Posted on Sun, Jan 30, 2011
Modeling a Sustainable World notes that in energy simulation, daylight analysis, CFD and BIM software, we have powerful modeling tools that enable us to create and refine our vision of a building–its appearance, systems, operation and performance.
Those resources, used effectively in an integrated design process for new buildings and in analyzing retrofit opportunities in existing buildings, will help us guide building owners, architects, developers, and contractors in building orientation, shading, and shape and in selecting materials, windows, equipment, and systems that optimize building performance.
Location
Westbury Manor
1100 Jericho Turnpike
Westbury, NY 11590
Date and Time
Wednesday, February 9 2011.
6:00p – 8:45p
Schedule
6:00 PM – Cocktails and Hors D’ouevres
7:00 PM – Dinner Presentation
8:45 PM – Conclusion
For further information please visit this event page
http://www.usgbc-li.org/usgbc-li/event_view.asp?TemplateID=414
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Posted on Sun, Jan 16, 2011
It is hard to escape the news headlines this week regarding China. Particularly in the area of green energy production. Between the Chinese government actively underwriting their energy companies [i], and their economic policies in currency manipulation [ii], how is it possible for American companies to enter, and remain to prosper, in this ever increasingly important industry, both on the environment and the economy.
It should then come as little surprise that a Massachusetts solar panel manufacturer, employing over 800 jobs, has announced it will be relocating to China. [iii]
As a committee member to the Long Island chapter of the USGBC, I was involved in obtaining the signatures of approval of area business owners in a letter to congress stating their request to support PACE legislation. (see PACE letters to the US Senate and Congress).
Despite this national effort, congress has failed to provide the needed support to this industry. With the upcoming visit later this week of the Chinese President to the White House, a critical opportunity to help plug this drain on the American economy presents itself.
Let the loss of what may have been another great American company be a call to action for the economic playing field be leveled once and for all. Either the American government, with the support of Congress, needs to make the level of investment into this industry in proportion to the levels of investment being made by foreign countries and take an active role in this, or we can place our bets on diplomatic talks wherein we passively request again that currency manipulating cease.
The author, John Caravella Esq., is a former project architect and construction attorney at The Law Office of John Caravella, P.C., representing architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners in all phases of contract preparation, litigation, and arbitration. He also serves as an arbitrator to the American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Panel. Mr. Caravella can be reached via email at John@LIConstructionLaw.com or (631) 608 – 1346.
[i] http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/25/business/energy-environment/25solar.html
[ii] http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/14/news/economy/china_congress/index.htm
[iii] http://sayitaintsoalready.com/2011/01/13/ma-solar-company-moving-to-china/
This is a general information article and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion. Readers are encouraged to seek counsel from a construction lawyer for advice on a particular circumstance.
Posted on Thu, Jan 13, 2011
The USGBC-LI, along with the CMHC, will be presenting a free continuing education seminar for architects and LEED accreditation on new developments and practices in green construction.
Topics to be covered are
– Drain Water Heat Recovery
– Mineral Wool Insulation
– Geothermal Energy
– Radiant Air Conditioning
– Steel Floor Joists
– Integrated Facades.
Following the seminar the USGBC-LI will also be hosting another of its Sustainable Cocktails events. This is also free of charge, and provides a great opportunity to meet other local members of the green construction community. Make plans to learn about the impacts possible through new trends in green construction as well as the opportunity to meet leading construction company representatives.
Tues, Jan 25, 2011
9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Carlyle on the Green
Bethpage State Park
99 Quaker Meeting House Rd
Farmingdale, NY 11735
For further details, and to register for the events, please visit the following
Click here