Sean McGuire, Green Building Network Coordinator, welcomed attendees to the meeting. In
addition, Vince Leggett, Zora Lathan, and Dr. Al Thompson welcomed the Network to The Learning Center,
home of the Chesapeake Bay Ecology Center. The Center is a school for 6-8 grades located along the
shores of College Creek in Annapolis. Prior to the meeting, Dr. Thompson graciously
provided a tour of the facilities and a detailed description of their activities and
long-term goals.
After Dr. Thompson’s welcome, Sean reviewed some of the items listed in the various GBN announcements and alerts. In addition to those from previous e-mail, Stan Sersen reminded attendees of the upcoming “Funding Green Buildings” seminar at the Baltimore Aquarium on February 28. For more information, please contact Jan McAdams at janmcadams@aol.com.
Current Legislative Session – Ed Osann, NRDC
The environmental community has done a lot in the past for energy-related policies,
including several pieces of legislation on energy efficiency, the promotion of alternative
energy sources, and the Green Building Tax Credit. While a large part of the current
session will address the budget and projected shortfalls, energy efficiency is still
at the forefront. Specifically, Ed described six bills related to green building
and energy efficiency:
Environmental Activities in Annapolis – Steve Carr, City of Annapolis
On behalf of Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer, Steve welcomed attendees to the City. Mayor Moyer has always been committed to environmental concerns and initiatives, and she has continued that trend while in office. She wholeheartedly supports the school's efforts, as she wants to send the message that the city will be the showcase for environmental projects.
The City is currently working on a great demonstration project at the Naval Academy Stadium. Partnering with BG&E, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, MDOT, and the Naval Academy Athletic Association, the city plans to implement a $1.2 million retrofit project. Initiated by the the Weems Creek Conservancy concerned with the incredible amounts of stormwater from its parking lot, the project will implement several bioretentaion facilities/rain gardens on the lot’s perimeter. Further, 500 trees, as well shrubs and vegetation, will be planted, and there will also be a trail circumventing the lot.
In addition to water quality, the Mayor also wants to address air pollution. The city has committed to the planting of 1,000 trees in the city during her administration. She also wants to educate people on the importance of trees. One of the anchor activities is the annual GreenScapes; a one-day event with close to 1,000 people planting trees, shrubs and other vegetation.
Steve concluded with Annapolis wanting to lead by example. They are a small but committed community and asked GBN for guidance. If you have additional questions or would like to assist in their efforts, please contact Steve at stevecarr@toad.net.
Check-Up – Sean McGuire, DNR's Environmental Design Program
The DNR Environmental Design Program recently released “Check-Up – a Teacher’s Resource Guide for Assessing Natural Resources in Maryland Schools.” Check-Up provides schools with a low-tech approach to implement resource efficient techniques in their schools. The assessment looks at water, energy, and waste and provides audits to be completed by students and staff. Students can document resource use, potential resource savings through various conservation efforts, and assess real savings once implemented. For more information, simply to our website: www.dnr.state.md.us/smartgrowth/ed/checkup.html.
Cheapeake Bay Ecology Center – Zora Lathan and Vince Leggett
The main focus of the evening’s discussion was to learn about the efforts of the Ecology Center and to provide assistance as they attempt to “bring a 1950’s building into the 21st century.” The overall concept is to have a hands-on educational and restoration ecology center. As part of Phase I, the 10-acre site will host twelve demonstration projects. The first was the NAACP Freedom Grove, which was created in November. Other projects will include a butterfly garden, water access, a composting demo site, native meadow, marsh grass creation, and an oyster garden.
Phase 2 looks at greening the building itself; including the construction of a green roof, solar panels, better indoor air quality, and a strawbale tool shed. During the discussion, several recommendations came out for the school to consider. One was the planting of deciduous trees along its western side, which has extensive windows. This would protect against heavy sunlight in the summer and save money on cooling costs. Another recommendation was to conduct an energy audit in order to maximize energy use and conservation.
In conclusion, members of the GBN volunteered their expertise as the Center proceeds with its long-range Master Plan. Sean will keep the Network updated throughout their efforts, as well as ask for their input as projects are designed. Vince Leggett and Zora Lathan thanked the Network for hosting their meeting in their facilities and welcomed us back at anytime. To
learn more about the Ecology Center, please contact Zora at zoralathan@earthlink.net or Vince at vincent425@comcast.net.
Attendees
Environmental Design Program
Walt Auburn, MEA
Tom Barranco, MEA
David Brosch, Baltimore Dept. of Housing
Steve Carr, City of Annapolis
Jon Chapman, MET
Bill DeLoache, O’Neal Inc.
Leland Edgecombe, Edgecombe Group
Diane Evans, DNR
Jason Fisher, Aurora Energy
Matt Fleming, DNR
Anne Guillette, LID Center
Janet Harrison, AIA COTE
Bion Howard, BEST
Greg Jones, Advanced Tech Solutions
James Kantor, Purecycle Technologies
Kate Kritzher, DNR Wildlife & Heritage
Samantha LaFleur, LaFleur Consulting
Zora Lathan, Bay Ecology Center
Mike Lawson, Home Energy Solutions
Vince Leggett, Blacks of the Chesapeake
Mike Li, MEA/Office of Smart Growth
Tom Liebel, Design Collective
Jonathan Meyer, Meyer Sons Builders
Albert Nunez, Captial Sun Group
Isaac Opalinsky, SolarWorks
Ami Ringold, Alliance to Save Energy
Stanley Robinson, Robinson Assoc.
Melvin Ross, DMC Engineering
Barry Segal, Segal Solar Systems
Stan Sersen, Enviro Design & Resources Center
Joan Simons, Joan Simons Arch & Urban Design
Dan Smith, Green Schools Task Force
Jared Spahn, Old Town Construction
Malea Templeton, Advanced Tech Solutions
Ashley Traut
Mary Vogel, PG Co. DER
DNR Online