BOMA Silicon Valley

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committee meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month from 12-1 pm.

(Committee membership is for BOMA Silicon Valley members only)

OUR MISSION

“It is the Mission of this committee to be a resource for the Members of BOMA for developing their the understanding and knowledge of Energy Efficiency and Sustainability and to support our members in applying that knowledge and understanding to Building Management and to partner with Regulatory Agencies.”

BOMA Silicon Valley Energy & Sustainable Management Committee

COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS

In December 2011 the Energy and Sustainable Management Committee (ESMC) in conjunction with Girl Scout Troop #360 were awarded Second Place for their eco-friendly tree at San Jose’s Christmas in the Park. The Bright Green Tree Zone competition was a new feature of this annual event.

Jennifer Seguin, City of San Jose, and ESMC member proposed the committee’s participation in the event. The whole committee participated, joined by ESMC Co-chair Cass Contreras’ of CleanSource daughter’s Girl Scout troop. Choosing the BOMA International colors of blue and silver for a theme, the group made all decorations from recycled materials for the 6’ live, potted tree provided.

BOMA’s tree will be planted at a local school or park as an added benefit of the program.

Many thanks to all who attended the “Go Green on a Low Budget” event held in conjunction with the Emerging Leaders committee. For those who missed the presentation or would like to refer to the powerpoint, please click here.

The EMERALD AWARD is BOMA SV’s green/sustainability award program which celebrates high performance and energy efficient buildings. Click here for information on the award categories and how to apply!

Congratulations to the 2011 BOMA Silicon Valley Emerald Award Winners!!
The Emerald Awards recognize effort in sustainable management on a variety of topics. Keep up the good work!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Greenbuild 2012 Call for Tour Proposals

The Greenbuild 2012 San Francisco Host Committee, Green Building Tours Sub-Committee is soliciting projects for possible inclusion in the Greenbuild 2012 Tours Program.

Here's an excellent opportunity for Silicon Valley property managers and owners to strut their "green" stuff. Click here for more info>

The 3rd CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards

Receive recognition for your sustainable efforts! The CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards recognize California small businesses that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, promote climate friendly practices and integrate the tools on CoolCalifornia.org into their business operations. Application period is January 3 - February 29, 2012.

Award Categories:

Small Business of the Year Award
Awarded to California small businesses that took significant actions to reduce their environmental impacts. Winners will have demonstrated measurable reductions of their greenhouse gas emissions and documented the costs and benefits of the actions.

Climate Leader Award
Awarded to California small businesses that were proactive in reducing their environmental impacts. Climate Leaders will have described the specific actions taken to achieve the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, visit www.coolcalifornia.org/article/small-business-award-program

California Sustainability Showcase Awards now accepting applications!

The Sustainability Showcase Awards honors leaders in four categories:
Local Government,
Commercial Buildings,
Water Agencies, and
Multifamily Housing.

If you have implemented energy efficiency, transit-oriented development, water efficiency, or other innovative sustainability policies, practices, programs or technologies at your properties the BOMA SV Energy and Sustainable management committee encourages you to look into this program. Further details can be found at Showcase Awards website.

Showcase Application Form
Showcase Program Flyer

The ESM Committee is pleased to announce our new web site! Our committee has worked hard compiling the following pages as resources for our members who wish to implement sustainable practices at their properties. We hope you find them helpful!

Designed by Moira O'Connell of Complete Building Services

Each month the ESM Committee publishes the Green Tips article in the BOMA SV Newsletter. Click here for past articles.

NEW SAN JOSE ORDINANCE

In December 2010, the City of San Jose adopted a Single-Use Carryout Bag ordinance that bans single use plastic carryout bags; the ordinance will begin on January 1, 2012 at which point consumers at all grocery and retail stores in San Jose will have the option to bring their own reusable bags or pay a minimum price for recycled-content paper bags. Consider the following to prepare for the ordinance:

A high-quality reusable bag has the potential to replace over 600 single-use plastic bags over its lifetime.
Plastic bags are one of the most common litter items found in creek cleanups.
Paper bags are just as problematic taking 14 million trees each year in the United States to produce a year's supply for retail use.
Shopping with reusable bags is a great way to take part in reducing litter and conserving natural resources.

To do your part, encourage your tenants to:

Start shopping with a reusable bag now.
Keep reusable bags by the door, in the car, or near car keys.
Keep foldable bags in pockets, backpacks, or a purse.
Give your friends and family a reusable bag, and encourage them to start shopping with them today.
Consider wrapping holiday gifts in reusable bags. They are available in a variety of colors and sizes.

For additional resources and updates, visit www.sjrecycles.org/bags. If you have questions, please e-mail
Bring-ur-Bag@sanjoseca.gov or call (408) 534-BYOB(2962).