CU residence hall lands LEED gold

Briefs | Week of Oct. 15

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CU residence hall lands LEED gold

University of Colorado at Boulder dormitory Arnett Hall has received a gold rating in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards from the U.S. Green Building Council.

LEED gold certification is a top U.S. benchmark for “green” building design, construction, operation and maintenance. Arnett Hall, where extensive renovations were completed in May 2008, has seen a 20 percent reduction in energy use and a 39 percent reduction in water use.

“Green” renovations made to Arnett Hall include the installation of insulation, double-pane windows, sensors that suspend heating and cooling systems when windows are opened, dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, aerators on faucets, energy-efficient lighting with automatic controls and carpet and other finishes made from recycled materials.

Other CU residence halls that may receive LEED certification include Andrews Hall, where renovations were completed last month, and Buckingham Hall, with an expected completion date of August 2010.

BHP gets stimulus cash for solar energy

Boulder Housing Partners (BHP) has received two grants totaling $826,620 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for solar energy production at six public housing properties. The funds were provided as federal stimulus money through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). With the grants and Xcel rebates, a total of $1.1 million will be available for the solar installations.

“The improvements made to these properties will save money, help the environment and create jobs,” says Betsey Martens, BHP executive director. “It’s fantastic to see affordable housing receive these much-needed enhancements.”

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan awarded a total of $500 million in grants for public housing authorities across the country to create more energy-efficient housing. More than $7.4 million of that was awarded to several Front Range communities, including Boulder. A complete list of grants awarded is available at http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/press/documents/CapFunds%20 Gap-Energy2.xls.

Climate change day in Longmont

Longmont’s International Day of Climate Change Action will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Collyer Park. One of hundreds of similar events happening around the world that day to bring attention to climate, guest speakers will include former Colorado House Majority Leader Alice Madden, who is now the governor’s climate change coordinator; State Rep. Jack Pommer; Boulder County Commissioner Will Toor; and Longmont Mayor Pro Tem Karen Benker. The event will feature activities for kids, methods to calculate carbon footprint and resources on electric bikes, scooters and cars. More information about the international effort is available at 350.org.

HospiceCare hosts ‘funopoly’

HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties will hold its annual benefit gala, PIZAZZ! 2009, from 6 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield This year’s event is themed “FUNOPOLY: Investing in Compassionate Care from Park Place to Pearl Street,” and will feature games and prizes. Instead of bidding on auction items, PIZAZZ! 2009 guests will purchase FUNOPOLY money to play a variety of games, such as golf, basketball, slot car racing, ring toss, quick draw, Guitar Hero and blackjack. For every game played, guests will receive a small gift and an entry in the drawing for a prize of their choice on a burgundy table. For every game won, guests receive an entry in the drawing for a higher-end prize of their choice on a gold table. Prizes include jewelry, fine art, spa packages, dining experiences, private parties, a dream bedroom design and travel packages to Aruba, Alaska, Las Vegas, the Boundary Waters, Aspen and Vail.

In addition to playing games to win prizes, guests will sample gourmet cuisine at a variety of serving stations and groove to the soulful sounds of Funkiphino. The cost of the event is $150 per person. Reservations can be secured online at www.hospicecareonline.org or by contacting HospiceCare at 303-604-5236.

Volunteers needed to collect seeds

You are invited to join Boulder County Parks and Open Space for a native seed collection on Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rabbit Mountain Open Space.

Enjoy some peace and quiet in open space while collecting native seeds. Wander through forests and open meadows while carefully picking viable local seeds from grasses and shrubs.

Collecting seed by hand is less expensive than purchasing it, and ensures that the species is well adapted to local soils and climate. In years to come, seeds will be used in ecological restoration projects on Boulder County open space properties.

Minimum age is 8 with adult supervision. Trained staff continuously monitor seed development for many species at many open space areas, so the exact location of any one project will be determined about a week before the project date.

To register, e-mail wildworkvolunteers@bouldercounty.org, or call 303-678- 6329 by Oct. 21.