Make America Green Again · within the Company’s New Jersey and Maryland offices. He currently...

Make America Green Again

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

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Presenters:

Todd El-Taher – Moderator

James Anderson – Becht Engineering BT

Amanda Rockler – University of Maryland Extension Service

Michael Daly – ASG Architectural Support Group

Judyann Lee - McMillan Metro PC

Today’s Moderator

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• Todd El-Taher is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Hann & Hann Construction Services and has been with the firm since 2005.

• Co-chair of the Education Committee for the Washington Metropolitan Chapter of CAI.

• Inventor, awaiting the awarding of his second patent from the United States Patent and Trademark of Office, holds a degree in International Relations from Canisius College and is a US Army Veteran.

James Anderson

James W. Anderson, PE, is a Structural Engineer and Partner/Principal with Becht Engineering BT. He has practiced structural engineering for over 18 years within the Company’s New Jersey and Maryland offices. He currently manages the company’s Mid-Atlantic Project Management and Civil/Structural Divisions in the office and supports the company’s structural engineering work throughout the east coast.

In addition to his current professional responsibilities, James is retired after serving over 21 years in the United States Navy/Navy Reserve, where he held numerous leadership positions throughout his career. He also enjoys spending his free time with his family, playing hockey and biking.

Amanda Rockler

Amanda is a Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist with the University of Maryland’s Sea Grant Extension Program. Amanda works with local governments, non-profits, residents, and other entities to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.

Amanda has co-authored multiple articles and publications, assisted in securing over 4 million in grants, and presented at numerous regional and national conferences. She has taught or coordinated programs for 10,000 people.

Michael Daly

Mike’s current practice, Architectural Support Group, LLC, in addition to being a full-service architecture and design firm, focuses on addressing building envelope needs along with forensic investigations.

Michael is NCARB certified and a licensed architect in the states of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. He is also an NCIDQ certified interior designer, LEED BD+C accredited, and a Reserve Specialist through the CAI.

Judyann Lee

Judyann M. Lee is Of Counsel with McMillan Metro, P.C. with expertise in Real Estate Law. Judyann’sreal estate practice focuses primarily on the development and operation of common interest projects, including homeowners associations, commercial, residential and mixed-use projects, including condominiums, cooperatives, and timeshare resorts. She is licensed in Virginia and the District of Columbia as well as Maryland, and is knowledgeable in the laws affecting common interest communities in all of those jurisdictions. She is also a board member for the WMCCAI.

Four major segments► Civil engineering strategies and

recommendations► Storm water management programs

► Architectural adaptation► Public policy, advocacy, free speech,

and cultural evolution

Objectives

Climate Change

"The day two politicians are arguing about whether science is true, it means nothing gets done. Nothing.”

- Neil deGrasse Tyson

Climate Change

Climate change is real – we are experiencing more frequent and heavier rainfalls…

Further, climate projections suggest an increase in atmospheric water vapor –heavier rainfall.

Where is rainfall heavier? Where is rainfall decreased?

What is “heavier?”

When (timing/duration, what frequency)?

Rate of future change – “stationarity” vs non-stationarity

Stationarity: the statistical properties of a process generating a time series do not change over time.

It does not mean that the series does not change over time, just that the way it changes does not itself change over time.

Qualitative terminology used by climate scientists needs to be “translated” for use by civil engineers (Design Guidance).

- US Army Corps of Engineers- Environmental Protection Agency- Federal Emergency Management Agency- United States Geological Survey- Federal Highway Administration- State/Local Guidance

Code mandated changes for Storm Water Management, heating/cooling and building envelope components

Bridging Science and Engineering•Academic vs. Practice•Climate change is ongoing (stationarity or…) There needs to be iterative feedback/dialogue between academia, practicing engineers, regulators and stakeholders

Make Believe Town Condominium…

Contributing Roof Areas

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“Design” Rain Event (~3” per hour)

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“Normal” Rain Event (~0.5” per hour)

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Historic Rain Event(s)…

Ellicott City (Tiber Hudson Drainage Area)

3.5 mi2 = 97,574,400 ft2

~10” of rain (2018)= 81,312,000 ft3

= 608,256,000 gallons

0.5” rain= 4,065,600 ft3

= 30,412,800 gallons

Extension is....

The way we extend the university to the broader community

►Provide unbiased research-based knowledge, information and education

►Education that is used to “Help People -Help Themselves”

►Links the education and research resources of the USDA, state, and county administrative units

The real world is our campus!

Diffusion of Innovation – Everett Rogers

Current Extension Program Areas

• Agriculture and Natural Resources• Family and Consumer Science• 4-H• Community Development• Sea Grant• Energy

Maryland Sea Grant ExtensionWatershed Protection and Restoration Program

Providing “on the ground” specialists to local and county governments and community partners to build capacity, ensure project implementation and success, and foster outreach and education

efforts to build environmentally aware communities.

GOAL

Reduce Stormwater Runoff and Improve Water Quality in the Chesapeake Bay

Build Environmentally Aware Communities

Kelsey Brooks, Northern Maryland

Eric Buehl, Mid and Upper Eastern Shore

Jennifer Dindinger, Lower Eastern Shore

Kelly MacBride-Gill, Watershed Stewards Program Coordinator

Amanda Rockler, Central Maryland

Jackie Takacs, Southern Maryland

UMD Sea Grant Extension + Maryland DNR = Watershed Restoration Specialists

This is Done in Two Major Ways…

1. Assist local governments and NGO’s in achieving measurable improvements in water quality. Help groups meet Bay 2025 restoration goals.

2. Assist the residents of Maryland with small-scale residential stormwater solutions. Build awareness and knowledge and behavior change through programming.

Capacity Building

Image source: Chesapeake Bay Program

Grants Assistance

Project Implementation

Education and Outreach

Knowledge and awareness alone do not lead to behavior change Hugh Murphy

PARTNERSHIPS

CBLP- Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTbXc1KeS90&feature=youtu.be

SMART- Stormwater Management and Restoration Tracker

WSA- Watershed Stewards Academy

WSA- Train the Trainer Approach Junior Bay Stewards

Empower communities to restore the landscape, one watershed at a time

Transdisciplinary Research – Stormwater Management Across Urban Ecosystems

Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake -Partnership

Community Stormwater Site Assessments

Community Engagement Events – Internal and External

Resources - Publications, Newsletters, Videos

Capital Improvements

► Let’s talk about materials and strategies

Capital Improvements

► Let’s talk about materials and strategies

►NOT PRICES!

Capital Improvements

► Let’s talk about materials and strategies

►NOT PRICES!

► Let’s start with the BUILDING ENVELOPE

Outside

Inside

Exterior Walls

Roof

Attic

Foundation

Three Categories for going GREEN

1. Energy Incentives and Resources

2. Building Materials and Systems

3. Homeowner Strategies

Energy Incentives and Resources

Energy Benchmarking is a method used to determine whether a building is using more or less energy than its peer facilities with similar occupancies, climates, and sizes.

Home energy audits – Pepco and BGE assessmentsDOE Building Energy Asset ScoreEPA Energy Star toolsBGE Business Energy Advisor portal

Energy Incentives and Resources

Federal Tax Credits are available for commercial and multi-family building owners that save at least 50% of the heating and cooling energy as compared to ASHRAE Standards. Partial tax deductions are also available for certain energy efficiency measures. Additional Tax Incentives are available for energy efficiency upgrades in commercial and qualifying multi-family properties.

For a building to qualify, the energy based improvements must be made to the HVAC or interior lighting systems or to the building’s envelope.Additionally, the enhancements to these systems must surpass ASHRAE 2001 standards for buildings placed into service before 2016—and ASHRAE 2007 standards thereafter.

Energy Incentives and ResourcesIncentives from electricity providers may include rebates or discounts for:

Energy-efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and clothes washers

Lighting

Heating and air-conditioning systems and units

Demand management programs

Combined heat and power systems

Programmable thermostats

Energy audits and commissioning

Additional incentives are available from your natural gas provider including:

Eligible water heaters

High-efficiency natural gas boilers and burners

Programmable thermostats

Furnaces

Building Materials and Systems

SidingRoofingHVAC

WindowsSolar PanelsSite

Building Materials and Systems

Siding

Fiber Cement v. Vinyl

Wood

Brick/Stone

Building Materials and Systems

Roofing

Asphalt Shingle?

TPO - Flat Roofs

Standing Seam Metal

Wood

Living

Building Materials and Systems

HVAC

Energy Star

High Efficiency Systems

Controls

Heat Pumps

Combined with Windows andInsulation

Building Materials and Systems

Windows

Frame Material

GlazingLow-ETriple GlazingInert Gas

Shading strategies

Building Materials and Systems

Solar Panels

Flat Roofs

Homes

Incentive programs

Building Materials and Systems

Site

Rainwater Cistern

Automatic or no watering systems

Native and low maintenance vegetation

Homeowner Strategies

High Efficiency LightingRoom sensorsAdjustable thermostatLow flow fixtures and faucetsEnergy efficient appliancesAdd insulation - Not the best but can workTimers for bathroom or kitchen fansUpgrade windows or seal your windows

The Association Board should adopt a policy resolution to commit to being more green. The policy should include commitments to:

(i) Reduce paper usage (adopt policies for electronic notices and voting);

(ii) Use vendors that use green practices;

(iii)Control the Association’s energy consumption (do an energy audit);

(iv)Use eco-friendly plants and landscaping;

(v) Implement a community recycling program;

(vi)Designate a green committee; and

(vii)Educate residents and encourage resident involvement.

Adopt a Green Policy

Solar Panels – Do we have to allow them?

What does the law say about that?

► SOLAR RESTRICTIONS - MARYLANDReal Property Article §2–119.

(b) (1) A restriction on use regarding land may not impose or act to impose unreasonablelimitations on the installation of a solar collector system on the roof or exterior walls ofimprovements, provided that the property owner owns or has the right to exclusive use of theroof or exterior walls.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, an unreasonable limitation includes alimitation that: (i) Significantly increases the cost of the solar collector system; or (ii)Significantly decreases the efficiency of the solar collector system.

► SOLAR RESTRICTIONS - VIRGINIAVirginia Code § 67-701. Covenants regarding solar power.

No community association shall prohibit an owner from installing a solar energy collection device onthat owner's property unless the recorded declaration for that community association establishessuch a prohibition. However a community association may establish reasonable restrictionsconcerning the size, place, and manner of placement of such solar energy collection devices onproperty designated and intended for individual ownership and use.

SOLAR RESTRICTIONS – DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAD.C. Code § 8–1774.51. Limitations on solar collection devices.

(b) A homeowners association, condominium owners association, or cooperative housing association shall not prohibit an owner or member from installing or using a solar energy collection device on the owner's or member's property or residential unit, or on a roof that only covers one owner's or member's property or residential unit, regardless of whether the roof is considered part of the common elements; provided, that a homeowners association, condominium owners association, or cooperative housing association may:

(1) Prohibit the installation or use of a solar energy collection device on the common elements of the association, other than a roof that only covers one owner's or member's property or residential unit; and

(2) Establish reasonable guidelines, other than aesthetic guidelines, on the installation and use of a solar energy collection device for the purposes of preventing nuisance to other owners or members of the association.

(c) Reasonable guidelines established under subsection (b)(2) of this section may provide that an owner or member who installs or uses a solar energy collection device shall be financially responsible for any:

(1) Maintenance or repair to the solar energy collection device; and

(2) Damages caused by the installation or use of the solar energy collection device.

Solar Panels – Do we have to allow them?

Clotheslines– Do we have to allow them?

CLOTHESLINES- MARYLAND

Real Property Article §14–130.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or the terms of any contract, deed, covenant, restriction, instrument, declaration, rule, bylaw, lease agreement, rental agreement, or any other document concerning the installation or use of clotheslines on single–family property, a homeowner or tenant may not be prohibited from installing or using clotheslines on single–family property.

(e) This section does not prohibit reasonable restrictions on:

(1) The dimensions, placement, or appearance of clotheslines for the purpose of protecting aesthetic values; or

(2) The placement of clotheslines for the purpose of protecting persons or property in the event of fire or other emergencies.

Clotheslines– Do we have to allow them?

D.C. and Virginia – Solar Energy Collection Device includes Clotheslines

"Solar energy collection device" means any device manufactured and sold for the sole purpose of facilitating the collection and beneficial use of solar energy, including passive heating panels or building components and solar photovoltaic apparatus.

Proposed Right to Charge Laws –Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Maryland HB 111 (passed House and died in Senate)

Association must allow an owner to install a vehicle charging station at the owner’s expense in any deeded parking space or space designated for the owner’s exclusive use, if the installation:DOES NOT UNREASONABLY IMPEDE THE NORMAL USE OF AN AREA OUTSIDE THE UNIT OWNER’S PARKING SPACE; OR IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE; AND

THE UNIT OWNER AGREES IN WRITING TO:

COMPLY WITH: ALL RELEVANT BUILDING CODES AND SAFETY STANDARDS;

TO MAINTAIN THE SAFETY OF ALL USERS OF THE COMMON AREA; AND

THE ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS FOR THE INSTALLATION,

ENGAGE A LICENSED CONTRACTOR TO INSTALL THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE RECHARGING EQUIPMENT; AND

PAY FOR THE ELECTRICITY USAGE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEPARATELY METERED ELECTRIC VEHICLE RECHARGING EQUIPMENT.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Code of Virginia sections 55.1-1823.1, 55.1-1962.1, and 55.1-2139.1§ 55.1-1823.1. Electric vehicle charging stations permitted

A. Except to the extent that the declaration or other recorded governing document provides otherwise, no association shall prohibit any lot owner from installing an electric vehicle charging station for the lot owner’s personal use on property owned by the lot owner. An association may establish reasonable restrictions concerning the number, size, place, and manner of placement or installation of such electric vehicle charging station on the exterior of property owned by the lot owner.

B. An association may prohibit or restrict the installation of electric vehicle charging stations on the common area within the development served by the association and may establish reasonable restrictions as to the number, size, place, and manner of placement or installation of electric vehicle charging stations on the common area.

C. Any lot owner installing an electric vehicle charging station shall indemnify and hold the association harmless from all liability, including reasonable attorney fees incurred by the association resulting from a claim, arising out of the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of such electric charging station. An association may require the lot owner to obtain and maintain insurance covering claims and defenses of claims related to the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of the electric vehicle charging station and require the association to be included as a named insured on such policy.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Virginia Code § 55.1-1962.1. Electric vehicle charging stations permitted.

A. Except to the extent that the condominium instruments provide otherwise, no unit owners’ association shall prohibit any unit owner from installing an electric vehicle charging station for the unit owner’s personal use within the boundaries of a unit or limited common element parking space appurtenant to the unit owned by the unit owner.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or the condominium instruments, the unit owners’ association may prohibit a unit owner from installing an electric vehicle charging station if installation of the electric vehicle charging station is not technically feasible or reasonably practicable due to safety risks, structural issues, or engineering conditions.

C. The unit owners’ association may require as a condition of approving installation of an electric vehicle charging station that the unit owner:

1. Provide detailed plans and drawings for installation of an electric vehicle charging station prepared by a licensed and registered electrical contractor or engineer familiar with the installation and core requirements of an electric vehicle charging station.

2. Comply with applicable building codes or recognized safety standards.

Virginia Code § 55.1-1962.1. Electric vehicle charging stations permitted.

3. Comply with reasonable architectural standards adopted by the unit owners’ association that govern the dimensions, placement, or external appearance of the electric vehicle charging station.

4. Pay the costs of installation, maintenance, operation, and use of the electric vehicle charging station.

5. Indemnify and hold the unit owners’ association harmless from any claim made by a contractor or supplier pursuant to Title 43.

6. Pay the cost of removal of the electric vehicle charging station and restoration of the area if the unit owner decides there is no longer a need for the electric vehicle charging station.

7. Separately meter, at the unit owner’s sole expense, the utilities associated with such electric vehicle charging station and pay the cost of electricity and other associated utilities.

8. Engage the services of a licensed electrician or engineer familiar with the installation and core requirements of an electric vehicle charging station to install the electric vehicle charging station.

9. Obtain and maintain insurance covering claims and defenses of claims related to the installation, maintenance, operation, and use of the electric vehicle charging station and provide a certificate of insurance naming the unit owners’ association as an additional insured on the unit owner’s insurance policy for any claim related to the installation, maintenance, operation, or use of the electric vehicle charging station within 14 days after receiving the unit owners’ association’s approval to install such charging station.10. Reimburse the unit owners’ association for any increase in common expenses specifically attributable to the electric vehicle charging station installation, including the actual cost of any increased insurance premium amount, within 14 days’ notice from the unit owners’ association..

Public policy advocacy & cultural evolution

Scientific literacy

• You will hear things you dislike and disbelieve

• Difficult if not painful, which is precisely why we fail at it.

• Results are not expedient

Change is hard

• What is in our ability to change we can.

Realistic objectives based on realistic plans

Public policy advocacy & cultural evolution

Implementing cultural changes ►Penalty vs profit what’s in it for me?

►Deposit on cans

►Waste vs. resources – monetize waste

►Delayed gratification

►Visibility of individual vs group change and the reasons we can’t see our efforts.

►Plastic is not the enemy

Thank you to our Speakers!

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August Events

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August 12th Breakfast Webinar

Crime Detection, Protection & Prevention, A Commonsense Approach

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