It's free and you can sign up today!   

 

 

 

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