SAWS WaterSaver Newsletter
We have been broadcasting the risk of entering Stage 3 Drought Restrictions in recent newsletter and there is still serious risk of that happening. However, we also want to make you aware of the SAWS Newsletter, which is a great resource for water conservation in our community. It will provide you with useful tips and suggestions to save water in our hottest months and all year long. You may sign up by clicking here and receive weekly updates from the SAWS Conservation Department.
Historic Preservation Community Forum
The City's Office of Historic Preservation will hold a free community forum featuring preservation expert Donovan Rypkema on August 31st from 7:30-9:00. Restoring existing buildings is an important way to preserve our history but also has environmental benefits. As an expert in the economics of preservation, Mr. Rypkema will help describe the common themes of sustainability and preservation. You may view their flyer here and feel free to post at your place of work or other shared spaces. Contact Molly Matthews for more information.
St. Philips Launches Green Curriculum
We have heard a lot about the upcoming wave of "green jobs" that are expected to come as a part of the emerging clean energy economy. While it is not always clear what this will mean to our local economy, a new program from St. Philip's College is helping to shed some light on this trend. They have developed and will launch their Power Generation and Alternative Energy A.A.S. program to prepare students to work in the wind and solar industries. Their online catalog contains the 60 hour course load over 2 years and shows a very diverse and rigorous program. If you or anyone you know are interested in this exciting field please take some time to look over their program. Read More
CPS Energy Seeks Renewable Energy Contracts
You may remember CPS Energy's "personals" ad campaign from last summer seeking bids for renewable energy contracts. While these ads used humor to grab attention, they were serious offers for large energy projects. This year they are again seeking bids for renewable energy with an eye towards wind or solar projects (up to 200 MW!) that can be used to help meet peak demand. This brings to mind coastal wind farms or West Texas solar arrays but all renewable source as defined by SB7 are eligible. If you want a detailed description of this initiative, please see their RFP.
LEED Training Workshops
The Balcones Chapter of the US Green Building Council will host two workshops during the month of August. The August 7th workshop will highlight LEED for Commercial Interiors followed by LEED for New Construction and Core and Shell rating system on the 28th.
Climate Change Impacts on the U.S.
A new report from 13 government agencies presents some of the potential effects of climate change on the U.S. Among the dire predictions are increased drought and decreased food production if current trends continue. Of particular interest to our region is the possibility of additional heat waves and stress to water resources. You may also read the summary here.
Cleaning goes green @ the Library
At a brownbag program at the Central Library, 600 Soledad, on Wednesday, August 5, at 11:30 a.m., April Mier will explain how to clean your home simply and effectively with a few basic multi-use products, such as vinegar, cream of tartar, baking soda, lemons, and salt. Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch to the event. Table seating will be available.
The program is free and open to the public. One hour’s free parking is available in the Central Library Garage with a validated ticket. For more information on this program or other upcoming San Antonio Public Library events, the public may call 207-2500 or visit the library’s web site.
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Download Documents
• Mission Verde Sustainability Plan
• CAEL Green Jobs Initiative Report to San Antonio
• COSA 2009 Air Quality Health Alert Plan
• COSA 2009 Drought Operations Plan
| OEP Staff
-Laurence Doxsey, Director
-Liza Meyer, Special Projects Manager
-Bill Barker, Senior Management Analyst
-Julia Diana, Senior Management Analyst
-Philip Gates, Senior Management Analyst
-Robert Young, Management Intern
-Sonia Hernandez, Administrative Associate
Physical Address
111 Soledad, Suite 725
San Antonio, TX 78205
ph:210-207-6372
fax:210-207-4396
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 839966
San Antonio, TX
78283-3966 |
Success Stories
 The City of San
Antonio now has 2 new LEED AP staff members. Andrew Blouet from Parks and Recreation and Michael Rodriguez from Aviation recently passed the LEED for New Construction and Major Renovation exam.
LEED is a voluntary green building and sustainable development program developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Achieving LEED AP status is a worthwhile goal and local builders, designers, or architects are encouraged to earn this certification. For more information about upcoming workshops contact Liza Meyer.
Walk & Roll Corporate Challenge Winners
The Office of Environmental Policy would like to thank all those who participated in the Walk & Roll Corporate Challenge during the month of June. Employees were asked to log their 'smart miles', or how they got to work without driving a car alone. Overall COSA employees logged a total of 17,941.18 miles! That is a significant VMT reduction and we appreciate your contribution. While the aggregate figures are impressive, there are a number of individuals who stood out for their participation. Winners include:
Biking: Philip Gates (OEP) - 111 miles Runner-Up: Amanda Mares-Vallarta (SAPD)- 44 miles
Busing: Linda Johnson (City Atty.)- 845 miles Runner-Up: Pat Rudloff (Con. Sports & Ent. Facilities)- 797 miles
Pooling: Martha Crocker (ITSD)- 1,056 miles Runner-Up: Caesar Bustos (ITSD)- 1,014 miles
Walking: Paula Figueroa (ITSD)- 160 miles Runner-Up: Nancy Schmitz (ITSD)- 50 miles
Overall Winner: Caesar Bustos- 1,577 m. Runner-Up: Martha Crocker- 1,158 m.
We would also like to express our gratitude to the business sponsors who generously provided gifts to our winners. Thanks to: Twin Sisters Bakery and Cafe, Taco Cabana, Jones and Cook, Rosemary Delivers, and Main Plaza Market.
ASES Solar Tour of San Antonio
Solar San Antonio is coordinating the ASES Solar Tour of San Antonio October 3, and have begun accepting suggestions for relevant solar projects completed in San Antonio for this year's tour. All solar projects are acceptable, including old and new commercial and residential projects in the San Antonio area. Projects that were included in last year's tour are also acceptable.
Please send all suggestions to Eric Washburn, or by phone at 210-354-0236.
RFP for 2010 ACI Home Performance Conference
ACI (Affordable Comfort, Inc.) is interested in identifying ideas, topics, and presenters for the practical application and implementation of innovative ideas in residential buildings. ACI brings together a variety of professionals in energy, housing, construction, weatherization, green building and design, as well as program designers and policy makers. Sessions will attract over 1,100 participants from the private, utility, non-profit, and government sectors. Click here to submit a proposal. |
The City of San Antonio is slated to receive ARRA funds from the Department of Energy this month and the Office of Environmental Policy is preparing RFPs for release during the months of August & September. We are seeking bids for a wide range of projects from renewable energy installations, municipal energy efficiency retrofits, alternative transportation initiatives, and home weatherization. The clock is ticking so we need to begin to receive these so that we can pick the service providers and put people to work.