Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives: Changes in Store for 2011

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

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

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