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A Jewish Response to the Energy Challenge?
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Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
National Day of Listening
I interviewed my husband when the StoryCorps' airstream came to Memphis a few years ago. It was a great experience. I love their idea for National Day of Listening...
StoryCorps' National Day of Listening asks you to set aside an hour on Friday, November 27, to ask a loved one about their lives. The simple act of listening tells them how much they matter, and preserving that conversation on tape, CD or with a pen and paper tells them they and their stories won't be forgotten.
To help you participate, StoryCorps has created a simple, free and downloadable Do-It-Yourself guide to show you how to share and save the stories of the people most important to you. You can find that guide, and a YouTube video showing a DIY interview step by step, on their website.
StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit that has helped more than 40,000 Americans record their stories. As one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, it is their mission to help people honor and celebrate one another's lives through listening.
StoryCorps' National Day of Listening asks you to set aside an hour on Friday, November 27, to ask a loved one about their lives. The simple act of listening tells them how much they matter, and preserving that conversation on tape, CD or with a pen and paper tells them they and their stories won't be forgotten. To help you participate, StoryCorps has created a simple, free and downloadable Do-It-Yourself guide to show you how to share and save the stories of the people most important to you. You can find that guide, and a YouTube video showing a DIY interview step by step, on their website.
StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit that has helped more than 40,000 Americans record their stories. As one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, it is their mission to help people honor and celebrate one another's lives through listening.
TVA, MLGW, CDCs, and IHEE
TVA and MLGW have agreed to allow Community Development Corporations (CDCs) that receive funds from HUD through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) access to the TVA In-Home Energy Evaluation (IHEE) program.
The typical requirement is for homes to be occupied however this way the CDCs can schedule a pre & post audit of the property and receive the rebates as if they were the homeowner.
In turn, many of the CDCs will require the future homeowners to attend EnergySmart classes. The CDCs in most cases will add these identified energy improvements to the scope of work scheduled for the home.
The hope is that through the combination of home buyer education and energy-related improvements will prevent a future foreclosure. The rebates that the CDCs get back from TVA can then be plugged back into the next house in the neighborhood.
The typical requirement is for homes to be occupied however this way the CDCs can schedule a pre & post audit of the property and receive the rebates as if they were the homeowner.
In turn, many of the CDCs will require the future homeowners to attend EnergySmart classes. The CDCs in most cases will add these identified energy improvements to the scope of work scheduled for the home.
The hope is that through the combination of home buyer education and energy-related improvements will prevent a future foreclosure. The rebates that the CDCs get back from TVA can then be plugged back into the next house in the neighborhood.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Architect's Mud Island residence first in Memphis to receive LEED honor
From today's Commercial Appeal...
Architect's Mud Island residence first in Memphis to receive LEED honor
By Tom Bailey Jr.
A 2,500-square-foot house needs 68 tough points to attain Silver LEED status, and sacrifices a point if too much glass is placed on the hot western wall.
But architect Barry Alan Yoakum didn't have a choice if his sleek home on Mud Island was to have a view of the Mississippi River.
"It's why I bought the lot," the archimania principal said of the vista.
Despite the home's orientation, Yoakum's "Sky Cottage" this fall became the first custom-built home in Memphis to receive the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
He just had to "work the design" harder to get it.
The extra effort included using a high-performance glass that excels in not letting the outside temperature affect the inside temperature.
The U.S. Green Building Council had certified 3,050 LEED homes across the country as of last month. Another 19,063 are registered, meaning they're in the pipeline for certification.
In January, Yoakum hired a "provider" -- a third-party business -- to inspect and verify for the U.S. Green Building Council that Sky Cottage met the requirements for a Silver LEED certification.
Yoakum said he studied the council's list of certified homes in Tennessee and found that no other architect in the state has a LEED home.
Five other archimania designers worked on his house. Yoakum said the LEED attainment shows the firm's commitment to sustainable, environmentally friendly design.
"It's an extension of our work at archimania. You should try to live what you do . . .
"We can say we've done it and not just talked about it, or just did it for other people," he said.
Thirteen other Memphis residences were designated as LEED structures last summer, but they are in a different category than Yoakum's. They are apartment units in the new University Place Hope VI redevelopment.
Even though Yoakum's house has more than 2,500 square feet and glass comprises a high percentage of its walls, the utility bills have averaged less than $180 a month, he said.
"It's certified, meaning you've gone through the hurdles," Yoakum said.
The second Memphis home to achieve LEED status likely will be the "Terra House," 586 N. Main, that was designed by University of Memphis architecture students, said Becky Williamson, staff member of Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division's EcoBuild program.
"It takes forever to get the (LEED) paperwork done," she said.
Yoakum also enrolled his house in the EcoBuild program.
EcoBuild is simpler than LEED, in that it prescribes exactly what the home builder has to do to ensure the house will use energy efficiently.
EcoBuild focuses exclusively on measures that allow the house to save energy, while LEED encompasses other environmental issues such as recycled building materials, Williamson said.
Generally, power bills for homes built to EcoBuild standards are at least 30 percent less, she said.
-- Tom Bailey Jr.: 529-2388
EcoBuild, too
People building houses can participate in Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division's EcoBuild program and save big on power bills.
MLG&W prescribes specific, energy-saving ways to construct the house, and inspects the site twice during construction.
Since the program began five years ago, 523 homes have qualified. Compared to homes that just meet codes, one MLG&W study found that power bills for EcoBuild homes are 34 percent less for electricity and 56 percent less for natural gas, spokesman Becky Williamson said.
The program fee for a house under 2,500 square feet is less than $350.
Visit mlgw.com for more information, or email EcoBUILD@mlgw.org.
Architect's Mud Island residence first in Memphis to receive LEED honor
By Tom Bailey Jr.
A 2,500-square-foot house needs 68 tough points to attain Silver LEED status, and sacrifices a point if too much glass is placed on the hot western wall.But architect Barry Alan Yoakum didn't have a choice if his sleek home on Mud Island was to have a view of the Mississippi River.
"It's why I bought the lot," the archimania principal said of the vista.
Despite the home's orientation, Yoakum's "Sky Cottage" this fall became the first custom-built home in Memphis to receive the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
He just had to "work the design" harder to get it.
The extra effort included using a high-performance glass that excels in not letting the outside temperature affect the inside temperature.
The U.S. Green Building Council had certified 3,050 LEED homes across the country as of last month. Another 19,063 are registered, meaning they're in the pipeline for certification.
In January, Yoakum hired a "provider" -- a third-party business -- to inspect and verify for the U.S. Green Building Council that Sky Cottage met the requirements for a Silver LEED certification.
Yoakum said he studied the council's list of certified homes in Tennessee and found that no other architect in the state has a LEED home.
Five other archimania designers worked on his house. Yoakum said the LEED attainment shows the firm's commitment to sustainable, environmentally friendly design.
"It's an extension of our work at archimania. You should try to live what you do . . .
"We can say we've done it and not just talked about it, or just did it for other people," he said.
Thirteen other Memphis residences were designated as LEED structures last summer, but they are in a different category than Yoakum's. They are apartment units in the new University Place Hope VI redevelopment.
Even though Yoakum's house has more than 2,500 square feet and glass comprises a high percentage of its walls, the utility bills have averaged less than $180 a month, he said.
"It's certified, meaning you've gone through the hurdles," Yoakum said.
The second Memphis home to achieve LEED status likely will be the "Terra House," 586 N. Main, that was designed by University of Memphis architecture students, said Becky Williamson, staff member of Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division's EcoBuild program.
"It takes forever to get the (LEED) paperwork done," she said.
Yoakum also enrolled his house in the EcoBuild program.
EcoBuild is simpler than LEED, in that it prescribes exactly what the home builder has to do to ensure the house will use energy efficiently.
EcoBuild focuses exclusively on measures that allow the house to save energy, while LEED encompasses other environmental issues such as recycled building materials, Williamson said.
Generally, power bills for homes built to EcoBuild standards are at least 30 percent less, she said.
-- Tom Bailey Jr.: 529-2388
EcoBuild, too
People building houses can participate in Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division's EcoBuild program and save big on power bills.
MLG&W prescribes specific, energy-saving ways to construct the house, and inspects the site twice during construction.
Since the program began five years ago, 523 homes have qualified. Compared to homes that just meet codes, one MLG&W study found that power bills for EcoBuild homes are 34 percent less for electricity and 56 percent less for natural gas, spokesman Becky Williamson said.
The program fee for a house under 2,500 square feet is less than $350.
Visit mlgw.com for more information, or email EcoBUILD@mlgw.org.
SmartPay changes name to Budget Billing
SmartPay changes name to Budget Billing
So why the name change? Clinton Richardson, MLGW Customer Relations Manager, explains, “Customers tell us they wish MLGW would start a program where they pay the same amount every month so that they can budget their expenses, but they are unaware that the company already has this. We feel that the Budget Billing name better explains what the program does.”
The program works this way: MLGW analyzes a participant’s total utility usage for the previous six months, adjusts for rate changes and weather conditions, and divides the total into 12 monthly installments, which the customer pays each month until the following March, when the Budget Billing installment for the next 12 months is determined.
The name was not the only change made to the program. MLGW also eliminated the creditworthiness criteria and shortened the length of service requirement. To qualify, all you have to do is have an active account at your current address for six months. You must be current on your account to remain in the program, and if you are disconnected for non-payment or change addresses, you will be removed from the program and will not be able to participate in Budget Billing for six months.
Customers can sign up for Budget Billing by calling 544-MLGW (6549) or visiting an MLGW Business Office Mon.-Fri. during business hours. Customers can also apply online at www.mlgw.com or e-mail their information to budgetbilling@mlgw.org.
So why the name change? Clinton Richardson, MLGW Customer Relations Manager, explains, “Customers tell us they wish MLGW would start a program where they pay the same amount every month so that they can budget their expenses, but they are unaware that the company already has this. We feel that the Budget Billing name better explains what the program does.”
The program works this way: MLGW analyzes a participant’s total utility usage for the previous six months, adjusts for rate changes and weather conditions, and divides the total into 12 monthly installments, which the customer pays each month until the following March, when the Budget Billing installment for the next 12 months is determined.
The name was not the only change made to the program. MLGW also eliminated the creditworthiness criteria and shortened the length of service requirement. To qualify, all you have to do is have an active account at your current address for six months. You must be current on your account to remain in the program, and if you are disconnected for non-payment or change addresses, you will be removed from the program and will not be able to participate in Budget Billing for six months.
Customers can sign up for Budget Billing by calling 544-MLGW (6549) or visiting an MLGW Business Office Mon.-Fri. during business hours. Customers can also apply online at www.mlgw.com or e-mail their information to budgetbilling@mlgw.org.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Geek Factory Founder Comes to Memphis Dec. 1st
The Memphis Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) will be hosting Peter Shankman, founder and CEO of the Geek Factory, on December 1, 2009 from 8-10am at the University of Memphis' Fogelman Business Center.
Shankman will discuss the importance of understanding how to utilize the many aspects of social media. He will elaborate on the benefits of using social networking and viral marketing correctly, as well as the dangers of using it improperly. Shankman's discussion also will include information on using social media to spearhead marketing and public relations initiatives, understanding which social media tools to use or not use and learning it's not about making something viral but about making something good.
To register, or get more information, click here.
Shankman will discuss the importance of understanding how to utilize the many aspects of social media. He will elaborate on the benefits of using social networking and viral marketing correctly, as well as the dangers of using it improperly. Shankman's discussion also will include information on using social media to spearhead marketing and public relations initiatives, understanding which social media tools to use or not use and learning it's not about making something viral but about making something good.To register, or get more information, click here.
Memphis Companies Tap Into Renewable Energy Sources
Memphis Companies Tap Into Renewable Energy Sources
ERIC SMITH | The Daily News
From solar power to wind power, from hybrid automotive technology to geothermal engineering, Memphis companies large and small are tapping into renewable energy.
The biggest news story surrounding local businesses going green involves shipping giant FedEx Corp., whose president and CEO Fred Smith earlier this year unveiled the company’s plans to become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly through its EarthSmart initiative.
“That’s just good economics as far as the economy is concerned,” Smith told a green transportation conference at the University of Memphis. “Over the last decade, it’s obviously become a greater issue for FedEx – for humankind, for that matter – to have a more sustainable and environmentally efficient economy. The twin imperatives of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability have been at the heart of our EarthSmart initiative.”
FedEx has put its money where its founder’s mouth is by investing in numerous gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles for FedEx Express, the largest of the company’s subsidiaries. Also, FedEx made its Bronx, N.Y., station its first all-hybrid facility with about 100 trucks.
Solar growth
It’s not the only local corporation tapping into consumers’ demand for all things green.
Sharp Manufacturing Co. of America has been manufacturing solar panels since 2003 at its Hickory Hill plant, the company’s lone U.S. facility that produces the panels.
Sharp completed its one millionth solar panel this year, but it has steadily ramped up production and is now making 500,000 residential and commercial solar panels annually, serving domestic and international markets.
Sharp spokesman T.C. Jones Jr. said customers are looking at the environmental as well as the economic benefits of installing solar panels and switching part of their energy to the sun’s resource.
“The demand for renewable energy has skyrocketed within the last three years, especially with the new administration and all of the incentives being provided throughout the country,” Jones said. “State by state, the demand is escalating.”
The company is looking at increasing its output to meet the growing demand, although Jones said there are no specific, measurable plans, only that officials are seriously considering another bump in production.
“It is under study at this time,” Jones said. “As to how much of an increase, we’re trying to project what the future demand is going to call for.”
Trend growing
Green energy isn’t limited to the rooftops; it can be found underground as well.
Engineered Comfort Inc. engineers, designs and installs heating and cooling systems for residential properties. Company founder Walter Nelms said the demand for such eco-friendly systems has risen along with environmental consciousness and federal tax credits that reward green choices.
“In 2008 about 15 percent of our business was geothermal heat pumps, and this year it’s over 65 percent of our business,” Nelms said. “It’s primarily due to the federal tax credit from the stimulus package.
“It is a good thing for the environment,” he added, “and it is a good thing for the consumer’s pocketbook.”
Rob Hurston, technical services coordinator for the Memphis Area Home Builders Association, said green energy for residential properties got a huge jumpstart at last month’s Vesta Home Show, the first all-green home show.
Also, more local builders are becoming Certified Green Professionals through the National Association of Home Builders, meaning they will be ready to meet the needs of the public should demand rise.
Where that demand sits is anyone’s guess, Hurston said, because the sluggish economy has stunted the new home market. That is especially true with components like residential solar panels, which are still expensive for the average homebuyer and don’t offer quick returns on investment that some might like to see.
“I would love to be self-sufficient and not have to give (Memphis) Light, Gas and Water my money every month,” Hurston said. “But the upfront cost on a solar panel … buys a lot of months of electricity.”
Still, Hurston added, the writing is on the wall that interest in green building is increasing. More buyers are requesting locally made materials, more builders are recycling construction waste and more homeowners are buying Energy Star appliances.
That means the pieces are in place for a surge in green building as more customers ask for it and the financial climate improves.
“(Builders are) positioning themselves to be able to meet the demand,” Hurston said.
‘New wave in America’
Will hotel travelers demand green energy during their overnight stays? The developer of the La Quinta Inns and Suites under construction at 2839 New Brunswick Road near Wolfchase Galleria is banking on it.
CBH Hospitality LLC is combining two green energies – solar and wind – to create the first LEED-certified hotel in town. Company principal Bhavesh Patel said general contractor Boone & Sons Inc. is working on the third floor of the hotel, which should be completed by spring. (LEED is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.)
Thanks to solar panels and a windmill on the roof, the hotel will produce much of its own energy and even send power back to the grid. But the solar panels and windmill are only parts of the hotel’s green efforts. Patel said at least half of the building’s lights will be the highly efficient LED (light-emitting diode), reducing the building’s carbon footprint even further.
Though Patel said only a small percentage of Memphis is going green, he hopes the La Quinta can be a catalyst for environmentally friendly building.
“That’s the way we should be going. That’s the new wave in America. Everybody should be going eco-friendly,” Patel said. “Even if you don’t believe in global warming you can still be environmentally friendly and save energy – and save money.”
ERIC SMITH | The Daily News
From solar power to wind power, from hybrid automotive technology to geothermal engineering, Memphis companies large and small are tapping into renewable energy.
The biggest news story surrounding local businesses going green involves shipping giant FedEx Corp., whose president and CEO Fred Smith earlier this year unveiled the company’s plans to become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly through its EarthSmart initiative.
“That’s just good economics as far as the economy is concerned,” Smith told a green transportation conference at the University of Memphis. “Over the last decade, it’s obviously become a greater issue for FedEx – for humankind, for that matter – to have a more sustainable and environmentally efficient economy. The twin imperatives of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability have been at the heart of our EarthSmart initiative.”
FedEx has put its money where its founder’s mouth is by investing in numerous gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles for FedEx Express, the largest of the company’s subsidiaries. Also, FedEx made its Bronx, N.Y., station its first all-hybrid facility with about 100 trucks.
Solar growth
It’s not the only local corporation tapping into consumers’ demand for all things green.
Sharp Manufacturing Co. of America has been manufacturing solar panels since 2003 at its Hickory Hill plant, the company’s lone U.S. facility that produces the panels.
Sharp completed its one millionth solar panel this year, but it has steadily ramped up production and is now making 500,000 residential and commercial solar panels annually, serving domestic and international markets.
Sharp spokesman T.C. Jones Jr. said customers are looking at the environmental as well as the economic benefits of installing solar panels and switching part of their energy to the sun’s resource.
“The demand for renewable energy has skyrocketed within the last three years, especially with the new administration and all of the incentives being provided throughout the country,” Jones said. “State by state, the demand is escalating.”
The company is looking at increasing its output to meet the growing demand, although Jones said there are no specific, measurable plans, only that officials are seriously considering another bump in production.
“It is under study at this time,” Jones said. “As to how much of an increase, we’re trying to project what the future demand is going to call for.”
Trend growing
Green energy isn’t limited to the rooftops; it can be found underground as well.
Engineered Comfort Inc. engineers, designs and installs heating and cooling systems for residential properties. Company founder Walter Nelms said the demand for such eco-friendly systems has risen along with environmental consciousness and federal tax credits that reward green choices.
“In 2008 about 15 percent of our business was geothermal heat pumps, and this year it’s over 65 percent of our business,” Nelms said. “It’s primarily due to the federal tax credit from the stimulus package.
“It is a good thing for the environment,” he added, “and it is a good thing for the consumer’s pocketbook.”
Rob Hurston, technical services coordinator for the Memphis Area Home Builders Association, said green energy for residential properties got a huge jumpstart at last month’s Vesta Home Show, the first all-green home show.
Also, more local builders are becoming Certified Green Professionals through the National Association of Home Builders, meaning they will be ready to meet the needs of the public should demand rise.
Where that demand sits is anyone’s guess, Hurston said, because the sluggish economy has stunted the new home market. That is especially true with components like residential solar panels, which are still expensive for the average homebuyer and don’t offer quick returns on investment that some might like to see.
“I would love to be self-sufficient and not have to give (Memphis) Light, Gas and Water my money every month,” Hurston said. “But the upfront cost on a solar panel … buys a lot of months of electricity.”
Still, Hurston added, the writing is on the wall that interest in green building is increasing. More buyers are requesting locally made materials, more builders are recycling construction waste and more homeowners are buying Energy Star appliances.
That means the pieces are in place for a surge in green building as more customers ask for it and the financial climate improves.
“(Builders are) positioning themselves to be able to meet the demand,” Hurston said.
‘New wave in America’
Will hotel travelers demand green energy during their overnight stays? The developer of the La Quinta Inns and Suites under construction at 2839 New Brunswick Road near Wolfchase Galleria is banking on it.
CBH Hospitality LLC is combining two green energies – solar and wind – to create the first LEED-certified hotel in town. Company principal Bhavesh Patel said general contractor Boone & Sons Inc. is working on the third floor of the hotel, which should be completed by spring. (LEED is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.)
Thanks to solar panels and a windmill on the roof, the hotel will produce much of its own energy and even send power back to the grid. But the solar panels and windmill are only parts of the hotel’s green efforts. Patel said at least half of the building’s lights will be the highly efficient LED (light-emitting diode), reducing the building’s carbon footprint even further.
Though Patel said only a small percentage of Memphis is going green, he hopes the La Quinta can be a catalyst for environmentally friendly building.
“That’s the way we should be going. That’s the new wave in America. Everybody should be going eco-friendly,” Patel said. “Even if you don’t believe in global warming you can still be environmentally friendly and save energy – and save money.”
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