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SBC Newsletter Spring 2006 |
In this Issue:
1. January’s Sustianability Lecture
2. November’s Sustainability Lecture
3. Networking: The Heart of the SBC
4. Member News Briefs
5. SBC Activities:
Committee for the Built Environment
Community Food & Ag Coalition
Green Map Project
Missoula Greenhouse Gas/Energy Conservation Team
6. Nominations for 2nd Annual Sustainability Awards Due 3/31
7. Strategic Planning
8. Other SBC Board Activities
9. New Members
10. SBC Calendar of Events
11. Member to Member Discounts
12. Web Site of Interest
13. About the SBC
1. January’s Sustainability Lecture: What’s New in Green Building?
Kelly Karmel of Design Balance talked about current trends in green design that are helping create a sustainable world. She began by distinguishing between “sustainable” and “green.” A “sustainable” building would support a social and economic system that protects the environment and works like a natural system, where waste = food, energy comes from renewable sources, and no toxins accumulate. “Green” is the measure of how much better, how much more sustainable a practice, building, policy or material is compared to a conventional alternative. She then discussed 5 key trends in green building.
Trend 1: The advent of green building rating systems. In the last 6 years, we have seen a flurry of rating systems for products, companies, practices, and buildings. These ratings systems give us more confidence in materials and also give us a sense of how “green” buildings are, which eliminates claims of being “green” without having to prove it. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program developed by the US Green Building Council is a well know rating system. One of the important innovations of LEED is that it includes performance requirements for site, water, materials, indoor environmental quality, and also energy (not solely energy).
Trend 2: The next trend is the astounding degree of innovation in green materials. This has been happening for sometime, but what’s new is now we have to become much more discerning and demanding when we select materials and we have to be clear on what our priorities are. If you haven’t made your own “green goals,” consider these criteria before making a choice:
- Energy efficiency trumps most other goals/criteria.
- Locally made or harvested is the second most important criteria.
- Less toxicity is better than more.
Trend 3: Better integrating the design effort of green buildings. Often energy is thought of as the province of mechanical or electrical engineers and taken care of sometime late in the design phase or even after construction when the client gets the first energy bills. Green buildings require design teams to involve engineers before design begins. Often the team will include an energy modeler and a sustainable design or green building expert to facilitate an integrated design process. Analysis of this kind helps the designer and building owner make informed decisions resulting in more energy savings, better indoor air quality, and less maintenance cost.
Trend 4: Building owners are starting to see the benefits of green, high performance buildings including energy savings and a host of other benefits that help the bottom line. By using some simple but effective strategies, buildings can be designed to use at least 30% less energy than just a code compliant building. Kelly showed an example where the greatest savings happens in lighting, followed by heating, then by cooling and ventilation.
Quantifiable green building benefits include:
- Reduced energy costs
- Reduced repair and maintenance costs
- Reduced mechanical system size
- Increased net operating income
- Increased property value ( due to NOI)
Added benefits are:
- Improved occupant satisfaction – leading to more productivity, fewer sick days, better sales (retail), better scores on tests (schools)
- Better environmental stewardship (we’ll talk more about that in a minute)
Trend 5: The last trend is the rise in consciousness on the part of businesses and social entrepreneurs. Green building gives these organizations a way to practice what they preach and to show what is possible to other businesses and organizations. Even many universities and government agencies are starting to require “green design” and using rating systems like LEED. Kelly showed several examples including the New Hampshire Society for the Protection of Forests in Manchester New Hampshire and the new Orchard Gardens project here in Missoula developed by homeWORD.
Kelly left us with a call to action -- resolve to improve at least one thing about your business operation and one thing about the building where you live or work. Ask yourself how your business or home can use fewer resources, use less energy, produce less pollution, or be less toxic.
For assistance with your green building needs, you can contact Kelly at 721-7077 or
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or go to the SBC web site for contact information of other green building professionals.
2. November’s Sustainability Lecture: The Bio Economy
In November, Paul Miller of Sustainable Systems gave us a presentation describing the production and distribution of bio-based fuels. He briefly discussed the importance of bio-fuels to address oil supply concerns and the economic advantages for Montana. Then he provided an overview of bio-diesel production and the valuable by-products that occur.
Having recently completed the purchase of an oil pressing plant in Eastern Montana, Paul gave us an overview of the plant and his plans to add bio-diesel processing capabilities at the plant. As a special treat, Paul mixed up a test tube of bio-diesel as we watched and handed out bottles of cooking oil to lucky attendees.Tip: Builders can reduce project costs by recycling construction waste. On homeWORD’s Orchard Garden project, the builder saved a net of $3,500. To learn more, see the construction recycling brochure on the SBC web site or call Home Resource at 541-8300.
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3. Networking: The Heart of the SBC
While the Western stereotype is of hardy individuals tackling adversity alone, this model often does not work well in our modern interconnected world. Networking is essential as the Sierra Business Council notes in their 2003 publication Investing in Prosperity: Building Successful Communities and Economies in the Sierra Nevada on page 66:
Research shows that people with extensive networks get better jobs and higher pay, have more competitive ideas—they even enjoy better health and longer lives.
For those promoting new ideas and products like sustainable practices and alternative technologies, the ability to network can be a deciding factor in their success or failure.
A 2001 survey conducted by the SBC’s founding members indicated that a priority need in Missoula was for a forum to allow networking between sustainability minded individuals. The SBC was formed to address this need. Through the tools provided by the SBC, members can increase their networking activities with other businesspeople, nonprofit staffers, and customers. Elizabeth Thompson of Watermark Studio: Architecture + Landscape exemplifies the possibilities in an email stating, “The SBC has been a great resource for me as a newcomer to Missoula. I've been able to find a lot of people to collaborate with, and I can't say how much that sense of hopefulness and possibility has meant beginning my own practice in this new place.”
To help members connect, networking time is made available for a half hour before and after each Sustainability Lecture. For example, after the January lecture, Amber Boyce from Boyce Lumber began a dialog with speaker Kelly Karmel about efficiency measures for Boyce’s building remodel. Publications such as this newsletter and our monthly email calendar of events give members a chance to inform other members and the public about their activities. And member listings such as the SBC web site’s member directory and the pocket Sustainable Shopping Guide give other businesspeople and consumers an easy way to locate SBC members who provide needed goods or services.
Networking makes collaborations and local connections possible as numerous SBC examples show. When Tipu’s restaurant began a new line of deli style sandwiches with an Indian flavor, they went to Le Petit Outre Bakery for their bread. Le Petit also provides bread dough for Pizza on the Fly, while Kettlehouse Brewery provides grains to Le Petit. When Bitterroot Herbarium moved to town last year, they contracted to provide their acupuncture treatments and Chinese medical herbal remedies at the Bella Sauvage Day Spa facility. Both entities became members of SBC to connect with other businesses and potential customers.
A key aspect of networking is information sharing, which can lower learning curves and thus improve efficiency and reduce costs. The benefits to networking are endless and opportunities abound for SBC members. So send us your news, come network at meetings, use our membership lists to find vendors and partners, and get involved in our activities.
Information Sharing Opportunity:
Cold Mountain, Cold Rivers is distributing a pdf file of former World Bank economist Herman Daly’s Sept. 2005 Scientific American article on growth and sustainability, which contrasts economic and uneconomic growth and offers four definitions of sustainability, ranging from fluff to substance. For a copy, contact CMCR's Lance Olsen,
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4. Member News Briefs
Boyce Lumber has hired Kelly Karmel of Design Balance to help them incorporate energy conservation in their building remodel. Boyce also plans to show the January SBC lecture on green building (See section 1 of the newsletter) to the sales staff and to put together green product reference binders to help staff recommend and order these materials.
Cold Mountain, Cold Rivers (CMCR) has co-founded a closed, specialized listserv devoted to discussing the implications of climate change. CMCR has also been circulating information about climate and sustainability to groups as far away as the Appalachians and is a contributor to an international climate discussion group.
GreenPath Properties has moved to the historic, "greenly" remodeled Hamilton Carriage House at 310 N. 4th St., Hamilton.
Heritage Printing now offers fine art (giclee) prints and posters of your favorite photos, slides, or artwork.
Home Resource was able to purchase a new truck and increase programming for 2006 thanks to a successful art auction and a generous donation from Lithia Auto. They also donated materials to several groups including the Missoula Folklore Society, Boy’s & Girl’s Club, the Daly Mansion, the Missoula Art Museum, and various schools.
homeWORD completed its Orchard Homes housing project, which is loaded with sustainability features, and had a grand opening ceremony in January.
The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center received the 2006 ACLU Jeannette Rankin Civil Liberties Award continuing the spirit of Jeannette Rankin by being a consistent voice for peace and justice.
Meadowsweet Herbs sells books on herbals, aromatherapy, homeopathy, flower essences, body care, animal care, nutrition, gardening and health issues. Check out their book sale on March 15-18 at 180 S. 3rd St.W.
The Missoula Food Coop, recently renamed The Missoula Community Market, secured the old CF Freight warehouse and plans to open a community store this spring. Visit www.missoulafoodcoop.com or call 721-3425 to learn about membership.
The Missoula Urban Demonstration Project’s Tool Library, 629 Phillips Street, is planning an Open House on April 8th from 9 am to noon. This free event includes tours of the Tool Library, demonstrations of small project construction, breakfast treats, music, and membership and volunteering sign-up opportunities. Call 721-7513 or see www.mudproject.org or for information.
Missoula Valley Recycling has begun a Recycling in Schools Project. Call 543-2972 to make donations or learn more.
New West Publishing just celebrated the one year anniversary of NewWest.Net with an open house at their new downtown offices, 415 N. Higgins.
The Patagonia Outlet in Dillon, which carries seconded merchandise, overruns of past-season products, and special make-ups, has received the new arrivals from Fall 2005. Call them at 406-683-2580 to request a weekly specials list.
The Stensrud Building, 314 North 1st West, has recently had improvements made to the 1st floor and is again available for a wide range of public events. This 1800 sq ft space holds up to 80 people for banquets, with a maximum capacity of 100. Contact Mark at 406 546-0992 for details.
Treecycle has moved to 2155 Conifer Drive, Huson in 6 mile valley. Delivery is free in Missoula. Call 626-0200 to order or make an appointment to visit.
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5. SBC Activities:
Committee for the Built Environment
The Committee planned the January Sustainability Lecture featuring Kelly Karmel of Design Balance and opportunities for building industry members to showcase their products. Additionally, the Committee is helping develop and implement a plan to improve the corner of Mount, Park, and Plymouth Streets. They held a design charrette with the Rose Park Neighborhood Council Leadership Team and interested neighbors in February and will host a meeting for design refinement in March. They hope to break ground on the project this spring and complete it this summer. Anyone interested in helping with the project should contact Tim Skufca at
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The Committee's next regular meeting will be held on April 13 at noon at Home Resource, 825 West Kent, Missoula. Participation is open to the public.
Community Food And Ag Coalition
SBC Board member Jeannette Whitney-Williams continues to represent the SBC on the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition. As part of their education and outreach campaign, the Coalition hosted a Harvest Festival in October at Caras Park. They are currently planning a Spring Fest for May 4 in the University Center. The Coalition is also encouraging local schools to purchase more local foods; working with local 4H groups on sustainability issues; promoting local farmers, ranchers, and food processors; and addressing open space issues.
Green Map Project
Members of the SBC Board have been working with The Missoula Urban Demonstration Project (MUD), the lead organization on this project, and a coalition of local partners to develop a print and online Green Map for Missoula. This Green Map features local businesses, agencies, organizations, and individuals who are providing sustainable products and/or services. It also features natural areas, parks, community spaces, and green buildings. While not all SBC members met the criteria for the print version, the online version will be more comprehensive.
Printing is scheduled for Spring 2006 and sponsors are needed. The name and logo of map sponsors contributing $100 to $199 will be in the sponsor list located on the back of the printed map and on the sponsor page of the website. Sponsors contributing $200 or more will also receive 10 free copies of the printed map. For more information on the Green Map, please visit http://www.mudproject.org/SustCoal/index.htm or call Rebecca at 406-546-9658.
Missoula Greenhouse Gas/Energy Conservation Team
Matt Hisel of Home Resource and a member of the Missoula Greenhouse Gas/Energy Conservation Team has developed a fact sheet on recycling for the construction industry. The brochures are currently being attached to all building permits and are available at the Office of Planning & Grants. at Home Resourc, and at http://www.sustainablebusinesscouncil.org/sustainability/recycling.html.
In January, the Team made recommendations to the Conservation Committee of the City Council on increasing the use of biodiesel in City fleets, purchasing the energy efficient vehicles, and lobbying State Legislature to return insulation requirements in homes to the old higher standards. They are now exploring ways to increase recycling by small business. The SBC as a co-facilitator of the Team has been providing research and administrative support for the Team.
The Team's next meeting will be held April 12 at noon in the Mayor's Conference room. To read the Missoula Greenhouse Gas-Energy Efficiency Plan or follow the activities of the Team visit: www.ci.missoula.mt.us/mayor/Greenhouse-energy.htm
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6. Nominations for the Second Annual SustainabilityAwards Due March 31
At our May meeting, we will present our Second Annual Sustainability Awards. Send the names and contact information for businesses, organizations and individuals you wish to nominate to us at
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or call Susan at 543-5323. We will ask each nominee to fill out a sustainability checklist. The final selection will be based on how well each entity meets our criteria in each of the three areas of sustainability: social, environmental, and economic.
Awards are available in the following categories:
- Sustainable Business of the Year,
- Sustainable Nonprofit of the Year,
- Sustainable New Venture of the Year,
- Sustainability Advocate of the Year,
- and SBC Volunteer of the Year.
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7. Strategic Planning
We need to hire our first employee and wish to develop a sustainable operations and funding plan to guide us through this transition. Because this is a critical juncture for the organization, we are hiring a consultant to guide us through the strategic planning process. We currently have funds available to pay the consultant to help with the first four steps of the planning process, but we would like to hire the consultant to help with all seven steps. As such, we are looking for sponsors for the process. Contributions are tax deductible. Entities whose total dues and contributions for the year exceed $250 will receive sponsoring member recognition on our web page, at our meetings, and in our publications.
Contact Susan at 543-5323 or
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if you would like to make a contribution of any size. Or mail the contribution to PO Box 7991, Missoula, MT 59807.
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8. Other SBC Board News
The Board voted to sponsor a $50 award for the most innovative project involving a sustainability issue at the State Science Fair to be held in Missoula on March 20 and 21.
The Board also voted to endorse Best Local Foods Recipe Contest and Cook-Off to be held May 4th as part of the The UM Farm to College Program: Celebrating Sustainability in Action event. Professional chefs may contact University Dining Services or the SBC for an application. Applications will be available on the SBC web site soon.
The Board is creating DVDs of our Sustainability Lectures, which will soon be available to check out at Boyce Lumber and Jeannette Rankin Peace Center. The later will also house other SBC reference materials.
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9.New Business Members in Last 6 Months
Tim Ballard, Lic. Clinical Prof. Counselor
Bella Sauvage
Bitterroot Natural Medicine
Corporation for the Northern Rockies
CTA Architects Engineers
Mike Schmitt, Realator
NewWest.net
North Slope Sustainable Woods
Orogeny
OZ Architects
Posh Chocolat
Prudential Missoula Properties
Shelter Design
The Sports Exchange
Watermark Studio:Architechture+Landscape
Wilderness Watch
Wildlands CPR
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10. Sustainable Business Council 2005-2006 Calendar of Events
Sustainability Lecture Series - All events in this series begin with a social time at 5:30 p.m. The presentation begins at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 9, - Sustainable Transportation with Melissa Gordon, Missoula in Motion, and Bob Giordano, MIST at MCAT, 500 North Higgins
Thursday,May 11 - Marketing Sustainable Products by Peter Stark, North Slope Sustainable Woods at the Stensrud Building, 314 North 1st West
Sustainable Business Council Board Meetings - Board Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of most months (the third Tuesday in December and March) between August and May in the executive board room of the Missoula Public Library from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The remaining Board Meetings for this year will be held on March 21, April 25, and May 23. Members and the public are welcome to attend.
City of Missoula Greenhouse Gas-Energy Conservation Team - Meetings are held from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday every other month. The Team's next meeting will be held April 12 at noon in the Mayor's Conference room. Meetings are open to the public. SBC co-facilitates this Team.
SBC Committee For the Built Environment - Meetings are held from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on the second Thursday every other month at varying locations. The Committee's next meeting will be held on April 13 at noon at Home Resource, 825 West Kent in Missoula. Participation in the Committee is open to the public.
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11. Member to Member Discounts
The following SBC members have agreed to provide discounts or benefits to other members.
Just mention you are an SBC member when ordering.
Treecycle - 5% off on all paper products
Missoula Valley Recycling - First month free of new service
Home Resource - 5% off on all products (except timber from Heritage Timber)
Historic Montana Publishing - 20% off on purchase of books directly from the publisher
Authentic Creations - 10% off all purchases
Zephyr Graphics - 15% off first design project, 10% of first print or sign order
Boyce Lumber - discounts to all members, call for details
Hands On Therapy- Free initial consultation, 10% off first therapy session
12. Web Site of Interest
Award winning Newwest.net is a network of online communities devoted to the culture, economy, politics, environment, and overall atmosphere of the Rocky Mountain West. It provides local and regional news, events listings, and opportunities to post opinions.
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13. About the SBC
The Sustainable Business Council – Missoula Area is a network of individuals, organizations, and businesses working toward a sustainable economy. Its purpose is to promote the economic benefits of a clean and healthful environment; to educate businesses, organizations, and individuals about efficient resource use; and to facilitate the adoption of economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable business practices.
The Council offers Missoula-area businesses, organizations and individuals:
• Educational presentations and workshops;
• Networking with other environmentally and socially concerned businesses, organizations and individuals;
• Resources including a newsletter, publications, and a web site;
• Promotional opportunities for their business;
• And discounts from participating members (see #8 for a complete list of discounts offered by members to other members).
Membership in the Council is open to businesses, organizations, and individuals.
Membership dues are:
$25 for individual supporters,
$50 for businesses or organizations with one to four employees and owners
$75 for businesses or organizations with five or more employees and owners
$250 or larger donations for sponsoring businesses or organizations.
Sponsoring Members Include: BalanceTech, LLC, Boyce Lumber, Livesey Freight Systems, Missoula Independent, NewWest.Net, Rockin Rudy's
Susan Anderson at BalanceTech, LLC, has edited this newsletter. For
submissions or questions about the SBC, contact Susan at 543-5323 or
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. The spring newsletter deadline is Feb.
10th. Paid advertising will be accepted for the hard copy version of the
newsletter on a space available basis. |
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