Posts Tagged ‘Rainwater Harvesting’
Sustainable Site Development – A Watershed Approach to Green Infrastructure Presentation In Chicago May 22, 2014
New Tools for Sustainable Site Development
A Watershed Approach to Green Infrastructure
Presentation by Tom Barrett
WHEN:
Thursday, May 22, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE:
The Chicago Center for Green Technology
445 N. Sacramento Blvd
(between Chicago Ave. and Lake St.)
Chicago, Illinois
COST: FREE
AIS Continuing Eduction Units: 2
Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink!” is the opening to this dynamic presentation focusing on solutions to Chicago’s stormwater problem.
“Stormwater is the leading cause of water pollution in America,” continues Tom Barrett, the presenter and owner of Green Water Infrastructure. This presentation focuses on developing sustainable solutions to water quality issues in the Chicago area. Mr Barrett’s approach utilizes a watershed and drainage basin study to stormwater mitigation.
Developing a comprehensive stormwater plan, when correctly prioritized, combines existing grey infrastructure with new technologies developed in green infrastructure, creating cost effective solutions to our water quality issues.
After an introduction about the problems stormwater creates, attendees will be given a walking tour of the grounds of the Center for Green Technology, and shown actual functional rain gardens and other sustainable solutions specifically mentioned in the presentation. Guided by Mr. Barrett himself, attendees are encouraged to ask questions and recognize first-hand the visible results of sustainable solution planning, execution, and growth.
WHAT OTHER SAID ABOUT THIS PRESENTATION
“. . . best class at CCGT so far, rainwater data, new ideas, charts and stats, all the different ways I can use the rainwater for my home.”
” . . . great speaker, the positive outlook, no blame game, examples (drip system), knowledgeable, class got to participate.
Speaker’s Biography – Tom Barrett
Tom Barrett is an accomplished corporate growth and change agent with over thirty years of 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.
Event Registration
“Tom’s been a leader with smart water technologies, green roofs, rainwater harvesting and other emerging technologies well before they became buzzwords at water conferences. It’s impressive to work with Tom because he knows his stuff from the ground up.”
– Jeff Carowitz, Strategic Force Marketing
What is Sustainable Development? Click Here to Read More
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Rainwater Harvesting & Condensate Recovery Presentation at the Chicago Center for Green Technology
Chicago Center for Green Technology Presentation
Chicago, Illinois
March 1, 2012
Rainwater Harvesting and Condensate Recovery are two tools used in implementing sustainable water practices. Although not widely used in the United States, rainwater harvesting is used extensively in less developed parts of the world. Mistakenly, the primary benefit of rainwater harvesting is not the extensive water savings that can be achieved. The primary benefit from rainwater harvesting is to reduce the untreated sewer discharge into our local waterways that occurs with almost every rainfall.
In the presentation, Barrett will discuss how rainwater harvesting and condensate recovery not only reduces potable water usage but protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle.
Additionally, Tom will explain how rainwater harvest can help develop a natural solution for water efficiency, and relieve storm water management issues. By developing a rainwater harvesting systom 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.
Here is the presentation from March 1, 2012. Below are the two movies.
Rainwater Harvesting & Condensate Recovery (Chicago 3.1.12)
How to Build a Rainwater Collection System from VideoJug
Video – A 30,000 Gallon Cistern Installation in Four Minutes
It seems everyone enjoyed the presentation and comments from the participants were great! With thirty-seven participants, it is rewarding to see interest in rainwater harvesting gaining momentum.
Here are some comments:
I really enjoyed the videos, especially making the rain barrel.
– Sheri Yarbrough
I get more than enough rain to water my garden and I flush my toilet. Cisterns are awesome! Condensation should be used.
– Monica Skyora
Austrailia is producing some good water saving solutions. I likes the video on installing barrels; drip irrigation is 90% efficient
– Donna McGuire
I am looking forward to my next presentation at the Chicago Center for Green Technology during the summer.
Sustainable Site Development – Rain Water Harvesting Presentation In Chicago March 1, 2012
New Tools for Sustainable Site Development
Rain Water Harvesting and Condensate Recovery
Presentation by Tom Barrett
WHEN:
Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE:
The Chicago Center for Green Technology
445 N. Sacramento Blvd
(between Chicago Ave. and Lake St.)
Chicago, Illinois
COST: FREE
AIS Continuing Eduction Units: 2
“Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.” wrote Samuel Taylor Coleridge in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. In its Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers rated our nation’s wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water systems a “D” minus. This is the lowest grade in any infrastructure category. The most alarming conclusion is the next lowest grade is “F” – FAILURE. Over the last fifty years America has not invested in new practices and technologies which can enhance our infrastructure and our environment. Rainwater harvesting and condensate recovery are transformative approaches to sustainable site development.
“The over-borrowing, over-consuming, and under-innovation (is) now in the US. . .,” Antonio van Aqtmael said in an October 2007 issue of Newsweek. As engineering solutions to water management that protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle. Rainwater harvesting and condensate recovery incorporates both the natural environment and engineered systems to provide clean water, conserve ecosystems, and provide a wide variety of benefits for people and wildlife. Additionally, all this can be accomplished at a significantly lower cost than conventional concrete and mortar infrastructure.
Join Tom Barrett as he explains how the use of locally produced water helps develop a “natural approach” to efficient use of water and relieves stormwater management issues.
WHAT OTHER SAID ABOUT THIS PRESENTATION
“. . . best class at CCGT so far, rainwater data, new ideas, charts and stats, all the different ways I can use the rainwater for my home.”
” . . . great speaker, the positive outlook, no blame game, examples (drip system), knowledgeable, class got to participate.
Speaker’s Biography – Tom Barrett
Tom Barrett is an accomplished corporate growth and change agent with over thirty years of 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.
“Tom’s been a leader with smart water technologies, green roofs, rainwater harvesting and other emerging technologies well before they became buzzwords at water conferences. It’s impressive to work with Tom because he knows his stuff from the ground up.”
– Jeff Carowitz, Strategic Force Marketing
Event Registration
Please fill out your information below to register for this event.
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
“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
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.
2010 Water Conference Report
How Can the Irrigation Industry Take a Leadership Role in Addressing our Water Challenges?
A report from the Irrigation Association’s 2010 Water Conference
By MaryLou Smith
“Rainwater is beautiful water. Why aren’t we using it?” Tom Barrett asked. He then proposed justification and techniques for keeping rainwater on site so that it can be used to help fulfill water needs.
Designing impermeable surfaces to capture rainwater is key, he said, and that requires being able to hold water from when it falls to when we need it. He cited the example of Chicago, which receives average rainfall, where a three-acre commercial lot could capture and utilize almost three million gallons a year. Alternatively, Barrett posed, that water becomes stormwater, which is considered our number one source of water pollution and which costs a considerable amount of money to manage.
How can we effectively use that rainwater and keep it from becoming stormwater? Barrett suggested a variety of solutions, including:
- Size the landscape to absorb anticipated rainwater, including roof and hardscape runoff
- Use the harvested rainwater within 30 hours. . .
- Create a concave landscape. . .
- Collect runoff, filter it, apply it to the landscape and create habitats
Though rainwater barrels have received much publicity recently, Barrett pointed out that they can be unattractive, the water must be used soon, and the barrel must have a sealed lid to keep out mosquitoes. Alternatively, both above and below-ground cisterns are available, which can be set up to provide water for all kinds of non-potable uses and can even be fitted with automatic sensors which switch to the use of city water when the cistern is out of water.
Sustainable Site Development – Rain Water Harvesting Presentation In Chicago October 28, 2010
New Tools for Sustainable Site Development
Rain Water Harvesting and Condensate Recovery
Presentation by Tom Barrett
WHEN:
Thursday, October 28, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE:
The Chicago Center for Green Technology
445 N. Sacramento Blvd
(between Chicago Ave. and Lake St.)
Chicago, Illinois
COST: FREE
AIS Continuing Eduction Units: 2
“Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.” wrote Samuel Taylor Coleridge in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. In its Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers rated our nation’s wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water systems a “D” minus. This is the lowest grade in any infrastructure category. The most alarming conclusion is the next lowest grade is “F” – FAILURE. Over the last fifty years America has not invested in new practices and technologies which can enhance our infrastructure and our environment. Rainwater harvesting and condensate recovery are transformative approaches to sustainable site development.
“The over-borrowing, over-consuming, and under-innovation (is) now in the US. . .,” Antonio van Aqtmael said in an October 2007 issue of Newsweek. As engineering solutions to water management that protects, restores, and mimics the natural water cycle. Rainwater harvesting and condensate recovery incorporates both the natural environment and engineered systems to provide clean water, conserve ecosystems, and provide a wide variety of benefits for people and wildlife. Additionally, all this can be accomplished at a significantly lower cost than conventional concrete and mortar infrastructure.
Join Tom Barrett as he explains how the use of locally produced water helps develop a “natural approach” to efficient use of water and relieves stormwater management issues.
WHAT OTHER SAID ABOUT THIS PRESENTATION
“. . . best class at CCGT so far, rainwater data, new ideas, charts and stats, all the different ways I can use the rainwater for my home.”
” . . . great speaker, the positive outlook, no blame game, examples (drip system), knowledgeable, class got to participate.
Speaker’s Biography – Tom Barrett
Tom Barrett is an accomplished corporate growth and change agent with over thirty years of 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.
“Tom’s been a leader with smart water technologies, green roofs, rainwater harvesting and other emerging technologies well before they became buzzwords at water conferences. It’s impressive to work with Tom because he knows his stuff from the ground up.”
– Jeff Carowitz, Strategic Force Marketing