Sustainability : Development News

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) launched a new initiative  last week that will explore the potential for developing wind energy resources off of the coast of Maryland. According to estimates from the U.S. Energy Department, Maryland has "outstanding" wind resources, rivaling or exceeding those of Midwestern land based wind resources. The agency plans to evaluate the potential of these resources for commercial development.
 
MEA's offshore wind initiative will include outreach to potential offshore wind developers, a technical evaluation of the wind resources off of Maryland's Atlantic coast and Outer Continental Shelf, and strong engagement with the local community.

"Offshore wind energy offers vast potential to create jobs for our workers and to help stabilize electric costs for our families while also increasing grid stability," says Gov. Martin O'Malley. "As we continue our commitment to promote a Smart, Green and Growing Maryland, the benefits of the clean energy generated from offshore wind may prove to be vital for our State's energy and environmental future."

The MEA, as part of the initiative, issued a Request for Expression of Information and Interest in order to bring business and industry leaders with expertise in the installation and development of offshore wind energy into the project. The request extends to U.S. and European developers interested in starting a constructive dialogue on strategies for facilitating a long-term offshore wind energy strategy for the state.

Meanwhile, the agency is also launching a study that will evaluate opportunities for offshore wind energy on Maryland's Atlantic coast and Outer Continental Shelf. The study will assess the viability of offshore wind energy generation and build on marine spatial planning work currently being developed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy. The results will help guide the state, Maryland residents, and potential wind energy development partners, providing guidance on the physical characteristics of Maryland's offshore resources.

"Offshore wind has the potential to supply more renewable energy than any other resource in the region," noted MEA Director Malcolm Woolf. "If Maryland is able to successfully harness these resources in a cost-effective way, the State will be able to satisfy its Renewable Portfolio Standard of 20 percent by 2022 and benefit from the growing Renewable Energy Credit market."

Source: Gov. Martin O'Malley, MEA
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Baltimore-based Parks & People Foundation, is offering up to $1,000 for groups interested in greening their neighborhood. The monies, part of a partnership with the Baltimore Community Foundation and the Cleaner Greener Baltimore Initiative, provides up to $1,000 in Neighborhood Greening Grants for those planning projects that will plant trees, create community gardens, clean up and restore vacant lots, clean up neighborhoods, create green schoolyards, improve water quality improve and provide environmental education activities. Grant funds may also be used for tools, plant material, equipment and other needed supplies.

Thanks to a push by PNC Bank to design environmentally friendly buildings, green isn't just the color of money � it's the color of the place where money changes hands.

The financial services group is the first major corporation to design and build LEED-certified bank branches known by the PNC trademarked term "Green Branches." The most recent of these opened in Charles Village, bringing the number of LEED-certified buildings built by PNC to 66 (the most built by any company in the world).  A new branch with green elements opened earlier this year in Harbor East and "Green Branch" is slated to open in Annapolis this fall.

Like all PNC Green Branches, at least 50 percent of the Charles Village was constructed with materials that were locally manufactured or made from recycled or environmentally-friendly materials, including flooring, wall covering and furniture fabric. Its cabinetry is made with non-ureaformaldehye substrates and the carpet in the entryways is made of hog's hair. Interior carpet tiles are made from 72 percent recycled material that is 100 percent recyclable back into carpet at the end of its lifecycle, and the hard floor surfaces are made from recycled rubber.

The location is also energy-efficient, using at least 35 percent less energy than a traditional branch and about 4,000 gallons less water due to high-efficiency systems, insulation, and window walls that are three times more efficient than code. During construction, wood, steel, aluminum and cardboard were recycled or salvaged to minimize waste, and non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants were selected for the cooling system to protect the ozone.

According to PNC representative Darcel Kimble, the decision to pursue green construction was led by Senior Vice President Gary Saulson beginning in 2002 at a time when the bank began expanding its branch network. He, along with senior management, decided upon a win-win scenario of making buildings that were less expensive to maintain and kinder to the Earth.

"We are really excited to be part of the Charles Village community," said Annie Spain, PNC Charles Village branch manager. "Our Green Branch is an example of how businesses can have a positive impact on the community without compromising the environment."

While the branch already is open for business, a grand opening event is slated for the fall. 

Writer: Lucy Ament
Source: PNC Bank

What does a $65 million renovation look like? Stroll down to 2 South Charles Street and take a peek at the Hotel Monaco, a new "lifestyle" hotel that's poised to attract not just business travelers but those seeking to explore a new city and experience the lux life.

The 202-room luxury boutique hotel, which occupies the circa 1906 Beaux Arts building, formerly the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad headquarters, boasts "Mediterranean Suites" with soaking tubs for two, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and 500-thread-count Italian linens; "Tall Rooms" with extra-long mattresses and giraffe print robes; "Pet Parlor Rooms" for travelers with feline or canine companions, and a living room where guests can mingle during a daily wine hour.

It also showcases Tiffany stained-glass windows, marble floors, and imposing staircases. Best of all, it offers accommodation with a conscience: the lighting is energy-saving incandescent, showerheads are water savers, and the thermostats and HVAC systems are computer-controlled for optimal efficiency.

The Monaco represents the first Baltimore-based venture for San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, which specializes in super sumptuous accommodation. It is expected to help revitalize Charles and Baltimore Streets. It's also bolstering the workforce: the hotel and its restaurant have 135 to 140 employees. The first Friday and Saturday after opening were sold out, and management expects an occupancy rate of 50-60% for the duration of the year.

A big draw to the area will be the B&O American Brasserie, on the hotel's first level, with its exhibition kitchen, pizza oven and generous counter seating. Chef E. Michael Reidt, named one of the country's Best New Chefs in 2001 by Food & Wine, promises "approachable yet refined" fare, ranging from small plates, charcuterie, cheeses and flatbreads to fisherman's stew and pot roast using only sustainable seafood and local farmers' products. Cocktails are handmade with farm fresh ingredients and, with $3 glasses of wine and Champagne on top of lower-priced bar food specials, happy hour is don't miss.

Source: Dorothy Fuchs, Sandy Hillman Communications
Writer: Lucy Ament

A Baltimore-based real estate developer is finding going green is affordable, too.

A+ Neighborhood Homebuyers is offering its first affordable and energy efficient home. It includes a tankless water heating system. The developers also cut costs by repurposing the building's wooden beams and studs and by using eco-friendly cellulose insulation instead of the more traditional fiberglass insulation.

"It was an idea that our private lender suggested. He said that since we had renovated several houses throughout the city in the last several years that we should try something new. We used a consultant for the project who showed us different strategies we could use to save money in our construction budget," says Marcel Umphrey, company co-founder.

The project is proof that going green does not have to be expensive, according to Umphrey.

"A lot of investors think that if you go green it will take a lot more money than you would usually spend on a typical renovation. We found that we actually saved a little money. We used cellulose insulation because that was more cost efficient," he says.

The company is working on more green homes that also include Energy Star-rated appliances have received green audits before and after the renovation. They will run between $150,000 and $180,000. Umphrey expects to host an open house in mid-September.

Source:Marcel Umphrey, A+ Neighborhood Homebuyers
Writer: Lucy Ament

Low-income families in Baltimore will get some help keeping their heating bills low this winter thanks to federal legislation that provides $15.7 million for a citywide weatherization initiative.

Mayor Shelia Dixon announced in June that some 700 families over the next 3 years will receive assistance keeping the elements out of their homes and, consequently, their energy bills down. The process of weatherization has been shown to reduce energy consumption by as much as one-third.

Funding for the weatherization project comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law in February by President Obama. The law is designed to provide assistance and relief the communities and families that are struggling financially and to bolster investment in initiatives that create jobs and promote the stability of the economy.

"Today is the beginning of a movement to make the entire city greener and more sustainable," Dixon says. "The weatherization initiatives will ensure that energy efficiency and 'greening' programs are active in every neighborhood in Baltimore."

The initiative is also expected to have a positive impact on the city's workforce, as city employees working on the initiative will earn certification by the Department of Energy to conduct weatherization, according to Dixon. This certification process should add skills to the Baltimore-based workforce and local contractors that meet new federal certification standards.

The city will coordinate the weatherization project with the health department's "Healthy Homes" and lead abatement initiatives, as well as housing rehabilitation programs from the Department of Housing and Community Development and energy efficiency programs under the Empower Maryland program.

Funds coming through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be monitored in quarterly reports by the Baltimore Economic Recovery Team. Reports are available at http://recovery.baltimorecity.gov.