May 9th, 2012 by Global Green USA
Global Green Work on Bike Sharing
THE PROJECT
Bring a bike sharing program to the City of Santa Monica.
OUR PARTICIPATION
We co-hosted a bike share community forum with the City in the summer of 2011 to discuss bringing a bike sharing program to Santa Monica, where we were joined by bike advocacy groups and representatives from bike sharing programs from around the country. Similar to the popular zipcar system, a bike share program provides short-terms bike rental through an automated system. We advocated for bringing bike sharing to Santa Monica to:
Help Santa Monica residents, employees, and visitors reduce the need to use cars, which will in turn reduce pollution, emissions, traffic, and parking congestion in the city
Improve the local economy, as bicycling cuts down on gasoline and other car-related costs, and makes popular businesses more accessible
Serve as a catalyst for communities across the Los Angeles basin to develop their own bike share programs, helping the region as a whole depend less on greenhouse gas-emitting vehicles
We submitted recommendations to the City Council to accelerate the implementation of the bike sharing component of the Santa Monica Bike Action Plan, and organized businesses and community groups around the issue. We also advocated creating a Bike Share Task Force to spearhead development of the bike sharing plan. This task force would help identify locations for bike share stations, review the types of bike share models that would be most compatible with Santa Monica, and explore options for raising the upfront capital needed to launch the program.
Global Green Policy Associate Gina Goodhill presented our proposal at a Council meeting in the fall of 2011, arguing that bike sharing warrants high priority in order to get the City’s Bike Master Plan and a comprehensive network of bicycle lanes in place. She also pointed out the success of bike sharing programs in other cities such as Denver, Boston, New York, and Minneapolis. The City Council overwhelmingly voted to pass the Bike Action Plan with an added emphasis on bringing a bike share system to Santa Monica. Due in part to our work, the City received a $1.5 million grant from Metro that would fund bike share in 2016. We are now working to accelerate the launch date of this grant, and to coordinate it with efforts from the city and county of Los Angeles to launch bike share programs.
MORE ABOUT OUR WORK
Win for bike sharing in Santa Monica
Bike sharing forum
Posted In: global
Tags: biking bike sharing santa monica
April 13th, 2012 by Global Green USA
Louisiana Wetland Action Program
PROJECT
The Louisiana Wetland Action Program (LWAP) engages Louisiana landowners in coastal restoration. Global Green staff members provide wetland owners with detailed information on programs, grants, and other financial incentives to support conservation and connect them to the appropriate program that could ultimately lead to the restoration of their wetlands.
OUR PARTICIPATION
The Louisiana Wetland Action Program aligns with Global Green’s work to help the growth of sustainable, resilient communities with programs and initiatives to fight climate change and guarantee a more sustainable future. Healthy wetlands can sequester 12 times more carbon than an upland forest, offering an incredible opportunity to reduce warming greenhouse gases and save Louisiana’s coast.
"Louisiana's coastal communities are ground zero for climate change impacts," says Beth Galante, Director of New Orleans and Gulf Coast Initiatives. "As someone who is passionate about protecting my coastal home, New Orleans, I know that we must take bold action now to find innovative solutions to restore our wetlands and protect these communities. Our Louisiana Wetlands Action Program is designed to tap the stewardship and on-the-ground expertise of the owners of the vast majority of coastal wetlands, and to help harness the incredible carbon-capturing potential of wetlands. By partnering coastal landowners with emerging carbon offset markets, we can create a win-win for our coast, our communities, and for climate change mitigation."
FOCUS OF OUR WORK
Private property owners possess and control approximately 85 percent of the state’s coastal wetlands, but state and federal coastal conservation and restoration planning and projects rarely engage these landowners. That’s where LWAP comes in -- to engage and empower Louisiana landowners in coastal restoration.
Global Green works closely with entities sponsoring conservation efforts to gather and draft information on opportunities available to help these private property owners preserve and restore coastal habitats. Staff members reach out to landowners in four parishes -- Terrebonne, Lafourche, Plaquemines and St. Bernard -- and provideeasy access to detailed information on programs, grants, and other financial incentives to support conservation to landowners.
Preservation Assistance: Some entities provide free technical assistance to help coastal landowners conserve their property. These federal and state agencies and conservation organizations, including the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Ducks Unlimited, also sponsor programs to provide landowners with financial assistance for preservation and restoration. Each program has unique objectives, eligibility criteria, and land-use restrictions.
Easements: Landowners sometimes grant easements, or a type of servitude that allows another party to access and use their property for a specified purpose, to organizations when participating in certain conservation programs. These easements may be necessary to allow personnel from organizations sponsoring conservation programs to access sites for implementing and monitoring preservation or restoration practices.
Carbon Markets: As California’s carbon market comes online in 2013, there is potential for landowners to be compensated through carbon offsets. For example, a company in California can invest in a landowner’s restored wetland property, which is removing carbon from the atmosphere and adding it into the soil and biomass, to offset the amount of carbon dioxide the company is producing. Global Green is working to educate and connect wetland owners to the carbon market.
DOCUMENTS
NOAA: Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program
CPRA: Coastal Forest Conservation Initiative
LDAF: Coastal Wetland Re-Vegetation Planting
FSA: Conservation Reserve Program
NRCS: Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Ducks Unlimited: Louisiana Waterfowl Project
LDWF: Natural Areas Registry Program
LDEQ: Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program
LDWF: Nutria Control Program
USFWS: Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
NRCS: Wetlands Reserve Program
NRCS: Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
Overview of LWAP
FUNDING
The LWAP is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Disaster Recovery Unit within the State of Louisiana’s Division of Administration’s Office of Community Development.
NEXT STEPS
• Carbon brokers have been interviewed and one will be hired soon.
• Initial outreach to landowners on 60,000 acres is just the beginning; the goal is to reach and assist homeowners on 200,000 acres or more.
Posted In: global
Tags: wetlands restoration louisiana
April 4th, 2012 by Global Green USA
Global Green Work in the Congo
THE PROJECT
Helping bring solar power to victims of rapes and other atrocities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while raising awareness about how electronics are fueling the violence.
OUR PARTICIPATION
Writer, activist and V-Day founder Eve Ensler staged a reading of a play entitled "OPC" to benefit Global Green and we dedicated funds raised to help green the City of Joy, a sanctuary built by V-Day in support of the women whose lives were destroyed in the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
FOCUS OF OUR WORK
Solar Power for the City of Joy: With our partners at SunPower Foundation, Global Green is making donation of a solar system to allow women in the City of Joy to reduce their dependency on diesel generators and the unreliable grid -- creating a healthier and more secure community. Global Green has also donated 20 goats for the Green Mommas.
We have sponsored legislation in California, which increases the use of refurbished electronics, reducing the use of rare earth minerals, and creating a requirement for conflict mineral-free electronics to be purchased by the state. (NOTE: rare earth minerals from the Eastern DRC are considered conflict minerals; watch this short TEDx Women talk by Global Green President and CEO Matt Petersen to learn more.)
FUNDRAISING FOR OUR WORK
With your support, we will soon also deliver 100 solar LED lights and 100 water back packs. Help us now by donating a solar LED light or water backpack. Give $10 and donate a water back pack; give $20 and donate a solar LED light to one of the women of the City of Joy.
MORE ABOUT OUR WORK
Matt Petersen's blog post on his 2011 visit to the City of Joy.
Posted In: global
Tags: Congo City of Joy Eve Ensler Democratic Republic of Congo V-Day VDay
April 3rd, 2012 by Global Green USA
Global Green USA Privacy Policy
Posted In: aboutus
March 7th, 2012 by Global Green USA
PROJECT
Helping Haiti rebuild green following the devastating earthquake in January 2010.
OUR PARTICIPATION
Global Green mobilized immediately after the earthquake, and we received generous donations from individuals as well as actor and activist Walton Goggins (who raised over $6,000), and SBE (which raised $20,000 from their employees) to help us make an impact.
FOCUS OF OUR WORK
Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, the rebuilding of Haiti has been slow, but progress is being made. Thanks to our supporters, Global Green is doing its part to help green the rebuilding of Haiti.
Global Green selected three partners on the ground doing important work, and we’re helping to green their projects. We're being assisted with a generous solar donation of 100kw from SunPower Foundation.
Habitat for Humanity: CEO Matt Petersen has been to Haiti twice to build homes with Habitat for Humanity and President and Mrs. Carter. On his second visit, he announced Global Green’s donation to Habitat to help build compostable latrines and solar neighborhood lighting.
Cine Institute: Global Green committed to create a grant to help power the Cine Institute in Jacmel, where young Haitians are trained to work in film, television, and radio. Global Green was able to get a $100,000 solar tent donated for the Cine Institute. Thanks to the support of Black Card Foundation, FTL Solar, Jet Blue, and Airline Ambassadors, the solar tent allowed the only film school in Haiti to power one of their buildings.
APJ School: Global Green plans to make a donation of solar to the APJ school in Port au Prince, where secondary students from camps are getting a second chance at an education. The solar power will allow students to have regular access to their computer lab.
All these projects will benefit from Global Green’s help and our donation of solar panels, so students and families do not need to depend on the unreliable electricity grid or dirty, expensive diesel generators.
FUNDRAISING FOR OUR WORK
You can help us advance our efforts with a fundraiser through Crowdrise or by making a direct donation to Global Green.
Posted In: global
Tags: haiti solar power solar panels habitat for humanity cine institute apj school haiti earthquake relief
February 27th, 2012 by Global Green USA
Global Green Work in San Bruno
Project:
Global Green is working with the San Bruno homeowners who were victims of a 2010 gasline explosion, to provide them with the resources they need to rebuild their homes green.
Our Participation:
After the tragic pipeline explosion in San Bruno, Global Green CEO Matt Petersen approached the city and recommended they create an incentive package for homeowners who wanted to rebuild green. We offered our unique expertise in green building and raising awareness. The incentive package that Global Green recommended and helped the city secure funding for is now providing incentives to San Bruno homeowners. We helped raise the profile of this issue and began an outreach effort to ensure that all homeowners were aware of the opportunities to rebuild green. (Read Matt's blog post on San Bruno.)
Our Plans:
With technical assistance from Global Green, several families are in various stages of rebuilding green, including Steve and Patty Blick and Carolyn and Charlie Gray.
We hope to have a least one "net zero" home (fully powered by renewable energy) and we hope to see at least 10 other homes rebuilt to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standard. From a big picture standpoint, we hope to see San Bruno used as a national model for how to rebuild a community affected by disaster.
Posted In: global
Tags: san bruno green building green rebuilding
February 23rd, 2012 by Global Green USA
We hosted our 9th annual Pre-Oscar Party on February 22, 2012 at Avalon Hollywood. Info, photos, and reports below.
Call to Action: We officially launched our Citizen Entrepreneur Contest to find local heroes and had guests sign our letter to President Obama, urging him to attend the Rio+20 Earth Summit in June.
Behind the Scenes: Photos of behind-the-scenes, pre-show preparations
Party On: Photos of arrivals and the party
Planet-Friendly Plans: Green event details
Green Carpet Fashion: Scoop on eco-friendly style at the party
Buzz-Worthy: Our specialty organic cocktail
Insider Interviews: Our Global Green Room Interviews with Oliver Tolentino, whose eco couture was showcased at the party; landscape gardener Jamie Durie, who provided the green decor and living walls for the event entrance; and Peter Glatzer of SHFT, who was on the host committe for the party.
Worthy Wheels: Evolve Motorcycles donated the electric Xenon light motor bike for an auction, with proceeds to help fund our project.
Posted In: global
Tags: events oscars global green preoscar party pre oscar party
February 7th, 2012 by Global Green USA
Global Green USA Sustainable Design Awards Honorees
Posted In: global
Tags: sustainable design awards global green usa
February 7th, 2012 by Global Green USA
Global Green USA Millennium Awards Honorees
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Tags: millennium awards global green usa
February 1st, 2012 by Global Green USA
Green Building Project: Rio Vista
The Place
Rio Vista is a LEED for Homes affordable housing project located in Glassell Park (Los Angeles, CA).
Our Participation
Our Green Urbanism Director, Walker Wells, acted as Green Rater for the LEED for Homes Platinum project.
Timeline
Work started in September 2010; the Grand Opening was January 31, 2012.
Project Highlights
The 50-unit apartment building achieved the highest certification level, Platinum, with green building features such as the solar thermal and solar photovoltaic arrays, and a storm water catchment system. Abode Communities designed the building to continuously circulate fresh air and installed low-VOC materials in order to improve occupant health as well as environmental impact. Located in Glassell Park, Rio Vista neighbors a new LAUSD School, Central Region Glassell Park, and is within walking distance of Rio de Los Angeles State Park and several transit lines.
Posted In: global
Tags: Rio Vista green affordable housing green housing green urbanism LEED for Homes LEED Platinum Los Angeles Glassell Park
January 27th, 2012 by Mary Luevano
Energy Efficiency, Clean Power and the Smart Grid
Posted In: global
Tags: smart grid energy efficiency
January 27th, 2012 by Mary Luevano
The Smart Grid and Climate Change
Posted In: global
Tags: smart grid climate change energy efficiency
January 23rd, 2012 by Global Green USA
For our I AM Fighting Climate Change Challenge last fall, we released a public service announcement on the risks of sea level rise and asked our supporters to help us spread the word. To kick off our campaign, Mark Ruffalo -- who is among the actors, musicians, and athletes who appears in our PSA -- joined our CEO Matt Petersen in NY (hear about Mark's commitment to fight climate change here).
Then we asked supporters to submit photos to indicate a city they love threatened by sea level rise -- and to tell us what they are personally doing to help fight climate change. We received nearly 100 submissions from those in coastal communities across the U.S., as well as some abroad, saw photo submissions of cute kids and animals, and heard about the big and small steps taken by individuals and families in combating climate change in their homes, schools, and communities.
We made this challenge a contest and randomly selected a winner to receive two VIP tickets to our Pre-Oscar Party this February in Hollywood. And the winner is…. Felicia from Marina del Rey, CA.
Felicia told us her commitment to fight climate change involves recycling and cleaning up the water near her home. "While on the water, I will pick up all garbage and plastic. I am recycling all plastic, glass, and cans. During the rains, tons of garbage washes into the marina and I will collect as much as I can."
Posted In: aboutus
Tags: I AM Challenge climate change
January 20th, 2012 by Global Green USA
Global Green USA’s Regional Councils
Posted In: aboutus
January 19th, 2012 by Global Green USA
GLOBAL GREEN USA LOS ANGELES COUNCIL
Global Green USA is the U.S. affiliate of Green Cross International, the environmental movement founded by President Mikhail Gorbachev more than a decade ago. Global Green’s mission is to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future.
Global Green in Los Angeles & California
Global Green is the only national environmental non-profit with headquarters in Southern California. Global Green uses L.A.’s international visibility to advance its causes throughout the country. In Los Angeles, Global Green is greening all new LAUSD public school construction and also helping to create one of the first zero-energy affordable housing projects in the country. Working with celebrity Board Members like Leonardo DiCaprio and Edward Norton, Global Green has championed the cause of solar on affordable housing in the California state legislature and promoted alternative transportation choices on Oprah.
Global Green also:
Secured commitments for $20 billion in new green construction for schools and public buildings in California alone;
Created the Red Carpet/Green Cars Campaign, which highlighted alternative transportation choices by taking celebrities to the Academy Awards in hybrid vehicles, including the Prius;
Arranged for Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, Salma Hayek and Jake Gyllenhaal to travel to the Arctic to help draw attention to the dire consequences of global warming; and
Opened the Green Building Resource Center in Santa Monica, one of the only U.S. centers to offer green building information to the public.
Created for Los Angeles the nation’s first City Carbon Index to activate “climate citizens”.
Special Los Angeles Events
Each year, Global Green hosts its Pre-Oscar Party in Hollywood, a musical event celebrating smart solutions to climate change. Feature attendees and performers have included: Kate Bosworth, Salma Hayek, Orlando Bloom, Tim Robbins, Penelope Cruz, Perry Farrell and Sheryl Crow.
Global Green’s Annual Millennium Awards, in Santa Monica in June, honors individual, organization and corporate leaders in environmental issues. Honorees have included: William McDonough, Paul Hawken, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jim Cameron, Jeff Skoll and Wallis Annenberg.
WE INVITE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Global Green USA depends on the support and involvement of conscientious, progressive individuals to achieve its goals and to forward President Gorbachev’s vision of a safer, more sustainable planet. Now in its second decade, Global Green understands the urgent need for knowledgeable and dedicated leaders who are active in the environmental community. To download a copy of the Prospectus and a Pledge Form, please click here. To join the Council now by making a donation via our secure website, please click here.
Membership Commitment:
Give and/or raise $5,000 per year, and
Help recruit additional Council members and spread Global Green’s message
Membership Benefits:
VIP Patron tickets to our national, regional events;
Exclusive invitations and in-person briefings / receptions on our work locally, nationally and internationally;
Recognition in Global Green publications and online;
Project site visits, and more.
Higher benefit levels and event sponsorships are available.
For more information, please contact Sarah Susson at regionalcouncil@globalgreen.org or call 310.571.2700 x108
Posted In: aboutus
January 19th, 2012 by Global Green USA
GLOBAL GREEN USA NEW ORLEANS COUNCIL
GLOBAL GREEN USA is the American affiliate of President Gorbachev’s Green Cross International, which seeks to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future by reconnecting humanity with the environment. In the U.S., Global Green focuses on mitigating climate change by demonstrating the value of green buildings and sustainable neighborhoods.
Global Green opened our New Orleans office shortly after Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, and on the 4th anniversary of the hurricane, its work on affordable housing, schools and energy policy earned national critical acclaim.
New Orleans Programs
Holy Cross Project: Global Green’s sustainable village in the Lower 9th Ward boasts 5 completed LEED Platinum homes surrounded by rain gardens. The first home is serving as a visitors’ center and has educated over 20,000 people on a range of green building techniques.
Coming next is the Holy Cross Community Development & Climate Action Center, a large community and conference center that will provide a corner grocery store and credit union, and will house Global Green’s permanent green education center and staff.
The center will advance the green rebuilding of the Gulf Coast, making sustainable development the new standard for the region. It will include Global Green’s offices; a visitor’s center targeting tour buses and local schools; meeting rental facilities targeting smaller but influential groups visiting New Orleans; bank branch; corner cafe/coffee shop offering fresh foods; and passive survivability features (e.g., back up electricity, potable water, and sanitation for first responders in case of future storms). It will also help export knowledge to other cities—especially those in endangered coastal areas or otherwise threatened directly by climate change—to create a unified front on the adaptation to and mitigation of the dangers of climate change.
Locally, the Center will create new jobs, provide job training, incubate small business, and provide ongoing outreach and education on green building and renewable clean energy to daily visitors.
An 18-unit affordable apartment building will finish off the model development.
Green Schools: Four “Green Seed Schools” are enjoying an average $23,000 a year energy savings due to upgrades from Global Green. Two “Model Green Schools” received over $700,000 from Global Green to install green features such as solar panels, rainwater cisterns, and energy and resource monitoring. Andrew Wilson Elementary School in Broadmoor achieved LEED Gold Certification and L.B. Landry is expected to obtain LEED Silver. Added value projects included green curricula development, teacher training and a green career fair.
NOLA Wise: In partnership with the City of New Orleans, Southeast Energy Alliance, and the Department of Energy's Better Buildings Program Global Green offers homeowners loans for energy efficiency improvements. A qualified HERS rater performs a home energy assessment to determine the best way to achieve a 15% reduction in energy usage. Participants will have access to a pool of nationally-certified contractors, as well as knowledgeable energy efficiency specialists who will walk them through the process. This includes access to any other available incentives, rebates, and tax credits, such as HERO, EnergySmart, and other federal and state programs.
Build It Back Green: BIBG is New Orleans’ largest green building outreach and education program. Focusing on low-income families, it empowers New Orleanians to make their homes greener and save on their utility bills by offering free information, training and weatherization assistance. To date, the program has reached over 20,000 residents through 300 community workshops and events, hundreds of one-on-one green building technical consultations, and over 100 customized on-site home energy consultations. .
Green Building Resource Center (GBRC): The GBRC was opened downtown in June 2006 to provide the community with hands-on examples of green building materials; fact sheets on energy efficiency, tax credits and more; and one-on-one consultations with Global Green technical staff. Located conveniently on the streetcar line, it was honored as “New Orleans’ Best Recovery Resource” in December 2010 by the Neighborhood Partnership Network.
Clean Energy For A Clean Gulf Coast: It began with the BP Oil Spill and has continued along the length of the Gulf Coast. Beyond raising funds to help fishermen’s families, Global Green has been advocating for a full clean up of the spill, restitution for lost jobs and income, and accelerated efforts towards green energy and green jobs.
WE INVITE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Global Green USA depends on the support and involvement of conscientious, progressive individuals to achieve its goals and to forward President Gorbachev’s vision of a safer, more sustainable planet. Now in its second decade, Global Green understands the urgent need for knowledgeable and dedicated leaders who are active in the environmental community.
Membership Commitment
Give and/or raise $2.500 per year, and
Help recruit additional Council members and spread Global Green’s message.
Member Benefits
VIP Patron tickets to our national, regional events;
Exclusive invitations and in-person briefings / receptions on our work locally, nationally and internationally;
Recognition in Global Green publications and online;
Project site visits, and more.
Higher benefit levels and event sponsorships are available.
To download a copy of the Prospectus and a Pledge Form, please click here. To join the Council now by making a donation via our secure website, please click here.
For more information, please contact Sarah Susson at regionalcouncil@globalgreen.org or call 310.571.2700 x108
Posted In: aboutus
January 19th, 2012 by
GLOBAL GREEN USA NEW YORK COUNCIL
Global Green USA is the U.S. affiliate of Green Cross International, the environmental movement founded by President Mikhail Gorbachev more than a decade ago. Global Green’s mission is to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future.
Global Green in New York
Greening Affordable Housing
Goal: Working with legislative experts to promote green affordable housing policies throughout the state.
Example of Impact: Greening to LEED Gold Standard the and greenest Habitat for Humanity project to date: Brooklyn’s 41-unit Atlantic Avenue complex.
Mitigating Waste & Greenhouse Gases
Goal: Divert 580,000 tons of waste per year from New York City, saving businesses $70 million in disposal costs and reduce greenhouse gases by 1.4 million tons per year, the equivalent of taking 300,000 cars off the road.
Example of Impact: Since restaurants alone 700 tons of paper packaging and 1,100 tons of food waste per day, Global Green’s Coalition for Resource Recovery (CoRR)*, a nation-wide commercial corporate membership group, has created scalable, model projects for the food service industry. It’s local successes include.
Piloting new recycling systems for coffee cups and paper food packaging at NYC Starbucks and Pret a Manger.
Promoting conversion of 6,000 tons per year of wholesale poultry boxes servicing the NYC market to recyclables. If all boxes are recycled, it is the equivalent in greenhouse gas reduction to removing 3800 passenger cars from the road.
*The Albert and Elaine Borchard Foundation, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, New York Community Trust, Overbrook Foundation, and the Turner Foundation have furthered Global Green's work through their support.
Special New York National Event
Global Green’s annual NYC Sustainable Design Awards Gala is held in New York City in November. This event recognizing the effective leadership of individuals and companies who are helping to advance climate and sustainable solutions locally and nationally to make our world more secure. The event also serves as a critical opportunity to raise awareness and funds to support Global Green’s initiatives around the country.
Among the 2011 Award recipients are Adrian Grenier (Entertainment), Fisker Automotive (Corporate), Starbucks (Green Building) and Sprint (Product). Past recipients have included Arianna Huffington, eBay Inc., Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Sophia Bush and Austin Nichols, Wade Greene, TIME Magazine, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, The Sundance Channel, Giorgio Armani, filmmaker Rolland Emmerich, Good Housekeeping, Gov. Bill Richardson, Russell Albanese and Tesla Motors.
WE INVITE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Global Green USA depends on the support and involvement of conscientious, progressive individuals to achieve its goals and to forward President Gorbachev’s vision of a safer, more sustainable planet. Now in its second decade, Global Green understands the urgent need for knowledgeable and dedicated leaders who are active in the environmental community. To download a copy of the Prospectus and a Pledge Form, please click here. To join the Council now by making a donation via our secure website, please click here.
Membership Commitment
Give and/or raise $5,000 per year, and
Help recruit additional Council members and spread Global Green’s message.
Member Benefits
VIP Patron tickets to our national, regional events;
Exclusive invitations and in-person briefings / receptions on our work locally, nationally and internationally;
Recognition in Global Green publications and online;
Project site visits, and more.
Higher benefit levels and event sponsorships are available.
For more information, please contact Sarah Susson at regionalcouncil@globalgreen.org or call 310.571.2700 x108
Posted In: aboutus
January 19th, 2012 by
San Francisco Regional Council
GLOBAL GREEN USA
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA COUNCIL
Global Green USA is the U.S. affiliate of Green Cross International, the environmental movement founded by President Mikhail Gorbachev more than a decade ago. Global Green's mission is to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future.
Global Green in San Francisco Bay Area
Enthusiasm for Global Green’s work in the San Francisco and the Bay Area is extraordinary . Many of Global Green’s initial successes in greening the urban environment in policy and in built examples, have come from our green affordable housing partnerships with the City of San Francisco, and most recently with the cities of the Silicon Valley.
Green Schools Lessons learned working with the San Francisco Unified School District (with the support of the San Francisco Foundation and The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund) have served as the basis of Global Green’s National Green School Initiative. Green building is now a standard component of all school design and constructions administered by SFUSD.
Green Affordable Housing For over a decade non-profit housing developers in San Francisco, Richmond, and Marin and, in the East Bay, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, have taken advantage of Global Green’s technical assistance to create LEED Certified energy efficient homes for low-income families.
Green Cities Global Green authored the Alameda County Green Building Guidelines and has advised and guided policy decisions for the cities of Cupertino, Mountainview and San Bruno to improve energy efficiency and water quality.
Green Building Standards California’s Green Building Standards Code (sets targets for energy efficiency, water consumption, diversion of construction waste from landfills and use of environmentally sensitive materials) and the Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Program for Existing Buildings were developed with Global Green.
San Francisco GGUSA National Event
Since 2005 San Francisco Global Green supporters have hosted the Gorgeous + Green gala one of the Bay Area's premier green high style events. The celebrity filled SRO fashion - focused party, styled by Global Green Board Member Zem Joaquin, founder of ecofabulous.com, is held early in December at green venues including the LEED Certified Bently Reserve and the W San Francisco.
WE INVITE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Global Green USA depends on the support and involvement of conscientious, progressive individuals to achieve its goals and to forward President Gorbachev’s vision of a safer, more sustainable planet. Now in its second decade, Global Green understands the urgent need for knowledgeable and dedicated leaders who are active in the environmental community. To download a copy of the Prospectus and a Pledge Form, please click here. To join the Council now by making a donation via our secure website, please click here.
Membership Commitment:
Give and/or raise $5,000 per year, and
Help recruit additional Council members and spread Global Green’s message
Membership Benefits:
VIP Patron tickets to our national, regional events;
Exclusive invitations and in-person briefings / receptions on our work locally, nationally and internationally;
Recognition in Global Green publications and online;
Project site visits, and more.
Higher benefit levels and event sponsorships are available.
For more information, please contact Sarah Susson at regionalcouncil@globalgreen.org or call 310.571.2700 x108
Posted In: aboutus
January 9th, 2012 by Global Green USA
Executive
Matt Petersen - President and CEO
[hidetext]Matt Petersen has led Global Green USA since 1994, building and guiding the organization's innovative programs and initiatives. He also is Chair of Green Cross International's Energy Program. Matt’s vision for the green rebuilding of New Orleans has led to the greening of New Orleans schools, helped educate thousands of residents to rebuild their homes more energy efficiently, and helped create the Holy Cross Project, a sustainable village in the Lower 9th Ward with 23 units of affordable housing and a community/climate action center.
Matt has been touted a ‘green all star’ by Outside Magazine, and in May 2008 he was appointed by the Sir Edmund Hillary Institute in New Zealand as the Inaugural Hillary Fellow. Previously, Matt ran local, state, and federal political campaigns as well as serving as the Executive Director of Americans for a Safe Future. [/hidetext]
Richard Wegman - Chief Operating Officer
[hidetext]Responsible for the management of Global Green USA's finances and administration, Richard Wegman has been helping to lead environmental companies since the late 1980s. Prior to Global Green USA, he served as a consultant to many environmental and social justice organizations in the Los Angeles area, including El Rescate, Clinica Oscar A. Romero, Committee to Save Mono Lake, Coalition for Clean Air, Plaza Community Center in East Los Angeles, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the Audubon Society. Prior to joining Global Green, he was the Chief Operating Officer of Tree People, a local community environmental nonprofit. He also served for eight years as the CFO of PS Enterprises, Inc., an environmental public relations firm that works with numerous cities, agencies, and nonprofits.
Richard is Chairman of the Board for Amazon Watch, an organization that works to protect the rainforest and advance the rights of indigenous peoples in the Amazon Basin. He is also co-founder of ActiveMusic Inc., a non-profit that produces benefit concerts to raise money for other nonprofit organizations, and is a board member of Friends of Ballona Wetlands. He holds an MBA in Finance and a B.S. in Marketing from California State Polytechnic University. Richard is also a certified Yoga teacher and Reiki healer.[/hidetext]
Green Urbanism
Walker Wells - Director, Green Urbanism Program
[hidetext]Email Walker
Walker Wells' responsibilities include working with building industry stakeholders, affordable housing developers, and municipalities to further sustain able development practices, primarily through developing and implementing viable and cost-effective green building practices and programs. Former Senior Urban Designer with Gruen Associates in Los Angeles, Associate Planner with the City of Santa Monica, and Urban Planner for the City of Malmo, Sweden.
Walker is a member of the American Institute of City Planners and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He has Bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Environmental Studies from the University of California Santa Barbara, and an M.A. in City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo.[/hidetext]
Ted Bardacke - Green Urbanism Senior Program Associate
[hidetext]Email Ted
Ted Bardacke works with affordable housing developers, public agencies, school districts, and design and construction industry professionals to advance the sustainability of the urban environment. He has been involved in the drafting of numerous green building reference tools and standards, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems for Neighborhood Development and Neighborhood Development, the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and the Green Communities Initiative for affordable housing. A lecturer in Urban Environmental Design and Planning at UCLA, in 2005 Ted accepted the USGBC’s Leadership Award for Advocacy on behalf of Global Green.
Ted is a former foreign correspondent based in Bangkok and Mexico City for the Financial Times, and coordinator of volunteer construction projects in rural Mexico for the American Friends Service Committee. He is a member of the American Institute of City Planners and a LEED Accredited Professional and has a B.A. from Wesleyan University and an M.S. from the Graduate School of Architecture at Columbia University.[/hidetext]
Hagerenesh (Hagu) Solomon - Green Urbanism Program Associate
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Hagerenesh (Hagu) Solomon is responsible for working with local government agencies to enhance green community developments on a neighborhood scale. Working with both public and private community development institutions, Hagu is focused on advancing Global Green's expertise on the United States Green Building Council's LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND) certification process.
Hagu holds a Bachelor's degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Davis and an Master's degree in City Planning focused on Urban Design from the University of California, Berkeley.[/hidetext]
Rebuilding New Orleans
Elizabeth Teel Galante - Director, New Orleans and Gulf Coast Initiatives
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Beth Galante is responsible for the operation of Global Green's New Orleans Office and Green Building Resource Center, supervision of the Holy Cross Project, and rebuilding initiatives including green affordable homes, schools, and neighborhoods.
Beth was formerly an Assistant D.A. in New Orleans, handling predominantly homicides, sex offenses, and public corruption cases. She taught at Tulane Law School as the former Deputy Director of the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, which was the first recipient of the American Bar Association's Distinguished Environmental Achievement Award and the National Law Journal's Runner Up Lawyer of the Year during her tenure, for its groundbreaking work in the field of Environmental Justice. She is also a former legal representative of the New Jersey Attorney General and the Quapaw Indian Nation regarding damages to their natural resources. Beth has a Masters of Environmental & Energy Law and J.D. from Tulane Law School.
Beth served as Co-Chair of Mayor Mitch Landrieu's Sustainability Task Force and is currently an Aspen Institute Fellow in its Henry Crown leadership program, Chair of the Green Collaborative, a group dedicated to advancing sustainable environmental and economic development in the Greater New Orleans area. She was honored as one of 2011’s Champions of Change by the White House.[/hidetext]
Linda Stone - Program and Operations Director, NOLA Office
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Linda Stone is Program and Operations Director for the New Orleans office. In this capacity, she is responsible for budget, personnel, VISTAs, and all reporting requirements. She also manages the Build It Back Green (BIBG) and Policy programs, working with state and local government, other nonprofits, and businesses to promote green building and green energy policy. She maintains an active role with the Green Collaborative of New Orleans.
Linda's professional background includes work on the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation master plan, founding The Green Project in 1994, and serving as director of Mayor Morial’s Office of Environmental Affairs from 1999 to 2002. When Morial left office in 2002, Linda took a job in San Antonio as director of the Metropolitan Partnership for Energy, where she coordinated development of the city’s first residential green building program. She returned to New Orleans in January 2008 to join Global Green.
Linda has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans. She also studied Spanish in Mexico and Spain and is a certified hatha yoga instructor. Linda and her husband, Hugo Montero, recently completed a green historic renovation of an 1850s building on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in Central City, where they live and will soon open a Latin Cultural Center and Café.[/hidetext]
Heidi Jensen - Office Manager, Assistant to Directors
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Heidi Jensen joined Global Green USA in 2008 to contribute to the green rebuilding efforts in New Orleans. She is responsible for the everyday operation of our New Orleans Resource Center, front desk reception and administrative support to the directors and staff. Heidi coordinates Visitor's Center tours of the Global Green House in the Lower Ninth Ward, organizes green building resource center materials and consultations; coordinates our monthly panel discussions, newsletters, interns and community outreach events. Heidi is a native New Orleanian whose life endeavors have included the Louisiana Children's Museum, NO AIDS Task Force, childcare, voiceover and local theatre and music.[/hidetext]
Camille Lopez - NOLA Wise Program Manager
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Camille Lopez manages the NOLA Wise program in New Orleans, helping homeowners access home energy assessments, financing and incentives, and trusted local contractors. Before joining Global Green, Lopez worked on Katrina recovery projects with several organizations, including Rebuilding Together New Orleans, which focused on sustainable building practices in low income communities.
Prior to her arrival in the Gulf, Lopez served on tsunami response teams in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, managing direct aid delivery to rural survivors. Lopez holds an M.A. from the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University and a B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley. Early in her career, she taught English in Romania with the U.S. Peace Corps, and is fluent in Romanian. A native of Southern California, Lopez purchased and renovated a 100-year-old shotgun-style house in New Orleans and is working on improving its energy efficiency.[/hidetext]
Becki Chall - NOLA Grants and Outreach Assistant
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Becki Chall, NOLA Grants and Outreach Assistant, joined Global Green in November 2009 as an AmeriCorps VISTA and has stayed on to help administer the Build It Back Green program, manage grant writing and fundraising efforts for the New Orleans Office, and assist with energy audits and administration of the NOLA Wise Program. Becki is a RESNET-certified Home Energy Rater and LEED Green Associate with five years of experience working on domestic and international environmental issues.
Prior to joining Global Green, Becki completed an MA in International Development and Natural Resource Management from George Washington University and a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Michigan. While earning her degrees, she completed field work in Australia, Mexico, Cuba, and South Africa. Becki is a native of Michigan and spends her free time planning her next travel adventure, eating her way around New Orleans, tending her garden, and hanging out with her adorable mutt, Bean.[/hidetext]
D. Adrian Manriquez - NOLA Wise Program Associate
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D. Adrian Manriquez is a NOLA Wise Program Associate and helps connect homeowners to the education, project management, and resources necessary to weatherize their homes.
Adrian has a Bachelors of Arts and Sciences from Regis University in Denver, CO, and came to New Orleans to help in rebuilding shortly after graduating. He spent five years coordinating volunteers and homeowners for various rebuilding agencies.[/hidetext]
Policy & Legislative Affairs
Mary Luevano - Director, Policy & Legislative Affairs
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Mary Luevano oversees policy and legislative initiatives related to green building, clean energy and climate change in addition to advising on a range of other policy issues for Global Green. She and the Policy staff work to educate decision makers and champion model policies in the areas of green affordable housing, green schools, green municipal buildings, climate solutions for low-income communities and solar and other renewable energy technologies. Much of the work focuses on the needs of low-income communities and crafting policies that engage new constituencies in the fight against climate change.
Prior to joining Global Green Mary worked as a Congressional staffer serving in the offices of US Senator Alan Cranston, US Reps. Augustus Hawkins, Calvin Dooley and Jane Harman. Her legislative duties included work on environmental, defense technology, and business issues among others. She has also worked on numerous political campaigns. In 2004, Mary was appointed by Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn to serve on the City of LA’s Recreation and Parks Board of Commissioners where she was elected Vice President. In that capacity, she also served as the alternate representative to the LA Coliseum Commission. Mary also served for three years (one as President) on the City of LA’s Environmental Affairs Commission and has served on the UCLA Alumni Association Board of Directors as Chair of the Government Relations Alumni Advocacy Committee.
Mary holds a B.A. in Political Science/International Relations from UCLA and has completed the Congressional Research Service’s Graduate Legislative Institute in Washington, DC. In her spare time she is a Masters Swimmer and loves watching her beloved UCLA Bruins![/hidetext]
Gina Goodhill - Policy & Legislative Associate
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Gina’s responsibilities include supporting the development and implementation of policy and legislative initiatives related to green buildings, energy efficiency and climate change.
Prior to joining Global Green staff, Gina spent three years as an environmental advocate and organizer for Environment California working on ocean and land preservation. She worked on issues such as oil drilling, plastic pollution, national park preservation, marine protected areas. and hardrock mining. She has been quoted in various news publications such as the Los Angeles Times, NPR, MSNBC, the Sacramento Bee, The San Diego Union Tribune, the San Jose Mercury News and more. She has also worked on several political campaigns, such as the 2008 Presidential election for which she directed offices throughout Nevada for the organization Progressive Future. Gina graduated magna cum laude from USC with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Environmental Studies.[/hidetext]
Security & Sustainability
Dr. Paul F. Walker - Director, Environmental Security & Sustainability
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Paul Walker is the International Program Director of the Environmental Security and Sustainability Program of Green Cross International and Global Green USA. He has been with Green Cross/Global Green for more than 16 years and is responsible for direction and management of both the international program and the Washington, D.C. office.
Paul is a former Professional Staff Member of the Armed Services Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served as a senior advisor to the Chairman and full committee. He is also former Acting Director of the Peace and Conflict Studies Program at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA; and former Research Director with the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Paul has been an expert in international security, arms control, nonproliferation, and environmental policy for more than 25 years. He has lectured and published widely, most recently on the demilitarization of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and has appeared on numerous TV and radio news and talk shows including Fox News, CNN, NPR, Christian Science Monitor, Voice of America, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, and NBC.
Paul holds a Ph.D. in political science and defense studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; an M.A. from Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies; a Russian Honors Certificate from the Defense Language Institute of the West Coast; and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University. He is also a Vietnam-era Army veteran.[/hidetext]
Finn R. Torgrimsen Longinotto - Senior Fellow
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Finn Longinotto' responsibilities include supporting the overall international Legacy Program out of Washington DC. Primarily focused on the development and implementation of Global Green /Green Cross projects funded by the Global Partnership, including Russian outreach efforts, community and regional assessment studies and community development projects. Coordinates outreach to Washington, DC's foreign diplomatic community on threat reduction initiatives and weapons destruction programs. Formerly Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase Bank.
Finn has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Geneva, Switzerland; an M.B.A. in International Management from Monterey Institute of International Studies; as well as an M.A. in Environmental Conservation Education from New York University (internship at The American Museum of Natural History's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation).[/hidetext]
Coalition for Resource Recovery
Annie White - Director, Coalition for Resource Recovery
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The Coalition for Resource Recovery is an industry working group dedicated to identifying, promoting, and implementing cost-neutral or better programs to divert, reclaim, recycle, and add value to waste. Annie’s expertise lies in facilitating the collaboration of diverse constituencies to identify and implement innovative approaches to improve environmental and social outcomes.
Previously, Annie served as the founding executive director of GreenBlue’s Sustainable Packaging Coalition, an industry working group dedicated to realizing sustainable packaging solutions through supply chain collaboration. The Sustainable Packaging Coalition has grown from its nine founding member companies to over 150 members, and has been lauded as one of the most influential groups in packaging. Annie has also consulted with Fortune 500 clients on issues including: sustainable products and packaging, recycling, and sustainability reporting and communications.
Annie has an M.B.A. from the Ross School of Business, an M.S. in Sustainable Systems from the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan, and a dual B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science from the College of William and Mary.[/hidetext]
Matt de la Houssaye - Program Associate, Coalition for Resource Recovery
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Matt de la Houssaye serves as a program associate for Global Green’s New York Office & Coalition for Resource Recovery. In this role, Matt’s responsibilities include managing the food waste recovery initiative. Prior to joining Global Green, Matt worked as a project developer and manager to implement recycling projects for large corporations and conduct New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) funded feasibility studies for biomass, composting, and solar technologies. Matt began his career at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, where he coordinated representatives from local government, the public, and the tourism industry in advocating municipal and regional policy. He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Management and Policy from the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) at Lund University, Sweden, and a dual BA in Economics and Environmental Studies from Emory University.[/hidetext]
Laura “Lily” Kelly - Program Associate, New York Office and Coalition for Resource Recovery
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Lily Kelly provides analysis, research, and administrative support for the New York Office and Coalition for Resource Recovery and the New York City team. Prior to joining Global Green USA, she contributed to various environmental and social stewardship projects with both for- and non-profit agencies, including the Environmental Law and Justice Project, the Majora Carter Group, Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, and The Earth Institute.
Originally hailing from north Florida, Lily earned a dual BA in Economics and Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she also spearheaded the campus’ first comprehensive Sustainability Assessment. In 2009 she moved to New York City to study Environmental Science and Policy at Columbia University, and graduated in 2010 with an MPA from the School of International and Public Affairs.[/hidetext]
Communications
Gina Hall - Communications and Corporate Relations Assistant
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Gina Hall began assisting with communications, social media and donor relations for Global Green USA in 2010 and joined the staff full-time as the Communications and Corporate Relations Assistant in June 2011. In her role, Gina supports all of Global Green's media relations activities and corporate sponsor programs and also represents the organization at special events and promotional activities. Gina is also a frequent contributor to Global Green's website as well as other prominent green industry blogs. In her spare time she enjoys camping, reading, and watching movies.[/hidetext]
Online and Social Media
Adrian Guerrero - Director, Online and Social Media
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Adrian Guerrero, Global Green's Director of Online & Social Media since June 2011, is responsible for developing and managing the web and social media strategies critical to educate and activate individuals as well as to build support for Global Green’s local, national, and international efforts. He is tasked with providing online solutions across the entire organization, leading the efforts to engage our supporters and serve our mission via web and social media platforms. Adrian is a Los Angeles native with extensive background in online and social media and previously worked as the Director of Content at MySpace.[/hidetext]
Stef McDonald - Managing Editor of Online Content
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Stef McDonald joined Global Green as the Managing Editor of Online Content in June 2011, and is ensuring supporters, e-Activists, and others receive timely, important environmental information as well as updates on GGUSA’s latest projects and initiatives with editorial content on blogs, the website, and via social media. The Long Island, NY, native worked for several years as a writer and editor for magazines and websites in New York City before a life-changing surf camp vacation in Mexico prompted a move to Los Angeles for year-round sun and surf. She also writes about green living for blogs and online publications. [/hidetext]
Development
Nina Storm - Events Manager
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Nina Storm joined Global Green in 2006 and manages the planning and production of events all over the country. A life long environmentalist, Nina was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. A Los Angeles resident for the past 10 years, she held positions in entertainment, education, public relations and for other non profit organizations before joining Global Green. Nina holds a B.A. in Communication from Lewis and Clark College and currently resides in the legendary neighborhood of Laurel Canyon. A community and political activist, Nina has an ongoing romance with the City of Angels, and is thrilled each day, to have the opportunity to help make a contribution to protecting the environment through her work with Global Green. [/hidetext]
Vanessa Briseno - Foundation Relations Manager
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Vanessa Briseno joined Global Green in 2011 as Foundation Relations Manager and is responsible for overseeing fundraising and donor stewardship activities, working with the organization’s Program Directors to produce and deliver products that reflect Global Green’s mission, values and strong outcomes. With more than a decade of experience in the philanthropic sector, Vanessa brings with her a strong commitment to achieving great results as well as broad experience in program development and management, community building, and identifying and implementing strategic opportunities to maximize organizational strengths. A California native, Vanessa spends free time with her family exploring the state’s vast beauty and enjoys running, hiking, and laughing with her young son.[/hidetext]
Karl Knief - Database Administrator
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As Database Administrator, Karl is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the records of Global Green USA’s supporters. Beyond importing and exporting thousands of bits of data, he helps us to sharpen our capacity to be responsible stewards of these vital relationships by tracking constituents' unique interests and contributions. Karl honed his skills with increasing complexity at former employers including the Los Angeles Times, the Colburn School and the Alliance For Children’s Rights.[/hidetext]
Administrative
Robert Person - Office Manager/Executive Assistant
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Robert came to Global Green in November 2011 from the local government sector. After more than 30 years of experience as an Executive Assistant, Program Director, Assistant City Manager, and City Manager with the Los Angeles Redevelopment Agency and the cities of Glendale, Pasadena, and Azusa, Robert decided to pursue a second career in the nonprofit sector, where he could use his skills for a good cause. Robert has lived in the Los Angeles area most of his life and currently lives in Santa Monica with his partner, Maria, two cats and a dog. His hobbies include reading, writing, cooking, eating and drinking wine, and enjoying the cinema scene. Robert has a bachelor's degree in public administration.[/hidetext]
Linda Wilson - Accounting Manager
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Linda Wilson was born in New Orleans but now calls Los Angeles home. She joined Global Green Accounting Team in 2010 and works closely with the COO and the Program Directors as Accounting Manager. Linda has a B.S. in Accounting from Woodbury University and brings with her years of knowledge from a variety of industries, including entertainment, construction, small business, and tax service. Linda is enjoying and especially proud to be a new grandmother.[/hidetext]
Sarah Susson - Development Assistant
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Sarah started interning at Global Green in February 2009, and was hired in January 2010 to help support the Executive Assistant to the CEO & COO. Prior to Global Green, she worked for Daily Variety, coordinating and producing the Variety Screening Series, screening Academy Award contending films in LA, NY and San Francisco.
Sarah graduated with high honors from UCSB with a B.A. in Communication, and currently resides in Santa Monica. When she is not working or traveling, she devotes herself to her family, sports, creative endeavors and volunteering. She was Captain of both the 2007 US Pan American Women’s Volleyball Team as well as the 2009 US Women's Maccabiah Volleyball Team. Sarah is passionate about and dedicated to sustainable living practices, projects, and education and hopes her enthusiasm and dedication will contribute to the success of GGUSA's mission.[/hidetext]
Sharon Williams - Receptionist
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Sharon joined Global Green in 1999 as the office receptionist and takes pride in assisting the staff members in making sure administrative needs are met and that everything runs smoothly in the office. The Los Angeles native worked previously in film production and for the LAUSD school board. She has always been environmentally conscious and feels blessed to live in the beautiful city of Los Angeles, where she doesn't have to travel far to dip her toes in the sand. During her time off, she especially enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren.[/hidetext]
Posted In: aboutus
January 9th, 2012 by Global Green USA
Posted In: aboutus
January 5th, 2012 by Global Green USA
Global Green USA President, CEO, Board Member
Matt Petersen has served as President and CEO of Global Green USA since its inception in 1994. Petersen is a social entrepreneur who has been a driving force for sustainable design, solar power, and green communities while improving the lives of those in need.
Among Petersen’s many success stories is his vision for the green rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Petersen’s passion and tireless efforts led to greening of schools and housing, as well as the New Orleans Sustainable Design Competition created with Brad Pitt. The competition resulted in Petersen deciding to construct the winning design-- with 23 units of housing and a community center -- into the Holy Cross Project, a LEED Platinum sustainable village in the Lower 9th Ward.
Petersen is also an instrumental force in connecting the power of Hollywood to bring attention to climate change. Working shoulder to shoulder with Pitt, James Cameron, Edward Norton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Salma Hayek, Jake Gyllenhaal, Rosario Dawson, Mark Ruffalo, and others, Petersen has helped bring critical attention to environmental causes ranging from the impact of climate change to the importance of greening America’s schools.
In June 2008, Petersen was appointed as the Inaugural Hillary Senior Fellow of the Hillary Institute. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and Clinton Global Initiative, and serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity-Los Angeles.
Videos:
15th Anniversary Video
Matt Petersen at TEDxWomen
Press clips:
Interview with The Atlantic
Feature in Outside magazine
Posted In: aboutus
Tags: Matt Petersen Global Green USA
December 6th, 2011 by Global Green USA
Green School Makeover Competition: The Winner
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Earlier this year, we invited K-12 schools across the country to enter our Green School Makeover Competition, asking interested schools to propose a green school project or projects -- for a chance to win $65,000 in funding, along with roughly the same in consulting fees to see the plans through to completion.
Our panel of judges considered entries from more than 200 public, private, and charter schools across the country and selected 10 finalists. And the winner is: The Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) in Austin.
ABOUT THE WINNING SCHOOL
The Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) is the oldest continuously operating, publicly funded school in Texas. Since 1857, more than 10,000 K-12 students have graced the halls of TSD and benefitted from the school's diverse program levels to ensure that each student is able to learn at his or her most effective rate. As part of the grand prize, the school will receive the ultimate Green School Makeover, including $65,000 for school renovations and an additional $65,000 worth of technical assistance.
ABOUT THE GREEN SCHOOL PROJECTS
With the funds received from the Green School Makeover Competition prize, the Texas School for the Deaf plans to:
Update facilities to allow for energy-efficient upgrades.
Retrofit light fixtures to allow for energy-efficient bulbs and motion-activated lights to conserve energy. Cost savings from the energy-efficient upgrades will be reinvested back into the education programs.
Initiate water conservation tactics.
Reduce water usage and consumption by placing rain barrels to collect for watering the school grounds and installing hands-free faucets in lavatories. TSD currently spends $20,000 in bottled water every year and plans to switch to reusable bottles and install a tap filtration system -- then they will put saved funds back into their education program.
Initiate waste reduction tactics.
Install hands-free hand dryers in restrooms, to conserve paper and save materials from going to landfills. It will also reduce supply costs for the school, cut down on waste, and reduce staff time spent replenishing paper towels and emptying trash.
Educate the student body on recycling.
Install recycling bins next to every trashcan on campus, to encourage recycling campus-wide. Educate school community on recycling and spread habits to home life.
Posted In: greenschools
Tags: green schools
December 6th, 2011 by Global Green USA
Green School Makeover Competition: The Runners-Up
The competition was tight for our Green School Makeover Competition and our jury deliberated long and hard to select our winner, the Texas School for the Deaf.
These four runners-up were awarded $2,500 towards their proposed sustainability upgrades for their schools:
Garlough Environmental School
St. Paul, MN
- Install a yurt to be used as a teaching space for their multi-cultural nature class
- Implement a 20-student bicycle-bus to serve as an alternative to school buses
- Install a chicken coop as a complement to the already existing organic garden beds
Heritage Middle School
Berwyn, IL
- Remove disposable products in cafeteria to reusable ones (i.e., silverware, trays, carts)
- Switch to compact fluorescent lights which use 1/5 less power and have a longer rated life (six to ten times average)
Samuel Powel Elementary School
Philadelphia, PA
- Plant an organic vegetable garden to teach children about agriculture, nutrition, and ecology
- Redirect storm water into rain gardens filled with native plants to provide opportunities for learning math, biology, ecology, physics
Zimmerman School House/Abi's Place
Coral Springs, FL
- Install eco-friendly flooring
- Use of non-toxic paint, flooring and cleaning products
- Upgrade facilities to enhance education programs on functional activities for daily living
For more green school proposals, see the 10 finalists for the Green School Makeover Competition selected by our jury.
Posted In: greenschools
Tags: green schools green school makeover competition
December 1st, 2011 by Stef McDonald
Friends of Global Green: Giving Back
At Global Green USA, we are lucky to have friends and supporters who commit to help us with generous donations to help fund our work. Below, a listing of products and services available, for which a portion of proceeds are gifted to Global Green.
PRODUCTS THAT BENEFIT GLOBAL GREEN
Gasoline Rainbows
Actors and environmental activists Sophia Bush and Austin Nichols helped us on the ground with the response to the BP oil spill on the Gulf Coast and also helped raise funds for our efforts. One rockin' contribution: this music compilation, featuring songs by Vampire Weekend, Damien Rice, and more. 100% of the proceeds are donated to our recovery efforts in the Gulf region. Get it on iTunes.
I Am Green Tank
AZIAM's Mother Lover tanks are made of an organic cotton and lyrca blend and the "I Am Green" one features the image of a woman meditating under a tree. Get it on the AZIAM shop.
Alternative Apparel
Alternative Apparel donates 100% of the proceeds from the "Think Earth" T-shirt. Visit their site.
BUSINESSES THAT DONATE A PORTION OF SALES TO GLOBAL GREEN
LovingEco
LovingEco frequently donates a portion of online sales to us. Visit their site.
360 Vodka
The maker of organic vodka encourages buyers to return the caps to be recycled. For each cap returned in an envelope labeled GGUSA, they donate $5 (for others returned unlabeled, we get $1). Visit their site.
LA Car Guy
For each hybrid car purchased, LA Car Guy will donate $100 to Global Green. Visit their site.
Post Ranch Inn
When Global Green USA members enjoy a stay at Post Ranch, the Inn will donate $100 per room night back to Global Green USA and guests will receive a complimentary upgrade at check-in. (Valid for stays through March 31, 2013 and must be booked directly through Post Ranch Inn.) Visit their site.
Hippo Works
Hippo Works has donated a portion of proceeds to Global Green at events. Visit their site.
Posted In: global
Tags: donations supporters
November 17th, 2011 by Global Green USA
Green School Makeover Finalist Proposals
When we announced our Green School Makeover competition earlier this year, we received inspiring proposals from more than 200 schools across the country, each describing green projects to improve their schools. Below, summaries of the proposed green projects from the 10 finalists we selected.
School: Garlough Environmental Magnet School
Location: West St. Paul, MN
Proposed green project: The three components to our Green Makeover proposal are all child-centered and part of the learning curriculum. The yurt exemplifies an option in environmentally responsible shelter, and allows us the opportunity to launch a very tangible vehicle for teaching about cultural diversity. According to Pacific Yurts, we would be the first elementary school in the nation to use a yurt as a classroom. The project, including the weatherproofing package for Minnesota weather, a platform, ventilation and heating was bid by Pacific Yurts at approximately $40,000. We are working with a bicycle builder in the metro area who is eager to have students help engineer and build our mega-bicycle. Can you imagine the depth of learning and pride afforded to students in such a creation? We would build it on–site with students participating in the entire process. Upon completion, routes would be designated for students to ride the bike to school on an alternating schedule, with a staff member driving the vehicle. Our gym teacher is working on a different proposal to make Charlton Avenue (our street) a partial greenway. The cost of this project is estimated at $20,000. We have confirmed with city officials the feasibility of the yurt and bicycle proposals and they are enthused about the possibility of such innovative learning showcases in our city. Finally, we will add a chicken coop to the side of our building near the storage barn and organic vegetable gardens. Students would be responsible for caring for chickens, as well as studying their life cycle, and the structure and behavior of birds. Eggs would be collected and consumed by our students and staff. The economic and environmental benefits of local production and consumption of food would be emphasized.
Pitch: “Garlough Environmental Magnet School strives to be the greenest school on the planet.”
School: New York French American Charter School
Location: New York, NY
Propose green project: NYFACS proposes to convert the perimeter of its playground and the roof of the school into an urban educational garden. On September 12th, 2011, a group of NYFACS 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders, who had drawn up designs for the schools garden and started its first seedlings during our summer school program, worked with volunteers to initiate this process. They built two compost bins and raised beds, and oriented their 225 piers to the new garden by running workshops that taught them the importance of cycles, strong foundations, and relationships in the growth and development of any plant, person, structure, community, or idea. They then explained composting, and gave each students and teacher a personalized red cup, in which they have all been actively collecting green waste during breakfast and lunch for our composting system. This way, we are reducing the school’s overall waste generation, while training our young students how to be environmentally conscious citizens who actively recycle and reuse their resources. We now plant to expand our garden throughout the playgrounds entire perimeter, and develop curriculum that directly engages our students in the growth and maintenance of the garden. Once we expand to our rooftop, we plan to build rain catchment systems that collect water for the garden. This will protect the roof from leakages, and enable us to reduce our runoff levels. We will also expand our garden to the roof, which will enable us to supplement our students breakfast and lunches with our produce, thereby reducing our carbon footprint and improving the quality of our students diet. Finally, once we reach peak production (ideally by Fall 2012/Spring 2013), we plan to sell 50% of our produce to local restaurant to generate a sustainable source of revenue of the school, and give our students opportunities to learn basic business and management skills. Ultimately, we plan to open our facility as a training center so that we can teach our neighbors how to develop environmentally, structurally, economically, and socially sustainable projects, from the ground-up.
Pitch: “Due to its emphasis on French, NYFACS is made up of a largely international community. Therefore, by exposing these students and their families to a green school, and providing them opportunities to work with, and learn from various natural process, we will effectively harvest young, international ambassadors of responsible, environmental stewardship.”
School: Prosser Career Academy (CPS)
Location: Chicago, IL
Proposed green project: We have a beautiful but defunct and derelict court yard, and also a huge full sun series of soccer fields surrounding our building. The Culinary Arts teacher and myself, the science chair and ecology club sponsor, want to collaborate on a kitchen/teaching garden of LARGE proportions, so that we may finally utilize the lessons of composting and sustainable LOCAL agriculture for our students in a real and tangible way. Our students are so hungry to get their hands in the dirt it's tragic. Many of their family histories are tied to agriculture in the recent past, and they see and understand the urgent need for healthier locally grown diets. They know about food deserts and their families are the ones hurt by them. We very much want to bring hope and educational authenticity to our lessons.
Pitch: “Our top three 'green challenges' can be summarized as O.B.S. -- Old Building Syndrome, Unrealized Potential, and Bureaucratic Cynicism.”
School: Samuel Powel Elementary School
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Proposed green project: Our schoolyard will educate the next generation on ecological harmony. Redirecting storm water into rain gardens filled with lush native plant material will provide opportunities for learning mathematics, life-cycles, habitat, climate, biology, hydrology, principals of physics and ecology. Providing students with opportunity to grow fresh food themselves will teach the kids about agriculture, nutrition, sociology and more ecology. Our schoolyard will teach Green to a population of kids that otherwise may not have access. Powel will become a model green school for other public schools in the City. Samuel Powel School absolutely intends to use the schoolyard for teaching. In fact, we are already working towards this goal. We were awarded a grant through the Community Design Collaborative for design services and are working with a team of Landscape Architects, Architects, Civil Engineer and Cost Estimators to complete a preliminary design for our schoolyard. The design process has included teachers, administrators, community members and students working together to provide their vision for a healthy green space. If selected for a Green Makeover project, we will be able to complete the first and most important phase of our plan. Phase I has a primary focus on storm water management, including: an extensive green roof on our library, artistic rain scuppers and rain leaders on our main building leading to rain barrels. We will re-grade the paved surfaces to direct water to rain gardens and cisterns to capture storm water on-site use. By implementing these solutions for storm water management, we will reposition the garden as a focal point and to provide more plant material. Fortunately, this greening plan compliments with many of the cities initiatives: Green2015, Green City Clean Waters, Green Schoolyard Initiative and the Mayors goal to make Philadelphia the Next Great Green City! The motivation behind the plans for our schoolyard is to bring the classroom outside and educate our students about the ecological environment. We have been supported by strong involvement from the teachers and administrators from inception and know the school yard will provide an active learning environment for students to understand the water cycle, life cycle and nutrition. What’s more, it will teach kid how to live Green in an urban environment!
Pitch: “Being ‘Green’ means a lot more than planting green. Our schoolyard will educate the next generation on ecological harmony.”
School: Scattergood Friends School
Location: West Branch, IA
Proposed green project: Our proposal includes: building a modest food preservation facility at our school farm to supply our kitchen with home-grown produce year-round, installing high-efficiency and composting toilets at the school and farm to conserve water and reduce pressure on our failing septic system, creating a grey water treatment system behind our school’s main building. Integrating the “green school makeover” into teaching at our school could occur in four phases over a few years. First, our students will help prepare the school for the makeover during their regular academic courses. For instance, students would research composting toilet models, help our farm manager design the food preservation facility, investigate grey water treatment systems, make proposals to the school community, and collect data and take measurements for the projects. Our school’s "May Term" would allow students and staff to begin implementation of the makeover campaign during the final month of school. During this time, students undertake interdisciplinary experiential learning—and could actually help with construction and installation. Students will develop hands-on skills that they can use throughout their lives. Following the project’s completion, students’ "green" education will continue. For example, they’ll preserve more vegetables for our school kitchen in Food Preservation class using the new facility. Science students can monitor water quality and study the science behind the grey water treatment. Writing seminar students would submit articles to local media showcasing the project. On daily crews, all students and staff will help maintain the renovations. Lastly, students will perform “green makeover” outreach to campus visitors and special programs, reinforcing their expertise by teaching others. The project will foster environmental awareness in our school and community for many years!
Pitch: “Undertaking this project as a school community will nurture students’ desire for a relevant education that makes a difference in the world, and is consistent with our 1890 founding principles of integrity and simplicity.”
School: South Berwyn School District (Heritage Middle School)
Location: Berwyn, IL
Proposed green project: Creating a school culture that values sustainability and making choices that have a positive effect on the environment is a long-term process. Everyone in the school must be involved, not just a few teachers and students. Our proposal, to purchase an industrial high-temperature dishwasher so that we can reuse flatware and trays instead of creating non-recyclable trash, includes the whole school community in environmental activism. The students and teachers will see that we are setting ourselves apart from our larger culture of throw-away convenience. Custodians will have less trash to haul. Administrators, board members and taxpayers will appreciate the cost savings. The impact of this change will go far beyond just the immediate classroom. To provide the best education for our diverse population of 600 students, 48% of whom are low-income, we have found that we need to serve both breakfast and lunch. Lunches are served on Styrofoam trays with plastic cutlery; each breakfast comes with a napkin, straw and spork in a plastic package. The food service administrators spend $9,843 a year on plastic flatware and trays. The cost to haul the trash from the cafeteria alone is approximately $3,000. An industrial dishwasher would allow us to use reusable baskets and conventional flatware at breakfast and lunch instead of plastic. Along with the dishwasher, we would buy the flatware, reusable plastic baskets, and storage bins for the flatware. As the kitchen would have to be reconfigured to fit the dishwasher, we would also have to purchase a new sink. Efforts to change the materials that are used for breakfast and lunch have been rejected due to the high initial investment costs, which will be approximately &10,000. Therefore, it’s essential that we find funding for this project from outside sources.
Pitch: “Our school’s biggest challenge is that most students and staff blindly follow habits formed in a larger throw-away culture of convenience. To change these habits, the school culture needs to change.”
School: Texas School for the Deaf
Location: Austin, TX
Proposed green project: We must start with a few basic, achievable measures that require minimal strain on already stretched budgets and resources. Rain barrels for grounds watering. Tap water filtration systems instead of bottled water. Hands-free faucets to replace existing faucets in restrooms. Hand dryers to replace towel dispensers in restrooms. More recycling containers across campus. Earth Day celebration to recognize our progress with a poster contest to involve students and collaborate for more creative ways for TSD to Go Green.
Pitch: “Our wish list for a greener campus is quite extensive. However, we must start with a few basic, achievable measures that require minimal strain on already stretched budgets and resources.”
School: The Academy for Global Citizenship
Location: Chicago, IL
Proposed green project: Our proposal is to build a Solar Learning Lab and Shade Structure. Energy efficiency and energy generation are key elements to our goal of operating an environmentally sustainable school. Generating clean energy positively affects our environment, our immediate community and our education. We can use energy generation as an opportunity to teach basic math and science as well as advanced photovoltaics; lessons for all of our students and opportunities for green-jobs training for our families. Specifically, this makeover will be constructing an outdoor gazebo-style facility and installing thin-film solar panels onto its roof. The Lab will include a tracker that will enable students to track energy production and analyze the data. Like most things in nature, this solar learning lab will produce results greater than its main function. At our new facility, we have ample outdoor space. While this is a great asset for our environmental and physical activity education, it becomes a challenge to educate outdoors on hot and sunny days. With no shade space, we have to limit our outdoor activities and exposure to nature. By constructing a Solar Learning Lab, we will be able to install solar power and create a shade space to increase our students’ ability to spend time outdoors. The panels and lab will be used in education; this is a core element to our academic approach. Our students will learn how solar and other renewable energy sources work, how to position the panels and how to track data. They will learn about electricity and efficiency and will learn what they can do outside of school to make a positive difference. We will also use the process as a green jobs training opportunity for individuals who are looking for work- this is a great opportunity to help rebuild the workforce and great jobs.
Pitch: “As a young school, we have a limited sphere of direct influence. However, we have access to so many families and community members. We would like to find ways to draw in the community and spread environmental practices throughout our families and community.”
School: West Miami Middle School
Location: Miami, FL
Proposed green project: The Green Makeover project entails the following: 1. The chiller plant will be connected to the District’s Energy Management System by placing the HVAC systems on automatic mode. This will reduce the hours of operation of the A/C by 72 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends. 2. The installation of occupancy sensors in all classrooms so that lights will be activated only as needed will cause an estimated 43% energy savings in electrical consumption for lighting classrooms. 3. The boilers will be replaced by a tankless, water heater that will provide spot-on demand heating for the 7 sinks in the cafeteria. The project will be used in teaching as an interdisciplinary topic in Mathematics and Science classes. Students will be able to: • Use FPL reports to answer document based questions regarding the energy consumption in various areas of the building. • Develop higher order thinking skills by doing a comparative analysis of the monthly/yearly rates of energy consumption before and after the project. • Graph the data and make projections as to energy consumption over the school year. • Estimate the District's rebate funds based on the monthly energy reductions. • Create a line-item budget for the projected rebate to fund future “Green” initiatives. • Calculate the reduction of our carbon foot print based on energy reductions due to the project. Research has indicated that students who are involved in environmental action tend to perform well on standardized tests and excel in school. Currently, our 98% Hispanic population (88% on free/reduced lunch) are underachieving in the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test in Mathematic, Reading, and Science. Hence, the ultimate goal is that “Green” initiative will assist in enhancing student achievement by increasing student proficiency rates on the standardized tests.
Pitch: “Renovations and upgrades to electrical and A/C systems in the original buildings of our school have been minimal and our school’s energy consumption far exceeds the District’s recommended levels.”
School: Zimmerman School House, Inc. d/b/a Abi's Place
Location: Coral Springs, FL
Proposed green project: Due to limited space, limited access to a safe outdoor play area, poor lighting, inappropriate flooring, and other related issues, we are looking to move into a new space that we would like to furnish with eco-friendly flooring options, eco-friendly wall paint, cleaning supplies, and a safe outdoor area. The plan is to move into this space summer 2012. The following items would help our children maintain physical well-being by providing a safe learning environment. 1. Thorough, eco-friendly cleaning of our new space. This would also include a mold/mildew inspection and and preparation the school would require for it to be safe for our students. 2. Eco-friendly flooring option since children spend extended periods of time playing on the floor, working with physical and occupational therapists on the floor, and learning to navigate their environments safely by sitting and crawling on the floor. 3. Eco-friendly wall paint. We want to avoid any potentially-harmful chemicals that can be in wall paint by choosing a green option. 4. An outside play area that is safe for our children. Due to the different types of medications our children are currently prescribed, the students of Abi's Place are only allowed to spend limited quantities of time in the sun. We would love to have a covered, eco-friendly outdoor play area, with recycled materials used for ground covering, green toys, an area to practice walking and bike-riding, and perhaps a handicapped-accessible swing. The aforementioned areas definitely cover the main concerns within our school.
Pitch: "These alterations will allow us to fulfill our mission's commitment to provide children with disabilities with a safe, stimulating learning environment."
Posted In: greenschools
Tags: green schools
November 16th, 2011 by Global Green USA
The Finalists: Green School Makeover
After weeks of deliberation, we announced the 10 finalists for our green school makeover competition, including public, private, and charter schools from a pool of more than 200 entries from across the country. Finalists were chosen based on the clarity and description of the school’s green challenges and need for a makeover. Each of the applications included proposals for green improvements, such as planting organic vegetable gardens, creating recycling programs, and adopting energy efficiency upgrades.
On December 6, one grand prize winner will be selected to receive the ultimate Green School Makeover, which includes $65,000 for school renovations and an additional $65,000 worth of technical assistance. Four runner-up schools will be awarded $2,500 each to make their school more sustainable.
The 10 Finalists for the Green School Makeover Competition:
Garlough Environmental Magnet School; West St. Paul, MN
New York French American Charter School; New York, NY
Prosser Career Academy (CPS); Chicago, IL
Samuel Powel Elementary School; Philadelphia, PA
Scattergood Friends School; West Branch, IA
South Berwyn School District (Heritage Middle School); Berwyn, IL
Texas School for the Deaf; Austin, TX
The Academy for Global Citizenship; Chicago, IL
West Miami Middle School; Miami, FL
Zimmerman School House, Inc. d/b/a Abi's Place; Coral Springs, FL
Click through for the proposals of the 10 finalists.
Posted In: greenschools
Tags: green schools
November 2nd, 2011 by Global Green USA
Green School Makeover Competition
This year, we launched the Green School Makeover Competition, offering $65,000 to a winner proposal for a green school project, along with $65,000 in techinical assistance to implement it. Four runner-up schools will also receive $2,500 for their projects. We received hundreds of submissions from across the country and our panel of jurors is currently reviewing the ideas. The finalists will be announced in Novemeber, and the winner in December. Stay tuned.
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Green School Makeover Competition Jury
Bill Orr
Bill is the executive director for CHPS, Collaborative for High Performance Schools, facilitating the design, construction and operation of high performance schools. For the past thirty years, he has worked on behalf of California, implementing green strategies along the way. In 2007, he was inducted into the California Green Schools Hall of Fame for his pioneering work with CHPS. His leadership inspires much-needed changes to our educational system.
Erin Schrode
Erin is the spokeswoman and co-founder of the U.S.-based Turning Green campaign, promoting global sustainability, youth leadership, environmental education, and conscious lifestyle choices. After working in disaster response in Haiti, Erin founded and launched The Schoolbag, a youth education project to provide tools and materials for students in need, as well as initiate active citizenry and environmental stewardship. She hosts events that raise public awareness about environmental and social responsibility for individuals, schools, and communities. She is nationally recognized as a leader among the next generation of social entrepreneurs.
Ramsey Green
Ramsey is the Deputy Superintendent of Operations at RSDLA, Recovery School District Louisiana, transforming schools and putting students on the path to career and college. He is a steward in his community, leading and implementing the School Facilities Master Plan.
Walker Wells
Walker is the Director of the Green Urbanism Program at Global Green, developing and implementing viable and cost-effective green building practices and programs. He has also worked as the Senior Urban Designer with Gruen Associates in Los Angeles, Associate Planner with the City of Santa Monica, and Urban Planner for the City of Malmo, Sweden. He is a member of the American Institute of City Planners and is a LEED Accredited Professional.
Matt Petersen
Matt Petersen has led Global Green USA since 1994, building and guiding the organization's innovative programs and initiatives. Matt’s vision for the green rebuilding of New Orleans has led to the greening of New Orleans schools, helped educate thousands of residents to rebuild their homes more energy efficiently, and helped create the Holy Cross Project, a sustainable village in the Lower 9th Ward with 23 units of affordable housing and a community/climate action center. Matt has been touted a ‘green all star’ by Outside Magazine, and in May 2008 he was appointed by the Sir Edmund Hillary Institute in New Zealand as the Inaugural Hillary Fellow.
Green School Makeover Competition Partners
Global Green USA expresses our sincere thanks to our Green School Makeover Competition outreach partners for helping us spread the word about the Competition and making it possible to reach all of the students, educators, parents, and administrators who we hope will enter their school for a chance to win. By taking the time to get the word out, our partners have been instrumental in making sure that schools across the country learn about the Green School Makeover Competition and ideas for going green. Global Green strives to work collaboratively with all like-minded organizations to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in a healthier, greener school. Thank you, again, to all of our partners and others who spread the word about Global Green USA's National Green School Makeover Competition!
Alliance for Climate Education Alliance for Climate Education is the national leader in high school climate education. In two years, ACE has reached 750,000 high school students at 1,300 schools nationwide with its acclaimed free in-person multimedia assembly on climate science and solutions. Learn more at acespace.org.
Center for EcoliteracyThe Center for Ecoliteracy (www.ecoliteracy.org) is dedicated to education for sustainable living in K-12 schools. We offer books, teaching and film guides, professional development seminars, and hundreds of downloadable resources
Environmental Charter Schools The mission of Environmental Charter High School is to inspire students to discover their own sense of purpose, to equip all students with the knowledge and skills to graduate from college, and to empower them to become quality stewards of their community and world. www.echsonline.org
Facing the Future Facing the Future is a national educational nonprofit that empowers students to think critically, develop a global perspective, and participate in positive solutions for a sustainable future. Learn more at www.facingthefuture.org.
Global Youth Action Network
Green Education Foundation Green Education Foundation (GEF) is committed to creating a sustainable future through education. GEF provides curriculum and resources to K-12 students and teachers worldwide with the goal of challenging youth to think holistically and critically about global environmental concerns and solutions.
Healthy Child Healthy World Healthy Child Healthy World is a national non-profit inspiring the movement to protect our children from harmful chemicals. Visit www.healthychild.org for more information.
Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools is a statewide organization which supports, promotes, and advocates for the Louisiana charter school movement, increasing student access to high quality public schools statewide.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. From the ballot box to the classroom, the thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders and members who make up the NAACP continue to fight for social justice for all Americans.
Roots and Shoots Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots is the global environmental and humanitarian youth program of the Jane Goodall Institute, and encourages youth to make positive change happen — for people, animals and the environment.
Project Learning Tree is a national environmental education program that provides 30,000 PreK-12 educators every year with curriculum materials and training. More than 900 schools are participating in PLT’s GreenSchools! program that provides students a set of investigations, leadership opportunities, and grants to complete service-learning action projects.
The Green Schools Challenge (GSC) program empowers teams of students, teachers, administrators and custodial staff to reduce their school’s energy and water consumption, and waste output. The GSC provides schools with the resources they need to foster long term sustainability.
The Green Schools Initiative works to transform the environmental health and sustainability of K-12 schools in California by engaging students in reducing the environmental footprint of their schools. Through training, support and policy advocacy, we catalyze “green” actions by students, teachers, parents, and policymakers to eliminate toxics.
The National Beta Club The National Beta Club is the nation's largest independent, non-profit, education youth organization committed to promoting high academic achievement, nurturing worthy character, teaching leadership skills and encouraging service to others.
Posted In: greenschools
Tags: green schools
November 1st, 2011 by Global Green USA
Top 10 Reasons to Green Schools
Protect Health
Asthma is the primary cause of poor school attendance and schools with poor indoor air quality usually have numerous asthma precursors. Schools built with more natural daylight, better ventilation, and healthy green building materials such as non VOC carpets and paints are healthier for students, teachers and other school employees and result in fewer sick days.
Increase Student Performance
A lack of fresh air can cause reduced attentiveness. Studies have shown that student test scores can improve up to 20% when kids learn in green classrooms that provide more natural daylighting, improved classroom acoustics, and healthier paints and carpets that don’t release toxic chemicals into the air.
Save Energy, Save Money
Operating costs for energy and water in a green school can be reduced by 20% to 40%, allowing more money to be used for teacher salaries, textbooks, and computers.
Reduce Carbon Emissions
Green schools significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In Los Angeles alone, building 34 new green schools would reduce 94,000 tons of CO2 -- the equivalent of eliminating more than 15,000 cars from the road every year, or planting more than 280,000 trees.
Reduce Water Usage
On average, a green school reduces water usage 32%. This reduction has direct savings for the building, as well as substantial societal benefits from lower pollution and reduced infrastructure costs to deliver water and to transport and treat wastewater.
Improve Teacher Retention
A green school can reduce teacher turnover by as much as 5%, which results in financial savings for the school, as well as a more positive experience for students.
Improve Daily Attendance
Students in green schools are absent less frequently. By reducing absenteeism just 15%, a typical elementary school would save from $40,000 to $60,000.
Provide A Unique Educational Opportunity
Buildings can become teaching tools and important features of science, math, and environmental curriculum when green features and advanced technology and design in schools are used to excite kids about learning real world applications of green technologies.
Create Green Jobs
Investing in building green schools is an investment in green jobs, including green construction, building product manufacturing, and green architecture.
Improve Equity
Greening public schools creates an opportunity to improve the health and educational settings for all students, regardless of income or background.
Posted In: greenschools
Tags: green schools
November 1st, 2011 by Global Green USA
Consider this hard fact: We spend more on energy costs for schools in the United States than we do on textbooks and computers combined.
Operating costs for energy and water in a green school can be reduced by 20% to 40% each year, allowing more money to be used for teacher salaries, textbooks, and computers. Here's how green schools save money:
Savings on Water Bills
Water is conserved from the use of low-flow aerators on bathroom and kitchen sinks and low-flush functions on toilets and urinals. Regular plumbing repairs and the use of low-water plants in landscaping also contribute to savings.
Savings on Energy Bills
Plans to turn off lights and equipment and to use sleep mode for machines not in use help contribute to lower bills. Energy Star-rated equipment and appliances are used to reduce electricity consumption. The average U.S. school can lower its energy bills by 30% simply through promoting energy-saving behavior.
Savings on Heating and Cooling Bills
Programmable thermostats help keep heating and cooling costs down. Insulation and sealed windows also contribute to savings.
Savings on Lighting Costs
Florescent lighting bulbs do not need to be replaced as frequently as incandescent bulbs. Sensors on lights cut down on use as well. Natural daylighting also reduces the need for artificial light.
Savings on Waste Removal
Reusing and recycling and composting food scraps helps cut down on waste removal costs.
Posted In: greenschools
Tags: green schools
November 1st, 2011 by Global Green USA
Windows
Good windows are well-sealed and lower the cost of heating and cooling.
Equipment
Energy Star-rated equipment and appliances are used to reduce electricity consumption.
Walls
Low- or no-VOC paints are used. Insulation to interior walls helps to reduce distracting noise.
Ceilings
To cut down on distracting noise, drop ceilings have acoustic ceiling tiles and major fans are placed over hallways instead of classrooms. Additionally, vibration isolators are installed on rooftop equipment.
Crawl Spaces, Attic
Insulation in the accessible duct work in the crawl spaces and attic with weather-stripping around gaps helps prevent heating and cooling losses, thus raising the energy-efficiency of the heating and cooling systems.
Floors
Carpeted areas are replaced with hard surfaces, which are easier to rid of dust and other triggers for allergies and asthma.
Janitorial Closet
Cleaning supplies are non-toxic and third-party green certified, reducing exposure to allergens and other harmful chemicals that pollute the breathing air and atmosphere.
Lighting Systems
High-efficiency lighting is used and sensors turn lights off automatically. Lower-wattage flourescent lamps are used; T8 fluorescent dimming lamps controlled by occupancy and photocell sensors reduce the length of time lights are left on when classrooms are unoccupied. Additionally, natural daylighting is a central component that provides biological stimulation for hormones that regulate body systems and moods; it also offers opportunities for natural ventilation, and reduces the need for artificial light, thereby reducing energy costs.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Vents are free from obstructions, air flows freely, and the best possible air filters are used and changed regularly. Programmable thermostats are preset at different temperatures for certain times of the day and to account for occupancy levels. An Energy Star Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system helps to increase energy performance. Window overhangs and curved, translucent, interior lightshelves in South-facing deep spaces help reduce solar heat gain, cooling loads, glare, and improve comfort within the classrooms.
Bathrooms
Low-flow aerators are installed on bathroom faucets, along with automatic faucet shut-off controls. Toilets and urinals are low-flow. Locker rooms have low-flow shower heads. Plumbing fixtures are regularly inspected for leaks.
Kitchen
Low-flow aerators are installed on sinks and plumbing fixtures are checked regularly for leaks. High-efficiency dishwashers are used in school cafeterias. Snacks and meals have minimal packaging and many do not require utensils or tableware.
Recycling System
A school-wide recycling system includes areas for recyclables to be separated, collected, and stored.
Compost System
A compost bin in the schoolyard or trash area contains scraps from the cafeteria and is managed by teachers, students and a local farm or community garden.
Outdoors
Native plants and other drought-tolerant landscaping elements limit water use. When irrigation is needed, high-efficiency irrigation systems are used with reclaimed water or captured rainwater. The outdoor area is covered with semi-permeable surfaces that allow stormwater to filter through the ground naturally instead of running off the site into the sewer system.
Roof
A green roof captures water and cools down buildings from densely packed plants on classroom roofs. Solar panels provide power and offset electricity costs.
Bioswale Garden
A bioswale garden diverts rain water from the rooftop into the garden. It can include a cistern, a stream, pools of water, and native plants. It attracts native wildlife and is a learning resource for the students, who can examine plant life that grows in treatment tanks throughout the facility and visualize a complex form of environmental sustainability.
Biology Pond
A pond is filled with run-off water channeled through a cascade system that directs rainwater from the roof into the pond. The pond can serve as an outdoor classroom for biology students to study plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Solar Shade Canopy
A photovoltaic array -- arrangement of solar panels -- can serve as a shade canopy for an outdoor classroom and also provide an alternative energy source for harvesting electricity generated by the sun.
Posted In: greenschools
Tags: green schools
November 1st, 2011 by Global Green USA
Posted In: aboutus
November 1st, 2011 by Matt Petersen
At Global Green USA, we have been working on greening schools for a decade. In California and New Orleans, we have created showcase green schools that improve student test scores, lower energy bills, and reduce asthma attacks. We call it the 3 R's of green schools: Rise in student performance levels and teacher retention; Reduction in carbon emissions and toxins; and Renewed hope in education and the future.
Green schools increase student performance by 20% and teacher retention by 5% -- through better daylighting and acoustics. Attendance is also up due to better indoor air quality, and energy costs are down. Remarkably, we spend more on energy costs for schools in the United States than we do on textbooks and computers combined. Thankfully, green schools reduce utility costs by 20% on average -- and that means a big reduction in carbon emissions as well. And because green schools make use of formaldehyde-free and low-VOC materials such as tiles, carpeting, insulation, and paint, they’re healthier, too.
With our work so far, Global Green USA has:
Helped more than 55,000 students and teachers thrive in high-performance schools that save money and improve test scores
Provided technical expertise for school districts to go green
Motivated millions of students, teachers and parents to make the schools in their communities healthier
Hosted an annual Green School Makeover Competition
Created innovative, easy to use web tools for greening K-12 schools
Helped secure $100 million in bond monies for green schools in California
Drafted green school criteria for Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina
Posted In: aboutus
Tags: green schools
November 1st, 2011 by Global Green USA
What You Can Do: Getting Started
Below, some suggestions for what you can do this week to green your school. Coming soon: what you can do this semester and this school year.
Teach Lessons at Home
Teaching starts at home. Begin by teaching your kids green living fundamentals: reducing, reusing and recycling. Pack no-waste lunches for your kids. Turn off lights, computers, game consoles, and TVs when not in use.
Tell Kids to Turn Off Lights and Electronic Equipment
First simple action: Teach kids to turn out the lights when leaving the classroom. And ask teachers/administrators to turn off computers and electronic equipment when not in use. Need a reminder for turning out the lights? Post a reminder near light switches.
Call Your School’s Administrators
Pick up the phone and call your school administration office or the head of the PTA to express interest in learning about the school’s green "report card" -- and taking part in helping make a difference. Don't know where to start? Use our checklist of questions to ask.
Write to Your School
Download a letter to send to school officials, urging them to make your school a green school.
Write to Your Elected Leaders
Sign our letter to Senator Reid, urging him to make sure the Job Act includes green school projects to improve the lives of our children and build a green economy. Also contact your local representatives.
Posted In: aboutus
Tags: green schools
November 1st, 2011 by Global Green USA
Posted In: aboutus
Tags: green schools
November 1st, 2011 by Global Green USA
Green Schools: Before and After
Above, Cahuenga ES1 in Los Angeles.
Above, Kipps Raices in East Los Angeles.
More before and after photos coming soon!
Posted In: aboutus
October 27th, 2011 by Matt Petersen
I am so excited by the responses to our I AM challenge – Citizen entrepreneurs from across the U.S. -- and the world -- have stood up, declaring their commitment to action in their neighborhood, school, or city.
Take a look at some of the great I AM photos and their commitments to help fight climate change.
We started Global Green USA’s I AM Challenge to fight climate change a few weeks ago. I joined Mark Ruffalo in Lower Manhattan -- a part of NYC threatened by sea level rise, most recently from Hurricane Irene -- to take our challenge. We have extended the deadline through November 15 and hope you will join us today by simply sending an I AM photo with a personal promise to take action in your community.
Not only will you be making a difference and sending a message to our leaders through your action, you'll get a chance to tell your story on the green carpet as our VIP guest at our February 22, 2012 Pre-Oscar party.
TAKE the I AM Challenge by sending a photo and pledge
DONATE online to help fund our work
SHARE the I AM Challenge on Facebook or Twitter
Sample posts for Twitter or Facebook:
Cities you love under water? Take action with the @globalgreenusa I AM Fighting Climate Change Challenge http://bit.ly/qrHqsg
Rising sea levels are threatening our coastal cities - unless we act. Join @globalgreenusa in fighting climate change http://bit.ly/qrHqsg
Sink or swim: Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities, unless we act. Join @globalgreenusa in fighting climate change http://bit.ly/qrHqsg
Thanks for your commitment!
Posted In: aboutus
- NOLA Wise Data and Marketing Internship - New Orleans
- Chief Development and Communications Officer
- Part-Time Policy & Legislative Affairs/Communications Internship - Los Angeles
Global Green USA Headquarters
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Phone: 504.525.2121
Fax:504.525.2122
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