Duluth, Minnesota Sustainability Presentation

     Below are two links to a presentation about sustainability initiatives in Duluth, Minnesota.  They are the same, just in different formats to accommodate a variety of viewers.  Press right-click and save as if necessary.

Duluth, MN Sustainability Presentation
Duluth, MN Sustainability Presentation


     If the voice narration does not start or work properly, an abbreviated written narration can be found on this link.

Abbreviated Narration in MS Word format

Ferrier Custom Homes

     On May 25, 2013 Don Ferrier from Ferrier Custom Homes explained what his business does and can provide in the sustainability arena.  Ferrier’s build “green” custom homes and have won numerous awards for design and energy efficiency. 

     Their target audience consists of baby boomers, young families, and survivalists.  He stated that the motivating factors for these customers are wallet and safety, right thing to do, smart design, and self sufficiency.

     Don talked about his daughter’s home (Heather) and how extremely efficient it is.  There are numerous components that account for its efficiency.  Some of these are green flooring, natural lighting, efficient water fixtures, and several more.

     The green flooring he is referring to is the use of bamboo wood and carpet made from recycled materials.  The natural lighting is used to cut the cost of using artificial lighting which drains the energy bill.  One example of the water fixtures is the use of 1.6 gallons per flush toilets.  This conserves the overall use of water.  Rain water is also collected and used for the toilets as well as watering the lawn eliminating the use of fresh processed water.

     When deciding to implement an efficiency innovation, Don said they always ask a simple question “Is the cost worth the benefit?”  If it is, they implement, if not, they search for other alternatives.

     Another aspect of Ferrier Custom Homes is their use of energy efficient shells.  Essentially this insulates the house.  He explained that the cost offsets for their homes is for $1.80 per square foot it returns 50% improvement in efficiency.  Their homes meet or exceed Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratings (SEER) and Home Energy Rating System (HERS) standards.

     Ferrier Custom Homes appeals to a very diverse cross section of customers because of their efficiency and self sustainability.  I thought it was fascinating how they employ so many different aspects of "going green" into each custom home.

Useful Links:

ferriercustomhomes.com
www.ggoarchitects.com
http://thezeroenergyhome.com/

Rik Adamski

    

 
 Do It Yourself Urbanism

     



      On May 18, 2013 Rik Adamski gave a presentation concerning Tactical Urbanism.  Rik is a Senior Planner at Bowman-Melton Associates, Inc..  Rik explained his ideas for new urbanism and sustainable development specifically within the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  He cited several examples from groups throughout the country that implemented some of their ideas to influence their local neighborhood.

     Rik defined do it yourself (DIY) urbanism by the following five criteria:  

          1.  A deliberate, phased approach to instigating change. 
          2.  The offering of local  solutions for local planning 
               challenges. 
          3.  Citizen generated alterations of the built environment. 
          4.  The traditional method to build communities, building by 
               building, block by block. 
          5.  A way for ordinary citizens to help revitalize their own 
               communities.

     The DIY approach encourages individuals to get involved from the community organizers to the city council's etc.  The idea being, individuals can make a difference only if they get involved.  In my opinion, his ideas are to inspire individuals to change their government's way of doing business.  Let the individuals who live in the area of proposed changes provide the ideas for change, not having the government shove their changes down the people's throat.


     An example he cited was the use of a parking day.  This is where an individual or group occupy a parking spot and do some activity other than using the spot to park cars.  This action inspires people to walk and use less vehicles becoming more tied to their community.


     Other ideas he suggested were ("team better block", "race street", and "open streets") type of projects.  These ideas were enacted by individuals, not the government, and they improved their local areas.  

       With the economy being what it currently is, cities shouldn't expect much from the government because there simply isn't money available.  I think some of these ideas will help the local neighborhoods improve in the absence of government.  

     Working together with the community will strengthen ties of all occupants.  Events such as these provide a platform for people to get out of their homes and meet their neighbors etc. which further strengthens the local community.


Link to Rik Adamski's YouTube post:

http://www.youtube.com/user/RikAdamski