Published on October 26, 2010 by Bryan Baker
The University of Louisville is holding a Sustainability Week this upcoming week with ideas for not only the campus but the communities surrounding it. Here’s three events they are hosting.
A Campus Clean Up event occurs on the main campus Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crews will meet at 11,12, and 1 at Elkstrom Library to gather litter on the campus. Prizes will be offered to those collecting the most litter.
Want to find an alternative way to get around town or to campus? Tuesday from 11-1 at the Humanities Quad will have transportation alternatives fair. Booths featuring bike tune-ups, bike maps, and carpooling ideas are among those expected at the event.
And for speakers, Ben Evans will be featured in the Green Careers Speaker Series Kickoff. His speech is in the Basement Auditorium of the Elkstrom Library on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Published on August 30, 2010 by Tracy Keller
There are some who say the best green home is the one you buy … not build. Every home on the market right now is a green home because it’s being recycled. Think about it, no more trees need to be cut down for framing. There are no truck loads of construction debris going to the landfill when you buy a new home. You could even say a realtor is one of the oldest green jobs in the U.S.
I am feeling very “green” myself these days. Not only do I recycle but I just bought a previously existing home. For the most part, buying a home instead of building is a really good way to be a green ambassador. There are a few exceptions though. YPAL’s Green Team build with Habitat for Humanity is one of those exceptions. Recyclable materials, energy efficient HVAC, windows, insulation and washer/dryer units are just a few things that make this home a top notch green home. This house will have one more feather in its cap when YPAL submits the home for certification as a LEED house.
The house that YPAL is building with Habitat for Humanity exemplifies creative ways current and future Louisville home owners can be green. If every home owner picked just one of the sustainable elements of this house, it would make a big difference. Take a 3D tour of it on YPAL’s website or come by and see it for yourself on September 19th during the AIA tour.
By Liz Griffin, sales and marketing specialist, Parallel Products
Liz Griffin is the Communications Coordinator for YPAL’s Green Team.
Published on August 27, 2010 by Tracy Keller
Cash Moter, an architect for Joseph & Joseph Architects, is a YPAL veteran having served five years on the board of directors. He’s been with the organization through many of its milestones including an organizational rebranding project, playing host to 2007’s YP Summit, the initiation of Brightside’s Green Tie Bash and the organization’s 10th anniversary celebration.
“YPAL has grown tremendously as an organization during these past five years,” said Cash. “We’ve accomplished a lot not only for this organization and its members but for the Louisville community.”
Perhaps it is fitting then that Cash spearheaded YPAL’s Green Initiative – the organization’s largest project to date. Armed with member support for organizational advocacy of green issues, Cash purposed YPAL partner with the Louisville chapter of Habitat for Humanity on their 50th anniversary year to build the city’s first LEED certified Habitat for Humanity house.
“It was going to be a big undertaking for the organization, but I was confident our members would be behind it.”
And the support has been overwhelming. Through corporate sponsorships to member manpower, the LEED certified Habitat for Humanity house is well on its way with the house dedication scheduled for Saturday, October 9.
Take a look at Cash in action and learn more about the Habitat project by visiting YPAL’s YouTube Channel. And be sure to check out the 3D video rendering of the house located on Clay Street while on the site.
By Tracy Keller, project manager, ProMoter Inc. Marketing Communications.
Tracy Keller currently serves as the VP of Administration on the 2010-2011 YPAL Board of Directors.
Published on August 25, 2010 by Tracy Keller
So YPAL’s LEED Certified Habitat for Humanity house is quickly nearing completion with just over a month left on construction. After many months of tireless efforts on the part of YPAL’s Green Team members, volunteers and sponsors, the keys to the house will soon be handed over to the welcoming hands of Wendy, the homeowner. However, as this house nears completion and YPAL’s Green Initiative seeks a close, our green efforts and eco-friendly focus should not wane. Hopefully YPAL’s Green Initiative sparked an interest not only among organization members but within the community who witnessed this feat take shape. While we all may not be able to afford to “green” our houses, there are simple things we can do every day that will make a noteworthy impact. Each week, YPAL provides green tips in our Weekly Update thanks to Net Impact Solutions. Additionally, we try to provide a listing of green events and volunteer opportunities in this section. Make time each week to scroll to the bottom of the Weekly Update to see the latest tip and ways you can get involved with the green movement at the local level. No amount of effort is too small in this ongoing green movement.
By Tracy Keller, project manager, ProMoter Inc. Marketing Communications.
Tracy Keller currently serves as the VP of Administration on the 2010-2011 YPAL Board of Directors.
Published on August 6, 2010 by Tracy Keller
What’s better than working up a sweat next to a hot, young professional? Doing it for a good cause! YPAL is excited to sponsor Singles Day at the Habitat for Humanity build site on Saturday, August 21st. This is your chance to get on site and make your mark on YPAL’s Habitat house. Only 12 spots are available for the day so be sure to contact Sujata Chugh, YPAL Green Team Volunteer Coordinator, at sbaraichugh@gmail.com to sign up. 102.3 the MAX will be on site to bang it out with us. Hope to see you there!
Published on July 18, 2010 by Tracy Keller
This July, Louisville will host the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) comprised of state legislators and staff from all 50 states. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. During the four day conference, growing trends in green initiatives across the nation will be discussed.
One of the most popular green trends includes evaluating transportation systems to encourage a sustainable living system. Complete street policies allow communities to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transport users of all ages and abilities to safely and comfortably move along and across the street. In 2009, 45 jurisdictions nationwide adopted complete street policies and 19 have in 2010. Across the US, there are 141 jurisdictions that have adopted complete streets or have made written commitments to do so. Louisville is included in these one 141 jurisdictions adopting the policy in 2008. Over the next several years, Louisville will add pedestrian pathways and bikeways to all new construction and reconstruction, creating a safe environment for everyone to walk and bike.
By Emma Brown, Regional Director, KY YMCA Youth Association.
Emma currently serves as the Director of Public Issues for 2010-2011.
Published on May 24, 2010 by Tracy Keller
Photo Courtesy of PinkOwl Photography
Talk about a shovel-ready project! On May 6, YPAL and Habitat for Humanity hosted the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the first LEED-Certified house in Louisville, and only the second such house in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Check out some of the coverage here: http://www.fox41.com/global/story.asp?s=12440338.
We hope you’re wondering how to get involved and lend a hand for this historic and worthwhile all-volunteer construction effort. We encourage you to volunteer with a group of colleagues as a team-building exercise. We encourage you to volunteer with a group of family and friends for a day of bonding. We encourage you to volunteer on your own and meet other young professionals. Check the website to register you and your group to volunteer most Thursdays and Saturdays from June through October.
Through the hard work and sweat of young professional volunteers like you, a single mother and her young son will have an energy-efficient, affordable home of their own. As Rob Locke, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, describes the organization’s mission, “Building houses is what we do, but changing lives is why we do it.” Pick up a hammer, pick up a shovel – dig in and help change this family’s life.
Sujata Barai Chugh is a freelance writer & editor in Louisville. She is also the Volunteer Coordinator for the YPAL LEED House Project. You can reach her at sbaraichugh@gmail.com.
