Camden Yards Sports Complex awarded two LEED Certifications!

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The Camden Yards Sports Complex, in partnership with the Maryland Stadium Authority, has been awarded two LEED Certifications. The B+O Warehouse has been certified LEED Silver and Oriole Park has been certified LEED gold, both under the EBOM (existing buildings, operations and maintenance) rating system.

The Complex joins a host of other sports venues that have been certified. According to the MLB.com, Orioles Park is only the fourth major league baseball stadium to be awarded Gold level certification.

The EBOM rating system focuses on existing building looking to undergo sustainable improvements to their every day operations and maintenance practices. It is used to help building operators measure their performance and addresses whole-building issues.

The Park and Warehouse demonstrate sustainable practices through waste audits and an increase in recycling, system upgrades, a dedication to using only sustainably certified green cleaning products, a decrease in energy demand through the use of off-site renewable systems, and a commitment to tracking and decreasing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Doo Consulting supported Paladino in achieving LEED certification. Specifically, Doo Consulting conducted the onsite refrigerants survey for both the Warehouse and the Stadium; tracked and monitored the use and purchase of sustainable equipment throughout the complex; tracked the facility alterations and additions documentation; and reviewed various policies to be implemented into the Complex’s maintenance program, such as the Integrated Pest Management Plan and the best management practices for IAQ management program.

While Doo Consulting has certified various entertainment venues, such as the new MGM Casino and Merriweather Post Pavilion, this is their first stadium.

 

NEW LEED v4 Accreditations at Doo Consulting

NEW LEED v4 Accreditations at Doo Consulting

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Logo for LEED for homes v4

LEED v4 for Homes

4/4/17.  Doo Consulting congratulates Rebecca Gullott, Mudhar AlDurra and Peter Doo for adding new LEED v4 accreditations to their portfolio. “Having diverse accreditations benefits our clients because the US Green Building Council (USGBC) now requires LEED consultants to be accredited under the rating system for which a building is to be certified,” said Peter Doo, President of DooConsulting.

Rebecca achieved her LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C) accreditation, Mudhar AlDurra achieved accreditation under LEED for Homes, and Peter Doo achieved his latest accreditation under  Interior Design and Construction (ID+C). All accreditations are under LEED v4, the current version of LEED adopted by USGBC.

Difference between LEED 2009 and LEED v4:

LEED v4 is a more rigorous standard than LEED 2009, and in October 2016, the USGBC ceased registering new projects under the LEED 2009 standard. Newly registering buildings must use LEED v4 as the rating system.  One difference in LEED v4 is its emphasis on measurement as the preferred means to demonstrate conformance. Additionally, the Materials Credits focus on a Read more

Lorraine Doo achieves WELL Building Accreditation

Lorraine Doo achieves WELL Building Accreditation

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WELL AP

WELL AP

Lorraine Doo has achieved WELL Building accreditation. The WELL Building Standard® (WELL) is a performance based building certification program that focuses on attributes that contribute to human health and well being. WELL is a building certification similar in some ways to LEED certification, but focused much more on the human health elements of the built environment, measuring building performance across seven categories, called “concepts,” which include air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind.

Under each of the concepts within the WELL Building standard®, there are a number of features – either required (preconditions) or optional (optimizations). In total there are over 100 features, with examples such as lighting levels, daylighting, protecting against volatile organic compounds, ensuring the use of healthy materials, access to clean water, use of sound absorbing materials, access to fitness resources, employee benefits, material transparency and biophilia.

Image of plant

Biophilic image

It is a complex and engaging standard, and any conversations regarding the features will likely lead to enhancements in the building.

As a public health professional and long time advocate of the health benefits of green building, Lorraine is one of only a few WELL accredited professionals in the region. As of May of this year, only 119 professionals were accredited worldwide.
The WELL Building Standard® is designed to work in concert with the LEED Rating System, the Living Building Challenge and other green building standards. The WELL Building Standard® was created to use best practices in design and construction with other health and wellness interventions. In its handbook, the goal is to use the built environment as a vehicle to support human health, well-being and comfort: “the intent of the WELL Certification system for buildings is to help improve the nutrition, fitness, mood, sleep, comfort and performance of its occupants.” According to the maintainers of this standard, this is achieved in part by implementing strategies, programs and technologies designed to encourage healthy, more active lifestyles and reducing occupant exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants.
The WELL Building Standard ® was pioneered by Delos, and is administered by the International WELL Building Institute™(IWBI™).  Certification is conducted through IWBI’s collaboration with Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which is the same certification body used for LEED.
Doo Consulting provides services to companies and organizations pursuing their sustainability goals including green building certifications such as LEED, Living Building Challenge, GreenGlobes, and WELL. For more information on WELL certification or the WELL program in general, feel free to contact us at info@dooconsulting, lorraine@bviwebsites.com or peter@bviwebsites.com.

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Living Heroes from Doo's crew receive Medals

Living Heroes from Doo’s crew receive Medals!

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Living Building Challenge Heroes!

Peter and Lorraine Doo were both honored at the 2016 “unconference” of the Living Future Institute as Living Building Challenge Heroes (http://living-future.org/living-building-challenge/about/people/living-building-challenge-heroes) for their efforts in inspiring change in the way buildings are designed, built and operated. Their work on the Gaddy House in Maryland and the Charlotte Lovejoy Conservation Residence Hall in Florida,  both Living Building Challenge projects, have been opportunities to assist in exploring and finding creative solutions as these projects pursue Living Building Challenge certification. Read more

Harvard-Syracuse Demonstrate IAQ Improves Occupant Performance

Harvard-Syracuse Demonstrate IAQ Improves Occupant Performance

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Where do you feel your best at work? Do you ever feel the need go for a walk outside to clear your head? If you answered those questions with, “I feel best in a room with fresh air” or “Yes, I enjoy getting out, the air helps me to think,” you are in lock step with researchers at Harvard University School of Public Health who recently issued a report confirming their findings that indoor air quality (IAQ) improves the performance of individuals in buildings.

In 2015, Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Syracuse University Center of Excellence issued a report on a double blind study providing results that indicate improved human performance measures among individuals placed in environments with better indoor air quality.

What is interesting about this study is the amount of control in the experiment’s protocols. The study included the creation of identical office environments with the ability to control air quality. Participants performed their normal work activities in these spaces. Air quality mimicked that in normal office conditions on both the lower and higher end of the spectrum. At the end of each day participants were subjected to a series of cognitive and performance tests. Neither the subjects nor the test administrators knew what air quality conditions had been provided for the day.

The results were dramatic. Cognitive performance of those who were exposed to better air quality was 60% greater than that of participants in the alternative environment!  When subjects were exposed to additional conditions simulating a higher ventilation rate, the cognitive scores were 101% higher.

Statistics such as 60% improvement and 101% improvement, when replicated over time, would give one cause to rethink the cost benefit of increased ventilation.  This enhancement is often rejected as a possible LEED credit to pursue because of its negative impact on energy performance.  While technology is providing solutions to the ventilation/energy balance initial costs and perceptions remain a factor in decision-making.  Given this study data, the formula for the cost benefit analysis when considering the potential impact on wellbeing, occupant performance and productivity, may bear a recalculation.

What of the building developer to whom direct benefits of occupant performance do not accrue? It would be unwise to advertise performance benefits of locating in such a building. A tenant whose productivity did not improve could justify a legal claim if a building developer advertised such benefits. Experiments and published results such as the Harvard/Syracuse study provide the evidence needed to make a case that is more than anecdotal. While a developer may not advertise that her building yields a more productive staff for its tenants, a tenant may seek a building with documented air quality with an understanding that such an environment could improve staff retention, worker satisfaction and performance. This could in turn improve occupancy rates, reduce vacancy durations, provide opportunities for higher rent or other benefits to building owners.

The implications of this report are significant. Its effect on the market is likely to be small for now. It is the first of many such studies that need to be done and whose results need to be broadcast. We encourage you to share this study and comment on this blog.

Lorraine Doo, LEED AP, is a partner at Doo Consulting and holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. The firm has used its projects in a study on the relationship between green buildings and wellbeing. Contact us if interested in exploring the relationship between buildings and health.

Peter Doo to speak at CSI MARC

Peter Doo to speak at CSI MARC

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Doo, FAIA, LEED Fellow, GGP, to speak at the CSI Mid Atlantic Regional Conference (MARC), April 9th. Peter will share insights on the future of green building certifications presenting his view of the growing certification landscape as well as comparing LEED to the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) that has been adopted by a number of jurisdictions and the State of Maryland. He will be joined by Lantia Stevens from USG and Tom Liebel From Marks Thomas Architects in a panel discussion after individual presentations. CSI MARC 2016 Regional Conference, April 8th & 9 th, The Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore Maryland 21201.

Doos New Year Innovation Blog

Doos New Year Innovation Blog

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THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE RED FIRE MONKEY!  We all know that the monkey is a clever and playful animal who can be an effective problem solver but also a trickster.  Year of the monkeyAs we celebrate 2016’s Year of the Red Fire Monkey, there should be exuberance, entertainment and time for devoted entrepreneurs to carry on their innovative ways.  However, those looking for quick and easy solutions could get duped as some monkey spirits will be on the ball, and quick to have their fun and games.

Doo Consulting wishes all of its colleagues, clients and friends the very best in 2016. Though it is the year of the Fire Monkey, according to Chinese Five Elements Horoscopes, Monkey also contains Metal and Water. Metal is connected to gold. Water is connected to wisdom and danger. Therefore, we will deal with more financial events in the year of the Monkey. Metal is also connected to the Wind. That implies the status of events could change very quickly. Think twice before you leap when making changes for your finance, career, business or personal relationships in 2016. Your individual prospects for the year can be found here.

DOO’S NEWS

We want to thank everyone who is a part of our ever expanding network. Our portfolio grew in geographic and economic breadth. We returned to our consulting roots with the opportunity to work on the development of sustainability plans for the City of Bowie, Maryland, and the Broadmead Retirement Community. A new accreditation in the WELL Building Standard

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What’s the Buzz about Buildings being WELL

What’s the Buzz about Buildings being WELL™?

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WELL Buildings are suddenly the rage among designers! Once upon a time, you could barely get LEED from their lips.  So this is good news in some ways; and a little odd in other ways.  Are you part of the movement to incorporate health and well being in your design and development decisions? Are you getting questions from your clients and tenants and potential partners about wellness initiatives? Engagement in personal health issues is popular with the millennial and the “Z” generations, and the boomers are interested in fitness, nutrition, food quality, and transparency (show me).
outdoors
This is a nation of amazing contradictions, paradoxes and ironies. In the United States, there is an extreme hyper consciousness about allergies to foods and food groups that did not exist 40 years ago – for example, Read more

Not So Fast - Doo Consulting Blog

Not So Fast

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IgccAt recent blog post on the Green Building Law Update titled “Maryland Sidesteps LEED in Favor of the IgCC” suggests that “fewer, if any, Maryland state and local government projects will be LEED certified in the future.” But, I say, “Not so fast!” Yes, the Maryland legislature just passed an amendment to the State’s green building law that will allow the IgCC to be used as a compliance path to green building in addition to current compliance paths which are LEED Silver or other “nationally accepted numeric rating systems reviewed and recommended by the Maryland Green Building Council and approved by the Secretaries of Budget and Management and General Services.”

To date, the Maryland Green Building Council (MGBC) has not recommended any alternative rating system; hence, the pressure to adopt some alternative compliance path. The timing of the adoption of the IgCC as a code in the state of Maryland is perfect. Not only does it present a viable option to LEED that the Council can accept but, it coincides with other concerns about LEED v4 as well as interest in other numeric rating systems for schools.

I have seen a draft of the version of the IgCC that the MGBC is working on. There is nothing definitive as it is a work in progress but, the current version states that a Green Building certification equivalent to a LEED Silver rating would exempt one from IgCC compliance.

Remember that a Code is a minimum standard. What is good about this for green building is that it sets a minimum performance standard for all buildings and, as a code, requires compliance. The IgCC can be “tuned” to meet the priorities of a particular jurisdiction. For Maryland, the adopted version of the IgCC can advance State priorities for energy use reduction, water quality and other goals.

LEED, on the other hand, is a rating system that rewards green building efforts by awarding points for specified actions or “credits” that the project delivers. The more credits you accumulate, the higher your score. Selection of those credits is up to the discretion of the design team. The State has no control over the credits that a project team will pursue, other than requiring the level of certification (LEED Silver). So, while a group of buildings may all be LEED Silver certified, there is unlikely to be any consistency in the energy performance of those buildings.

Let’s be absolutely clear; the State’s version of the IgCC has NOT yet been fully drafted, let alone approved. Whether State agencies and their architects will find it easier to comply with the IgCC and its required performance targets or pursue a LEED certification where they can pick and choose the credits to achieve is unclear. Certainly, the design and construction industry is familiar with LEED and, in some cases, may find it advantageous to not have to comply with the IgCC. Additionally, with the implementation of LEED v4 this summer, USGBC will re-establish LEED as an aspirational rating system. Certainly the LEED moniker has a market cache that “code compliant” cannot match.

I agree with Stewart, author of “Maryland Sidesteps LEED,” that the adoption and implementation of the IgCC will be good for green building and good for the State overall. I do not agree that the State is “sidestepping LEED,” rather it is complementing this numeric rating system with a code to cover more buildings and advance green building.

Happy Chinese New Year - Doo Consulting Blog

Happy Chinese New Year 2014 – Year of the Wooden Horse

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January 31, 2014 welcomes the Chinese New Year of the Wooden Horse.

2014 is the Year of the Wooden Horse. Horse is a symbol of traveling, as well a sign of speedy success because it can give individuals a ride to their destination.

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-05 at 11.33.33 PMThe Chinese have five alchemical elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Horse is associated with fire; in fact horse is the strongest fire animal among the twelve zodiac signs. Wood helps fire burn and last longer. Therefore, businesses involving wood, fire and earth will generally do well this year.

Keeping up in 2014

Each year, Doo Consulting identifies a few ideas or products that we feel have the potential to make a big difference in human collaboration or resource conservation. This year, we not only introduce some new “hot picks,” we provide updates on the progress of our selections from previous years.  We are very pleased to write that several of our selections are making the difference we had hoped they would!

Virtual ChoirScreen Shot 2014-03-05 at 11.27.38 PM

At Doo Consulting, we continue to be interested in virtual collaborations. The world is better when we work together. Technology is allowing us to collaborate virtually to create in ways that were not possible previously. What I have found most successfully demonstrated on the internet is music (see playingforchange). However, I believe that even greater collaborations are possible for the creation of higher performing and more restorative communities. The creation of communities has always been collaborative and many of you are already engaged in this process. But virtual work allows us to collaborate with subject matter experts globally.  Let us know how the virtual workplace is expanding and enhancing your design collaborations. In the meantime, enjoy the virtual choir of Eric Whitacre and  Lux Aurumque.

New Products

The  “JUST” Label:  Showing your Equity Leg

Screen Shot 2014-03-05 at 11.43.26 PMThe three legs of the sustainability stool  are Ecology/Economy/Equity but “Equity” seldom gets the attention of the other two legs. “JUST” labels attempt to  change this and use the power of transparency and market forces for greater social change.  The “JUST” program elevates the discussion about social justice issues and has the potential to change policies and practices in thousands of organizations around the world.

Earth Tub

Screen Shot 2014-03-05 at 11.48.23 PMIn nature, there is no such thing as waste.  Everything has a use, is used up or consumed.  Earth Tub is a tool to help owners reduce their waste streams and create valuable mulch or soil in the process.  Want to go zero-waste? We can provide assistance in evaluating the economic benefit of large scale composting.

3D Printing

Screen Shot 2014-03-05 at 11.56.41 PMWhile not a product per se, these 3D printers are revolutionizing design, manufacturing and even medical procedures! Head to our Pinterest page to see what is going on in this new world and let us know what you’re doing with a 3D printer!

 

Updates on Past Recommendations

 Here are a few updates on products we have presented in the past.

Nest Thermostat

This company has sold over one million of these intelligent thermostats in the last two years. The company recently unveiled its new Smoke/CO2 Monitor.  In 2013, the company was purchased by Google for $3.2 billion!

Savenia Labs

Creator of the Savenia Energy Label for small appliances, this company has gone on to expand its energy reporting to include most energy consuming products in the home including appliances and light bulbs. They can now provide a Savenia Home Energy Rating based on comparative residential energy use data. This is useful for real estate brokers trying to value the energy efficiency features of residential properties.

Declare Label (for materials and products)

Based on the requirements in the latest updates to the LEED® (V4) and Green Globes Rating systems, Environmental Product Declarations are one compliance path to achieving Material and Indoor Environmental Quality points.  Pay attention as this label gains traction and encourage  manufacturers of your favorite products to get their products listed.

FoodPool

Doo Consulting participated in FoodPool West Towson for the 2013 growing season.  The concept of a FoodPool is to gather the excess harvest of home gardens (too many squash?) and deliver these fresh vegetables to food pantries for distribution to other families. In 2013, FoodPool West Towson contributed over 100 pounds of fresh produce to the Assistance Center of Towson Churches (ACTC) and looks forward to expanding its contribution in 2014! Want to know more? Visit FoodPool’s Facebook Page.

Please contact us at info@bviwebsites.com for additional information on any of these topics!