2007 HIGHLIGHTS
The following accomplishments highlight the advancement of SLOGB's organization, philosophy and programs in 2007.
Organization
SLOGB has become a progressively stronger and more stable organization since coming into being. The following are organizational highlights for 2007.
1. Part-Time Administrator. During its startup phase, SLOGB operated entirely as a volunteer organization. In June 2007, a permanent staff position was established to handle the day-to-day administration of the green-building program, which had grown too large and complex for an all-volunteer effort.
2. Incorporation. Until August 2007, SLOGB operated as an independent organization under the nonprofit umbrella of ECOSLO, which also provided SLOGB with bookkeeping services for a fee. In August, SLOGB incorporated as a nonprofit public-benefit corporation, without ties to any other organization.
3. Strategic Planning Retreat. SLOGB had its first leadership retreat in June 2006, at which it decided on a set of guiding principles, and further defined individual roles and responsibilities. In October 2007 SLOGB held its second leadership retreat, at which it prepared the attached Strategic Plan Framework.
Technical Committee Program
At the heart of SLOGB are its technical program and the credentialed people who steer it. In 2007, the Technical Committee was chiefly responsible for accomplishing the following:
1. Peer Reviews. Twelve proposed projects were peer-reviewed during the year. As this core element of the green-building program continues to grow in demand and importance, additional professional volunteers and resources will be needed to support it.
2. Consultative Support. In 2006, at the City of SLO's invitation, SLOGB helped in the writing of green-building provisions for the City's update of its Conservation and Open Space Element. As a 2007 encore, SLOGB prepared a white paper and appeared at Planning Commission and City Council meetings to comment on the City's proposed Height Ordinance. [In such situations, SLOGB does not take positions for or against specific outcomes. Rather, it advances green-building principles to help guide local governments in their deliberations.] In addition, SLO Green Build members have conducted training for building and planning staff for SLO County and the City of Paso Robles on green building issues, and have consulted to various municipalities on green-building policies.
3. Appropriate Technology. SLOBG extended the scope of its technical activities to bring greater public attention to ways of dealing with such environmental issues as water treatment and conservation using natural processes that are environmentally and economically sustainable. Working with County staff, Surfrider Foundation and the Sierra Club's local chapter, SLOGB helped to (a) prepare a needs-analysis and work program for appropriate technologies, (b) conduct a public forum entitled, 'Where's the Water,' and (c) hold an appropriate-technology fund-raising and educational event that drew 350 people. It also drafted a grant application to Patagonia for a grey-water project, to be re-submitted in 2008.
4. USGBC Organizing Committee. SLOGB has been actively engaged in the effort to bring a U.S. Green Building Council chapter into our region as an allied effort. The USGBC is responsible for creating and directing the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. A USGBC organizing committee was formed in 2007, with SLOGB reviewing and supporting the effort.
Government Committee Program
In its first two years, SLOGB's involvement with local governments concentrated on negotiating MOUs and getting service offerings in place. While much of this activity spilled over into 2007, SLOGB pursued other initiatives in 2007 to spark government thinking and action on energy and environmental policy.
1. MOUs. By the end of 2006, all but three local governments had signed MOUs with SLOGB. By the end of the first quarter 2007, all had signed. [In 2008, SLOGB will be asking local governments to amend the original MOUs with additional provisions.]
2. Quarterly Liaison Meetings. Regularly scheduled liaison meetings have bought together staff representatives from around the county to discuss common interests and opportunities in green building. The meetings focus on education and have facilitated cross-jurisdictional discussions on appropriate technologies, public recognition of green-built projects, staff training and other such topics.
3. South County '2030 Challenge' Public Forum. In June, SLOGB organized a public forum on the 2030 Challenge for the three local governments in South County. PG&E sponsored the event financially and participated in the program, which featured a panel of presenters followed by Q&A. The event was covered on public-access TV and recorded on DVD.
4. Regional Energy Planning Conference. As a founding member of the SEA Change alliance, SLOGB planned and organized August's two-day Regional Energy Planning Conference for local governments. SLOGB formed and headed the program committee to develop the agenda; arranged for the speakers, meals, facilities, and audio-video production; promoted the conference, prepared program materials, and raised the money to pay for the event so that the 140 people (75 public officials and staff) who came to the by-invitation event would not have to pay admission.
Outreach Committee Program
SLOGB's outreach effort focuses on informing the public about sustainable building principles and practices. In 2007, this effort expanded significantly in size and scope, notably as follows:
- Green Building Kiosks, Guidelines &Materials. By the end of the first quarter, SLOGB completed its work of building, installing and stocking kiosks in every municipality's building and planning department.
- 'Learn-Build-Save' Series. This series of workshops is an educational outreach effort to municipal staffs, building professionals and the general public. In 2007, SLOGB expanded the program with bi-monthly workshops in North as well as South County. The South County workshops have been going on for more than two years, regularly drawing 50-75 attendees.
- Home Shows & Special Events. Participation in home trade shows allows SLOGB to influence homeowners who are considering home improvements, and to promote awareness of its services to the building trades and general public. In 2007, SLOGB participated in the Spring Home Show in North County and the Fall Home Show in South County. It also had educational booths at the WaterFest (water awareness educational fair), Earth Day in Mission Plaza, the annual Builders Exchange gala, other events.
- Road Show. SLOGB has a contingent of speakers trained to give short talks (15-30 minutes) at group meetings of local organizations. A number of such presentations were given in 2007 to such groups as the Global Climate Change Coalition, the Tea and Talk Weekly Discussion Group, the Association of Realtors (MLS meeting), Retired Active Men's Group, Grover Beach Rotary and others.
- Newsletters. In addition to issuing its quarterly Green Scene newsletter, which goes to the general public, SLOGB introduced a second newsletter in 2007 'called Green on the INSIDE!' designed to keep SLOGB members and partners informed of meetings, events, and goings-on inside the organization.
- Brochure & Website. In 2007 SLOGB took stock of its growing influence in the community and realized it was time to upgrade the design and content of its brochure and website. As a result of a full design review, a new brochure was produced in 2007 and requirements were specified for a new and improved website in 2008.
