EPA & Chesapeake Bay Trust Grant $400,000 For Green Jobs and Projects

Washington DC- The Environmental Protection Agency and the Chesapeake Bay Trust are funding "Green Streets, Green Jobs, and Green Towns Initiative." By authorizing $400,000 in grants, they are funding several projects for cities and nonprofit organizations throughout the Chesapeake Bay area and Pennsylvania. The initiative, also named "G3" seeks to promote and improve green infrastructure, water quality, and community health.

Recently, Dunbar High School has received $95,000 from the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Trust to build a green street. This project, titled "Green’O’vation"will be built along O Street between 1st and 3rd Streets in Washington DC.  This new street will aim to prevent flooding near the school and serve as an outdoor science class for students. Rather than stormwater and floodwater going into the streets into storm drains, the water will be filtered on-site. Biorientation cells will be designed and built to collect 39,000 gallons of water. The street will also feature more 39 more trees and 900 shrubs to collect up to 500 gallons of water, reduce the heat-island effect, and create a more beautiful, healthy living environment.

Students will have an increased exposure to environmentally-friendly initiatives with the new green street. "It’s important for [the students] to learn about any and everything that would help save our environment,” Dunbar High School Principal Stephen Jackson says.

The G3 effort is designed to reduce stormwater runoff, increase energy efficiency, and create green jobs.

The other G3 projects include:

• Cambridge, MD- $75,000 grant to create a landscaped park with native trees and vegetation. This project strives to create a greener environment and reduce stormwater runoff.
• Northumberland, PA- $30,000 to create new green infrastructure that will reduce flooding issues in residential areas.
• Low Impact Development Center, Inc- $35,000 to create zero-runoff on Arapahoe Street in Forest Heights, MD; $35,000 to create a green street in Bladensburg, MD.
• Richmond, VA- $95,000 to the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to install a green corridor
• Prince George's County, MD- $35,000 to create cost-effective financial partnerships to build and maintain new water quality infrastructure. 

The G3 Grant Program is open to local governments and nonprofit organizations. Grants will fund green stormwater infrastructure and green jobs. For more information visit http://www.cbtrust.org/

To learn more about Stormwater Management, click here to register for a course or webinar with GreenEDU!

Palo Alto, California To Use 100% Carbon-Neutral Energy

Palo Alto Wind Turbines

Palo Alto, CA- Last Monday, Palo Alto decided to make the shift to carbon-free, renewable energy sources. Going forward, the city's energy will be derived from 100% clean, renewable energy resources. Because the city owns all of its own utilities, they will be able to make the shift without disrupting surrounding cities or shareholders. The city estimates that this will add $3 a year to energy bills for the average Palo Alto resident.

Palo Alto Mayor Greg Sharff stated, "Climate change is one of the critical challenges of our generation and we hope our actions will inspire others to follow suit."

Currently, Palo Alto derives about 50% of its energy from hydroelectricity. The city also makes use of wind turbines and solar panels.

Their plan is to have carbon-neutral electricity for the town by the end of 2013. For circumstances when renewable energy isn't enough, Palo Alto plans on buying short-term energy with the use of renewable energy certificates. These will be used to supplement long-term renewable energy resources.

Palo Alto's Carbon Neutral Plan is predicted to reduce 330,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2016.

"As a City, we’ve had cheaper, greener power for our citizens for decades, and being able to make this recent move to 100% carbon-free electricity is just another example of how owning our own utilities pays off," said City Manager James Keene.

GreenEDU Trainer Spotlight: Ecosystems Environmental Services, Inc.

Ecosystems Environmental Services, Inc. provides EPA Lead Certification in Montpelier, Virginia. Motivated by environmental issues, Ecosystems Environmental Services, Inc. strives to create healthier communities by providing expert training in state of the art classrooms. They provide students with hands-on training so that students will feel ready and comfortable to perform tasks on-site. They are a leader in environmental consulting services in Virginia and assist various clients, such as schools, residential areas, and industrial companies. Ecosystems Environmental Services, Inc. makes the students a priority and offers flexible, practical training that lets students save time and money while getting training from leading providers.

GreenEDU students have given Ecosystems Environmental Services, Inc. positive feedback. James G. stated, "[The] examples and info were easy to understand and helpful," and described the trainer as "thorough in her explanations, and kept the class interesting. [She] did a great job."

Ecosystems Environmental Services currently has 6 upcoming courses in Montpelier, Virginia.

They currently offer EPA Lead Certification Initial training with GreenEDU. Anyone looking to work with lead paint must complete the required training. Ecosystems Environmental Services meets both Virginia and U.S. EPA guidelines for training.

The Lead Renovator Certification Initial course is 8 hours in length and includes both EPA-approved lead safety training and certification. Any contractor performing qualifying work must employ at least one Certified Renovator who has successfully completed this training, in addition to being registered as a Lead Safe Certified Firm with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The course concludes with a 25 question EPA-certification exam. Anyone who performs renovations, repairs, or painting in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities must be EPA Lead Safe Certified. Individuals and firms that are not certified could face fines of up to $37,500 per day. This will satisfy the new requirement for individuals to attain EPA lead certification in Lead Paint Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP). Attendees who pass the certification exam will be certified as renovators to perform lead-safe work.

About Ecosystems Environmental Services, Inc. 
Ecosystems Environmental Services, Inc has provided environmental management, consulting, and field services since 1992 to include a multitude of local, state and federal agencies, as well as private residential, commercial and industrial clients. Since its incorporation, Ecosystems has made a significant impact on critical decision making for hundreds of clients nationwide. The ever-changing facets of global environmental issues prompted the establishment of Ecosystems Environmental Services, Inc in order to design and implement innovative techniques to manage environmental concerns in a safe, timely, and cost-effective manner. Our company has emerged and continues to rise as a leader in the fields of remediation, environmental and geological services; mold assessments; asbestos and lead-based paint services; indoor air quality; other industrial hygiene services, waste management; and environmental and OSHA training.

For more information and registration, please visit: http://www.greenedu.com/ecosystems-environmental-services-inc

European Investment Bank Cuts Funding for Coal-Fired Power Plants

The European Investment Bank (EIB) provides financing for the European Union and has recently announced its new policy to stop financing coal-fired power plants. This is a part of the European Union's clean energy plan to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2030. The policy mandates that power plants that emit more than 550 grams of carbon per kilowatt-hour would no longer receive funding from the EIB.

Germany, however, did not agree with the decision and encouraged the bank to continue funding these power plants since Germany still heavily depends on energy produced by coal. After the 2011 Fukushima nuclear diaster in Japan, Germany began to shut down its own nuclear plants. They rely on coal for about 45% of their total power.

Coal Plant in China

The EIB plans to tighten its regulations within the upcoming years, pushing for 450 gCO2/kW as the EU strives to meet its carbon emissions goal.

The EIB has provided billions of euros to finance these power plants in the past and the new policy represents the EU's strict adherence to the battle against climate change.

We have seen similar policies taking shape in the United States as well, with Obama's new climate change plan. Obama posited that he would crack down on coal companies and restrict US funding of overseas coal plants. “Today, I’m calling for an end to public financing for new coal plants overseas unless they deploy carbon-capture technologies," stated Obama in his Georgetown speech. He plans on reducing carbon emissions by 3 billion metric tons by 2030.

The World Bank recently announced a major shift in how they fund energy projects. They stated they will only provide funding in "rare circumstances." The World Bank stated, "Considerations such as meeting basic energy needs in countries with no feasible alternatives to coal and a lack of financing for coal power would define such rare cases."  They are instead promoting measures to reduce carbon emissions in existing plants and seek to reduce the harmful effects of coal on a local and global scale.

The strategies of these new banks are certainly admirable but are currently facing opposition. Many of the power plants that would lose funding are overseas and located in developing nations, with poorer workers providing the labor. Coal is typically the cheapest form of energy for developing nations. If these plants were to shut down, developing nations would lose a source of power and employment.

World Bank president Jim Yong Kim made a comment about a controversial plan to build a lignite coal-fired power plant in Kosovo: "Climate change and the coal issue is one thing, but the humanitarian issue is another, and we cannot turn our backs on the people of Kosovo who face freezing to death if we don’t move in.”

While none of these policies are total bans on coal, they are steps in the correct direction and demonstrate the urgent need for a change in the way the world thinks about and uses energy.

NYC Mayor Bloomberg Promotes Stairs

New York Times Staircase- Source

New York, NY- Mayor Bloomberg has publicly supported green initiatives during his time in office, from planting half a million trees to banning super-sized sodas to encouraging transparency for public buildings' energy usage. Recently, Bloomberg has proposed the Center for Active Design, which promotes buildings where inhabitants can lead healthier and more active lives.

New York buildings stand tall and often do not have accessible staircases. These staircases are often hidden at the ends of corridors, connected to fire alarms, or simply locked. Often, employees and residents must have access cards, allowing them onto specific floors. Many staircases often have warning signs on them, confusing and discouraging people from using them. Studies show that taking the stairs for just 2 minutes a day can help prevent weight gain, so Bloomberg is now promoting building designs with accessible staircases.

He is mandating that all buildings have at least one accessible stairway and signs near the elevators showing the stairway as an alternative option. The legislation Bloomberg is proposing also includes the creation of the Center for Active Design.

The Center for Active Design has four main goals:

• Active Transportation - safe, wide sidewalks; lighting and benches; street trees and plants; interconnected bikeways; ample bicycle parking; comfortable, safe bus stops
• Active Buildings - accessible, well-lit stairs; on-site exercise facilities; access to indoor and outdoor walking trails; nearby, accessible public transit; kitchens and casual spaces to promote healthy eating
• Active Recreation - parks, plazas, and playgrounds accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists; natural elements and landscapes; safe play environments for children
• Food Access - space for full-service grocery stores; space for farmers' markets; rooftop gardens and greenhouses; visible water fountains with faucets

"New York City has been a leader when it comes to promoting healthier eating and now we’re leading when it comes to encouraging physical activity as well," stated Bloomberg. 

The goal for Mayor Bloomberg is to create a welcoming environment that encourages New York City residents to use stairs, eat healthy, and stay active. By making stairs more user-friendly and accessible, Mayor Bloomberg hopes to promote healthier lives while simultaneously decreasing New York's carbon footprint. 

GreenEDU Trainer Spotlight: The Dell Group, Inc.

The Dell Group Inc. is an Ohio-based EPA Lead Certification training company. They provide Ohio Department of Health approved Lead Abatement training and EPA Lead Certified Renovation, Repair, and Painting training. For over 24 years, they have provided customized, expert training for their clients, seeking to meet any individual needs and questions. Their upmost concern is keeping their students well informed by educating them on state and federal regulations and providing hands-on, practical training.

The Dell Group Inc. strives to provide their students with a personal, specialized experience. GreenEDU student James C. commented that the, "Instructor was very knowledgeable about material. Took time to answer all of our questions and was very patient with us even if he would cover that material later on in the course. He gave several personal examples of his work history and how it related to the material, which added a personal touch."

Joseph D. added that the instructor provided, "real world examples of how to apply [the training] in the field."

The Dell Group currently has 58 upcoming courses with GreenEDU in Toledo, Cleveland, and Akron, Ohio. They currently offer the following EPA Lead Certification courses:

• EPA Lead Certification Initial and Refresher
• Lead Inspector Certification Initial and Refresher
• Lead Risk Assessor Certification Initial and Refresher
• Lead Abatement Supervisor Initial and Refresher
• Lead Abatement Worker Initial and Refresher

Those seeking to work with Lead Paint, must meet the state and federal requirements. The EPA has issued multiple certifications required for all companies and individuals who work on projects that have lead paint present. The normal requirement for an EPA lead certification is that companies must register and pay a fee with EPA (or their local jurisdiction depending on where they are located), and individuals must take an EPA-approved lead paint training course. Those who do not take the required training courses can face government fines as high as $37,500.

One of The Dell Group's most popular courses is the EPA Lead Certification Initial course, an 8-hour course that includes both EPA-approved lead safety training and certification. Any contractor performing qualifying work must employ at least one Certified Renovator who has successfully completed this training, in addition to being registered as a Lead Safe Certified Firm with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The course concludes with a 25 question EPA-certification exam.

About The Dell Group, Inc.
Founded in 1989, The Dell Group (providing training under our non-profit division, Lead Experts) offers professional consultation and training in many areas of expertise, including safety management and training, industrial hygiene, OSHA / EPA / DOT compliance, environmental engineering and permitting, indoor air quality, lead licensing, and development of environmental management systems. We provide custom, specialized programs for manufacturers, contractors, municipalities, schools, universities and service industries. Our state-of-the-art training methodologies are field and factory proven. Instead of lectures and textbook
s, the focus is placed on hands-on, practical skill development. In addition, all training is customized to be site-specific with variable formats based on trainee experience.

To check out all available courses and to register with The Dell Group, please visit: http://www.greenedu.com/the-dell-group-inc

Top 6 Green Cities in the World

Around the world, people are embracing the need to go green. Scientists have shown that carbon parts per million has been on the steady rise in the past century and that global temperatures are increasing. They predict that we must reduce our carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 to prevent life-threatening climate change. If global temperatures continue to increase, ecosystems will collapse, farming will fail, and sea levels will rise. So what is the world doing about it?

Earthtechling did a study and found the top 6 cities in leading the green revolution are New York City, Vancouver, Copenhagen, London, Amsterdam, and Stockholm. These cities have made it a priority to reduce their carbon footprint through several means and are setting examples for other cities to follow.

New York Million Trees Program- Source

1. New York City - New York City has a population density of over 69,000 people per square mile, making it the most dense city in America. Mayor Bloomberg has lead several campaigns to reduce New York's carbon footprint. With high availability of public transportation, only 44% of New Yorkers use cars, compared with 95% of Americans. 37% of residents take public transportation to work, including walking, cycling, or taking the bus or subway. The city also operates 855 hybrid buses, making it the city with the largest electric bus fleet. Mayor Bloomberg has set a goal of planting 1 million new trees, with 500,000 already planted. He has also recently introduced the Citi Bike Share Program, with thousands of bikes being added to the city for public use. 
2. Vancouver- Vancouver is the most energy efficient city among the six leaders. They use 32.5GJ of energy per person per year (compared with 104.88GJ in Stockholm). 90% of Vancouver's energy is generated from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectric. Vancouver has also introduced a metering system that reduces water consumption by 17% per family. Vancouver residents can also receive grants of up to $3500 to install solar powered hot water systems.
3. Copenhagen- Copenhagen has recently introduced a policy that requires all new buildings to contain green roofs. Additionally, 68% of their residents take public transportation to work and has set a goal of becoming the first carbon neutral city in the world by 2025. Copenhagen is currently the leader in recycling with only 477KG of waste per capita. 55% of the waste in Copenhagen is recycled, and in 2009, only 2% of waste was sent to the landfill.
4. London- While London has not had as much success in creating a demand for green products, they have made significant bounds in traffic and carbon reduction. In 2003, London introduced a bike-share system, providing 8000 bikes for public use. This reduced traffic by 18% and currently only uses 5.84 tonnes of carbon per person. They have also introduced the "Low Emission Zone," which applies penalty fees to those driving high-emission vehicles. London plans to reduce their carbon emissions by 60% by 2025.
   
   

   

   Bikes in Amsterdam- Source

5. Amsterdam- Anyone who has ever been to Amsterdam will have noticed the surplus of bikes. There is 1 bike for every .73 people in Amsterdam, totaling over 600,000 bikes in the city. 62% of Amsterdam residents take public transportation to work. They have over 750 electric cars on the road and 350 available charging stations. Amsterdam is currently the leader in water waste reduction. Only 32.22 gallons of water are used per person per day. They have a 3.5% leakage rate, compared with 23% average leakage rate in Europe. Amsterdam has introduced a differential water pricing, making water prices different throughout the day to encourage users to spread out their water usage. 
   
   
6. Stockholm- Stockholm currently leads the world in public transportation usage, with 93% of its residents walking, cycling, or taking public transit to work. Currently, Stockholm generates 48% of its energy from hydroelectric sources. They also lead the world by having the lowest carbon emissions- only 3.62 tonnes per person. They have set a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 17% by 2015, with no more than 3 tonnes of carbon per capita.