The Advocacy Committee addresses issues of sustainable design and operation practices for public buildings, schools, government buildings, and the policies effecting building practice. These efforts include education on sustainability, advocacy, and public promotion of green practices.
Vision:All relevant public policies, incentives, and legislation will be aligned to support construction of sustainable, LEED Certified buildings and neighborhoods.
Mission:We will advocate and support policy makers (elected, appointed, and hired) at local, state, and federal levels, to create effective policy, incentives, and legislation for construction of sustainable, LEED Certified buildings and neighborhoods.
Aims:At the local, state, and federal levels, we will;
create, review, and work with policy makers to draft green building and neighborhood policy, incentive, and legislation language
write, speak publicly, and testify regarding green building and neighborhood policy, incentives, and legislation
communicate policy, incentive, and legislation decisions about green building and development to our membership
Current Advocacy Initiatives and Volunteer Opportunities:
House Bill 7 - As introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives, Sub HB 7 would require all projects being built or renovated with state money to be built to achieve 30% savings over ASHRAE, and achieve LEED Silver Certification. This bill has passed in the House and is currently awaiting its 3rd hearing in the Ohio Senate.
House Bill 1- Proposed modification to residential energy code adoptions in the state of Ohio
“Advocates on Call” manager
Create and manage a database of interested Chapter members that would like to be “on call” to testify/speak at important City Council meetings, or similar advocacy opportunities.
Term of 1 year
The Banks Campaign Manager
Responsible for coordinating and running the Banks Campaign to get the development to publicly state LEED Silver Certified goals for the Banks
Responsible for working with the local Blue/Green Alliance to coordinate efforts
Activities include meeting with City, County, and Developers to support and encourage a public declaration of LEED Certification goals
Term of 2 years
Stormwater/Rain Collection Campaign Volunteers
Advocate and work with Cincinnati MSD, Waterworks, and Hamilton County Health Department to encourage and accept use of greywater collection systems
In need of a current Green Schools Member to liaison between groups to ensure coordinated advocacy efforts
Term of 1 year
Green Homes Liaison
In need of a current Green Homes Member to liaison between groups to ensure coordinated advocacy efforts
Term of 1 year
Blue/Green Alliance Town Hall Event Coordinator
Responsible for coordinating with Blue/Green Alliance representatives and USGBC Events committee to produce a “Town Hall” event for City of Cincinnati Council Candidates to discuss positions related to green building and green jobs in the fall of 2011 prior to City Council Elections
Term of 4 months
If you have any interest in participating in any of these initiatives or would like to know more, please contact the Cincinnati Advocacy Chair, Patrick Quinn. pquinn@mcgillsmithpunshon.com
