An Alternative to LEED

Last night I attended a dinner and panel discussion hosted by the Connecticut chapter of Professional Women in Construction.  The panelists, all higher education facilities leaders, talked about many things, including their commitment to LEED certification.

One representative, like many others in Higher Education, talked about what they see as the overly prescriptive approach of the USGBC in its LEED certification program.  It was suggested that a more ethical and innovative approach is offered by the International Living Future Institute in its Living Building Challenge Certification Program.

The level of awareness of this program amongst the attendees was limited.  Perhaps it was who we were, or more likely it was the industry-wide dominance that has been afforded to LEED.  In any event, a Living Challenge building project has much to offer.  Check it out at https://ilbi.org/lbc

Are you carbon neutral?

Homage

I'm in 'management'.  I know that many of you are too.  All too often, we fail to acknowledge the fact that our 'creations' are usually only made possible by the creative efforts of others.

Go to the Department of Labor (of all places), and this is what you see: "Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

A little hyperbolic perhaps, but the sentiment is valid.  Those of us who trade in words and concepts often should have a better appreciation for the skill, perseverance and commitment of our tradespeople at work.  True craftsmanship is a joy to behold.  The holiday is well earned.

Now, can I have one just for me?

Character

If you're on my newsletter mail list, you've perhaps read what I think Steve Jobs adds to Apple.  My comments were made in the context of a 'light read' description of what makes for unique, effective organizations.  I posited that Steve's character would likely endure his eventual departure.

What did I know?  No more than virtually anyone else.  If fact, I was describing something I thought might start to happen a few years from now.  Steve Jobs business influence has been defined and analyzed by observers much more capable than I.  My point was that his character, both real and imagined, will likely symbolize the image of Apple for decades to come.  On that point, I remain convinced.

What I suspect will happen now is that, as Steve redefines his role at the company, the full image of the man and Apple will be refined and solidified.  It will be interesting to watch.  I wish all well, as this maturation transpires.

PS, If you're interested, you can subscribe to the periodic No Left Turn newsletter, also called Notes From The Road by clicking this link.  See the latest newsletter here.

Woe is I

I live in an old house.  1913 - lots of original details.  Unfortunately, the vintage work includes nice historic clay pipe sewer lines.  As originally constructed, the roof drain leaders connect to the waste line out to the city main.

Every few years, enough roots grow through the joints of the clay pipe that I have to snake the line to get proper drainage.  This summer was that special time.  Heavy rains were more than the root-restricted pipes could handle.  It was quite a sight to see the water welling UP out of the basement toilet!

Long story shortened: Contractor one snakes, loses video camera in pipe, digs up front yard, replaces part of original pipe, leaves behind a front yard that I have to restore.  Landscape contractor repairs groundwork done by contractor one.  Water STILL backs up.  Contractor one comes back, water-jets the line.  Water backs up AGAIN - and AGAIN.

What would you do if you were me?  I called some construction friends; and found contractor two, who fixed the sewer problem - for now.

Now I'm trying to get some cost back from contractor one.  He says I didn't give him the chance to honor his 'Warranty', and says no.  So here I sit, unresolved.  At least the basement is dry.

So, this time I REALLY want comments.  Should contractor one pony up?

Powerhouse

My brother and I are very different people.  I'm GDI, he's frat.  I'm east coast, he's heartland.   (not exactly - but something similar)

Based in Midland, Michigan, he's been employed by, or affiliated with, Dow Chemical most of his adult life.   When with Dow Corning, he worked on the process engineering of many products which found their way into construction.  On that we could relate.

Now, with the 'mother ship' (Dow), he's got a loose association with a new product coming to market later this year - Dow's Powerhouse Solar Shingle.  Last week, I got a chance to see the test panels inside the company compound, as well as the prototype house erected nearby to display this and other energy-saving products.  This new product bears watching.

It's a good idea that makes photovoltaic more of an option than ever before.  The shingles - actually the size of a pair of conventional three-tab roofing shingles - are laid up in the field of the roof with no added structure.  The orientation may not be ideal - that depends on the building design; but the installation could not be any more straightforward.

Price and efficacy will be important to the ultimate success.  I know I'll be watching with interest.  And not just because of my brother.

Oh, Canada!

So, here I sit in the guest bedroom of my friend in Toronto.

Two things to admire:

Canada, largely by virtue of it's cautious financial system, has weathered the international fiscal turmoil much better than the U.S.

The metric system which makes measurements infinitely more logical.

On both issues - What were we thinking?  Will the U.S. ever come around?

One can only hope.  All together now ... ay?