Posts Tagged ‘presentations’
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
Reflections on the Indiana Green Expo Presentation
Recently, I spoke at the Indiana Green Expo, where I presented “Sustainable Landscapes.”
According to feedback from audience members, the presentation was very informative.
They shared with me that some of the most useful and informative points were:
- New architectural design concepts incorporating “green” technology
- Water reuse and end collection
- Release of sewer water into local waterways with as little as ¼” of rainfall
- Real-life examples of rainwater harvesting
- Adventures in green industry are at an exciting point
- People were surprised at the usefulness of landscapes in remediating environmental issues
I also learned people are interested in hearing more about:
- Becoming local experts in rainwater management
- Learning more about air conditioning condensate recovery
- In-depth training on how to construct rain gardens and install permeable paving
I truly enjoyed speaking at the Indiana Green Expo for such an energetic and enthusiastic crowd. The Indiana Green Expo (IGE) is Indiana’s most comprehensive green industry educational conference and trade show. The Indiana Green Expo had great educational sessions, a great audience, and a great show!
I look forward to my next speaking engagement on “Applying Smart Technologies to Rainwater Harvesting, Green Roofs, LEED Projects and Storm Water Issues” at Irrigation Association’s Irrigation Contractor Leadership summit at Walt Disney World, February 2–4.
Sustainability Starts with Your Landscape – Upcoming Presentation
Tuesday, January 18th; 1:30 − 2:30 P.M. at the Indianapolis Convention Center.
Coming up shortly, I’ll be giving my presentation, Sustainability Starts with Your Landscape on January 18th at the Indiana Green Expo.
Integrating nature’s resources for a sustainable site saves money and improves our environment. Rather than minimizing impact, the landscape is one of the few activities that improves the environment. Landscapes filter our air and water, sequesters carbon, creates oxygen and reduces our our heating and cooling needs.
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. In this session, discover how to grow and prosper in the rapidly developing field of sustainable site development.
“Through the increase use of landscapes we can actually improve our environment,” said Barrett. “and through increased awareness of landscapes as a functional part of our community, we can improve our water systems, cleanse our air, and create a better environment for plants, animals and people.” In his presentation, Barrett will explain just how essential some of these tools are to efficiently utilizing and managing resources.
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.
Reflections on the National Green Centre Presentations
Recently, I spoke at the National Green Centre. I presented “Constructing Rain Gardens & Bioswales” and “Resource Efficient Landscape Irrigation.”
The seminar was incredibly helpful to the folks in the audience. Based on conversations I had with audience members, some of the points they found most interesting were:
- How much water is generated in a rain event.
- Water is a resource not a disposible item.
- The differences between rain gardens and bioswales.
- A change is coming in how we manage our water.
- People loved the case studies.
I also learned a few things through interaction with some of my class attendees. Some of the lessons I will take away from the class are:
- People would like to become a local expert in rainwater management.
- People want more infomation on permeable paving.
- People would like a in depth training on how to calculate stormwater runoff and sizing rain garden.
I truly enjoyed speaking for an energetic and enthusiastic crowd at National Green Centre. The National Green Centre had great educational sessions, a great audience, and a great show! I hope I can return next year.
I look forward to my next speaking engagement on “Sustainability Starts with the Landscape” at Indiana Green Expo on Tuesday, January 18th.
Resource Efficient Landscape Irrigation from the National Green Centre
National Green Centre
Saint Louis, Missouri
January 10, 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. The EPA states, “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.” The EPA estimates over three and a half billions gallons of water are wasted every day with inefficient and ineffective irrigation practices.
More than fifty percent of irrigation water used in residential and commercial irrigation systems is wasted. In his presentation, Barrett presents the “State of the Art” in irrigation design and installation. Barrett will present a comprehensive and sometimes controversial exploration of alternate water sources as well as the EPA WaterSense Program, SMART irrigation technology and current regulatory trends in the irrigation industry.
Learning Objective
- Efficient use of irrigation water
- USGBC LEED point system for landscape irrigation systems.
- Alternate water sources for landscape irrigation.
View more presentations from Tom Barrett.
Looking Ahead
As 2010 winds down we gear up for a new year, I will be conducting several presentation at conferences throughout the Midwest. You can find me in the following places:
January 10, 2011 – I will be speaking at the National Green Centre Conference in St. Louis. Topics I will cover include sustainable landscaping concepts like Rain Gardens, Bioswales and Resource Efficient Landscape Irrigation. To find out more information, please click here.- January 18, 2011- I will be speaking at the Green Industry Expo in Indianapolis. I will focus entirely on Current Trends on Sustainable Site Development and the importance of landscapes in remediating the environment. To find out more information, please click here.
February 4, 2011 – I will be at Walt Disney World, presenting Applying Smart Technologies to Rainwater Harvesting, Green Roofs, LEED Projects and Storm Water Issues at the Irrigation Association’s Point of Connection: Irrigation Contractor Leadership Summit. To find out more information, please click here.
February 15, 2011 – I will be presenting Brave New World: Current Trends in the Irrigation Industry for the Indiana Irrigation Contractor Council. For more information please click here.- February 24, 2011 – I will be at the Chicago Center for Green Technology presenting Permeable Paving, New Tools for Sustainable Development. The second in a three part series on Sustainable Site Development.
- March 31, 2011 – I will be back at the Chicago Center for Green Technology presenting Constructing Rain Gardens and Bioswales. The third part of the Sustainable Site Development series.
I look forward to all of my upcoming presentations. I hope to see you at one of them!
| National Green Centre Conference |
Women as Change Agents in the Emerging Green Economy
What is going on?
Wealthy Women - In the United Kingdom there are 72,000 female multimillionaires – up 40 per cent from 2004 (Financial Times, March 27,2010).
Working Women – From 2000 to 2005 of all new jobs created in America over the median income level ($48,000), 89 per cent were filled by women.
College Educated Women – Although men go to college at the same rate as women, more woman graduate college than men. Two out of every three undergraduate degrees are earned by women. Women exceed men in the attaining advanced degrees, i.e. masters and doctoral degrees.
Professional Women – Seventy-five per cent of all professionals in America are women.
Employed Women – Of the 5.1 million jobs lost in America, almost 80 per cent have been lost by men. Women are at parity in the percentage of the employed population.
Women have come a long way. It was only eighty years ago women earned the right to vote.
What is going on?
Why women? Why Now?
The opportunity is great. The opportunity for change is greater. The need for change is greatest.
In the last twenty years the poorest people in the United States became poorer. The richest people made the most mistakes with the least amount of accountability. What is going on? The need for change has never been greater.
Women have never had a greater opportunity to create change, to have an impact on society, than today.
. . . More Comments About Tom
In less than a year’s time, members of the sustainability community have earnestly welcomed the most up-to-date voice in sustainable futures and infrastructure development.
Tom Barrett, a veteran of sustainable infrastructure development, has embraced a growing number of enthusiastic followers with his engaging speaking style, approachable manner and wide range of expertise in sustainable development and advocacy. Tom continues to receive invitations and speaking requests from conference organizers and lecture series across the U.S.
Most recently, Tom was guest lecturer at the Chicago Center for Green Technology. His topic “Constructing Rain Gardens and Bioswales: New Tools for Sustainable Site Development” was warmly received. Guests and students of the conference had very positive feedback:
My favorite aspect of the presentation was how knowledgeable and approachable Tom was. I appreciated how clearly he distinguished between bioswales and rain gardens. -Sherry Meyer, Urban & Environmental Geography
Topics were presented clearly. I enjoyed walking through the CCGT garden to provide more depth to the topic, and Mr. Barrett gave a great presentation overall! -Jill Chambers
Tom was able to explain a complex topic such as raingarden and bioswale construction in simple terms. I appreciated his clear, straightforward, and informative presentation style. Tom also did a wonderful job of engaging the entire audience. -John Sullivan
Not only was Tom a great speaker, he did a fantastic job illustrating his lessons in practice. Tom showed us actual raingardens at work, which really helped me develop a three-dimensional appreciation of the process. – Michael Padula
Tom will continue to speak at sustainability conferences throughout the country. For inquiries regarding Tom’s speaking availability, please call 317-569-1396 or email at info@ThinkGWI.com
What People Are Saying About Tom
Over the past year, folks in the sustainability community have taken notice of Tom Barrett. His speaking engagements have generated a large amount of buzz, and Tom continues to get speaking requests from conference organizers across the U.S.
Just recently, Tom spoke at the Chicago Center for Green Technology. His topic “Constructing Rain Gardens and Bioswales: New Tools for Sustainable Site Development” was received warmly, and visitors to the conference had very positive feedback. Below are some of the reviews of Tom’s presentation, submitted anonymously.
My favorite aspects of Tom’s presentation were the amount of statistics and numbers, the slides, the organization of the presentation, the energy and efficiency, and subject knowledge of presenter, the overview of design concepts for rain gardens, going outside to see the project firsthand, and putting a positive spin on a serious issue.
I took several great lessons away from Tom’s presentation. Some of these lessons were techniques to use in new projects, new knowledge of plant types, incorporation of new ideas into research on historical approaches to managing stormwater, designing landscapes for functionality, and the importance of managing stormwater.
I feel as though several things positively contributed to the “Rain Gardens and Bioswales” seminar. The calculation handouts and powerpoint, the tour of the CCGT landscape, the availability of the presentation online, the energy of the speaker, and several relatable examples all enhanced the overall presentation.
Tom will continue to speak at sustainability conferences throughout the country. For inquiries into Tom’s speaking availability, please call (317) 674-3494 or email at info@thinkgwi.com
