Guest Speaker - Andre McEwing

December 22, 2012

Andre McEwing used to be the executive director of Southeast Fort Worth Inc.  He received his Masters of Sustainability from UTA and now works for the Tarrant County College District as the Manager of Supplier Diversity.  He is still very much dedicated to the Southeast Fort Worth organization and his commitment to building a sustainable economic development in this area of the city.

Andre discussed the financial returns for green operations and buildings.  There are many benefits to sustainable buildings, including lower operating costs, better air quality, increasing value, conservation of our resources, increased productivity of the users of the building, financial incentives, etc.  He mentioned the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the fact that there are 300+ holdings in the index worldwide.  There are also, as of mid-2009, 26 green investment funds.  These points prove that sustainability is only gaining in momentum and popularity in the business and finance world.  Something I also found interesting in his presentation was his information from the U.S. Conference of Mayors:

• 75% of cities are changing building codes and/or ordinances to encourage green or sustainable buildings.
• 88% of cities are educating the public about the need for buildings that are energy efficient, healthy, and environmentally sustainable.

Sustainability in our built environment is gaining much attention and local government officials around the country are some of the many who are recognizing the benefits.  Many are understanding that green building is simply a better way to build.  Even Wal-Mart, a giant corporate retailer, is incorporating sustainable features in their buildings and operations.  Some of these include daylight harvesting, parking lot lighting upgrades, more efficient refrigerated case lighting, and water conservation.  They are also working toward a goal of being supplied by 100% renewable energy.

Photo from Wal-Mart - PV solar panels on the rooftop

 

 





Many resources exist for anyone looking to build more sustainably.  One such resource that Andre provided was Build-Smarter.com, a contractor-type website dedicated to providing information on building smarter with alternative materials.

Andre also discussed an upcoming project for TCCD - a new $35 million LEED Platinum building.  This 85,000 square foot building will house the New Energy Technology Center which will teach students about sustainable and more efficient building systems, and they will be able to use this very structure as an example for their students.