The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification was developed in 2000 and is currently maintained by the U.S. Green Building Council. The program provides a structured, points-based system for buildings to demonstrate their sustainability. Projects can be recognized on four levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

The system ranks buildings out of 100 points, although 110 points are actually obtainable when two ‘bonus point’ categories are included. Each category includes opportunities for a variety of points; some projects score across the board, while others accumulate more points in some, but not all categories. In this way, the program offers flexibility to encourage sustainable design in any number of fashions. Based on their overall score, projects are recognized as follows:

• 40 points = Certified
• 50 points = Silver
• 60 points = Gold
• 80 points = Platinum

Points are obtainable within each of the following categories:

• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficiency
• Energy & Atmosphere
• Materials & Resources
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Locations & Linkages
• Awareness & Education
• Innovation in Design
• Regional Priority

A developing project is likely to be shepherded by a LEED Professional, accredited as either a LEEDGreen Associate or a LEED AP (advanced designation). As consumers continue to pursue sustainable building options, more and more professionals are starting to form an interest in becoming LEEDaccredited. To do so, they must pass the very challenging LEED exams. And to make it easier on those folks interested (at least in Chicago), 2 Point Perspective’s Lisa Elkins and Emily Wilbrandt, both LEEDAPs, teach exam preparation classes through the E-consulting Group.

Jarrod Singer, of OEC Business Interiors, recently took the class and has since passed the LEED GA examination (Congratulations, Jarrod!). Jarrod is an office-furniture representative and wanted to understand the LEED system to better serve his clients as they strive to select sustainable furnishings.

As this trend continues, and consumers and professionals, alike, form growing interests in sustainable building practices, we’ll see an evolution of the entire building market. It’s already started. Chicagoan Richard Fleming, an executive at Fortune 500 listed USG Corporation, has noticed his company and other manufacturers greening their products to help clients pursue their LEED goals. From high recycled content in the company’s gypsum board, to lighter panels that reduce the carbon footprint of transport,USG is moving the market forward. And on construction sites, workers also see the physical health benefit of working with lighter panels.

Moreover, commercial real estate agents, such as Bill Himmelstein who founded the Tenant Advisory Group, have observed that LEED certified buildings are renting for higher prices. Still, there are tenants who demand it. This trend is only expected to increase. And as the market shifts, so will LEED. In fact, some changes are already scheduled for 2012 to ensure project leaders are still challenged to make their buildings as sustainable as ever.

In its short history, LEED has definitely made a big impact. Builders, buyers and residents alike have become more acquainted with green building, and are looking for ways to take it even further. This shift comes at a time when the need for sustainable building is at its highest and all of us at 2 Point Perspective are excited to play a role in continuing to push the movement forward.

So, next time you see a round plaque designating a building or space as LEED certified, you’ll know just how important that is. And when you hear your neighbor complaining about their heating bill this winter, let them know about the LEED program. When the EPA again measures the country’s energy consumption, hopefully they can report that buildings are using a smaller percentage than they are currently. We’ll cross our fingers!

More information about LEED certification can be found at usgbc.org.

By: 2 Point Perspective Architecture

Part I: Eating Out
With increasing frequency, consumers have opportunities to dine out in fashion; sustainable fashion. Two groups helping Chicago eateries “green up” their operations are the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) and the Chicago Restaurant Co-op.

Since 1990, the GRA has promulgated the industry’s most recognized standards for being designated a “green restaurant.” The GRA scores eateries across seven categories: Energy, Water, Waste, Disposables, Chemical & Pollution Reduction, Sustainable Food, and Sustainable Furnishings & Building Materials. Existing restaurants, new builds, and food events that meet the needed criteria are recognized as a “green restaurant.”

The Chicago Restaurant Co-op is also creating incentive for restaurants to stay eco-friendly. The Co-op is dedicated to providing professional procurement services for sustainable products developed by local manufacturers and service providers. They promote these sustainable goods and services to local restaurants, boosting local economy and helping Chicago-area eateries cost-effectively reduce their environmental impact.

So what are some of these restaurants? Well, we’ve been fortunate enough to partake in the development of a few around the city. Below are two great eco-conscious food stops we recommend for when you decide to get out of the kitchen.

FÜL
What a great place! Think “good and good-for-you” food mixed with an eco-friendly environment. FÜL uses locally grown produce and food sources to offer amazing sandwiches, salads, snacks, and smoothies. But owner and creator, Zach Horwitz, wasn’t satisfied with just a great menu. FÜL also has a registered dietician on staff five days a week to answer your food-related questions and provide dietary program consultations.

While you’re enjoying your lunch, you can also take pleasure in the fact that your surroundings are helping the environment. Our work on FÜL gave us an opportunity to mix style with sustainability. Smooth lines and generous natural light help create a fluid, symbiotic environment while green building materials, high-efficiency lighting, and low-flow sinks help keep FÜL as eco-friendly as ever. Even if you take dinner home with you, FÜL’s take-out items are completely compostable and/or recyclable as well. So stop in and say hello, you won’t regret it!

Testa Produce
This family-run wholesale distributor has been in operation since 1912 and has been putting smiles on diner’s faces from Green Bay to Champaign since day one. Using some of the area’s most widely varied and sustainable produce, Testa distributes to hotels, restaurants, hospitals and corporate dining establishments all throughout the upper Midwest.

Testa also gained acclaim when it built a first-of-its-kind, eco-friendly facility, located in the Chicago Stockyards Industrial Park. The facility is green inside and out, with a bevy of features including a wind turbine, solar panels, energy generation, water conservation and a variety of energy-efficient refrigeration and high efficiency mechanical solutions, among other elements.

2 Point Perspective had the opportunity to complete the interior architecture of this environmentally sustainable distribution center, helping to put the finishing touches on one of the nation’s most remarkable facilities. We used a wide variety of materials, such as low-VOC vinyl flooring, durable Corian windowsills, green-guard certified carpeting, recycled content tile, and eco-resin panels.

So, how big was your carbon footprint today? And how well did you eat? If you find yourself craving a bite while in the city, drop in and say hello to our friends at FÜL. Or, if you’re at the grocery, look for the Testa label in the produce section. Either way, you’ll be eating better foods sourced from local farmers, all while supporting a growing green movement. Tomorrow, your carbon footprint may just be a little smaller.

By: 2 Point Perspective Architecture

At AGC, we have defined the skills and traits of what it means to be a Global Citizen.  Some of them are, being an inquirer, being respectful, and understanding how our actions affect the world and how the actions of those around the globe can affect our everyday life.

While the adults in our community work to figure out how to create an environment in which these concepts are salient, it is ultimately the students who need to embrace and embody the concepts of being a Global Citizen.

Recently, we asked the students what it means to be a global citizen.  Some of their answers are below:

A Global Citizen is…

…people that do principled stuff when no one is watching.

…a community, people that help the world and a community.

…being a green student, taking action and helping other people.  Picking up litter.

…Being kind to the earth and people.

…when someone tries to be caring to someone that is hurt.

…having confidence by being proud, speaking up and trying new things.

…a person that helps the earth and that helps make the world a better place.

The students, starting at age 5, have set lofty goals for themselves.

The students have challenged us, as adults, to live up to their expectations of a global citizen.

The students have posed the question beyond “what does it mean to be a global citizen” and reframed it as “what do global citizens do? How do they act?”

Reply to this post with your thoughts—“what do global citizens do?  How do they act?  What actions do you take as a global citizen?”

By: Dan Schnitzer

Uncommon Goods, a web-based retailer and catalogue, has a whole section of green gifts that are more unusual and thoughtful than the standard fare of knickknacks made from recycled glass bottles.

For the fashionista on your list who doesn’t want to be caught wearing the same thing as someone else, consider a skirt made from recycled sweaters – no two are alike. There are also scarves made from t-shirts and belts made from spent fire hoses.

For the techie who has every device, the retailer sells iPad cases made from old mail sacks and pouches made from the same material that can keep cords and chargers organized, as well as other items. A company called ATP Electronics makes the EarthDrive, a USB drive made from biodegradable polyester that’s derived from renewable resources, such as corn. Another company called Devotec recently came out with a portable stereo speaker system that can play music wirelessly via Bluetooth while charging its battery from an integrated solar panel. The system can play continuously when in the sun, even if the battery has no charge.

The home decorator might enjoy vases made from recycled fire extinguishers, picture frames made from recycled ceiling tins or bookends fashioned from old vinyl records (if they even know what a record is), also available from Uncommon Goods.

And don’t forget about kids– they can be green, too. Plum Gear is a company that caters to parents who don’t want to keep buying new clothes for their fast-growing babies and toddlers. People can sign up to receive a set number of outfits each month and then return them a month later for all new clothes. All items are washed before they’re sent out, and outfits that come back stained are donated or recycled. A perfect gift for the new parents on your list.

Bigger kids might like the Wild Science Worm Farm, a fun way for them to learn about the ecosystem.

By: Craig Robertson

Ok, this post is not a disrespectful one about obese women. Rather, it’s about hens that are… pudgy.

You give you girls treats: corn, scratch, meal worms. That’s great! They love these goodies! It’s cute to see them running willy-nilly to get the good stuff. Life is good. Right?

Well, maybe not.  Click HERE to read the rest!

By: Jennifer Murtoff

New developments in technology have increased the opportunities for green pursuits and raised awareness on the significance of adapting Green measures in a variety of business sectors. Unfortunately, the measures are not enough. To considerably tackle our green challenges, a larger and more detailed map is needed.

Four interdependent components are imperative to the eco-sustainability plan: innovative technology, a well-structured business model, a careful market-adoption strategy and active government policy. The coordination of all four elements would deeply entrench the ideals of Going Green into our culture; encouraging people to make environment-friendly choices in all their purchases.

Many companies have espoused the Green motto and are perpetuating it in many states and countries. Chicago in collaboration with major companies is working to cement the installation of electric cars into the city via the strategy.  Chicago is recognized as one of the many cities spearheading a comprehensive and innovative plan to create a mass market for electric cars, so Going Green could have a stronger and more profound impact.

First, owners want the assurance that comes with owning a gas car; there is easy accessibility to oil. To provide the same service for electric cars, several charging stations are expected to be built near shopping malls, Chicago’s two airports, and rest stops along the Illinois Tolloway in the city. Further plans are being made to develop the electric car infrastructure as part of a smart grid demonstration project to prepare for a future influx of electric cars as the demand will balloon in the future.

Second, the Government has crafted a promising business model to bring Chicago to the forefront of the electric car industry. 280 charging stations will be built by the end of the year as a result of an $8.9 million Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project. This project includes DC quick-chargers, which is capable of recharging a compatible electric car to 80% within 30 minutes. The completion of the project will mean Chicago will have the most DC quick-charging stations in the United States.

Third, Chicago’s market adoption strategy details the commercial viability of the new system by not only improving on its EV networks, reducing cost of electricity, but also convincing auto manufacturers to sell electric cars in the city. By the end of the year, many electric cars will be available for purchase. Majority of well-known car manufacturer such as Nissan, Ford and Mitsubishi are in talks to make electric cars easily accessible to the Chicago public.

Finally, in keeping with the fourth structure of the strategy plan, Chicagoans will have financial help if they choose to buy an electric car. New government policy will drive supply and demand. The electric car market will benefit greatly from lower taxes on electric vehicles and an increase in taxes on gas-powered cars. The Obama administration has proposed a plan wherein consumers buying specific plug-in vehicles are eligible for a tax credit in the range of $2,500 to $7,500, depending on the size of the vehicle’s battery pack.

As greater focus is placed on energy and products under the Going Green umbrella, America will make a gradual shift toward environment-friendly and sustainable living. Consumption habits, distribution system, manufacturers, financial models, and regulatory bodies will undergo a change for the better. Chicago is prepared for this fact and is starting in earnest in the direction of renewable energy as the rewards appear to be immense.

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About the author: Rebecca is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on environment and technology. Besides this, she is fond of books. She recently bought a book on industrial design from a fair. These days she is busy in writing an article on green products.

• New Source for Food and Environmental News
  The Food and Environment Reporting Network, Inc., an independent non-profit news organization that contributes investigative reports to major media outlets on food, agriculture, and environmental health, has launched:  www.thefern.org
• Farmers Market Management Tool Check out a free tool for managing farmers markets, designed to cut down on admin time, make vendors easier to manage and keep customers better informed. http://husk.farmersmarket.com
• Farm to School Toolkit Available
  An online toolkit designed to assist anyone interested in incorporating more local foods into their school menu, available on the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition website.
• United Fresh: Produce Affects All 50 States
  View comprehensive state-by-state profiles that show the impact of fruit and vegetable production nationwide, demonstrating that the fruit and vegetable industry has a tangible impact on the health and economy of every state.  here
• A Strategy and Tool Kit to Help Beginning Farmers Succeed
  Check out FoodshedGuide.org  for a tool to assist farmers and creditors in understanding the new food business landscape.
• New Listserve for Chicagoans interested in Food
  FoodLoveChicago is a space to share stories, recipes, events, inspirations, skills, resources and opportunities related to food and community. Join at http://groups.google.com/group/foodlovechicago

By: Fresh Taste
Good Food for All is a blog of Fresh Taste, a collaboration of funders dedicated to encouraging diverse local agriculture and access to food that is healthy, green, fair and affordable in the Chicago region.  To subscribe and to learn more, click here.