EUGENE, Ore. — The University of Oregon in Eugene recently received LEED Gold certification for its new Cheryl Ramberg Ford & Allyn Ford Alumni Center. The striking structure, completed in the spring of 2011, serves as the new eastern gateway to the campus.
PALO ALTO, Calif. — Space Systems/Loral, a manufacturer of space-grade solar panels for use in satellites and spacecraft based in Palo Alto, recently revealed the answer to an eight-year-old mystery concerning malfunctions in several satellites outfitted with their solar arrays. The satellites known as Telstar 14, Telstar 14R and Intelsat 19 all experienced solar array failures when attempting to deploy their solar panels after reaching orbit.
Raleigh, N.C. — A shift in the political winds in the Tar Heel State may just give green building advocates heartburn. The democrat-controlled legislature passed a state energy law mandating use of renewable power sources and energy-efficiency programs in 2007, but the times are changing, as republicans have regained a solid majority and also hold the keys to the governor’s mansion. Governor Pat McCrory campaigned on a platform supporting offshore drilling and inland oil shale fracking, which would appear to indicate a different path to energy independence.
Bergmeyer Associates Inc. recently promoted Matthew Hyatt, AIA, LEED AP BD+C to principal. As one of the firm’s most creative designers, Hyatt directs a number design teams from research through concept development and implementation. An experienced architect, he understands construction and how ideas are translated in the built environment. Hyatt was instrumental in various projects, including West Marine, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Tom Fortier, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C, joins HOK’s San Francisco studio as vice president and director of science and technology. In his new role, Fortier will guide the group’s strategic initiatives while leading individual projects. Bringing 30 years of experience to the company, he has lead the design and delivery of several research facility projects.
WASHINGTON — A new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts (PCT) argues that the green economy in the United States is currently at a tipping point, a moment when the future of the green technology, construction and energy markets will either receive a massive boost and grow into the future, or resign to stagnation. The PCT is an independent non-profit, non-governmental organization, based in Philadelphia, which strives to change the public dialogue on matter of public policy.
Most public attention related to green energy policy is focused on the national level in Washington, where legislators and the president debate everything from cap-and-trade proposals to subsidies for various industries and technologies. Meanwhile, a corresponding shadow debate is also occurring on a nationwide scope, but at the state level.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, which share a single structure, have been ranked among the top 100 most innovative and inspiring infrastructure projects in the world by KPMG.
MISSION HILLS, Calif. — Facey Medical Group held a grand opening for its new Facey Medical Group Clinic in Mission Hills in early October and is applying for LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, a rare feat for a hospital.
