E Newsletter April 2007
Rochester Area Company Continues Double Digit Growth
"Greenprint Rochester, New York: Turning Green Into Growth" 2/26/2007 -- U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today unveiled Greenprint Rochester, New York: Turning Green Into Growth, the final report from last fall's green building conference that she organized in partnership with Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE), an economic development organization dedicated to revitalizing the Rochester regional economy, and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The results of the report were unveiled at the East Rochester Schools Complex, site of the first fuel-cell demonstration project in the Rochester Region. The fuel cell was first installed earlier this month, and provides electricity and power for the entire K-12 schools complex.
The Greenprint report details 12 initiatives, called the "Green Dozen," that form the foundation of a local action plan. Along with Senator Clinton's leadership, the Greenprint harnesses local expertise and commitment to sustainability as an engine for economic growth in the Rochester community. Rochester's combination of corporate and academic expertise in alternative energy and fuels uniquely positions the city and surrounding region to use sustainability as an engine of economic development.
"This groundbreaking initiative will help to build a "green" Rochester and harness the region's strengths to make it a leader in clean energy research and development," Senator Clinton said. "Alternative energy holds tremendous economic potential, and by focusing on "green" technology, Rochester can be at the forefront of the alternative energy push in more ways than one."
"Throughout the course of the conference, we were continually reminded that the Rochester Region has tremendous talent and skill, a resource we are very fortunate to possess," said Dennis Mullen, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise. "Our job at GRE is to help diversify and expand our local economy, and these regional strengths and resources will help us pursue the goal of making our community an alternative energy leader. We share Senator Clinton's enthusiasm for the possibilities renewable energy technologies offer and their potential impact on the Rochester Region. It's clear that there is a tremendous amount of potential here."
Green building can achieve big energy and cost savings for communities across America. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, on average, LEED-certified green buildings save 30 percent on energy costs, 50 percent on water-use costs, and pay for themselves in less than three years. Going green can help achieve energy independence and a peaceful, prosperous future.
Last October's one-day conference was the brainchild of Senator Clinton, who is committed to looking at ways to position Rochester and the region as one of the nation's centers of innovation for alternative energy technologies. The conference attracted more than 50 attendees, including architects, engineers, educators, city planners, corporate leaders, and a variety of other specialists. The participants formed five groups to explore Rochester's strengths and opportunities, as well as weaknesses and threats. With this assessment as a backdrop, their efforts culminated in the development of a robust and practicable action agenda for the Greater Rochester Region. The event aimed to give local industry leaders practical tools to move toward "green" building, and to help move Rochester toward the goal of being a clean energy leader.
The Green Dozen
1. Adopt LEED® for all Public Buildings, and Develop Public Incentives for Private Green Building Development
2. Achieve LEED Certification for Renaissance Square
3. Recycle and Reuse Construction Waste
4. Convert Rochester's High Falls into a Hydrogen Production Facility
5. Increase Sustainable Awareness and Education
6. Improve and "Green" Public Transportation
7. "Green" Rochester's Schools and Curricula
8. Establish a Sustainability Resource Center
9. Establish a Rochester Branch of the New York Upstate Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council
10. Partner with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
11. Use Renewable Energy
12. Provide Local Training Opportunities
Click here to view the report.
About the U.S. Green Building Council
Based in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Its more than 6,400 member organizations and network of more than 80 regional chapters are united to advance a mission of transforming the building industry to sustainability. Go to www.usgbc.org for more information.
About GRE
Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) is a public-private partnership established to professionally market the Rochester metropolitan region as a competitive, high-profile place for business location and growth. Its efforts support business attraction and expansion, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation. GRE collaborates with businesses, universities, not-for-profit organizations and government leaders to ensure a unified approach to regional economic development. For more information, please go to www.RochesterBiz.com.
