January 2017 E-Newsletter
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2017 State of the Chapter
LEED AP BD+C Exam Prep Course January 9 -10
Alphabet Soup: Making Sense of the Material Transparency Movement
Build Expertise, Make Connections & Give Back as a USGBC-MGC Member
Missouri Joins Green Ribbon Schools Program - Nominations Due January 15
Already Shopping Online? Support the USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter with Amazon Smile
USGBC-MGC Seeks Intern
St. Louis County Energy Code Hearing Rescheduled
Greenbuild Boston Call for Proposals
Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended for New Partners for Smart Growth Conference
New Partners for Smart Growth Conference Offers Workshops for Local Leaders
Save the Date: 2017 OneSTL Sustianability Summit
Thanks to our New & Renewing Annual Sponsors!

USGBC-MISSOURI GATEWAY CHAPTER MISSION 

To initiate, develop and accelerate the implementation of green building concepts, technologies and principles that promote environmentally responsible, prosperous and healthy places to live and work.
 

QUICK LINKS


AMAZON SMILE 


CONNECT WITH US!
2017 State of the Chapter & Social 
Tuesday, January 10, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
It's that time of year! Join us at the 2017 State of the Chapter & Social on January 10th as we kick off programming for the year! This FREE event, open to members and non-members, is one of the highlights of our year. 

Meet Chapter members and leaders while enjoying complimentary wine, beer, and appetizers. Connect with representatives from the Board of Directors and committees.  Celebrate past accomplishments and learn about ways you can engage with USGBC-MGC to contribute to a positive future for our community.

We hope you'll join us in welcoming the new year and contributing to our goal of transforming the built environment!

LEED AP BD+C logo Monday, January 9 & Tuesday, January 10, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

LEED AP Building Design + Construction exam is designed to measure knowledge and skill in understanding the LEED Rating System and ability to facilitate the project certification process.
 
This two full-day course is designed to prepare participants for the LEED AP BD+C Specialty exam.  Skilled instructors will discuss categories and credits in the LEED BD+C Rating System, explore methods of sustainable project delivery and green building practices, and offer test taking tips. At the conclusion of the course, participants will receive access to an online practice exam to continue their studies. 

Click here for more information and to register
Wednesday, January 25, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Health Product Declaration, Cradle to Cradle, Pharos Library, GreenScreen, and Declare are just a few of the main programs that are driving transparency in the building product marketplace. This seminar will explore how each program works and its advantages. Monica Miller, ThyssenKrupp Elevator's Sustainable Design Manager, will discuss how to write specifications that allow practitioners to drive the material transparency movement as designers, builders or specifiers. Additionally, this session will clarify how these programs can contribute to points in LEED v4.

Learn more & register online here
Build Expertise, Make Connections, Give Back
Become a USGBC-MGC member, because green buildings are better!
Connect with our community of those committed to transforming the built environment by joining the USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter!

Member benefits include free and reduced entry to all Chapter educational events, access to networking opportunities, and eligibility to serve with our standing committees, community projects, and board of directors.

Become a member to stay up to date with the latest developments in green building and sustainability, to build relationships and widen your network, and to show your commitment to a sustainable future.  

Full membership is $100 annually, with discounts available for students, emerging professionals, employees of national member companies, and those outside of the building industries.

Missouri Green Ribbon Schools Program Nominations due January 15

The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools taking a comprehensive approach to greening their school. A comprehensive approach incorporates progress in the following three areas, referred to as Pillars: 
  • Pillar I: Reduce environmental impact and costs.
  • Pillar II: Improve the health and wellness of students and staff.
  • Pillar III: Provide effective environmental and sustainability education, incorporating STEM, civic skills and green career pathways. 
Becoming a U.S. Department of Education (US ED) Green Ribbon School is a two-step process. The first step is to complete a nomination form to be selected as a nominee by the eligible nominating authority in your state, in this case the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MO-DESE). The deadline for this submission is January 15.  
 
The program is open to all Missouri schools, pre K through 12th grade; public, private and charter; in any part of the state. The nomination form and tips, directions and resources for filling it out online here.
 
 
Support the USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter with Amazon Smile  
Already shopping online? Support the USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter's work to transform the built environment with AmazonSmile. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charity of your choice. Sign up to support USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter using  this link , and bookmark   smile.amazon.com  for future purchases!
USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter Seeks Intern   
The USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter seeks an energetic and skilled part-time intern with a wide range of administrative, organizational, and technical skills to assist with general Chapter operations. The internship position will report to the Education & Green Schools Coordinator and support the activities of the Chapter's volunteer-led committees.

A job description and internship details are available online here. Interested applicants should e mail a cover letter and resume, with references to: Hope Gribble, Education and Green Schools Coordinator
St. Louis County Energy Code Hearing Rescheduled 
Wednesday, February 8, 1:30 pm

The St. Louis County's Building Commission/Building Board of Appeals meeting to hear comments on proposed updates to the County Building Code has been rescheduled to Wednesday, February 8 at 1:30 pm. Attendees should plan to arrive by 1:00 pm. 

The proposed code dismisses the energy efficiency measures required of new homes included in the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, weakening energy efficiency measures below existing requirements according to a  Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance analysis

According to  MEEA's analysis, if the county were to adopt the un-amended 2015 IECC, homeowners could expect to save approximately $436 annually; however, if the county were to adopt the 2015 IECC with current BCRC-approved amendments, homeowners could expect to spend an additional $152 annually, when compared to the current St. Louis County 2009 Residential IECC. 

If you live in St. Louis County, consider attending this hearing to voice your support for energy efficiency, or contact your representative to let them know this is important to you. 

Greenbuild Boston Call for Proposals
Proposals due Friday, January 13 at 5:00 pm EST (4:00 pm CT)

Share your knowledge at the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building! Greenbuild is now accepting proposals for presenters and topics for Greenbuild 2017, including all associated Summits:

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo
November 8-10, 2017, Boston, MA

Communities & Affordable Homes Summit
November 7, 2017, Boston, MA

International Summit
November 7, 2017, Boston, MA

WaterBuild: The Water Summit
November 7, 2017, Boston, MA

Greenbuild features educational sessions covering all aspects of sustainable design, construction, and operations practices for buildings and communities, including their impact on people, the environment, and the economy both domestically and globally.

Proposals are due Friday, January 13 at 5:00 pm EST (4:00 pm CT).

Access the 2017 Greenbuild Call for Proposals
National New Partners for Smart Growth Conference Coming to St. Louis 
Early Bird Registration Deadline: January 16
Conference: Thursday, February 2 - Saturday, February 4

The 16th annual version of the nation's largest multi-disciplinary, smart growth and sustainability conference will be in St. Louis, February 2-4, 2017. Conference-related opportunities for local leaders will begin on February 1.

This multi-disciplinary event will feature tools, strategies, focused trainings, innovative learning opportunities and new technologies that will help communities now. The conference program features more than 80 informative sessions and implementation workshops spanning three full days - plus terrific local tours, intriguing indoor parklets, and a new fab lab at the ever-popular technology fair. Conference participants will participate in 17 optional tours of outstanding projects in our region and view the indoor parklet installation. Most conference programs are expected to be approved for continuing education credits for ASLA and AICP.  An interactive "Friday Fab Lab" will focus on fabrication technology and the maker movement, the showcasing high-tech tools ranging from 3-D printers to drone technology and 360-degree virtual-reality video to low-tech/high-touch tools like simple kits for protected bike lanes and DIY playgrounds.

New Partners Conference Presents Free Implementation Workshops for Local Leaders. 
Free Implementation Workshops: Wednesday, February 1 
Conference: Thursday, February 2 - Saturday, February 4

FREE IMPLEMENTATION WORKSHOP
Wednesday, February 1, 1:00 - 6:00 pm
New Partners will offer a FREE workshop open to the public and conference participants on "D.I.Y. Great Cities: What to Do, Why Do It and How to Get It Done" at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Avenue (Wednesday, February 1, 1:00-6:00 p.m.). This half-day workshop will show you how community art, pop-up design, crowdfunding, youth engagement and other elements can help you quickly identify local challenges and implement innovative solutions that aren't expensive yet can have a big impact. Workshop leaders include local and national placemaking and smart-growth experts, as well as community leaders showcasing exciting local projects. No need to register, just show up 30 minutes early to sign in!

BIKE LANE POP-UP
Wednesday, February 1, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm)
This pop-up demonstration will help St. Louis residents and city officials learn more about the potential benefits of a permanent protected bike lane in this location (February 1, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Pine St. between 7th and 9th), including improved safety and bikeability. All are invited to participate in this unique and impactful hands-on learning experience; no pre-registration is required.

UNIVERSITY-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Wednesday, February 1, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Also on February 1, EPA will present its Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities (EPIC) program  February 1 (9:00 am-5:00 pm) to introduce university and local-government representatives to EPIC's adaptable and replicable campus-community partnership model designed to help communities become more sustainable and resilient, build resource capacity within universities, and provide students with real-world experience. There is a $69 registration fee to attend this workshop. Coffee and lunch will be provided. 
Wednesday, April 5

The 2017 Sustainability Summit partners are proud to announce the inaugural St. Louis region-wide sustainability conference that will take place on April 5, 2017 at the Eric P. Newman Education Center located on the Washington University campus.

The theme for the 2017 Sustainability Summit is Setting Targets for our Shared FutureAs a region, we have a robust foundation for sustainability: a strong, collectively developed regional sustainability plan (OneSTL), a thorough City of St. Louis Sustainability Plan, and a multitude of initiatives dedicated to making St. Louis a more sustainable and resilient place. This conference seeks to move forward by identifying regional targets and goals that lead to strategies to achieve a sustainable, equitable future. 


Thank you to our new & renewing sponsors!

Automatic Controls Equipment Systems - NEW Bronze

Ross & Baruzzini - RENEWING Silver

Washington University in St. Louis - RENEWING Platinum

The financial support of our sponsors is integral to ensuring that everyone can live, work and learn in smart and healthy buildings.

  
What Your Company Gains as a USGBC - MGC Sponsor: 
 
EXPAND: Grow the knowledge of green building and sustainability in our community.
  
PARTICIPATE: Get involved in educational programs, special events and community projects to showcase your company's leadership.
  
EXPOSURE: As a Chapter Sponsor, your company will be:
  • Listed on our website which receives 6,500 visitors and 60,000 page views per month.
  • Included in our monthly e-newsletter with over 5,000 subscribers.
  • Recognized at monthly programs, with an average attendance of 100.
LEARN: Keep up with the latest green building trends and technologies and earn continuing education hours.
  
ALIGN: Differentiate your company as a leader in the sustainability movement in your community.

USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter Sponsorships includes numerous benefits - from complimentary Chapter memberships and monthly program passes to exposure on the Chapter website, e-news and at events.    
  
You can learn more by downloading our 2017 Sponsor Package or by contacting Emily Andrews at 314-577-0854.
 
Thanks to our RESTORATIVE SPONSORS

Thanks to our PLATINUM SPONSORS


Thanks to our GOLD SPONSORS


Thanks to our GREEN SCHOOLS SUPPORTERS


Thanks to our GREEN-15  SPONSORS

Thanks to our SILVER   SPONSORS
8760 Engineering

Ameren Missouri Pure Power
 
ASSA ABLOY
 
Automatic Controls Equipment Systems

BSI Constructors
 
Christner, Inc. 
 
Custom Engineering
 
Dynamic Controls, Inc.
 
ECO Recycling, Inc. 
 
Electrical Connection
 
Enterprise Holdings
 
Express Scripts

Farnsworth Group

FGM Architects


Hastings & Chivetta
 
Heideman Associates, Inc
 
HM Risk
 
Wm. B. Ittner, Inc

Johnson Controls
 
Metro Lighting
 
M3 Engineering Group
 
Mueller Prost

NewGround  

Oates Associates

PayneCrest Electric

Parsons Brinckerhoff

Ross & Baruzzini
 
Siemens

Solutions AEC

Tarlton

Thompson Coburn, LLC

Trane
Thanks to our  GREEN SPONSORS
Azimuth Energy

HBD Construction
 
Schaeffer Marketing Group

Trivers Associates