toolbox series

Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit for Local Governments

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010
Registration: 8 a.m.
Program: 8:30–10:30 a.m.

The process of designing, developing and inhabiting the built environment has a profound influence on a community’s economy, environment and quality of life. In the U.S., buildings account for approximately 40 percent of total energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, 13 percent of water use, and 160 million tons per year of construction and demolition debris. Sustainable design for the built environment challenges local officials, planners, developers and architects to examine the connections between their buildings, the environment and their communities.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit for Local Governments in order to help city and county jurisdictions identify and remove barriers to sustainable design and green building in the permitting process. Participants will learn the benefits and practical applications of the toolkit, which addresses the codes and ordinances that affect the design, construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of a building and its immediate site.

Presenters:

Suganthi Simon, pollution prevention coordinator for the EPA, works with local governments, manufacturers and the hospitality industry to help them manage environmental footprints and realize the resource savings of adopting sustainable strategies. For the past two years, Simon has been involved with the Convention Industry Council’s initiative to create a standard for green meetings and events.

Prior to joining the EPA, Simon worked as a consultant for an environmental risk communication firm. She received a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Wellesley College in Wellesley, Mass., and a master’s degree in industrial environmental management from Yale University in New Haven, Conn.

Marcus Rivas, manages the EPA’s regional pollution prevention program. In 2009, through its state and industry partners, this program reduced energy demand by 1.4 trillion BTUs, conserved 312 million gallons of water, eliminated 2.2 million pounds of toxic chemicals and saved businesses $10.6 million. 

Rivas completed his chemical engineering degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., and received the EPA’s Gold National Honor Award, its highest recognition, for his exceptional service and contributions. 

Who should attend:

This session is designed for planners, architects, public works professionals, city managers and assistant city managers.

Registration:

Upcoming Sessions in the Toolbox Series:

The Toolbox Series will continue in 2011. Visit www.marc.org/sustain regularly for upcoming training opportunities.

Questions?

Contact Georgia Nesselrode, director of the Government Training Institute, at 816/701-8207.