Workshop Identifies the Need for Information and
Resources
Viera, FL, July 21, 2005
The Community Greenhouse Foundation's first workshop in Brevard
County Florida as part of their case study, "Smart Growth
Case Study" and Educational Transfer to the Public program
was held at the Brevard County Government Center in Vierra, Florida
on July 14, 2005. A diverse mix of fifty two people registered
for the workshop representing government, environmentalist, architects,
builders and the general public.
A majority of the attendees were surprised by the facts related
to the high energy consumption in public buildings which accounts
for 7% of a municipality's budget. Feature speaker, Jack Werner,
Climate Institute, showed examples of municipal projects across
the nation that capitalized on financing vehicles and savings
generated by incorporating energy efficiency measures and renewable
energy technologies in capital expenditures. He talked about the
resources that are available to cities and counties in addressing
these issues. "Cities and Counties utilizing these practices
are having a major positive impact on their overall budgets,"
added Mr. Werner. "The long term savings provide the opportunity
for municipalities to allocate more funds for schools, new infrastructure
and public facilities; it is about planning and growing Smart
with your eyes on the future."
Mr. Werner who has had a long relationship with the Florida Solar
Energy Center (FSEC) located in Brevard County asked a direct
question of the audience. "The greatest resource related
to renewable energy in the state of Florida, FSEC is right in
your back yard, why isn't anyone tapping into the resource?"
Eric Martin, Florida Green Building Coalition & Florida Solar
Energy Center in his presentation highlighted the four counties
in Florida who have taken a leadership role in registering and
adopting measures that earn them the designation of the new Florida
Green Local Government Standard for City and County Governments
that recently was established in Tallahassee and managed by the
Florida Green Buildings Coalition. Mr. Martin and Mr. Werner both
agreed that the momentum for sustainable green development in
Florida has started to gain steam in the last six months with
legislation and new programs out of the governor's office.
Ronald Hand, CGF Director of Design gave an overview of the project
that CGF is utilizing for the case study and educational transfer
to the public program Riverside Commons. The project when completed
will be the first private sector's Leadership in Environment and
Energy Design (LEED) certified project in Brevard County.
The next workshop in scheduled to take place in September.
For more information, contact:
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