CENTER ON SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES (COSC)

COSC's EVERGREEN Fundraising Party

2011-10-24T13:01:00.004-05:00

We're getting excited for our EVERGREEN fundraiser featuring William Elliott Whitmore, with a performance by The River Monks and emceed by Iowa's own Michele Beschen of b. organic.

Ciji Mitrisin of Recycle Me Iowa is on our EVERGREEN committee, and this is what she has to say:

http://www.recyclemeiowa.com/2011/10/yeah-willy

Call for Nominations - 2011 Preservation at Its Best Awards

2011-08-18T13:47:00.000-05:00

Alert - Postmark deadline is August, 31, 2011!

Each year, Preservation Iowa honors individuals, organizations, projects, and programs whose work demonstrates a commitment to excellence in historic preservation. Their goal is to inspire others to take action to preserve, protect, and promote Iowa’s places that matter.

Visit their website today to learn more about this year's Preservation at Its Best Awards Call for Nominations guidelines and application process.

Promising Emerging Data on Heritage Window Performance

2011-08-15T12:04:00.001-05:00

This just in from COSC guest instructor and Iowa native Bob Yapp...

The National Window Preservation Standards Collaborative (NWPSC) convened its 1st Window Preservation & Performance Summit at the National Historic Landmark, Pine Mountain Settlement School site in Pine Mountain, Kentucky the week of July 22-29, 2011. Attendees from the four corners of the United States and Canada gathered with the Collaborative Founding Members David Gibney, Duffy Hoffman, John Leeke, Jim Turner and Bob Yapp, and restoration architects Jill H Gotthelf and Walter Sedovic, who engineered the performance testing protocol.

Restoration and weatherization of historic wood and steel windows showcased a variety of techniques and approaches by each of the Founding Members, with ample time for field review and participation by advisors and participants.

Performance testing began with a baseline evaluation and measurement of the pre-restoration condition of each window. Throughout the course of the week, additional testing of the restored windows was performed following defined scientific protocol. Initial results were collated and evaluated, allowing for refinement of restoration techniques, and further testing.

Preliminary findings focusing on air infiltration revealed very promising results for the energy efficiency of restored historic windows, and underscored the enormous benefit provided by simple installation of a storm window system; a variety of commonly available or readily constructed storm windows were included in the Summit sampling.

This Summit represents an historic milestone in proving what window preservation advocates have long espoused: that historic windows are exemplary energy performers and that restoring windows is an undeniably sustainable approach, which now can be supported by building science. Coupled with the proceedings of the Summit will be future data on other beneficial attributes of heritage windows including thermal performance, day lighting, longevity and restorability.

The complete report will be included in a new publication slated to be available in early 2012 titled, "Window Preservation and Weatherization Standards". This book will be the first of its kind to provide a menu of window repair, preservation, restoration and weatherization techniques that will create a standard for specifiers, architects, property owners as well as federal, state and local government agencies.

A full detailed report is scheduled to be released this coming December. For more information contact Bob Yapp at his Belvedere School for Hands-on Preservation in Hannibal, Missouri: 217-474-6052 or Yapperman@msn.com.

Native Gardening

2011-08-08T09:40:00.000-05:00

Landscaping can be overwhelming and difficult to start but with the following resources, you can't go wrong with your next home project!

Rainscaping Iowa is the perfect place to start for your landscaping needs. Their website includes links for all sorts of helpful information. Native landscaping has many benefits including the architecture of the native roots which enables the soil to infiltrate water and withstand erosive conditions. Native plants are easy to maintain once established and also reduce the amount of local pests and disease.

One of the best ways to maintain water more sustainably is to strategically install landscaping that includes a tall grass prairie region. The Urban Conservation Program has more information on native landscaping as well as other projects with the goal of improving urban areas. With a long history of experience with working famers they are eager to help other communities. They assist installing systems and modify existing framework to accomplish keeping water off the roads and soil out of our waterways!

For more on Native Gardening check out Rainscaping Iowa's Facebook page and continue to get updates on their recent activity.

COSC Summer Internship Leads to Cystainability

2011-08-03T10:02:00.004-05:00

Iowa State University student Ashlee Clark

Every college student has been there, it is April and the excitement of summer hasn't hit yet because you don't have a summer job or even landed an interview. There is no light yet at the end of the tunnel.

Then May rolls around and I am still vigorously searching for a job. After weeks of researching numerous public relations firms in Des Moines and looking for assistance in my job hunt, I came into contact with Siobhan Spain, the communications director here at COSC. I was not quite sure what COSC was, or what they stood for, but I was eager to get my foot in the door with any experience.

Siobhan gave me the opportunity to jump right in, helping to write press releases, blogs and updating COSC's social networks from time to time. I have really enjoyed the hands on work experience that I received. After about a month I realized how many people I was meeting and the doors that this internship was opening for me.

One door in particular is my yearning to learn more about sustainability. I look forward to conveying the knowledge I acquired this summer when back on campus. So, what better way to do so than to research, write and publish it for the students at ISU?

COSC has taught me the bulk of what I know about sustainability and there is so much more to learn. As I am running out of time in my internship, I plan to continue my quest for gaining knowledge about the green initiative. To do so, I proposed to the Daily, ISU's campus newspaper, a regular green feature section focused on campus and local sustainability. Staff was eager to embrace this new initiative.

I'm excited to announce the launch of the Daily's new special section and website called "Cystainability" coming this fall. I look forward to steering this pilot project into a reliable source and interactive forum for students and faculty. My goal for the section is to promote awareness of diverse sustainable practices that influence the way we live, learn, work and play.

With the section being a very positive outcome of my internship, I was also able to learn a lot about the Public Relations/Communications field. It is not at all what I thought it was going to be - it was better. It is fast pace and always presents something new. I learned quickly that if there are five items on the to-do list for a certain day, those five items would be taking place at the same time and would all get done. This internship was a great learning experience for me that I plan to incorporate it into my education as well as whatever job comes next.

COSC has influenced communities across Iowa to take on a sustainable lifestyle and I look forward to bringing these principals to Iowa State.

Look for the link to Cystainability's website by the end of August!

- Ashlee Clark

Iowa State University | Journalism and Mass Communications
Iowa State Daily
Government of Student Body | Director of Public Relations

Greensburg GreenTown Home

2011-07-08T14:26:00.005-05:00

Greensburg, Kansas, is continuing their hard work of rebuilding after the 2007 tornado, destroying almost ninety-five percent of the town. The most recent efforts is focused on the Meadowlark House, designed by Steven Learner Studio.

Led by the nonprofit Greensburg GreenTown, the eco-friendly house is made of wood blocks and filled gravel, 100 percent toxin-free. It is very durable, tested by the German team from HIB, it should withstand winds over 180 mph and 8.0 earthquake. The wood block walls started going up on June 24, 2011 and they are continuing with great progress.

Follow the progress on Greensburg GreenTown Blog. After the home is completed later this year it will serve as a second home in the town to be a 'living laboratory' to show off sustainable technologies.

Clean Coalition Announces Local CLEAN Program Guide

2011-07-08T13:22:00.000-05:00

The nonprofit Clean Coalition has released a Local CLEAN Program Guide to encourage more effective policies for the timely and practical development of clean local energy.

The first of seven modules of Clean Local Energy Accessible Now (CLEAN) Guide gives an overview of the programs and key considerations in assessing what a CLEAN program can do for communities and local utilities across the United States. Starting in Gainesville, Florida CLEAN programs have been implemented at the local, state and national level around the world to stimulate renewable energy deployments.

To download the first module and more information on the Local CLEAN Program, please visit the Clean Coalition website.

Portland Green Homes Outperform Non-Certified Homes For Fourth Straight Year

2011-07-05T16:02:00.005-05:00

June 22, 2011 - Press Release
Green Building Elements
Matter Network

The desire for homes that conform to the green building standards of organizations such as Earth Advantage, ENERGY STAR, or LEEDS is growing throughout the world, and nowhere is that more evident than Portland, Oregon. For the fourth straight year in a row, green certified homes have outperformed non-certified homes in the Portland metro region, according to a study by the Earth Advantage Institute.

The annual study found that existing homes with a sustainable certification sold for 30 percent more than homes without one, according to sales data provided by the Portland Regional Multiple Listing Service. This finding is based on the sales of existing homes between May 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011 in Multnomah, Clackamas, Columbia, and Washington Counties in Oregon and Clark County in Washington.

The study also examined how newly constructed homes built to sustainable certifications performed, and found that they sold for 8 percent more than new non-certified homes in the same six-county area.

The Earth Advantage Institute defined a “certified home” as a home that received an Earth Advantage New Homes, ENERGY STAR, or LEED for Homes designation, or a combined Earth Advantage/ENERGY STAR certification.

“This is important news for builders and home buyers alike,” said Dakota Gale, the sustainable finance program manager at the Earth Advantage Institute, in a press release. “While it must be noted that the data are supplied by real estate agents themselves through standard RMLS forms, and are based on averages, not comparables, we can still see a consistent trend that third-party certification continues to result in a higher sales price, even during the past year when home sales were down.”

There were several differences in the results between the counties as well. Clackamas had the largest difference between sales price of new certified and non-certified homes at 23.3 percent, whereas Clark County was the only area in the metropolitan area in which newly constructed certified homes did not sell for more than non-certified homes. That being said, existing certified homes in Clark County did outperform non-certified homes by selling for 29 percent more.

In analyzing this data along with the past three years, the Earth Advantage Institute identified two important trends. First, the market share of certified homes among all newly constructed homes remained consistent, with 18 percent of new homes in the Portland metropolitan area receiving a sustainability certification. Second, a price premium for certified homes as a group was observed each year, showing that people were willing to pay more for certified homes.

Talk of Iowa with Bill McAnally: Home Deck Improvement Tips

2011-05-20T15:04:00.000-05:00

Summer is just around the corner, inviting us to spend numerous hours on our decks. Our green instructor and long-time advisor Bill McAnally is a monthly guest on Talk of Iowa Radio for Home Improvement Day and this month focuses on home deck improvement tips. With over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Bill shares his expertise on step-by-step instructions on how to build a deck, who to hire when looking to have someone else build a deck for your home and how to repair an old deck. Bill also give clear direction to listener's questions, so tune in for an informative "How-To" session with Bill McAnally: Home+Improvement

2011 Environmental Impact Awards Ceremony May 18th

2011-05-11T13:31:00.000-05:00

2011 Environmental Impact Awards
Luncheon Ceremony
Wednesday, May 18 | 11:30am - 1:00pm
Des Moines Botanical Center

Join us in celebrating 2011 Environmental Impact Award Winners!

Tickets are on sale now at icosc.com. For $25, enjoy lunch at the Des Moines Botanical Center while celebrating the efforts of your peers, networking with others with sustainable priorities, gaining a greater understanding of the opportunities for sustainable practices, and learning how to apply for the 2012 Awards.

Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC), Greater Des Moines Partnership and Metro Waste Authority partnered in creating the Environmental Impact Awards to recognize organizations and leaders demonstrating exemplary sustainable practices.

Please join us for the momentous event Wednesday, May 18th from 11:30am to 1:00pm at the Des Moines Botanical Center located at 909 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50316.

The Awards Ceremony is sponsored by Des Moines Water Works.

Polk County Lawn Mower Exchange

2011-03-17T09:54:00.001-05:00

In an effort to reduce the amount of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter, the Polk County Air Quality department, in collaboration with Metro Waste Authority and Midwest Recovery, is offering fantastic discounts on electric mowers.

Now through June 15th, 2011, you will have the opportunity to exchange your highly polluting gasoline powered lawn mower for an environmentally friendly, zero-emission producing, light weight, easy to operate, extremely quiet Neuton® cordless ELECTRIC mower. This mower retails for $400, but you can get yours for only $149 (CE5) or $209 (CE6). Supplies are limited.

Go to: http://www.neutonpower.com/polk
Download the program brochure

Talk of Iowa with Bill McAnally: Preparing for Spring Moisture

2011-03-16T15:47:00.001-05:00

Our green instructor and long-time advisor Bill McAnally is a monthly guest on Talk of Iowa's Home Improvement Day. This month, he spoke with host Charity Nebbe about how to protect your home from the many ways water can threaten it. Bill's experience provides clear guidance on rain garden location tips, drainage spout reminders and installing sump pumps, along with insightful answers to listener questions on basement wall bracing, gutter system nuances and more. Laugh while you learn with Bill: Listen | Download.

Member Book Review - "Harmony" by Prince Charles

2011-02-19T19:30:00.002-06:00

Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World
A book review by COSC Member JoAn van Balen

The Prince Charles of Wales, with Tony Juniper and Ian Skelly, has written Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World. It is a timely read. In November 2010, NBC aired the book’s accompanying documentary by the same title. The program was a huge surprise to me – who knew that Prince Charles loved the land? I certainly didn’t. His love of polo had made the news, but his thirty-year study of Nature hadn’t crossed my radar.

The program pulled me in because here is a person who believes like I do. His story immediately inspired me to go buy the book to give to my grandson for his twenty-third birthday. Because it is an expensive book, I borrowed a copy from the West Des Moines Public Library and began to read.

It’s a big book, covering the long history humans have had with Nature. He leaves no stone unturned as he leads us on the journey of how early civilizations live harmoniously with Nature, honoring her as their touchstone when making decisions about architecture, farming, measuring time, village planning and their many other creative endeavors. It’s impressive Prince Charles has used his talents, resources and privilege, to bring us the message he considers of ultimate importance.

The book could well be used as a textbook. He is teaching the grammar of harmony, filling its pages with the message that, beginning in the 17th century, we began to destroy Nature rather than living in partnership with her. The age of convenience has led to the age of disconnection. We have followed the throng and danced without question to the Pied Piper’s tune.

“…the relationship we have developed with the Earth during our technological and industrial age is one-sided. It is not one of the equals, but based upon the master and slave model, and many see this as posing grave threats not only to the natural world, but to humanity as a whole.”

Harmony is a beautiful book with lovely photographs documenting the study with captions explaining the facts. A reader could look at the images, read all the captions and get the message. However, like me you will want to read the whole book. There is also a children’s edition.

Prince Charles believes we have arrived at the brink of potential disaster, and yet we still accelerate toward the edge.

“We will witness the comprehensive and disastrous destruction of both community and natural capital on a scale that is impossible to exaggerate.”

“…we urgently need to change our economy to live within our environmental budget.”

The author challenges us to embark upon a sustainability revolution and with some urgency. We are traveling on the wrong road and we need to wake up. We are measuring the wrong things and need to question the unbridled encouragement of consumerism. We are confused about equating money with wealth.

“Real wealth is good land, pristine forests, clean rivers, healthy animals, vibrant communities, nourishing food and human creativity.”

Shopping can no longer define who we are. We have been consuming our children’s and grand children’s prosperity.

We need to recognize that the earth is a single living organism and the source of all nourishment. It behooves us to have a profound spiritual reverence for her.

As a result of reading Harmony, I have written Governor Brandstad and Senator Harkin to propose that it be required reading for every public servant.

We are not separate from Nature.

Just like everything else – we are Nature.

JoAn van Balen
Des Moines, IA
License plate: ALLRONE

Iowa American Water's Environmental Grant Program

2011-02-11T19:20:00.011-06:00

Iowa American Water announced today that the application process is now open for its 2011 Environmental Grant Program to support innovative, community- based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and community drinking water supplies. Applications must be postmarked by March 25, 2011.

The company will award grants of up to $5,000. The program is designed to support diverse types of activities, such as watershed cleanups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts.

"The Environmental Grant Program has been very successful in helping local organizations carry out meaningful, sustainable initiatives that benefit our watersheds,” said Randy Moore, president of Iowa American Water, “"We encourage municipalities, schools, environmental organizations and civic groups to apply for a grant to support projects that will benefit a watershed in their community."

To qualify, a proposed project must be located within an Iowa American Water service area and address a source water or watershed protection need in the community. All projects will be completed between May 1, 2011 and November 30, 2011. Criteria will be judged on the program innovation for the community, the partnership with other organizations and program sustainability.

In 2010, Iowa American Water awarded three grants totaling over $6,000. A panel of judges selected the winners based on criteria such as environmental need, innovation, community engagement and sustainability. Iowa American Water awarded its 2010 Environmental Grants to:

Partners of Scott County Watersheds awarded $3,200 for its Infiltrate Iowa Project
Waste Commission of Scott County awarded $2,000 for its Operation Medicine Cabinet Program
Keep Scott County Beautiful, $1,000 for its Xstream Cleanup 2010

In 2010, Iowa American Water also recognized Bettendorf student Pavane Gorrepati for a campaign she developed to increase environmental awareness locally and nationally, to inspire conservation efforts by young people, to promote sustainability and to advance environmental education. Gorrepati was presented with a special recognition award and gift certificate for her efforts.Grant information and application forms can be found online at www.iaamwater.com.

Applications must be postmarked by March 25, 2011, and mailed to Lisa Reisen, external affairs manager, at Iowa American Water, 5201 Grand Avenue or emailed to Lisa.Reisen@amwater.com.

Iowa American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 200,000 people.

Greenovation Podcasts

2011-02-01T19:06:00.018-06:00

The Environment Report's Greenovation series features stories of the Grocoff's efforts toward making their Ann Arbor home the oldest net-zero house in America. Hear how they tackled fixing old windows, saved energy with auto switches, installed whole house fans and more.

Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives: Changes in Store for 2011

2011-01-28T18:35:00.024-06:00

President Obama signed into law a tax package that contains modifications and extensions to energy efficiency tax incentives for homeowners, home builders, and appliance manufacturers. Information on all of these energy efficiency tax incentives are accessible on the Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) website so that consumers and businesses can take full advantage of changed federal tax credits for energy-saving technologies and practices. More at aceee.org.

Join us for EVERGREEN

2010-11-04T14:27:00.002-05:00

We've got a great night of entertainment, sustainability, craftsmanship and community planned. Our second annual EVERGREEN fundraising party is on Thursday, November 11 from 7-10pm. It is a guaranteed good time with Michele Beschen (of b. organic, DIY Network and HGTV) as the night's emcee. Musical guests are David Zollo and Roxi Copland. And don't miss "Off The Wall" with our own green building expert Bill McAnally!

Live it Up Sustainably! Join Center on Sustainable Communities for their annual fundraising party showcasing regional craftsmanship, products and services. Enjoy a silent auction, raffles, complimentary appetizers, cash bar and live entertainment.

EVERGREEN

Thursday, November 11 from 7-10pm

West End Architectural Salvage, 22 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA

Tickets: $10 COSC Member / $15 Non-Members

Special Offer - Receive an Individual/Family Membership + 1 Ticket for only $40.00!

Purchase tickets now by going to www.icosc.com (click on "Donate Now") or contacting Leslie Berckes 515-707-2787 or leslie@icosc.com.

COSC Named USGBC Education Provider

2010-08-16T12:42:00.008-05:00

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

2010-08-09T17:23:00.004-05:00

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

2010-08-08T20:58:00.006-05:00

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

2010-08-07T15:08:00.135-05:00

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

"COSC connects" Launch a Great Success!

2010-06-09T14:49:00.002-05:00

Thanks to everyone who turned out for the launch of our quarterly social gathering titled “COSC connects” on Monday, June 7th, at the Des Moines Social Club! The Green Living Project Mobile Tour: Expedition in Central America presentation complimented the evening well. Diane Cutler helped us document the evening - click here to access our Flicker photo gallery.

Join COSC at the Natural Living Expo

2010-03-19T16:51:00.008-05:00

COSC's Green Speaker Series

Natural Living Expo, March 27-28, 2010
Polk County Convention Complex, Des Moines, IA

Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC) is Iowa’s trusted educational resource for sustainable building. Join us for five discerning workshops on advancing our state’s building practices. Let’s build a greener Iowa - the benefits are abundant and attainable.

Our FREE Green Speaker Series schedule:

Saturday, Mar. 27 at 11:00am

MAINTENANCE FOR A HEALTHY HOME
Green building expert Jacob Kvinlaug teaches how to create a healthier, more comfortable living environment by discovering sustainable ways to accomplish home maintenance projects.

Saturday, Mar. 27 at 1:00pm
CONSUMER INTRO TO QUALITY HEATING & COOLING
Cenergy conducts this workshop on how to save money, maintain efficient HVAC systems, improve indoor air quality and make informed decisions when purchasing a new system or retrofitting an existing one.

Saturday, Mar. 27 at 3:00pm
HOW TO CHOOSE A CONTRACTOR
Learn how to ask key questions, gauge expertise and find resources to help determine the right sustainable building contractor for your project. Led by Jacob Kvinlaug and Linda Schemmel.

Sunday, Mar. 28 at 1:00pm
EXISTING HOME ASSESSMENT
Taught by Dave and Julia Fish of FISHAUS Craftsman Builders, this workshop gives insightful information on evaluating a house as an integrated system – establish priorities for greening a home.

Sunday, Mar. 28 at 2:00pm
SUSTAINABILITY AT IOWA CAMPUSES AND BEYOND
Students and directors who are making a difference on campuses across the state join COSC’s Executive Director Lynnae Hentzen to discuss visions for a sustainable Iowa and how Iowa can support these ambitions beyond academic careers.

Find COSC's Green Speaker Series on Facebook and www.icosc.com.

The COSC Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa sessions are offered temporarily for free thanks to funding from IDED and HUD. Read the press release here.

Listen Up: Talk of Iowa talks home improvements with Bill McAnally

2010-01-15T10:32:00.002-06:00

COSC's green building instructor Bill McAnally gives his expert insights on winter renovation projects and improving energy efficiency. The Iowa Public Radio "Talk of Iowa" segment is chock full of valuable, and timely, information. Here it all here.

Below, Bill and Linda Schemmel of City of West Des Moines discuss the West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home for the project's video production series (coming soon!).

COSC Brings Affordable Green Building Training to West Union

2010-01-07T14:51:00.005-06:00

COSC's "Affordable Green Building Training: West Union" begins tomorrow, January 8. The free workshop series concentrates on each phase of building a cost effective, energy efficient and structurally sound home.

Professional Series - a valuable opportunity for contractors, subcontractors, planners, architects, appraisers, city officials and other professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of green building best practices. The free 10-workshop series takes place every other Friday, beginning Jan. 8 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Lunch is provided.

Homeowner Series - An accompanying 3-session gives community residents an overview of green building basics, alternative energy options and essential sustainable elements of new home construction. The workshops are free and lunch is provided.

Both the professional and homeowner series are held at Tap't Out Stein & Din's 2nd floor meeting room at 122 S. Vine Street in West Union, Iowa. Registration is required. Please contact Leslie Berckes at COSC: leslie@icosc.com, 515-707-2783 or www.facebook.com/ICOSC.

"Affordable Green Building Training: West Union" is provided by COSC's Re-Building a Sustainable Iowa statewide program to support Northeast Iowa's disaster recovery efforts and Main Street West Union's Green Pilot Community initiatives. For complete information visit http://icosc.com/westunion.asp.

COSC's Evergreen Party Was a Hit!

2009-12-07T14:00:00.012-06:00

Thanks to everyone who made our 2009 Evergreen Party a success! Here's a visual summary of the night's festivities.

COSC's Evergreen Party 2009

Day of Sustainability in Iowa City/Coralville Dec. 1

2009-11-25T15:29:00.004-06:00

Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC) and RDG Planning & Design has a full day of sustainable building events planned for Iowa City/Coralville on Tuesday, December 1. Please join us for any or all. Here's what's in store:

DAY OF SUSTAINABILITY
Tuesday, December 1 at the North Ridge Park Pavilion
The North Ridge Park Pavilion was completed in April 2003 and won the 2003 Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Award for its sustainable design. It was designed by Neumann Monson Architects, the environmental elements incorporated into the design include Iowa's first green roof, locally quarried limestone, recycled timbers and passive solar techniques.
9:00am-11:30am: Green Roofs in an Urban Environment
In the past century Iowa has seen a large population shift from our rural communities to thriving cities. During this urban and suburban explosion, much of the landscape has been altered or changed dramatically. Green roofs, or vegetated roofs, are becoming an increasingly popular choice with a magnitude of sustainable benefits.
11:30am-12:30pm: Networking Lunch
12:30-4:00pm: Restorative Design - Infiltration Based Stormwater Management
Iowa's landscape is one of the most altered ecosystems in the nation - from cities to farms, stormwater management is crucial to creating a sustainable environment. This seminar will review the historical hydrological processes, landscape change, watershed based design and opportunities for Low Impact development. The course will cover specific case studies showing how we can mimic our natural systems.
4:00-6:00pm: Evening Social/Reception

Registration required: Contact Leslie Berckes at leslie@icosc.com or 515.707.2787.
View more details at icosc.com and facebook.com/icosc.

Goodwill Recycles Computers

2009-11-06T10:32:00.002-06:00

"Americans store an estimated 65 million old desktop computers in their homes." - US EPA

Like virtually every home and office across the nation, COSC has accumulated its own small computer graveyard. We were pleased to discover a responsible solution for unloading unwanted computer through a joint effort by Dell and Goodwill. They're Reconnect program recycles any brand of used computer equipment in any condition, and just about anything that can be connected to a computer! It's as simple as bringing the items to your local Goodwill.

Donations help create jobs and protect the environment by reducing landfill waste, eliminating environmentally-sensitive materials from entering landfills, conserving natural resources and reducing pollution created through the manufacturing of new products. The Reconnect recycling program is free, and you'll receive a receipt for tax purposes. Find a Goodwill location near you by visiting reconnectpartnership.com.

Photo - Lynnae sends off our out-dated technology to be recycled.

Day of Sustainability in Dubuque Nov. 18

2009-10-29T17:14:00.007-05:00

Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC) and RDG Planning & Design has scheduled a full day of sustainable building events in Dubuque on Wednesday, November 18. Please join us for any or all. Here's what's in store:

DAY OF SUSTAINABILITY
Wednesday, November 18 at the Julien Hotel Dubuque
9:00am-11:30am: Green Roofs in an Urban Environment
In the past century Iowa has seen a large population shift from our rural communities to thriving cities. During this urban and suburban explosion, much of the landscape has been altered or changed dramatically. Green roofs, or vegetated roofs, are becoming an increasingly popular choice with a magnitude of sustainable benefits.
11:30am-12:30pm: Networking Lunch
12:30-4:00pm: Re-Purposing a Building-Morrill Hall
Iowa State University's Morrill Hall has been sustainable since it's completion in 1890. The course is a case study of the rehabilitation of a building on the national register of historic places. RDG Planning & Design examines the industry factors that lead to the abandonment of the facility, and design considerations in a successful rehabilitation resulting in a LEED certified project.
4:00-5:00pm: Tour
A tour of Dubuque's significant sustainable building projects, including the refurbished Durrant headquarters.
5:00-7:00pm: Evening Social Reception

Registration required: Contact Leslie Berckes at COSC via leslie@icosc.com or 515.707.2787.

Recycling

2009-07-23T13:33:00.005-05:00

Since 1990, the Iowa Waste Exchange, Iowa has diverted over 2.6 million tons of waste. This waste saved Iowans $59.6 million. By doing so they diverted the waste into production and use to help boost Iowa’s economy.

To learn more go to:
www.programs.iowadnr.gov/iwe/searchmaterials.aspx

For the Metro Waste Authority Curb It! Program please remember that the following products cannot be placed in your bins...
· Garbage or yard debris
· Food contaminated boxes
· Plastic bags
· Styrofoam
· Plastic cups
· Plastic food containers
· Foil and disposable baking tins
· Containers with motor oil or other hazardous materials

However these items are acceptable!
· Necked plastic bottles
· Plastic margarine and yogurt containers
· Newspapers (and inserts)
· Mixed paper (junk mail, envelopes, phone books, cereal boxes, tissue boxes, and magazines)
· Cardboard (must be broken down)
· Tin & aluminum cans
· Shredded paper (place in paper bag or cardboard box)
· Glass bottles (all colors)
· Wire hangers
· Empty aerosol cans

For More information check out:

http://www.mwatoday.com/residential?curb_it.aspx

Foundations & Basements On-Site Workshop

2009-07-22T15:34:00.017-05:00

On Friday, August 7th, we will have our second workshop in our series in conjunction with the West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home in Valley Junction.

This is a collaborative effort between The City of West Des Moines, HOME Inc, the Community Colleges of Iowa, and multiple other partners.

Workshop includes lunch. Visit our website for a tentative schedule, curriculum and workshop fees.

Professional Workshop: 8:45am - 1:00pm.

Homeowner Workshop: 11:30am - 1:00pm.

The facebook event is

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122855759187

For questions please contact Emily@icosc.com

or call 515-277-6222!

See our website for a list of sponsors. http://www.icosc.com/

Des Moines Demo Home Complete!

2009-07-22T14:43:00.013-05:00

We are proud to announce that the Des Moines Demo Home New Construction is now complete! Located at 1347 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. To the right is a picture from street view. We are currently waiting for the homes' Silver LEED certification.

The picture to the left is of the rain gardens specifically designed to capture most of the rain off of the roof. The water is funneled into these rain gardens and the plants have been specifically chosen for their native, water loving qualities.

The house also has a rain barrel to capture water for other landscaping needs that aren't a part of the rain garden.

Rain water is also falls into this flower planter located next to the house. It is used in place of a gutter, and with the flowers chosen, provides a beautiful planter.

Groundbreaking for Des Moines Demonstration Home

2008-09-15T10:00:00.017-05:00

Construction is officially under way! Last week CHDC held a ceremonial (and actual!) groundbreaking for one of the three green affordable demonstration home projects we're working on in the Des Moines metro area.

The home will be located at 1347 Forest Avenue in the King Irving Neighborhood of Des Moines. Pictured are Emily Karsjens of COSC, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, architect Jamie Malloy of Wells + Associates, Karen Jeske of CHDC, David Downs of Double D Construction, and landscape architect Zach Zielonko, also of Wells + Associates. It has been great working with these fantastic partners!

You can visit COSC's website and CHDC's blog for more information and pictures.

Photos courtesy of Christine Hall at CHDC.

2008-08-14T10:19:00.009-05:00

So, how many of you know Emily?

She's our Resource Manager - and waaaaaaay more than that. She turned me on to this site. I'd encourage you to check it out because she brings to top-of-mind real easy ideas towards sustainability.

Linda Mason Hunter is an expert in the way we live, specifically inside our homes, and how we can be green, clean and peachy keen.

Message today = Living sustainably is attainable and affordable. Period. What you have to add to that mix is thoughtfulness and action.

Go to it.

Photo courtesy of Flickr by xrrr

First Demonstration Home Workshop (so far)

2008-08-11T07:34:00.011-05:00

Here are some photos, courtesy of Shelly Codner of Iowa
Waste Exchange, from our first Demonstration Home Workshop. (Thanks Shelly!)

What's that? You didn't know we're doing these?

Welllllll...here's your opportunity to sign up at our website for the great upcoming programming. We're building three different demonstration homes - in partnership with the City of West Des Moines and City of Des Moines, among other terrific sponsors.

These are real, live, in-process project homes - 2 new builds, one remodel - to clearly support the fact that Green (true green, not greenwashing) is affordable and attainable.

Sign up today - we'll see you soon!

Sharing Stories

2008-08-11T07:21:00.008-05:00

We're taught in elementary school that sharing is good.

So share here's your opportunity to share with us your “Green” Rebuilding Iowa stories.

Is your community planning rebuilding with sustainability in mind?
Are you incorporating green design or green products into your home or business rebuilding efforts?
What are the challenges and successes you’re experiencing?

We’ll gladly be posting your responses so they can be shared across the state and region.

Thanks - and keep going green.

Photo courtesy of Flickr by Danarah

What's In A Name

2008-08-04T10:22:00.012-05:00

Center On Sustainable Communities!
I love a name that causes pause and encourages action.
What makes a sustainable community? We all do.
Every action we chose has the capacity to reinforce this notion.

Whether I center on the environment by taking my children for a walk in the woods or using my own cup each time I purchase a tea before a meeting - I help sustain community and build awareness.

Whether I center on neighborhood by picking up litter when I walk the sidewalks and alleys, or help the person next door with snow removal - I help sustain community and strengthen relations.

And whether I center on healthy living by helping clients to optimize their green choices for a renovation, encouraging staff to minimize waste or decrease my carbon footprint at home - I help sustain community and align my values.

Each decision we choose has capacity to foster a strong and vibrant community that supports itself. The operation and maintenance of our homes are no exception. The decisions we make with our homes greatly influence the environment, our neighborhoods and individual well-being. How we live influences the sustainability of our communities more than we have ever realized, and the impact we can have with our homes has never been more important or critical than now.

I am grateful for the amazing base of support and educational opportunities that Center On Sustainable Communities brings to central Iowa.

Chaden Halfhill
Co-Founder & COSC Board Member

Photo courtesy of Flickr by ramgirl27

Living Green

2008-07-16T17:33:00.010-05:00

Being green for me has been a personal and professional passion for several years now. It's nice to see these efforts becoming more mainstream.

For example, I don't feel a little foolish bringing my cloth grocery sacks to the store anymore - I'm in the majority now. With so many choices out there, sometimes it's hard to take the time to make all the little decisions and feel like they're making any difference.

I continue to remind myself that each small decision does have an impact - if anything, I'm setting a good example for my two young daughters and all the people I come in contact with on a daily basis.

For me, living green means living simply - whether it's hanging my clothes out on a clothesline, growing an herb and vegetable garden, or planning extra time to walk more places. It also means connecting with others and being an active part of my community - serving on my neighborhood association board, supporting local shops, attending outdoor events, etc.

Make a commitment today to do one thing with "green" intention - you'll feel good about yourself and good about where you live.

Beth Hicks

Co-founder and Board member

COSC

Director of Advancement Services

Keep Iowa Beautiful

Photo courtesy of Flickr by mushroomvillagers

Small Steps to Sustainability

2008-07-07T10:08:00.010-05:00

Welcome to COSC's blog - We want to hear what you have to say about all that is green out there.

Are you confused, overwhelmed, skeptical?
With everyone jumping on board the green bandwagon these days, how do you sift through it all?

If you are interested in incorporating some green steps into your home but don't know where to begin, let us help you get started. Start by exploring our website.

We have green nuggets - tips for everyday living, green product info, a list of professionals who can help you with green building projects big or small, articles, links to other great websites, a calendar of local educational events, and much, much more. Emily and Ginger in our office would be happy to help you with any questions you may have or at least point you in the direction of an expert who can help.

Take a step - make some easy choices first toward a more sustainable lifestyle and you may find it's not as confusing or as limiting as you first thought.

Lynnae Hentzen

COSC Co-Founder & Executive Director

COSC's new blog!

2008-04-25T10:52:00.003-05:00

Thanks for checking out our new blog - More to come soon!