NEWS

Building the Green Way in Pittsburgh
The dramatic 647,000-square-foot PNC Firstside Center in downtown Pittsburgh boasts a magnificent facade of curving glass, steel and stone overlooking the Monongahela River . The winner of several design awards, the building rises from a large plaza graced with waterfalls and fountains. Its airy, light-filled interior has 11-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, an atrium, an open floor plan and all the latest building system technologies, including individual climate controls. What most observers don't realize is that this is a “green,” or environmentally and economically sustainable workplace—and that it costs 20% less per square foot to operate than its comparably sized “standard” sister building in Philadelphia. Click here for more information.
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Local Biodiesel Producer Promotes Use of Fuel in Government Vehicles
"Biodiesel is a high-growth market," said United Oil president Charles Cross. The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that this corporation could see its annual production double or triple from its current one million gallons and its number of employees rise from six to 11. Within the next 18 months, Cross hopes to modify his facilities so production can rise to four million gallons and, further down the road, he hopes to add additional facilities. High gas prices and environmental concerns have led to an increased interest in biodiesel.

At the state level, Governor Ed Rendell and legislators are working to encourage the development and use of biodiesel. More information.
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New Paths to LEED Accreditation
LEED Accredited Professionals now number more than 24,000—and 20 new people add the words "LEED AP" to their business cards each day. Recognizing that different types of building projects require different skill sets, the USGBC is introducing new exam tracks this fall geared towards professionals who focus on green building operations and maintenance (LEED for Existing Buildings) and green interiors design and fit-out projects (LEED for Commercial Interiors).

USGBC will also be releasing an updated exam for LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) Version 2.2. Passage of one individual test is necessary to earn the LEED Accredited Professional credential. Current LEED APs won't be required to retake the exam after the new version is launched. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org or e-mail exam@usgbc.org.
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U.S. Green Building Council Considers Changes in Wood Policy.
The USGBC's board has directed the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) steering committee to address proposed changes involving credits for certified wood in the LEED rating system for sustainable buildings. One of the proposed changes could open up LEED to other types of wood beside Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood. More information can be found here.
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Companies Say There's More to Building "Green" Than Saving Money
Constructing buildings that use natural or recycled materials, consume energy more efficiently, and are designed to blend more harmoniously with their environment can be a moral or educational decision, not just economic. American Honda Motor Co., the U.S. sales and marketing arm of Tokyo-based Honda Motor Co., decided in 1999 that it would show good environmental stewardship to construct greencompany buildings, said Barbara van Gaasbeek, national administrator of American Honda's green building program. "It's not only a good way to go, it's the right thing to do," van Gaasbeek said. More here.
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July 19 - Alliance Building Breakfast: Green Building Products: Positioning Southwestern Pennsylvania as the U.S. Manufacturing Center
GBA 's recently released green building products report documents this rapidly expanding market and the region's unique opportunity to realize economic growth from this market shift. Join us from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Engineers Society of Western PA to hear a report overview and panel response! Register here.
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July 26 - GBA Presents: Commissioning LEED-NC Projects
Gain knowledge of the building commissioning process as required by LEED; the benefits, costs and resources available to projects through LEED; and the commissioning agent's role as it applies to a project's design strategies and LEED certification documentation. The Commissioning LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) Projects Module presented by the U.S. Green Building Council will increase your understanding in each of these areas. For more information or to register, view this brochure.
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August 10-12 - ASHRAE Presents: Advanced Energy Efficiency in Green Building Design
This conference will include many mini-sessions with subtopics providing “how to” instruction on green building. Tours of local green (LEED) facilities, including the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, PNC Firstdie Center and buildings on the Carnegie Mellon University campus, are scheduled. More information can be found here.
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GBA Membership Recognition
GBA would like to thank its current members and recognize them for their dedication to helping the organization grow the region's green leadership. For more information or to join, view this flyer.

Visionary Level

Corporate Leader Level

President's Circle

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