Green Reflections: Fresno Branch Event in Review

The bi-monthly USGBC Fresno Branch program and Green Mixer was an exciting one with two distinguished local professionals with a healthy Central Valley on their agendas! The meeting was kicked off with a Green Mixer and was a fun hour of socializing with our green friends!

Reflecting the close connection between LEED standards and air quality measures in the Central Valley, USGBC was pleased to present Dan Barber of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District as the first speaker. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (Valley Air District) is committed to improving the health and quality of life for all Valley residents through effective and cooperative air quality programs. The focus of Tuesday night's event was on general District functions and achievements as well as introduction and review of Rule 9510 Indirect Source Review.

Rule 9510 is a commitment in the Environmental Protection Agency approved PM10 Attainment Demonstration Plan with an objective to air quality impacts associated with new development projects within the San Joaquin Valley. The measure targets project construction and operational emissions and is credited with significantly reducing Valley emissions. The District's function is to protect public health while promoting good economic climate.   

Congratulations to SJVAPCD for their achievements, including being the most efficient District in the State, having the lowest mitigation fees in the State, and setting a Valley Clean Air Record in August.  Thank you for your thorough and informative presentation!

View presentation here. 


Our second notable presenter of the evening was Sam Geil, representing the non-profit International Green Industry Hall of Fame with the mission of recognizing individuals and organizations from across the globe for outstanding achievement(s) in the Green Industry and providing an educational forum for the international public.

The Inaugural Induction Ceremony & Conference held at the LEED Certified U.C.Merced campus on March 25, 2011 was a great success, with many inductees including: ACORE, Grundfos, Josh Dorfman, DripTech, City of Fresno, Recycling Program, and Duke Smart Home Program. Congratulations to International Green Industry Hall of Fame for enthusiastically supporting green building and to all of the 2011 inductees for your dedication to promoting a healthy and sustainable environment.

Applications and additional information regarding the IGIHOF  can be found at /http://www.gogreenhall.org/.

Check back soon for information on the Fresno Branch January event! Fresno Branch events are held on the first Tuesday of every odd month (Jan, March, etc) at 5:30pm at the Unitarian Church.