Posts Tagged ‘Sustainable Development’
“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
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.
Rain Gardens & Bioswales Presentation from the National Green Centre
National Green Centre Presentation
Saint Louis, Missouri
January 10, 2011
Rain Gardens and bioswales are some of our most effective tools in implementing sustainable water practices. In the presentation, Barrett will discuss how rain gardens and bioswales protect, restore, and mimic the natural water cycle. Additionally, Tom will explain 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.
“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. “In his presentation, Barrett will explain just how essential some of these tools are to efficiently utilizing and managing water sources.
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.
I throughly enjoyed the whole presentation! The topic was great, easy to understand. I would like another presentation that is more in-depth. The visuals were on-topic and easy to understand.”
- Emily Placke
Your presentation was really great. The subject matter, of course, was very relevant. Beyond that, though, I have to say your ability to explain and transition from point to point was great. You have a very special way of addressing the topic simply, clearly, without bias, and with common sense that’s hard to refute
Thanks for a great presentation!”
- Stephanie Krull
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.
Tom Barrett Announces New Speaking Engagement
Tom Barrett has recently announced upcoming speaking engagements for January 9-10, 2011. Please see the video below for more information.
For more information or to register, please go to www.nationalgreencenter.org.
Green Water Infrastructure founder to speak on Rain Gardens & Bioswales 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 July 29 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.
Aqualand Green Roof – St. Charles, Illinois
Subsurface Drip Irrigation System
Subsurface Drip Irrigation System-Header/Footer
Extensive green roof utilizing native prairie grass
Aqualand - St. Charles, Illinois
