Archive for the ‘Sustainable Development’ Category
Tenbarge Seed & Turfgrass Supplies 2011 Education Session Presentation – Trends in Landscaping: Growing Sales in a Down Economy
March 1, 2011
Evansville, Indiana
I presented my talk, “Trends in Landscaping: Growing Sales in a Down Economy” at the 2011 Tenbarge Seed & Turfgrass Supplies Education and Trade Show.
We had a great turnout and a lot of great questions from the audience. The most enjoyable part for me was the diversity of the audience. We had seasoned stormwater professionals to homeowners.
I am look forward to my next speaking engagement at The Chicago Center for Green Technology on March 31, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. when I will speak about “Rain Gardens and Bioswales.”
Here is a copy of the presentation:
Great Presentation! I did exactly as you said, I looked for new business in places I never thought of before, it works!”
— Keith Fisher, Growing Green Lawn Care, LLC
Rain Gardens & Bioswales, March 31st at the Chicago Center for Green Technology
Tom Barrett, owner of Westfield, Indiana-based Green Water Infrastructure, will present “Constructing Rain Gardens and Bioswales: New Tools for Sustainable Site Development” at the Chicago Center for Green Technology on March 31 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
In the presentation, Barrett will discuss how rain gardens and bioswales protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle, and how they can help develop a natural approach to water efficiency, and relieve storm water management issues.
“The American Society for Civil Engineers gave the United States’ water systems a grade of
‘D-,’ the lowest of any America infrastructure,” said Barrett. “Through increased use of rain gardens and bioswales, we can improve our water systems and create a better environment for plants, animals and people.”
This program is presented free of charge as part of the Chicago Center for Green Technology’s Green Tech U program. Registration is required by calling 312-746-9642 or by emailing your requested class and contact information to greentech@cityofchicago.org with “Green Tech U” in the subject line.
About Tom Barrett:
Tom Barrett is an accomplished corporate growth and change agent with over thirty years of landscape industry experience. Tom’s leadership experience, holding executive level positions, drives corporate revenue growth through change and innovation for business start-ups, corporate expansions, and divisional turnarounds.
Tom Barrett has been delivering energetic, dynamic presentations and training for over twenty years. These presentations empower people to become masters of change rather than victims of circumstance by developing tools for transformational thinking. For more information, please visit www.thinkgwi.com
About Green Water Infrastructure:
Green Water Infrastructure is a consulting company that integrates water resources for sustainable site development. Their goal is to utilize one hundred percent of the on-site water resources at a site. Green Water saves communities money by combining green infrastructure with gray infrastructure and new technology with existing technology to create sustainable growth — environmentally and socially. For more information, please visit www.thinkgwi.com.
About the Chicago Center for Green Technology: The Chicago Center for Green Technology is the first rehabilitated municipal building in the nation to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ™ (LEED) Platinum rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. Mayor Richard M. Daley dedicated the building in 2002 and it has since become a national model for sustainable design and technology. The Center serves as the most comprehensive green design and educational resource in the Midwest.
Permeable Paving: A Transformative Approach to Sustainable Development Presentation
February 23, 2011
Chicago, Illinois
I presented my talk, “Permeable Paving: A Transformative Approach to Sustainable Development” at the Chicago Center for Green Technology as part of their Green Tech U educational series.
We had a great turnout and a lot of great questions from the audience. The most enjoyable part for me was the diversity of the audience. We had seasoned stormwater professionals to homeowners.
I am look forward to my next speaking engagement at The Chicago Center for Green Technology on March 31, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. when I will speak about “Rain Gardens and Bioswales.”
Here is a copy of the presentation:
From the homeowner to a experienced professional, you do great job of working with a wide range within the audience.
– Bryan Glosik
It is what is underneath that count!
– Lisa Thomas
I never realized the huge imapact rain has on our sewer system.
– Diego Nunez
Upcoming Presentation – Permeable Paving: A Transformative Approach to Sustainable Development
Presented by Tom Barrett
Chicago Center for Green Technology
Courtesy of Unilock
445 N. Sacramento Blvd.
Chicago, Illinois
Thursday, February 24, 2011
6 p.m. to 8 p.m
Permeable paving is a transformative approach to sustainable site development. Permeable hard surface construction is part of a continuing series of engineering solutions to water management that protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle. Permeable paving is an efficient solution for stormwater runoff. It will reduce flooding, increase water infiltration, recharge groundwater and improve water quality.
Join Tom Barrett as he explains how to develop a “more natural approach” to stormwater management issues.
AIA/CES: 2 LU
Learning Objectives
• Understanding that stormwater is the largest source of water pollution in the United States
• Combining “green infrastructure” with existing, conventional “gray infrastructure,” as well as combining new technology with old technology creating a sustainable future.
This program is presented free of charge as part of the Chicago Center for Green Technology’s Green Tech U program. Registration is required by calling 312-746-9642 or by emailing your requested class and contact information to greentech@cityofchicago.org with “Green Tech U” in the subject line.
About Tom Barrett:
Tom Barrett is an accomplished corporate growth and change agent with over thirty years of landscape industry experience. Tom’s leadership experience, holding executive level positions, drives corporate revenue growth through change and innovation for business start-ups, corporate expansions, and divisional turnarounds.
Tom Barrett has been delivering energetic, dynamic presentations and training for over twenty years. These presentations empower people to become masters of change rather than victims of circumstance by developing tools for transformational thinking. For more information, please visit Book Tom Barrett.
About Green Water Infrastructure:
Green Water Infrastructure is a consulting company that integrates water resources for sustainable site development. Their goal is to utilize one hundred percent of the on-site water resources at a site. Green Water saves communities money by combining green infrastructure with gray infrastructure and new technology with existing technology to create sustainable growth — environmentally and socially. For more information, please visit www.thinkgwi.com.
About the Chicago Center for Green Technology: The Chicago Center for Green Technology is the first rehabilitated municipal building in the nation to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ™ (LEED) Platinum rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. Mayor Richard M. Daley dedicated the building in 2002 and it has since become a national model for sustainable design and technology. The Center serves as the most comprehensive green design and educational resource in the Midwest.
“SMART” Landscape Irrigation
Orlando, Florida
Febraury 4, 2011
The water we use to irrigate our crops is vital and still we as a nation continue to practice inefficient irrigation methods. Current irrigation practices waste an exorbitant amount of money and water using our current process.
Commercial and residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for more than seven billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation.”—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Learning Objectives
- Understanding that stormwater is the largest source of water pollution in the United States.
- Sustainability starts with the landscape. Developing a functional landscape is the most effective and efficient means of remediating the environment.
- Combining “green infrastructure” with existing, conventional “gray infrastructure,” as well as combining new technology with old technology creating a sustainable future.
Relaxed style with great input!”–Kris Keckley, Rain One Irrigation
Open mined approach to “green” building and use of landscapes.”– Judy Benson, Clearwater Products & ServicesEPA WaterSense 2010 Partner of the Year
Tom, as usual you did a great presentation!”–Brent Mechan, Irrigation Association
Maintaining Native Prairie Ecosystems
Controlled or Prescibed Burning
One of the most important factors in maintaining a native prairie community is prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are usually conducted every three to five years. Prairies are fire-dependant ecosystems. The primary purpose of the prescribed burn is to manage and reduce the layer of dead and decaying vegetation which naturally accumulates over several growing seasons. The benefits of prescribed burning are an increase in forbs or flowers for several growing seasons, an increase in plant diversity, and controlled burns release plant nutrients back into the soil. Additionally, prescribed burns control the growth of volunteer trees and shrubs. If left alone, a native prairie will grow into a forest.
Safety is Important
It is important to have a plan for a prescribed burn. Safety is the most important concern. Some things to consider are:
- Time of year (spring is usually best).
- Acceptable and unacceptable weather conditions. Do not burn in windy conditions or unusually dry conditions.
- Create fire breaks.
- Burn small areas at a time.
- Have adequately trained personnel on hand (this activity might serve a dual purpose of training fire department personnel).
- Have proper fire equipment on-hand so that the burn does not get out of control.
- Notify neighbors and public safety officials prior to the burn.
Other Thoughts
If you do’t burn at all you will see a reduction in plant diversity. One or two plant species will dominate the prairie. Eventually, if left alone the prairie will turn into a forest.
The residence need to be notified of the burn. It is important to develop a public education program that explains why the City of Champaign is conducting a controlled burn. Do not conduct the burn when winds may blow smoke into the residence area. However, when properly conducted, a controlled burn has very little smoke. Fire will actually consume smoke. To experience this, let the smoke from a blown out candle drift into a the flame of a burning candle. Here is a link to a public education piece developed by the Minneapolis Parks Department: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/caring/NatAreas/prescribed_burns.pdf
Sustainability Starts with Your Home
I recently wrote a guest blog on Sustainability Starts with Your Landscape for Stefan Lubike the owner of SiteLine Design.
Recognizing sustainability as merely reducing energy waste, recycling, or conserving water is a common misconception. In truth, the greatest impact on the environment you can make is right in your own backyard.
Also check out the great work being done by Stefan and his gang at SiteLine Design.
Rain Gardens & Bioswales – An Overview
Brownsburg, Indiana
January 20, 2011
Rain Gardens and bioswales are some of our most effective tools in implementing sustainable water practices.
In this presentation, Barrett will discusses how rain gardens and bioswales protect, restore, and mimic the natural water cycle. Additionally, Tom explains how rain gardens and bioswales can help develop a natural solution for water efficiency, and relieve storm water management issues. Rain Gardens and bioswales create natural filters through which our rainwater can flow. We are in essence helping to remove the contaminants, while reducing the speed and volume in which the water runs to the storm drains. By choosing to create a rain garden or other environmentally responsible landscape solution, we can reduce the contaminants that collect in the sewer systems, and make a significant improvement for a cleaner and healthier environment.
View more presentations from Tom Barrett.
Sustainable Landscapes Presentation from the Indiana Green Expo
Indianapolis, Indiana
January 18, 2011
Developing Sustainable Landscapes for a Sustainable Future
Recognizing sustainability as merely reducing energy waste, recycling, or conserving water is a common misconception. In truth, the greatest impact on the environment you can make is right in your own backyard.
The landscape industry was “green” before green became fashionable. The focus of this presentation is how the landscape transcends beauty into functionality. The landscape is one of the only site improvement that can be made that enhances and remediates our environment.
Most aspects of environmental consciousness focuses on how we minimize human impact. We save energy. We save heat. We reduce trash. We reuse. A well designed landscape will truly in improve our environment.
Trees and plants cleanse the air, sequester carbon, and can reduce a building’s heating and cooling needs by 20%. A well designed landscape makes for a healthier, happy environment.
In “Sustainable Landscapes” you will learn that by combining green technology with existing gray technology, combining new technology with old technology, we can create a healthier, more satisfying environment.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding that stormwater is the largest source of water pollution in the United States.
- Sustainability starts with the landscape. Developing a functional landscape is the most effective and efficient means of remediating the environment.
- Combining “green infrastructure” with existing, conventional “gray infrastructure,” as well as combining new technology with old technology creating a sustainable future.
The wastewater facts are eye opening. Thanks for a very informative presentation!”
—Jacob O’Neal
The speaker, Tom Barrett, is motivational and knowledgeable.”
—Kristi J. Clark Snyder
A positive message for change. THANKS!”
—Abigail Surles
