Thursday, July 13, 2000

Martin Bakowski, Home Performance Professionals

Dana Bobinchek, New York League of Conservation Voters

Joan Bozer, WNY Sustainable Energy Society

Loraine Clemente, Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation

Joe Demare, NYS Alternative Energy Corporation

Leslie Eberhard, Countrywide Home Loans

Judith Einach, United Neighborhoods

Gordon Fraser, Buffalo State College

Paul Fuhrmann, Ecology & Environment Inc.

Joseph Gardella, SUNY at Buffalo Environment & Society Institute/CAS

Richard Grainger, Conserval Systems

Phil Haberstro, Wellness Institute

Randi Mail, Green Gold Intern

Mark Mitskovski, Erie County Department of Environment and Planning

Bill Nowak, Council Staff

Gary Robinson, URS Greiner

Jeffrey Robinson, Countrywide Home Loans

Walter Simpson, SUNYAB UB Green Office, University Facilities

Jim Smith, Office for the Environment

Cheryl Szuniewicz, Countrywide Home Loans

Paul Troy, Liquid Solutions

Darlene Vogel, Urban resources Partnership

Ed Zielinski, www.environment-buffalo.org

Paul Fuhrmann discussed the recently initiated Buffalo Tree Inventory Project, which will:

1. Conduct a street inventory of the trees in the City of Buffalo.
2. Coordinate a public outreach effort to inform the community of the economic, environmental and health values of having a healthy urban forest ecosystem.
3. Create an extensive Geographic Information System (GIS) database, as part of an interactive website to provide accessible information for the city, county, and community. Also, this database will be essential in developing Urban Forest Best Management Practices that will help replenish Buffalo’s urban forest.

On July 27, 2000 from 5:30 to 9:30pm, there will be a public meeting held in the auditorium at the Buffalo Museum of Science to introduce the Tree Survey. There will be presentations, guest speakers, and case studies along with a question and answer period. Refreshments will be served.

The Project Team consists of Buffalo Green Fund, Inc.; Buffalo Department of Public Works and Parks; Forestry and Recreation; Olmsted Parks Conservancy; the Baird Foundation; Ecology & Environment, Inc.; the USDA Urban Resources Partnership (URP) of Buffalo; and every neighborhood in the City of Buffalo. The project

has been funded by grants from the USDA Urban Resources Partnership of Buffalo, the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, and the Baird Foundation.

The need to cultivate and maintain a healthy urban forest in the City of Buffalo was emphasized for a variety of reasons. Walter Simpson, from University Facilities at SUNYAB commented on the opportunity to learn a lot from the survey’s efforts being that a Tree Protection Policy was recently adopted by UB’s Environmental Task Force and Integrated Pest Management planning is currently underway. For more information on the Urban Tree Survey contact Paul Fuhrmann @ 684-8060.

Richard Grainger began this three-part presentation by noting his appreciation for the beautiful architecture of the Frank Lloyd Wright Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Along with attending the Solar 2000 Conference, Richard also visited the Empowerment 2000 Conference. Educators from grades K through 12 were there, representing schools that have integrated solar technologies to their operations. Some interesting scientifically proven findings about the benefits of daylighting in schools: student performance improves, students grow taller and have fewer cavities.

At Solar 2000, Richard found that there were far more architects and engineers inquiring about renewable technologies than ever before. This is an incredibly important development showing that the word about green design is finally making its way effectively. Richard stressed how important it is for Americans to realize their enormous use of energy and to reduce their use.

Up next, Walter Simpson spoke of his enjoyment in bicycling everyday and everywhere during the conference in Madison. He emphasized how well bicycling fits in with sustainable principles and hoped that more people incorporate biking into their daily routines. Walter highlighted Winona LaDuke, the Vice Presidential Candidate running with Ralph Nader on the Green ticket, as one of the most riveting speakers on energy consumption.

On a local note, a smart energy choice should be made to design the upcoming Adelphia Communications building green. Walter outlined the potential benefits that this would bring to Buffalo, including:

• National recognition for implementing cutting edge architectural and engineering design.
• Beautifying Buffalo’s waterfront and skyline by building a showcase, contemporary design.
• Incredible savings by maximizing energy efficiency and utilizing renewable energy sources.

Another prime opportunity is to employ solar design into the six new schools slated for Buffalo. Walter praised the national trend of schools going solar and suggested that Buffalo follow suit. He pointed to a convincing quote from the conference:

Why go out on a limb? That’s where the fruit is.

Joan Bozer wrapped up the presentation with a few topics. She mentioned plans to install photovoltaic panels on her house to be included in the October Tour of Solar Homes. In addition, Joan pointed out the prominent assertion that fossil fuel subsidies must be removed for the renewable energy market to boom. If this were to happen, Joan stressed that solar and wind power would be dirt-cheap.

Continuing on the energy wave, Martin Bakowski from Home Performance Professionals, discussed the savings reaped by homes built to Energy Star standards. Exceeding the national Model Energy Code, Energy Star homes conserve an additional 30% in energy consumption and these savings are translated into dollars on utility bills. By allowing homeowners a smaller load on utility bills, they have more money to put back into the economy. Builders also benefit by differentiating their services from their competitors by building higher quality structures that require less maintenance. Energy-efficient homes also help to reduce air pollution and increase resale value.

Homes built to Energy Star standards increase building costs by $1000-$5000 with about a three year payback period. The US Environmental Protection Agency along with the US Department of Energy supports the program. Jeffrey Robinson from Countrywide Home Loans, talked about loans and mortgages offered for Energy Star Homes through their company. Countrywide proudly claims to be the most active lender for energy-efficient homes and seeks to raise awareness of the money available to interested citizens. To get an area specific list of Energy Star Home builders visit

Phil Haberstro, from the Wellness Institute rightly suggested that the City’s cable channel be used to air information about the Energy Star Home Program and its well-kept secrets.

Judith Einach from United Neighborhoods informed Green Gold of the effort to begin a Community Market Garden in the Masten District. Funds for the project are already secured from the USDA.

Project leader, Rebekah Williams prefers a Masten District location because of the proximity to her home; she recently had a baby. Judy explained that they have met serious dissention from community members in the Hamlin Park Community Association. The group had quite a few concerns that seem to ultimately reject the idea altogether. Out of 9000 empty lots in the City of Buffalo, Judy expressed their frustration in securing land in the Masten District as well as contacting Byron Brown.

Meeting attendees were very sympathetic to the obstacles outlined by Judy and there seemed to be several new leads presented to her after the meeting adjourned. The deadline to receive the funds is July 24^th?, the land must be attained by then.