The Green Initiative Rundown
YPAL’s Green Initiative is hitting its stride thanks to Habitat for Humanity, our volunteers, corporate sponsors and community supporters. If you haven’t visited the build site (located at 1227 Clay St.), I urge you to do so. To say the house is taking shape quickly is quite the understatement!
For those still unsure as to what the Green Initiative is all about and how it came to fruition, I urge you to visit our website to learn more about this huge undertaking. But, here is a rundown of the Initiative and its various components for a quick read through.
What is the Green Initiative? A member survey conducted in 2009 proved immense support for ‘green’ issues including sustainability within the Louisville community. The YPAL board harnessed that support to undertake the largest project in YPAL history – to build a LEED Certified Habitat for Humanity house. The project is completely powered by young professionals and our sponsors. The 16-week build will began in the middle of June. We still need support including donations, sponsors and volunteers so please help where you can!
What is LEED? LEED is a green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED provides standards for the environmentally sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings and neighborhoods. It has been proven LEED certified buildings use resources more efficiently than conventional buildings and often provide healthier living environment for its residents. YPAL’s LEED certified Habitat for Humanity house will be the first of its kind in Louisville and only the second certified house in the state of Kentucky.
What else makes up the Green Initiative? The Green Initiative is geared towards educating our members about sustainability and ways they can put it into practice in their own lives at work, at home and at play. YPAL has organized a Green Team in support of the Green Initiative. We recognize sustainable living is only a piece of the ‘green’ puzzle; therefore, we have partnered with many community businesses to promote green issues during our Green Initiative.
Net Impact Bluegrass is providing green tips for our Weekly Update that is distributed to over 3,000 members and community supporters.
Northwestern Mutual sponsored this year’s YP Day in Frankfort, which saw young professionals from across the state converge in Frankfort to witness our legislative process in action. YPs learned about upcoming environmental legislation and met with some of our commonwealth’s representatives to discuss these issues.
YPAL has reached out to two of the city’s renowned park systems to expose members to these treasures and engage them in maintaining these resources. In May, YPAL joined with Olmsted Parks Conservancy and community members to restore Cherokee Park by removing the invasive Garlic Mustard plant that is spreading throughout the park and killing native wildflowers and other plant life. Additionally, later this summer, YPAL members will explore the 21st Century Parks during a canoe trip along Floyd’s Fork creek.
Throughout the Green Initiative YPAL aims to promote green-centered activities and events within the community as well as the organization. We recognize raising awareness is the first step to change. If you are interested in sustainability and green issues, join us in this effort to build a greener Louisville.
