GreenEDU Partners With National Institute of Decontamination Specialists

Piedmont, SC- Recently, GreenEDU announced a strategic partnership with the National Institute of Decontamination Specialists (NIDS), a South Carolina based training center. NIDS is a decontamination training center dedicated to the success of its students, striving to create a positive experience. Additionally, they provide lunch free of charge to all of their students for every day of training. They provide hands-on training for the clean up of crime scenes, meth labs, and other biohazard challenges by using Hollywood-type sets so that students are able to interact with the environment and understand what a real hazardous situation may look like. Students interact with the set while being instructed and aided by an "actor," giving students realistic, hands-on training. They are affiliated with several accredited industries, such as IICRC, the American BioRecovery Association, and the Restoration Industry Association.

NIDS is currently offering Meth Lab and Tear Gas Decontamination training and Crime and Trauma Scene Bio-Recovery training in Piedmont, South Carolina.

About the National Institute of Decontamination Specialists
The National Institute of Decontamination Specialists (NIDS) is approved by the American BioRecovery Association and has aligned itself with manufacturers, industry associations and top notch professionals to assure you receive the latest science-based information possible. Their courses are science-based as the result of constant research, and they only present training on subjects their instructors are recognized experts on. Kent Berg, ACBTI, is the Director of NIDS, and he has taught specialty decontamination of crime scenes, meth labs, disease outbreaks, and other biohazard challenges to over 800 companies across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. and has provided countless others with technical assistance. He has supervised the cleanup and disinfection of over 1,000 crime and trauma scenes and has written five training manuals. As a consultant, he has assisted cities, counties and the U.S. military in preparing bid requests for biorecovery services, and assisted in creating legislation for biorecovery statutes. He holds membership in the American BioRecovery Association, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, International Association of Hazardous Materials Technicians, Cleaning Industry Research Institute, and the Society of Cleaning & Restoration Technicians.

View all NIDS decontamination courses at http://www.greenedu.com/national-institute-of-decontamination-specialists

4 Creative Upcycled Structures

Upcycling is the process of taking used or waste materials and converting them into new or higher quality materials. As recycling and sustainable buildings are gaining popularity, upcycling is one of the newest trends for green buildings. Usually materials are "downcycled" when re-used, which means that they are turned into materials of lesser quality. The concept of upcycling encourages creative uses of unwanted or waste materials in ways that may not have been thought of or implemented before.

Recycling and upcycling reduce gas emissions and our carbon footprint and have quickly become a unique trend for sustainability-minded designers and builders. Designers use recycled and wasted materials to create new, beautiful, and extremely creative structures.

DesignBuild Source recently featured structures that used upcycling in an exceptional way - here are a few highlights:

    Morrow Royal Pavilion used upcycled beer bottles.
    Morrow Royal Pavilion
  • The Morrow Royal Pavilion in Las Vegas is made of crushed glass. Over 500,000 beer bottles were crushed to make GreenStone, similar in appearance to sandstone but comprised of glass and  fly ash. Crushing the glass is low energy and allows this glass to be reused and leave behind no carbon footprint. 
  • The "Head in the Clouds" Pavilion is located on Governor's Island in New York. The structure is composed of over 50,000 recycled plastic bottles taken from multiple sources throughout the city including, schools, businesses,  and local residents. The structure is supported by sand, water, and aluminum tubes, and the bottles are then covered with recycled plastic milk jugs. Blue food coloring inside the water bottles gives the structure and ethereal, peaceful look where visitors can relax and gaze. 
Upcycled milk cartons form the Tetrabrik Pavilion in Spain
Tetrabrik Pavilion
  • Tetrabrik Pavilion, located in Spain, is composed of recycled plastic milk cartons, linked together with clips and supported by sandbags as counterweight. Over 100 colleges in Spain donated milk cartons to the project and architecture students continue to improve the pavilion, making it stronger against wind and weather. The building earned a Guinness World Record as being the largest building built from recycled materials. 
Upcylced paper constructs the The Paper Theatre in Paris
Paper Theatre
  • The Paper Theatre in Paris is constructed from paper from magazines, newspapers, and used office paper. This colorful theater was designed by Studio Andrew Todd and will be displayed at the World State Design event in Wales this September. This theater's exoskeleton is comprised of paper while its roof is made of bamboo material which allows natural light into the space.  

USGBC Offers Free LEED Platinum Certification

Platinum LEED Certification Plaque
Recently, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced they will offer free LEED certification for the first Platinum projects that achieve certification using the newest version of its green building rating system, LEED v4.

LEED v4 is currently available in its Beta version, and over a hundred projects around the world are currently pursuing certification under this new version. These projects seek to implement, test, and improve the new LEED rating system before its launch later this year, which was just approved by an overwhelming majority of USGBC members. LEED v4 and builds upon earlier LEED rating systems but with more emphasis on building performance.

"LEED v4 continues the mission of USGBC to transform the industry," stated LEED Fellow, Theresa Lehman, "and I commend USGBC and the technical volunteers for taking the leap and putting a lot of thought and effort into the program.”

USGBC has added this campaign to promote LEED v4 as part of the LEED Earth campaign. Currently, 9 countries are participating in LEED Earth--the USGBC's campaign to promote LEED in countries where it currently doesn't exist. "We are committed to meeting market demand for LEED and the upcoming version will continue to raise the industry bar," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC.

They plan to fine-tune the new rating system through this campaign and will reward its participants with free certification. The USGBC strives to ensure flexibility in the system so that different markets, climates, and regions can still develop green buildings and obtain certification.

To participate in the program and register a project email LEEDEarth@usgbc.org.

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is an organization representing over 13,000 members from the built environment. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

New York OSHA Trainer Dorsey Health and Safety Consulting Partners with GreenEDU

New York - Green Education Services is excited to announce a new partnership with Dorsey Health and Safety Consulting. Alicia Dorsey is an OSHA certified trainer and holds an undergraduate degree in biology and a minor in chemistry and a master of science degree in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering. Additionally, she was employed by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) as a compliance officer/industrial hygienist, conducting inspections in industry, health care, air quality, asbestos, and ergonomics. She then continued her work with health and safety at a hospital, developing programs for Hazard Communication, Asbestos Management, and Indoor Air Quality. She provides comprehensive training for her students and develops connections with them so that students feel confident and comfortable.

Dorsey Health and Safety Consulting provide OSHA 10-Hour and OSHA 30-Hour training in Glen Falls and Saratoga Springs, New York. These courses provide instruction on OSHA regulations and standards as they apply to general industry. It also teaches safety awareness and assists supervisors in recognizing and reducing risks in the workplace.

The company also specializes in the new OSHA requirements for the new HazCom and the Globally Harmonized System training courses for workers. First Aid/CPR/AED, Employee Respiratory Training, and Lockout/Tagout Blockout OSHA classes are also available for clients by request.

Current Training Locations:
Current Training Classes:
About Dorsey Health and Safety Consulting
Dorsey Health and Safety Consulting provides comprehensive analysis of health and safety compliance for our clients as well as OSHA 10 and 30 hour training, educational services, air monitoring, program development, and employee training. Alicia M. Dorsey, president of Dorsey Health and Safety Consulting, holds a Masters Degree in Occupational Safety and Health Engineering and is a former OSHA Compliance Officer and Health and Safety Programs Manager for NC Baptist Hospitals and its subsidiary multispecialty physician outpatient practices. In addition, Alicia is an Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer, having completed over 26 OSHA Training Institute classes.

For more information, please visit http://www.greenedu.com/dorsey-health-and-safety-consulting

Asbestos and Hazwoper Trainer in WA Joins GreenEDU Network

Spokane, WA- Recently, Green Education Services partnered with Kyron Environmental, an environmental health and safety consulting firm based in Washington state that provides certification for asbestos and hazardous materials. Its small staff is composed of high quality professionals who consistently provide their expertise to help their students succeed. They have had careers in schools, small businesses, non-profits, regulatory agencies, and larger industrial companies, and understand the cost and risks of environmental projects. With their diverse experience and knowledge, they are able to answer any questions students may have and can provide insight applicable to on-site work.

Kyron Environmental currently has upcoming courses with GreenEDU including Asbestos Supervisor Refresher training and HAZWOPER Refresher training in Spokane, Washington.

In addition to the live asbestos refresher and HAZWOPER refresher training dates they have available in Spokane, they can also provide in-house or group training for a number of other courses, including HAZWOPER 40 hour, HAZMAT Emergency Response Technician, Mold Prevention and Management, and OSHA 10-Hour, Confined Space, and Respirator training.

Kyron Environmental understands how poor information and environmental issues can cause unneeded expenses on projects, and they strive to decrease these expenses for their clients by providing them with expert training on asbestos, OSHA standards, and hazardous materials. Their emphasis on customer service combined with their cost-effective, quality training sets Kyron Environmental as a leader in the safety training industry in Washington.

About Kyron Environmental
Built on principles of integrity, Kyron Environmental is committed to providing high quality environmental consulting services and complete client satisfaction. They ensure project success through uncompromising quality and cost-effective, client-driven strategies. They approach each project with a sound scientific basis that has the client’s best interests in mind in the pursuit of solving environmental issues. Using common sense and state of the art analytical tools, Kyron Environmental provides efficient solutions to environmental health and safety concerns.

To register for a course, please visit http://www.greenedu.com/kyron-environmental

LEED v4 Passes and Comes with Major Changes

USGBC LEED v4 green building rating systemLEED v4, the newest version of USGBC's green building rating system, was passed by USGBC members by an overwhelming majority, with 86% of members supporting the new system. Only 2/3 approval was needed overall. Producers, including contractors and builders, represent 25% of membership and 89% voted "yes." Users, making up 48% of membership had 90% vote "yes," and the General Interest category, including utilities, manufacturers, and organizations represent 26% of membership and had 77% approval.

46 countries and territories, along with the 50 states are represented in the voting pool for LEED changes. The new LEED rating system will launch in November at the Greenbuild conference in Philadelphia, PA. There are currently over 100 projects pursuing LEED v4 certification in its Beta program, and these buildings will seek review as early as this summer.

LEED v4 was open to discussion throughout this year, with the public providing input and invaluable feedback. Some of the major changes from LEED 2009 included:
  • LEED BC+C has new compliance paths for hospitality projects, data centers, warehouses, and distribution centers
  • LEED EB O+M has new compliance paths for schools, retail, data centers, warehouses, and distribution centers
  • "Location and Transportation" has been added as a new credit category
  • New prerequisite for water metering and a new credit for cooling tower water
  • Indoor Environmental Quality, Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring, and Increased Ventilation are now one new credit called "Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies." 
  • New credits for regional and reused materials including "Material Ingredient Reporting," "Avoidance of Chemicals of Concern," and "Responsible Extraction of Raw Materials." 
LEED v4 came with many more changes that can be viewed on the USGBC website. LEED v4 encourages green building and living to the whole building and products, as LEED v4 emphasizes reduction in materials used in design of building and products. The Materials and Resources section was is still controversial amongst members, with its credits being unclear and undefined still. Many supporters of LEED are against the new changes, such as chemical restrictions, and the chemical and timber industries are allying against it, believing that certain credit changes should be removed. Brendan Owens, the vice president of LEED technical development, described its members as "progressive and willing to move forward," and believes that the new LEED rating system will take LEED to the next level.

GreenEDU Trainer Spotlight: Clean Trainer

Clean Trainer provides IICRC and Mold Courses
Clean Trainer provides Mold Certification and Cleaning and Restoration training in Kennesaw, Georgia. Larry Fried, Clean Trainer's instructor, is an accredited IICRC instructor. He provides applicable, quality training to his students so that they are prepared for on-site work.

Fried is passionate about education and services. His dedication and 18 years of expertise allows him to give his students the instruction necessary for them to succeed once outside of the classroom. He works with a variety of students including restoration and remediation companies, contractors, schools, residential home builders, commercial businesses, and many more. Fried strives to provide practical, real-life education courses preparing his students to immediately enter the field of mold inspections and remediation and cleaning and restoration. He offers training out of Kennesaw, Georgia and services the Atlanta Metro area.

Clean Trainer currently has two upcoming courses with GreenEDU this summer. There is an IICRC Water Damage Restoration Technician course on Tuesday, July 16th. This 3 day course lasts from 8 am to 5 pm, and is designed to give restoration personnel a better concept of water damage, its effects, and techniques for drying of structures. This course will give residential and commercial maintenance personnel the background to understand the procedures necessary to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold. Clean Trainer's course is ideal for restoration & remediation companies, contractors, universities, large organizations, facility managers, water damage technicians, carpet cleaning companies, BOMA members, home & building inspectors, and anyone that deals with water damage.

They also have a Certified Mold Specialist course in Georgia on Friday, August 23rd. Fried's one day, high energy course is designed for students wanting to work in the mold inspection or remediation business, and covers all aspects of mold remediation, including: mold fundamentals, inspections, assessments, sampling methods, and report interpretation, while also covering what is needed to perform the actual mold remediation work on the job site. This course normally would take three to five days to learn, but Fried has condensed the material into an 8 hour course. His class follows the model EPA mold guidelines, conforming to national inspection and remediation standards. Upon successful completion of the class, students will be registered as a Certified Mold Specialists with the American Mold Institute at no additional cost.

Clean Trainer consistently provides unparalleled training to our students, and we look forward to helping them continue their growth. Clean Trainer's dedication to serving the public and promoting education sets them apart as an excellent training company.

About Clean Trainer
Larry Fried is an approved IICRC Instructor, a Certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CMRS), and is Lead Certified. Operating throughout the Southeast U.S., Larry instructs the American Mold Institute's mold classes and IICRC water damage classes as an instructor for A. Philip School. With 18 years of professional experience, Larry is passionate about educating restoration and remediation companies, contractors, universities, facility managers, and home and building inspectors about the issues associated with water damage and the remediation work that can be done to mitigate and solve such problems.

To register for a course or to view more information visit http://www.greenedu.com/clean-trainer