Take a behind-the-scenes look from design, to construction, to post-occupancy, of the Universal Design Living Laboratory, the national demonstration home and garden in Columbus, Ohio. This spectacular Frank Lloyd Wright inspired Prairie Style home is unlike any you’ve seen. Clever design features and meticulous detailing make this home convenient, accessible, functional, peaceful and safe for everyone during every stage of life — regardless of age, size, or physical ability. This high performance custom home showcases asked for, forward thinking features, such as universal design, green and healthy construction principles. You will learn about these benefits, and more, during a virtual tour of the home. The Universal Design Living Laboratory is the top rated universal design home in North America earning three national certifications that include, Home Innovations Lab NGBS Gold, Zero Step Gold and pending LEED for Homes.
Lessons Learned
Incorporate universal design features into residential housing.
Recognize universal design features in the kitchen, bath wardrobe/laundry, and entrance that provide for accessibility, independence, safety and comfort.
Recognize problems in existing homes that limits accessibility and provide solutions to improve accessibility.
Understand how GreenBuilding and Remodeling go hand in hand with Universal Design & Accessibility
Speaker
Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. is an internationally known speaker, writer, and consultant who works with design professionals and builders to help them integrate universal design and green building features into their projects. She and her husband, Mark Leder built the Universal Design Living Laboratory, the most ambitious national demonstration home and garden in Columbus, OH.
Continuing Education – hour
1 GBCI (LEED H Specific Pending)
1 AIA – LU|HSW
1 NARI Green
NGBS
State License may apply
Take action: Learn How gain extra points in LEED & GreenStar using accessibility features of this home.
This webinar is free to review. If you are interested in continuing education credits, you must follow the following steps:
Making Sense of GreenHome Certifications and Labels 101
When it comes to building, remodeling, designing or developing GreenHome’s that are above code, there are many different labels to choose from. Each greenhome certification comes with different requirements, opportunities, costs, 3rd party oversight and tools and resources to guide you.
Which is right for you and your clients?
In this session we will help you make sense of the different GreenHome certification labels by comparing and contrasting LEED for Homes, National Green Building Standard, GreenStar Homes, Green Communities, Passive House, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, Energy Star for Homes and the Living Building Challenge. We will look each system individually and then together through the lens of cost, 5 key categories, 3rd party oversight requirements, popularity, growth, changes and even political affiliations. You will also learn which programs apply best to different building types; Single/ multi family, mid rise, rehabs, remodels and additions and new construction across market and rate and affordable housing will all be discussed.
Are you ready for constantly changing energy & green codes, the expanding of the new Green MLS and the growth of the 80 billion dollar residential greenhome market?
Learning Objectives
•Be able to articulate the difference between the MPG Home Energy programs such as HERS, HES and EPS
•Understand how to utilize one certification program to achieve another
•Know the basics of and how to compare/contract LEED, NGBS,Green Communities, GreenStar, Living Building Challenge, Passive House and Energy Star.
•Know where to get more resources, training and tools to succeed in Health, Welfare and Safety and GREEN in your next residential project
Instructor – Brett Little, Executive Director @ GreenHome Institute LFA, LEED APH, GHP
SUSAN JULIEN LARIMORETUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 VIA the Grand Rapids Urban Innovation Exchange
The goal of newly formed nonprofit Homes of Hope and the dream of its founder, homebuilder Rich Bloem, share roots in community. They aim to bring people together to help others thrive by building new homes and restoring neighborhoods, while offering hope and a blueprint for success in life’s journey.
Fueled by a passion for sustainability and changing lives for the better, Homes of Hope, the Green Home Institute, Matt and Kristin Fowler, and many other community members are partnering to make two projects a reality in Grand Rapids: The Nest and Home for a Hero.
The idea for Homes of Hope emerged in April when Bloem bought a vacant lot on the southeast side of Grand Rapids. Initially, he thought he’d construct a home and make a profit. A few days later, he thought otherwise.
“It’s almost as if I had a vision, maybe from God,” Bloem said. “I decided to do something totally different and not for profit.”
Through research, Bloem discovered Life Remodeled, a Detroit-based company that builds free homes for low income families. He wanted to do something similar, but realized he couldn’t do it alone—and didn’t want to do it alone.
“I wanted to bring builders, architects, electricians, plumbers, and other professionals together to do this,” he said.
Bloem shared his vision with a few friends, including Brett Little, Executive Director of . They shared Bloem’s passion and put plans in place to meet regularly. Word got out fast. There were 23 people at the first Friday meeting. Since then, the ever-expanding group meets weekly at the offices of (920 Cherry Street SE). Volunteers are welcome to attend and join one of over 20 committees on everything from construction to communications.
Through these meetings, Bloem was introduced to Matt and Kristen Fowler. They shared their dream of creating a living building in the Baxter neighborhood. Shortly after Bloem visited the Baxter neighborhood and proposed site for The Nest, Homes of Hope partnered with the to make the Fowlers’ dream a reality.
The Living Building Challenge: The Nest
The International Living Future Institute defines a living building as “a building designed and constructed to function as elegantly and efficiently as a flower: a building informed by its bioregion’s characteristics, and that generates all of its own energy with renewable resources, captures and treats all of its water, and operates efficiently and for maximum beauty.”
The Living Building Challenge through the ILFI is the world’s most rigorous design and construction standard.
“There are 20 requirements to be met in order to obtain Living Building status,” said Kristen Fowler.
According to the ILFI website, only four buildings in the world to date have achieved living building certification. If the living building proposed for Grand Rapids becomes certified, it will be the first building in Michigan to receive this distinction.
The Fowlers have lived in the Baxter neighborhood for several years and, as Kristin said, “We have fallen in love with the people here. Matt and I recognize people need structured programs and assistance, and it is awesome these programs exist, but sometimes, what’s needed is a relationship-based place to just be; a space where people from all walks of life can feel welcome and safe.”
Passionate about seeing healthy food reach the tables of people in the Baxter neighborhood, the Fowlers created the Treehouse Community Garden in 2012. They raised over $20,000 in labor and materials for the garden space. Today, more than 10 neighborhood families are currently receiving fresh, seasonal produce from this garden.
More recently, the Fowlers began raising funds for a living building next to the community garden. To date, they have collected nearly 58 percent of their goal, but also recognize the need for many skilled professionals and donated materials to pull the project off. The start date for The Nest is dependent on funding and materials.
“We are inspired to do this by the radical, genuine hospitality of Jesus; where there is always room at the table for others,” Kristin said. “This is community at its best.”
In addition to a large kitchen and dining area, the Fowlers envision the floor plan to include a library, arts and crafts room, guest rooms, greenhouse, root cellar, and front porch.
The name, The Nest, was inspired by the Sociable Weaver, a tiny bird in southern Africa that builds a giant nest, housing over 100 different species of birds.
“We think this is a beautiful model of how we can all live and function together,” said Kristin.
Sustainable Building for a Vet: Home for a Hero
Bloem has spent a great deal of time at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. He had always admired veterans for their service and courage, but when he sat down and heard their war stories, he knew in his heart he wanted to do something more.
“If you look at the statistics about veteran depression, suicide, and post-traumatic stress disorder, you understand support of veterans is needed,” Bloem said.
This spring, Bloem will lead the transformation of the lot at 336 Donald Place SE into a LEED-certified and cost-efficient residence.
“Homes of Hope doesn’t want it to end with the built house, we also want to offer hope and a blueprint for success. It’s part of our vision,” Bloem said. “If someone needs counseling or training to get a job or deal with an addiction, then we want to help people find it.”
Volunteers of America and Wounded Warriors are taking charge of the veteran application process and selection. The plan is to surprise the selected recipient with the news on the July 4, 2014.
Transformative Change through Collaboration
Through the collaborative work of Homes of Hope, the , and the community, positive changes are beginning to take place in neighborhoods and in people’s lives.
“What we’re doing isn’t about any one individual. It’s about bringing people together to help others, make a difference, and lead by example,” Bloem said.
Brent Fisher with Green Property Management and Homes of Hope Board member agreed.
“It’s truly marvelous to see what can come to fruition when people put their mind to good purpose and collaborate,” Fisher said. “I appreciate being on a team that’s a catalyst for positive change in our great city.”
Kristin said she and Matt are humbled by the generosity and support of the community and are, “excited to create a place of light and hope. We are hopeful people will follow our example. We want everyone to ask themselves what they can do in their own neighborhoods to make the world a more beautiful place.”
Homes of Hope’s website is currently in development. To learn more or volunteer, contact homesofhopemi@gmail.com
Susan Julien Larimore is a freelance writer for UIX Grand Rapids
in 2005 was labeled as a Michigan Energy Demonstration Center. In keeping up with our title we are moving forward with innovative and tangible projects that show case sustainable building. One aspect of this partnership is that The Nest will showcase design using Stawclay or a type of cob for the structures thermal envelope. Straw & Clay are both natural, non toxic waste products that are usually burned or landfilled. We will be teaching other builders how to utilize this abundant resource.
You can help support these projects Below!
Homes of Hope General Fund Donation
The Nest – Living Building Challenge Registered Home – thenestgr.com
Thanks to Jetson Green for sharing this awesome post! (Article written by Christine Walsh on Nov. 28, 2013)
Architect Virge Temme of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin recently received the LEED Platinum for Homes certification for a private residence she designed near Gills Rock. The home was built by Bay Lakes Builders, and the plans were based on the collaboration of all members of the construction and design team so as to ensure proper integration of all systems. The electric and fuel bills for this 2,600-square-foot house were less than $30 per month on average during its first year. This is only the seventh home in Wisconsin to receive the LEED Platinum certification.
The building process started with the excavation of the meadow where the house stands, while the top soil was stockpiled and used for final grading later. Once the foundation was complete, the foundation forms were stripped and the below-slab plumbing and electrical runs installed. The builders continued with laying thermal tarp to protect the home from freezing rains. This was followed by the installing of under-slab insulation. All the joints were staggered and sealed in this process to prevent air movement between layers. Furthermore, all the penetrations through insulation were foam sealed, which protects against cold seepage and potential Radon gasses.
The roof was then installed, using 16″ I-joists to reduce thermal transmission and to provide additional insulation depth. The I-joists were placed directly over the studs below and the framed walls with studs at 24″ on center to reduce redundant top plate, which also reduced the overall framing materials need. The rafters were then screwed and strapped to studs to provide additional protection from wind. All the intersections were then foam-sealed.
To provide a continuous envelope 3/8″ OSB was added to the under side of rafters. Double 2-4 plates were screwed below the rafters to provide an electrical chase, eliminating the need for roof penetrations. The builders also used ladder framing, which greatly reduced the amount of redundant materials at wall-to-wall connections. Double-wall construction also eliminated thermal bridging and provided space for additional insulation.
The house has insulation values of R-45 for walls, R-60 for the roof, and R-30 for ground insulation. Together with passive solar orientation and specially-coated windows to introduce solar warming, and which also feature overhangs to protect from summer over-heating, there is no need for a furnace or a boiler for space heating.
Other sustainable features of the home include:
– Sustainably-harvested framing materials
– Recycled/recyclable metal siding, roofing and insulation
– Drought-tolerant plants replanted around the home
– Rain gardens for roof runoff
– Only low- or no-VOC paints, adhesives and insulation were used to ensure better air quality
– Floors are made of concrete and sustainably harvested bamboo
– Only highly efficient appliances, lighting fixtures, and plumbing were installed
– The building process resulted in almost no construction waste
I’ve been selected as a candidate for an at-large director position on the USGBC-Illinois Chapter 2014 board and I’m asking for your vote. If you are a member of USGBC-Illinois, please take the time to cast your vote before December 1 at 6pm!
Michael Hobbs, SRA, LEED GA
President
PahRoo Appraisal & Consultancy
P: 773.388.0003 www.pahroo.com
Candidate Particulars
Why do I wish to be a member of the USGBC-Illinois Board?
As a practicing professional in Illinois, I wish to become a member of the USGBC-Illinois Board to give a voice to the valuation profession which is woefully under-represented while expanding the awareness and positive impacts of USGBC initiatives.
Please provide a summary of your professional qualifications, knowledge and experience of most relevance to the Chapter. Also indicate the degree to which you have senior management and executive level experience. Please include any current work you may be doing for the chapter.
For the past 13 years, I’ve been a certified real estate appraiser in Illinois and started PahRoo on the basis that someone with hands-on knowledge of building, rehabbing, investing, developing and managing would be much better suited to do perform real estate valuation. My firm employs 10 real estate appraisers for residential and commercial assignments. More recently, I have attained the following designations: SRA (Appraisal Institute), RAA (National Association of Realtors), and LEED GA (United States Green Building Council). Additionally, I have owned and operated a property management firm and a real estate development firm. Prior to that, I was vice president and interim-CFO at Engineered Glass Products which was a C-suite position. I’m currently on the board of the Chicago Chapter of Entrepreneur Organization.
The Chapter is committed to strengthening its membership diversity. What resources could you bring to bear (e.g., demonstrated expertise, leadership positions, and willingness) to help further Chapter participation from high priority sectors including: real estate, energy/utility, finance/insurance, residential, corporate, product manufacturing and developers? You can also address other sectors you think require greater involvement in the Chapter.
As noted in the prior reply, my personal and professional experience is far-beyond the ‘typical’ real estate appraiser. Currently, running my 7th firm, I feel that I have vast experience in leadership and helping others to succeed. Given that my efforts for the past 15 years have been in and around real estate, our client base consists of developers, real estate professionals both residential and commercial, as well as working with other professionals to solve their real estate problems.
Describe what expertise, experience and resources from other organizations with successful chapter programs.
As a board member of the Chicago Chapter of Entrepreneur Organization (a 9,000+ global membership organization comprised of business owners and entrepreneurs who meet or exceed stringent qualifications), we have consistently increased member value (as quantified through annual survey results) while growing membership (directly resulting in increased operating budget).
As a former board member of the American Red Cross Auxiliary Board Chicago Chapter, I contributed to the efforts to raise $250,000 in the 2nd year of existence and that amount was maintained over 5 years.
Describe what expertise, experience and resources you’ve experiences in leadership positions (volunteer or professional staff) with nonprofit governance.
Present – Board Member & Forum Chair – Entrepreneur Organization (EO)
Present – Board Member – Real Estate Investor Association (REIA)
Past – Board Member – Circle Family Care
Past – Board Member and Vice President – American Red Cross Auxiliary Board
The webinars below are a summary of educational offerings that is prepared to deliver upon request or are recorded and accessible for free. Many are approved for AIA and GBCI continuing education credit. Contact us to schedule a presentation or if you would like to present through our network.
Demystifying LEED for Homes Version 4 webinar featuring lead LEED home reviewer Jay Hall – 1 hour – CEUS
Rosemarie Rossetti from the Universal Design Living Laboratory has 1 hour recorded webinar that takes you through her ZeroStep Certified Gold Home in Columbus Ohio and explains the thought behind the design and construction. This is a free webinar worth 1 AIA/GBCI/Nari Green & Potential State Contractor CEU.
Introduction to the GreenStar Remodeling Certification Program – 1 Hour Webinar (AIA/GBCI/NARI Green)
Materials Matter- Design Trends for a Sustainable Future – WoodWors.org (AIA/GBCI)
How I made Million Dollars as a Green Remodeler – GreenStar Remodeling Certification Kick Off
Energy Star Version 3 for HOMES – Lessons Learned for HVAC Contractor Design/Install AIA/GBCI CEs
Selecting Appropriate Natural Building Materials in Cold & Wet Climates 5/7/13 on Demand AIA/GBCI CEs
PHIUS + Passive Building Certification – Webinar Recorded 3/18/13 – 1 AIA/GBCI on demand
Journey to Passive House & LEED – A Homeowner’s Tale – Record Feb 2013 (1 hour)
As a 501(c)3 charitable organization (view our details), we deliver green building education courses throughout the Midwest at minimal cost and at no profit. Please support us to help keep these going. Your donation to the Green Home Institute may be tax-deductible. Please check with your accountant or tax attorney for details.
Thank you for your support!
By USGBC – FREE webinars on Affordable Housing:
Affordable Green Multifamily Retrofits
Operations & Maintenance of Green Affordable Housing
Data Collection and Analysis of Green Affordable Housing
The “Glenn Retreat” project exemplifies water use reduction both outdoor and indoor, with a 72% reduction in irrigation due in part by the AdvanTex(R) Wastewater Treatment Systems manufactured by Orenco (R) that is a environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment technology that treats blackwater and greywater so well that the treated effluent can be re-used for subsurface irrigation (We achieved a additional LEED innovation point with this system). Along with Infiltrating Rain Gardens, Edible Forest Gardens, Extensive use of Native Drought Tolerant Plants and Eco Turf Grass on the outside and with low flow WaterSense certified toilet and fixture on the inside this project achieved almost every point under Water Efficiency in the LEED for Homes checklist. Our approach to handling waste water and storm water turned a negative attribute into a positive one; and created a drought tolerant and low maintenance landscape.
The site’s soil composition has high clay content, and coupled with a high water table makes for a less desirable building site. Fill dirt and sand were added to the center of the site to elevate the house a few feet above grade. Drain tiles and French drains were installed around the house to channel water into swales and rain gardens which we developed along the north, east and west property lines. This watering system has proven sufficient to support the wide variety of plant life added to the property. Our system eliminated the painstaking task of cleaning rain gutters too because we didn’t need to install any. The high water table also presented a challenge for the septic system. We selected an advanced system that uses a smaller drain field, and generates effluent certified by NSF International for subsurface irrigation. A native wildflower and prairie grass landscape is being developed on the septic drain field. Key Features Fabral Metal Roof (Energy Star) Exterior Construction is Advanced Framing @ 24″ o.c. 8″ of Agri based Open Cell Foam Insulation in attic. (R40) 4″ Ridged Foam Insulation under the Slab. (R-20) 3″ of Agri based Open Cell Foam Insulation on interior crawl space foundation walls. Exterior walls are Air Sealed with 5″ Cellulose Insulation (R-22) with 1″ Dow Styrofoam SIS Sheathing (R-5.5). (stops Thermal Bridging) James Hardie cement board siding. (with recycled content) MiraTec trim. (formaldehyde free, SCS Certified) 93% of Construction waste was diverted fro the landfills.
There are currently 2 Federal tax credits for energy efficiency and 1 commercial tax deduction. Information on the forms needed to claim these are in bold below. Most LEED for Homes or GreenStar projects will also meet the eligible requirements of the tax credits
Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
What: Tax credits equal to 10% of the material costs paid by the taxpayer for qualified energy-efficient improvements installed from January 2012 through December 2013.
Who: Homeowners
Limits: Improvements installed in 2012 and 2013, can get a maximum credit of $500. If you have claimed more than $500 in energy-efficient tax credits since January 1, 2005—you are not eligible to make a tax credit claim in 2012 or 2013.
NOTE: For insulation to qualify, its primary purpose must be to insulate. It must be expected to last five years OR have a two-year warranty. Installation costs are not included. GreenStar Remodeling Certification Can help!
Builder Tax Credit for Energy-Efficient Homes:
What: $2,000 tax credit for new, energy-efficient homes that achieve 50% heating and cooling savings over a comparable dwelling unit constructed in accordance with the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and supplements. LEED for Homes certified projects with applicable HERS scores will qualify.
Who: Home builders
Limits: The credit is retroactive to January 1, 2012 and covers homes built through December 31, 2013 for homes sold or leased in 2012 and 2013.
What: Tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot for new or existing commercial buildings that save at least 50% of the heating and cooling energy of a building that meets ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001.
Who: Owners or designers of new or existing commercial buildings.
Limits: Available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2013.
Claim: Check with your accountant to claim this deduction.
Will this be renewed in 2014?
No word yet. Most of them have been renewed for several years. But with all that’s going on, I don’t think it’s at the top of the agenda. Usually if it’s renewed it happens at the very end of the calendar year or the first couple of months of the next.
You also can find a list of local tax incentives at www.dsireusa.org.
If you can only attend one conference this year—the Better Buildings: Better Business Conference is the one
The residential, multifamily and small commercial building and remodeling community will come together December 10-11, 2013 at the second annual Illinois Better Buildings: Better Business Conference®. The conference has a new convenient location at the Crowne Plaza near Chicago O’Hare and attendees can expect to get the latest information on building technologies, strategies, techniques, financial incentives, code requirements and more.
Whether you’re looking to obtain continuing education credits (more than seven hours of continuing education for builders, remodelers, contractors, architects, building performance consultants, home inspectors, raters, LEED APs, LEED Green Associates and more are available), stay ahead of the latest trends, increase your technical skills and code knowledge, find new business opportunities or learn new ideas—the Illinois Better Buildings: Better Business Conference is a not-to-be-missed event. The conference will feature 42 sessions and 44 topnotch local and national experts who will share their knowledge in various platforms to fit different learning styles.
You’ll start off the conference in the newly designed expo to experience the general session. This action-packed session will host industry leaders who will make their best predictions about what the future may hold and help to prepare you for what’s to come. Sessions and live, for-credit demonstrations will be in full swing following the general session. You can choose from 12 different tracks and attend an entire track or mix and match the sessions that interest you most. You’ll definitely want to check out the demos at some point. These reality-based learning experience will give you the chance to challenge the technology and talk with those who know their products best. Finally, after taking in all that learning you’ll need some time to unwind. The social highlight of the conference—the reception on Tuesday night—will give you a chance to mingle with exhibitors and catchup with like-minded colleagues. There will even be a chance to participate in a friendly competition. Then, you’ll start it all over on Wednesday morning.
