Nov./Dec. 2007

Regional Roundup

Northern Colorado Sets a High Bar for Future Branches

A Flurry of Activity Throughout the Fall

By By Matt Arabasz, AIA, LEED AP, RB&B Architects

Northern Colorado is passionate about sustainability.  It is also a leader in Colorado’s green building
community.  A quick glance at LEED® statistics in the area demonstrates passion as well as leadership: 

• Nearly 20% of all LEED certified projects in Colorado are located in the Northeast portion of the state. 
• Three of Colorado’s thirteen Gold certifications call Northern Colorado home. 
• The State’s first certified LEED for Homes project is in Fort Collins,.
• The Poudre Valley School District has two projects in the LEED for Schools program. 
• Fossil Ridge High School serves as national role model for sustainable schools. 

The Northern Colorado Branch of the USGBC Colorado Chapter has been very active since its official launch in September. Branch Executives, Committee Chairs and volunteers helped promote and coordinate the Chapter’s successful ‘Building a Greener Colorado’ Fall Conference and Expo.  The Branch also provided instrumental support to the ‘Sustainable Schools Summit’ held in Fort Collins on October 19th.  Members recently gathered for a second local green building community gathering at Seven Generations Office Park – which is on track to become the first LEED Core & Shell Platinum project in Northern Colorado.  CSU’s Institute for the Built Environment announced a January 2008 Sustainable Design and Construction Course in Costa Rica, to be taught by Branch Special Advisor Brian Dunbar. 

The various Branch Committees – Advocacy, Communications, Membership,
Education and Outreach – are working feverishly to determine how to best serve the Northern Colorado community.  Volunteers are identifying local needs and opportunities to augment the momentum of local organizations that have long promoted sustainability.  Committee Chairs are collaborating with their Chapter counterparts to identify resources
that can be customized for the Northern Colorado area
Image: LEED EB Certified Porter Industries Headquarters

Clearly, there is a flurry of green building activity going on.  The Northern Colorado Branch is setting a high bar for other regional Branches that will be formed throughout the state in the coming months.  However, in order to overcome the environmental challenges facing our area we must get the larger community engaged.  If you have considered becoming active in the green building community, NOW is the time to get involved!  

The Northern Colorado Branch is in its infancy.  You have a perfect opportunity to help shape an organization that will be instrumental to sustainable green building in your community.  To learn more about green building, what we do, or how you can get involved, please contact Branch chairman Greg Jones,
gjones@frii.com or Dana Villeneuve, evuenelliv@gmail.com

Image: Colorado's first LEED Certified Home

CBG / NovDec 2007 / Page 4