Building and Building Operations

Build It Green - Tools

Build It Green is a professional non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy and resource-efficient buildings in California. Supported by a solid foundation of outreach and education, Build It Green connects consumers and building professionals with the tools and technical expertise they need to build quality green buildings.

• Design Resources

• Glossary

• Guidelines

• Life Cycle Analysis and Costing

• Model Language

• Product Certification and Testing

• Rating Systems and Building Certification Programs

• Resource and Materials Guides

• Training Tools and Opportunities

• Whole Building Analysis

Residential Energy Services Network

The Residential Energy Services Network's (RESNET) mission is to ensure the success of the building energy performance certification industry, set the standards of quality, and increase the opportunity for ownership of high performance buildings. RESNET is a membership 501-C-3 non profit organization.

·        Find a certified rater

·        Energy ratings and mortgages

U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit composed of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Our more than 10,500 member organizations and our network of 75 regional chapters are united to advance our mission of transforming the building industry to sustainability.

Core Purpose
The U.S. Green Building Council's core purpose is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.

Products and Services

·        Become a national member of USGBC.

·        Register your building project with LEED and get access to LEED-Online.

·        Search for a workshop in your area or an online course.

·        Join your local Chapter.

·        Purchase LEED Reference Guides and other USGBC publications.

·        Register for Greenbuild 2007 in Chicago, Nov. 7-9.

Business

ClimateBiz.com: The Business Resource for Climate Management is a free, Web-based resource to help companies of all sizes and sectors understand and address climate change in a way that aligns environmental responsibility with business success.

Our mission is to provide hands-on tools, action steps, and other resources companies can use to understand the underlying issues, assess their climate footprint, and devise and implement a plan to significantly reduce their climate impacts throughout their operations and supply chains.

All ClimateBiz.com resources are free and accessible without restriction. Resources

International Organization for Standardization – ISO 14000

The ISO 14000 family addresses "environmental management". This means what the organization does to:

·        minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by its activities, and to

·        achieve continual improvement of its environmental performance.

Natural Capitalism Solutions

Natural Capitalism Solutions (NCS)' mission is to educate senior decision-makers in business, government and civil society about the principles of sustainability.* NCS shows how to restore and further enhance the natural and human capital while increasing prosperity and quality of life. In partnership with leading thinkers and groups, NCS creates innovative, practical tools and implementation strategies for companies, communities and countries. Natural Capitalism Solutions (NCS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

[Download] the Climate Protection manual for Cities (4.4 MB .pdf)

SafeClimate for Business

SafeClimate for Business is a joint project of the Sustainable Enterprise Program (SEP) at the World Resources Institute and Center for Environmental Leadership in Business (CELB), a division of Conservation International.

·        Evaluating Emissions

·        Solutions

The Bay Area Green Business Program

Certification of environmental performance: The Bay Area Green Business Program is a successful partnership of environmental agencies and utilities that assist recognize and promote businesses and government agencies that volunteer to operate in a more environmentally responsible way. To be certified "green," participants must be in compliance with all regulations and meet program standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste. We offer motivated businesses and agencies an easy-to-use framework for improving environmental performance.

The California Climate Action Registry

The California Climate Action Registry (the Registry) was established by California statute as a non-profit voluntary registry for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  The purpose of the Registry is to help companies and organizations with operations in the state to establish GHG emissions baselines against which any future GHG emission reduction requirements may be applied.

·        Steps to Participation

Portal Web Site Dedicated to: Global Warming Education, Climate Change Education, Science, Solutions -- Resources Directory. Portal Website -- used by millions. For Students, Teachers, Families, Researchers, Everyone

The Climate Group

Our mission is to catalyze business and government leadership on climate change in order to put the world on track for a low carbon economy.

·        Reducing Emissions

o       Low Carbon Solutions

o       Case Studies

·        Resources

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions. The GHG Protocol Initiative, a decade-long partnership between the World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, is working with businesses, governments, and environmental groups around the world to build a new generation of credible and effective programs for tackling climate change.

·        Calculation Tools - The GHG emission calculation tools offer step-by-step guidance on calculating GHG emissions data. Each tool comprises a guidance section and automated worksheets. All calculation tools have been peer-reviewed and tested by experts and industry leaders and represent a "best practice" for emission calculation tools.

Step It Up 2007 is a campaign organized by people all around the country, calling for leadership on global warming. Our goal is to empower the grassroots climate movement to take action locally by calling for national change.

The central Step It Up team coordinates the national day of action. We do not provide financial assistance to local events, however, we provide as much support as we possibly can! We also maintain the website, and do our best to connect local Step It Up organizers with the wider grassroots climate movement.

U.S. EPA Climate Leaders

Climate Leaders is an EPA industry-government partnership that works with companies to develop long-term comprehensive climate change strategies. Partners set a corporate-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal and inventory their emissions to measure progress. By reporting inventory data to EPA, Partners create a lasting record of their accomplishments.  Partners also identify themselves as corporate environmental leaders and strategically position themselves as climate change policy continues to unfold.

·        Inventory Guidance

·        Reporting Requirements and Technical Assistance

·        Setting GHG Reduction Goals

·        Public Recognition

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Community Members / Individuals

American Forests

American Forests is a world leader in planting trees for environmental restoration, a pioneer in the science and practice of urban forestry, and a primary communicator of the benefits of trees and forests.

Calculator to determine individual greenhouse gas emissions.

Book – “Low Carbon Diet”

“Low Carbon Diet” this “30 Day Program to Lose 5000 Pounds” is a fun, accessible, easy to use guide that will show you, step-by-step, how to dramatically reduce your CO₂ output in just a month’s time.

myfootprint

Ever wondered how much "nature" your lifestyle requires? You're about to find out.

This Ecological Footprint Quiz estimates how much productive land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard. After answering 15 easy questions you'll be able to compare your Ecological Footprint to what other people use and to what is available on this planet.

U.S. EPA Climate Change – What you can do.

U.S. EPA Climate Change – What you can do.  This site provides over 25 easy steps you can take to not only reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, but also reduce air pollution, increase the nation's energy independence and save money.

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Educational Opportunities

Environmental Management and Technology Program  

The Merritt College Environmental Management and Technology Program, and Environmental Center (Self-Reliant House) are located in the Oakland Hills between two wild land watershed open spaces. 

Courses offered cover an array of subjects including: Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management, Agroecology and Urban Farming, Alternative Energies, Ecology, Global Warming, Ecological Restoration, Food Security, Environmental Justice, Sustainable Cities, Policy and Planning, Human Ecology, Forests, Wetlands, Water Resources, Ranger/ Naturalist Training, Environmental Education, Air Quality, Recycling, Pollution, Wildlife, Population, Transportation and Green Building.  

Green Building Certificate Program

Sonoma State University, Green Building Certificate Program meets for 12 Saturdays, January 13 - December 1, 2007; 8:30-4:30

This Certificate Program is designed with the working professional in mind. It is a yearlong program focused on developing the understanding necessary to enable sustainable building decision making within a corporate, institutional, non-profit, municipal, or individual setting. Graduates of this program will be able to work with the owners, project managers, architects, engineers, builders, and subcontractors for a project to facilitate Green Building decision making.

Green MBA Program

Dominican University of California's Green MBA program is an accredited, on site graduate program in the San Francisco Bay Area. Graduates receive a Masters of Business Administration in Sustainable Enterprise.

Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy

Mission:  Educate current and future leaders, as well as the local community, on the need to integrate environmental, economic, and social equity issues in order to live sustainably and ensure a high quality of life for future generations.

About the Institute:  We are a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Sonoma County and dedicated to insuring a sustainable future for California's North Coast.  Our goal is to train people committed to a sustainable future to be more effective leaders, and to educate community leaders and the public to understand that the future of our economy and quality of life are dependent on each other.

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Government

California Climate Change Portal

This web site combines information on the impacts of climate change on California and the state's policies relating to global warming with the California Climate Change Center, a "virtual" research and information web site. The web site. originally combined the output from two separate offices at the California Energy Commission - the Climate Change Program Office and the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program's climate change research unit - along with input from other state agencies. Information on his web site. is coordinated by the Climate Action Team. The web site. is hosted by the California Energy Commission and operated by the Commission's Media and Public Communications Office under the direction of the Commission's Executive Office.

 California Climate Change Portal with links to :

·        State of California Home

·        Calif. Environmental Protection Agency

·        Calif. Air Resources Board

·        Calif. Energy Commission

·        Calif. Public Utilities Commission

·        Calif. Resources Agency

EPA Environmental Management System

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. This Web site provides information and resources related to EMS for businesses, associations, the public, and state and federal agencies.

Resources and Publications

·        How to develop an EMS

·        Why organizations should develop and EMS

·        Introduction to EMS Training

·        Brochure on EMS: Your Business Advantage (PDF, 446K, 8 pp.)

·        EMS Training Modules & Guides

·        Case Studies

·        Publications

Guide to Government

Using your street address and zip code, find your Districts and Government Officials.

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability is an international association of more than 650 local governments. Cities, counties, towns and villages around the world are members of ICLEI. Since 1993, ICLEI and has grown from a handful of local governments participating in a pilot project to more than 250 who are providing national leadership on climate protection and sustainable development.

ICLEI's mission is to improve the global environment through local action. On the issue of global warming, for example, we provide resources, tools, peer networking, best practices, and technical assistance to help local governments measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their communities.

Programs and Services:

·        Cities for Climate Protection^®
Climate Resilient Communities
Communities 21

·        US regional networks

·        Tools

Cool Mayors have signed the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and/or have joined ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability.

Natural Capitalism Solutions

This manual will show mayors how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in his/her unique community.  This manual has gone through an extensive peer review process.  And was released at the ICLEI Sundance Summit, for comment from the mayors and city officials assembled there. 

[Download] the Climate Protection manual for Cities (4.4 MB .pdf)

Report of the City of Portland Peak Oil Task Force

March 2007

Every day, businesses, government agencies and households around the world plan and make decisions based on the assumption that oil and natural gas will remain plentiful and affordable. In the past few years, powerful evidence has emerged that casts doubt on that assumption and suggests that global production of both oil and natural gas is likely to reach its historic peak soon. This phenomenon is referred to as “peak oil.” Given both the continuous rise in global demand for these products and the fundamental role they play in all levels of social, economic and geopolitical activities, the consequences of such an event are enormous. This report assesses Portland’s vulnerabilities in the face of wide-ranging changes in global energy markets and provides an initial set of recommendations for addressing that challenge thoughtfully and prudently.

The plan is designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of people, businesses, and local governments by not appealing just to those concerned about climate change. They lead with a discussion of national security and foreign policy, then climate change and air pollution.

Here is a link to their blueprint (note the last chapter dedicated to the economics of the plan).

Sustainlane Government

Our open-source knowledge base speeds discovery, research and networking with more than 110 best practice documents and a secure directory of participating government officials from over 450 cities, counties and states.

Register and then browse the Knowledge Base for Best Practices  

·        Climate Change Policy

·        Land Use/ Planning

·        Economic Development

·        Parks/ Open Space/ Habitat

·        Energy/ Energy Efficiency

·        Purchasing/ Investing

·        Food/ Agriculture

·        Sustainability Management

·        Forestry/ Street Greening

·        Transportation/ Fleets

·        Green Building/ Development

·        Waste Management

·        Water/ Wastewater

The California Energy Commission  

The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. Created by the Legislature in 1974 and located in Sacramento, the Commission has five major responsibilities:

·         Forecasting future energy needs and keeping historical energy data

·         Licensing thermal power plants 50 megawatts or larger

·         Promoting energy efficiency through appliance and building standards

·         Developing energy technologies and supporting renewable energy

·         Planning for and directing state response to energy emergency

Climate Change Adaptation Guidebook Released

Public decision makers have a critical opportunity – and a need – to start preparing today for the impacts of climate change. Preparing for climate change is not a “one size fits all” process, however. Just as the impacts of climate change will vary from place to place, the combination of institutions and legal and political tools available to public decision-makers are unique from region to region. Preparedness actions will need to be tailored to the circumstances of different communities.

The Climate Impacts Group and King County, Washington, in partnership with ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, are pleased to announce the release of Preparing for Climate Change: A Guidebook for Local, Regional, and State Governments. The guidebook, released September 11, is designed to facilitate planning for climate impacts at the local level by specifying practical steps and strategies that can be used to build community resilience into the future.

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Organizations

Climate Choices – California

The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.

·        Take Action

Programs include: 

AutoCell Compact Fluorescent
Light Bulb Program

Utility Company Rebate Program

Solar Financing Guide

Mass Climate Action Network - MCAN

Massachusetts Climate Action Network (MCAN) is a network of over three dozen local groups dedicated to halting the threat of global climate change in our communities and the state. If your community does not have a group yet, contact us for ideas on how to start one!  Climate protection from the grass roots up!

Resources:

·        MCAN Publications (PDF files)

·        News coverage of local climate action

·        Personal Action

·        Municipal/Community Action

·        Global Warming Policy & MCAN Policy Statements

·        Past MCAN Conferences and Trainings

·        Research

·        Media

·        Videos

Post Carbon Institute

The mission of Post Carbon Institute is to assist communities in the effort to Relocalize and adapt to an energy constrained world.  Post Carbon Institute is a think, action and education tank offering research, project tools, education and information to implement proactive strategies to adapt to an energy constrained world. The development of Post Carbon Institute came out of concern for the environmental, social, political and economic ramifications of global over-reliance on cheap energy.  Their main response to these concerns is the strategy of Relocalization, which aims to rebuild societies based on the local production of food and energy, and the Relocalization of currency, governance and culture. The main goals of Relocalization are to increase community energy security, strengthen local economies, and dramatically improve environmental conditions and social equity.  Initiatives include:  Global Public Media, Oil Depletion Protocol, Relocalization Network, and Local Energy Farms.

Sightline Institute (formerly Northwest Environment Watch)

Sightline Institute (formerly Northwest Environment Watch) is a not-for-profit research and communication center--a think tank--based in Seattle and founded in 1993 by Alan Durning. Sightline's mission is to bring about sustainability--a healthy, lasting prosperity grounded in place. It's a slow-motion revolution, but it's happening.

Nonpartisan and wholly independent, Sightline's only