COSC Named USGBC Education Provider

You might notice a new addition on our website! We've been recently designated a U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Education Provider. The first of several COSC workshops approved for credit toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Credential Maintenance Program is  “The Fundamentals of Green Roofs in an Urban Environment.” The workshop offers 3 GBCI CE Hours and will take place as part of COSC’s “Day of Sustainability” at West Des Moines City Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 6th. A detailed description and registration information is available here.

Road Trip to Iowa Home Crafters

We found out plenty of interesting things about Iowa Home Crafters during our tour of their shop in Ames. For instance, owners Dave Hade and Weldon Abarr source local wood for their projects and mill it on-site. The kid in us came out upon our arrival and the log pile enticed us to climb. Behind Lynnae and Emily is a solar-powered kiln used to dry the salvaged wood. As the Iowa Home Crafters website explains, no tree is cut for the sole purpose of lumber, but rather their supply arrives as a result of tree being damaged, blown down or removed for other reasons. And, every log they acquire is numbered and its history recorded in their "Log log."

You'll be able to learn more about Iowa Home Crafters and our Builder Advisory Council Chair Dave Hade when our new website rolls out - he'll be featured in a member profile area! In the meantime, visit IowaGreenHomes.com.

- Siobhan Spain, COSC

Shooting Ways of Commuting in the East Village

We were among friends when Lynnae, Carrie, I and COSC board member Jenny McCoy joined Urban Ambassadors for their "Shoot Your Commute" project in the East Village. The rising temperature gauge made for a  steamy, yet beautiful, day for a bike ride in sunny Des Moines.

The photo concept originated in Germany and illustrates the amount of space consumed by various modes of transportation, which is comparable to the size of their carbon footprints.

View a time-lapse video here and photos here, which document the process.

Shoot Your Commute final images will be available at the Aug. 30th COSC connects at Jasper Winery when we partner with Urban Ambassadors and USGBC Iowa Chapter to address "Envisioning Sustainable Des Moines" with special guests Greater Des Moines Partnership. Join us by RSVPing on Facebook.

- Siobhan Spain, COSC

Rehabbing with Joe & Diane

Joe Hogue works on his Des Moines home.
Photo by Rodney White/The Register

So far in 2010, more than 700 permits have been issued for residential conversion, remodeling and repair projects. That's already up nearly 30% from last year.

The Des Moines Rehabbers Club's mission to promote neighborhood revitalization and restoration is timely, so when I saw they were hosting a monthly club meeting this morning, I decided I'd better check it out.

I arrived at a gutted two-story north-side home in time to hear the introduction by Des Moines Rehabbers Club founder Steve Wilke-Shapiro. Homeowners Joe and Diane Hogue are following the current surge in DIY (do it yourself) home remodeling projects in an effort to extend the life of their renovation budget. Since the foreclosed home was in bad shape when they bought it, they decided to expose every beam, pipe and doorway to realized the full extent of its structural needs. The couple both have full-time jobs and chip away at the renovation to-do list together on nights and weekends.

Joe's tour of the home gave attendees opportunities to ask questions about floor leveling issues, when to hire a contractor, what he's learned about remove siding and so on. It also gave the owners a chance to solicit advice on how to tackle forthcoming projects. The conversations were informative and congenial, which contributed to a satisfying Saturday morning outing. To learn more about the Hogue's project, read this article in the Register and be sure to visit renovatedsm.com.

As Steve mentioned at the beginning of the meeting, COSC and Preservation Iowa is bringing Bob Yapp to Des Moines this fall. We'll post details soon!

- Siobhan Spain, COSC