Green Committee Meeting Minutes
October 19, 2009
Attending: Ray Bailey (Chairman), Barbara Saperstone, Dan Wells, Joseph Gesa, Victor Zabielski, Hector Revollo, Jennifer Richardson, Andrew Bidwell, Nancy Wyatt, Rob Como, Ruth Stanton, Kathleen Odige
This meeting was attended via videoconference by the following campuses: MEC, LO, WO, AL
Victor is handling the information on the recycling contracts.
The meeting began with a report by the chair and the introduction of Lenna Storm (Sustainability Coordinator/George Mason University).
Business items: minutes were approved from previous meeting (Sept. 21, 2009)
Victor Zabielski shared information on the recycling contracts. Since technical issues with the videoconferencing equipment delayed the start of the meeting, Victor will present a more detailed report at our November meeting. The committee would like to thank Victor for his work in obtaining this information.
Overview on Construction Projects – Dan Wells gave the following information on upcoming projects at NOVA:
MA Phase III – will achieve LEED Silver rating, as originally planned, and will get the official LEED rating.
AN Phase VI – not originally designed to meet LEED standards, but construction bids have been lower than anticipated, so we’re going to have enough funding to modify the original design and build it to the standard of basic LEED certification. NOVA will not seek to get an official LEED rating but will build to the standard.
LO Phase III – Like AN Phase VI, the LO project was not originally designed to LEED standards, but if the bids come in below the original estimates, as happened with AN, we can upgrade the design of the new LRC and the Science Building addition to the basic standard of LEED certification. Again, as the with the AN project, we wouldn’t try to get an official LEED rating but would upgrade the designs to meet that standard.
WO Phase III – we now intend to include a geothermal system for heating and cooling (a first at NOVA).
AL – is now beginning the process of designing a new building which will replace the existing Tyler building. Denny May, a professor who formerly served on our Green Committee, is a team member for the AL project.
*included in these projects we intend to try some sections of “green roof,” some solar pv systems for making electricity, some solar thermal systems for generating hot water for use in the buildings, and perhaps even a wind turbine at the LO campus.
The committee would like to recognize and thank Dan Wells for his work on the above projects.
Lenna Storm, GMU Sustainability Coordinator- Lenna gave an overview of her background, staff, and current projects at GMU. She discussed green food service, transportation (shuttles), and GMU’s efforts to build sustainability and environmental awareness into the curriculum, including such steps as creation of an undergraduate minor in sustainability. She also discussed obstacles such as resources and getting the message out on sustainability. Lenna indicated that having both a committee and sustainability coordinator would be the best case scenario for NOVA and for GMU. She told the committee that GMU also has two other offices -- Energy and Transportation --to assist in eco -friendly strategies.
Shuttles – Lenna offered to share data on GMU shuttles. The shuttle to the Metro has the most ridership. Our committee had discussion regarding the demand for shuttles at NOVA. We may pursue setting up some shuttles. The AN to AL route may be a good one. A student survey on transportation is a possible future idea.
Building Sustainability into the curriculum – The GMU sustainability minor, and other sustainability courses, will provide opportunities for interested NOVA students to prepare more successfully for a future in the growing “green jobs” economy. NOVA may want to pursue offering more environmental courses and certificates. Faculty, counselors, etc. may want to learn more about these programs at GMU. Partnership on environmental curriculum between NOVA and GMU makes sense for everyone.
Events – Virginia Power Shift Conference at GMU Oct 23-25. Conference for students on Environmental Concerns.
Meeting ended at 5:00