COTE Meeting Minutes for March 2000

Present:

Deane Rykerson, Cammie Henderson, Charlotte Matthews, Mark Webster, Steve Oppenheimer, Martine Dion, Rina Okawa, Arlen Li, Stacey Thomas, Courtney Miller

Business:
The name of the committee was officially changed to the Committee on the Environment.

Discussion on the next meeting agenda involved a brainstorming session to discuss mission and a presentation of what a 'green team' in an architectural firm can accomplish. Charlotte and Arlen will present their approach at Payette.

The potential of the committee as a forum for other environmental groups to network and coordinate was discussed. Invitations to engineers, suppliers, and advocacy groups will be extended.

Ongoing projects:

Courtney presented a tentative plan for a 'green alliance' with funding and more influence on policy and design planning.

An evening forum on green design for next year should be well publicized but needs organization.

A survey/checklist to evaluate Boston firms' experience and approach to sustainable architecture is being developed for the committee's approval.

Announcements:

The Committee will have a presence at Earth Day on 22 April 2000. Volunteers are welcome.

May 15 conference at the GSD BUILDING GREEN: SMART PLACES FOR THE PUBLIC REALM

Presentations:
An analysis of the Pennsylvania guidelines and the state's 'first green public building' was presented by

Arlen Li on the design process- decisions, approach, opportunities.

Martine Dion on building design - including site, mechanical systems, enclosure.

Charlotte Matthews on materials - including lifecycle analysis of steel and concrete.

Stacey Thomas on the state's role, the development process and the resulting building.

Most agreed during discussion that the building, although a valuable publicity tool, could have utilized more green strategies.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 25 April 2000 at 6 PM at The Architects' Building, 52 Broad Street, Fifth Floor.

Discussion of Committee on the Environment's role. Presentation of the influence of an architectural green team.