From Harford County Office of Economic Development:
(Bel Air, MD) – In an on-going effort to assist local companies as they work to find ways to reduce costs and create a greener footprint, the Office of Economic Development in conjunction with the Office of Sustainability has developed and launched the Harford County Green Business Network (HCGBN). The mission is to partner with companies to provide a forum for new innovations and technologies, as well as to offer information on research and findings in this new and developing field.
On March 24, 2011, the HCGBN held a second seminar on the topic of water. The first session on sustainable lighting practices was held on December 9, 2010.
Experts on hand to discuss various water related topics included John Shepley, Co-Owner of Emory Knoll Farms who discussed “green” roofs and their impact on storm water issues in urban areas. Highlighting that ‘Upstream’ solutions are generally more effective & cheaper than ‘Downstream’ solutions, Stephen Garey, CPM, LEED AP Capital Projects Coordinator at Harford Community College, focused on several initiatives HCC is pursuing to conserve water. The presentation included pictures of actual equipment in place, along with some calculations and costs.
Kevin L. Small, RLA, AICP, LEED GA Director of Planning & Community Development for the Town of Bel Air discussed storm water management Environmental Site Designs (ESDs) after installation, what is involved with maintenance, and highlighted some case studies. Chuck Cooper, LEED AP, Assoc. AIA, Project Manager with Frederick Ward Associates summed up all the information from the previous speakers, showing how these strategies contribute to points in the LEED scoring system; grants or tax incentives; education/advocacy; and overall usage in America by building and irrigation.
For more information about joining the HCGBN and future information sessions please visit the Office of Economic Development webpage at www.harfordbusiness.org.
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