Councillor Andrea Reimer who chairs the planning and environment committee says Vancouver isn’t just a pretty face but also offers a competitive tax regime and a melting pot of cultures.

Vancouver has identified 10 areas that need improving: economy, climate leadership, building, transportation, carbon footprint, waste, access to nature, air quality, water quality, and a local food economy.

Reimer says that while many cities are doing well in one of the 10 areas, none are doing well in all. Vancouver already has the lowest footprint in North America and investing heavily in bicycle infrastructure.

By 2020 they plan to: double the number of green jobs, reduce emissions by 33%, have all new construction be carbon neutral, improve efficiency by 20% in older buildings, divert 40% of solid waste from ending in a landfill or incinerator, have over 50% of trips using alternative transportation, have all residents living within a five-minute walk to a green space, meet the highest drinking water standards and reduce use by 20%, meet the highest standards for clean air, and create a local food economy.

For more information on Vancouver BC’s Green Goals visit: TalkGreenToUs.ca

Rampart Detection Systems is a small Canadian company that specializes in the development of products for the police; security; counter terrorism and industry using advanced electromagnetic technologies.

After the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, scientists at Rampart were determined to prevent the possible recurrence of another similar disaster. So, they invented a long-term, failsafe solution capable of practical application to existing and future oil and gas production no matter the location.

The idea was inspired by natural phenomena that occurred over a century ago. In 1905 a lightning conductor on top of a chimneystack at Hartley Vale was struck by lightning. The lightning pinched the copper conductor shut. It took researchers several decades to determine that magnetic forces were the sole cause of the conductor crimping. Rampart’s scientists were familiar with this obscure event and used the phenomena as the basis for creating their novel, patent pending Magnetic Crimping technology.

In the case of a garden hose, there are two ways to stop water from gushing out of the nozzle: one is to shut it off manually and the other is to crimp it.

Unfortunately, what works with rubber does not apply to steel. Any attempt to stop oil or gas gushing out of a typical industry steel pipe by crimping it will generally result in the pipe cracking above and below the crimp.

Rampart designed a revolutionary new magnetic crimping technology. This patent pending system uses the extraordinary power of intense magnetic forces to permanently crimp most forms of metal pipes, including the steel pipes commonly used throughout the oil and gas industry. Rampart can accomplish this without any risk of cracking.

The new technology could not only have effectively stopped the Deepwater Horizon leak but it will also provide the ultimate failsafe for controlling similar blow-out disasters from happening again within the global oil and natural gas industry.

This is how it works:

First, a proprietary Rampart magnetic crimp collar covers the circumference of the pipe. Then, very intense magnetic fields are generated within the pipe casing. And finally, highly interactive electric currents are injected into the casing.

Massive electrodynamic interactions cause an instantaneous crimping effect with very little heat generated. The magnetic forces affect the atomic structure of the pipe so that the crimping energy being generated causes the pipe walls to momentarily act like soft plastic thus ensuring a leak proof permanent seal. And because the magnetic forces are evenly distributed throughout the whole interior of the pipe wall there is no risk of cracking.

The entire magnetic crimping development process is self-funded. And a new corporate entity was created called Rampart Environmental Solutions to develop magnetic crimping technology as the ultimate failsafe application in preventing uncontrollable oil and gas blow-outs and leaks. In a time where serious environmental, social, and economic problems are never ending, Rampart is offering a proven scientific solution to the most pressing environmental problem of the day.

“We want our packaging to reflect our company,” said Karla Chambers, Vice President of Stahlbush Island Farms.

The bag is able to break down and become part of the soil again in as little as nine months. The new packaging is currently being incorporated into all of the new products.

“As we reprint and add new product you will find the 100% biodegradable banner on all of our products,” said Karla Chambers.

The bag is the first of its kind and just another extension of Stahlbush Island Farms definition of sustainability. Find a grocery store that sells Stahlbush Island Farms frozen produce at stahlbush.com.

Did you know?

Produce travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to a store while frozen foods travel less than 10 miles.

It will have a double-skin layer that will accommodate nine sky gardens. The extra layer provides insulation and is extremely energy efficient. The twisting design is optimal for capturing rainwater that will be used as for heating and cooling.

The skyscraper will be among the other giants in Shanghai’s Pudong District, the Jin Mao Building and the Shanghai World Financial Center. The Jin Mao Tower looks to be right out of a scene from Ghostbusters the movie, and the Shanghai World Financial Center is a giant representation of a bottle opener. In fact, not many foreigners actually know the name of the building and refer to it as the bottle opener. The unique position of the Shanghai Tower is actually a prime spot to catch powerful gusts of wind made stronger by the other two buildings. The wind turbines on the roof of the building will most likely generate power for the entire building.

The museum’s front hall has a wall display of Shanghai’s current energy use with a 20% reduction goal in the top right corner. The main areas that produce the most greenhouse gas emissions are homes, buildings, industry, technology, and traffic and transportation. The museum is laid out in these areas along with a renewable energy section and a student outreach program.

The bank is saving thousands of sheets of paper by encouraging customers to switch to paperless statements and by moving away from using promotional flyers.

The eco-roof is 5,000 square feet and helps to reduce stormwater runoff. It’s composed of six different varieties of drought-resistant plants.

The bank has partnered with Energy Trust of Oregon to initiate a Green Street Lending program. The program offers low interest rate financing to help homeowners and small businesses improve energy efficiency and incorporate solar power. The Sellwood location is challenging area residents and businesses to select an improvement project for Umpqua to donate up to $10,000 and help residents complete it.

For more information, visit them on the web at UmpquaBank.com

Victory Garden Farms says it wants to increase the presence of urban agriculture in the city of Portland. Boeh says with a little planning everyone has the ability to start their own urban farm.

Her first tip is to invest in a resource that tells you what can be sewn when.

For those growing in the western United States, Boeh recommends the Maritime Northwest Garden Guide.
Mid May is a vey opportune time to get a lot of stuff in the ground. She says carrots, radishes, lettuces, spinach, and kale can all go in by seed. You’ll want to use a transplant though she says for hot season crops like tomatoes, eggplants and peppers. Boeh warns, nurseries sometimes put those plants out earlier than they can safely go into the garden without protection. If temperatures where you live are still cold overnight she recommends cutting off a milk jug and setting it on top of a small tomato start at night through the end of May.

Some of Boeh’s other tips include:

1. When picking what to plant in your planter boxes, plant fast growing plants (radishes, lettuce) with slower growing crops (tomatoes) so they’re not competing.
2. Make planter boxes out of cedar, not pressure treated wood. Pressure treated wood is treated with chemicals that can leach into the soil.
3. Install a drip irrigation system on a timer or hand water. The idea is to water less frequently and more deeply. Look for a wrung out sponge consistency in soil.
4. Feed the soil not the plants. This means turn compost into the soil. It’s a great way to get rid of your leftovers and the organic matter in compost will create healthy soil.
5. Plant flowering plants in your garden. This attracts predatory insects like lady bugs which will kill plant eating pests.
6. When harvesting lettuces like spinach, pick the outer leaves so the smaller inner ones can continue to grow and regenerate.
7. Remember, gardening takes time and consistency, don’t give up mid summer!

For more information about Victory Garden Farms go to www.farmingforvictory.com 


The original structure on the lot had to be torn down because it was in such bad shape. 90 percent of the material was recycled or reused.

Claire’s on Cedros Co-owner Terrie Boley says it’s extremely difficult for a stand alone restaurant to become LEED certified since restaurant’s by nature use a lot of energy, water, and chemicals. Points have to be earned, she says in other ways.

Claire’s on Cedros uses natural ventilation, solar energy, and is made with as much reclaimed material as possible. Most of the wood in the interior is from old churches and schools. Old blue jeans make up the insulation. Kitchen grease is even recycled into bio-diesel. The restaurant also has bicycle parking and gives priority parking spots to energy efficient vehicles.

Claire’s on Cedros is the first LEED platinum certified restaurant in San Diego County and one of only two in the state of California.

It’s also the first project in San Diego County to qualify for and be granted a reduction on Coastal Commission permit fees and holds a Certified Green Restaurant designation by the Green Restaurant Association.

In her book, Lappé encourages everyone to adopt a climate friendly diet. This means supporting sustainable agriculture with our food choices, eating more fruits and vegetables, less processed food and going for organic.

According to Organic certifier, Oregon Tilth, organic farming increases soil quality and lessens the use of petroleum-based fertilizers. Adding more organic matter to the soil also helps sequester carbon.

Lappé also recommends supporting local farmers, some of which may not be certified organic, but are using good sustainable practices.

The city of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is also trying to educate the public about this important issue and is offering a variety of courses for the public, including vegetable gardening, cheese making, and chicken and beekeeping classes. For more information go to Portland Online.

To achieve the certification the Rose Garden had to meet strict ventilation and energy star standards. It received high marks for its meticulous recycling program and ease of alternative transportation for fans.

The LEED Gold plaque was unveiled at the Rose Garden before the team’s annual Green Game April 9th. The Green Game promotes greater environmental awareness. Fans are encouraged to take alternative transportation to the games. The Rose Garden also rolled out over 100 new recycling/compost stations, which will replace traditional garbage cans in the arena.

The Green Game is also a part of NBA Green Week. In it’s third year, the Green Week is a league-wide initiative to generate funds and awareness for the environment. During the week, players were outfitted with organic polyester shooting shirts as well as headbands, wristbands, and socks made from 45 percent organic cotton.

The Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat play in arenas that are LEED certified. The Trail Blazers are the first to achieve LEED Gold status, the second highest LEED rating. Trail Blazers President, Larry Miller, says the organizations goal is LEED Platinum.

The Rose Garden was certified under the ratings system for Existing Buildings, Operations and Maintenance. It will have to get recertified in five years.

The Transportation Corridor Agency has been trying to build a 16-mile toll road in the area for years. The plan has been denied on both the state and federal level. The TCA is shopping around a new concept that calls for the road to go through less of the park. It would also require the road to be built on more of Camp Pendlton’s land, a training ground for Marines and Sailors. The Marine Corps recently put out a letter opposing the project.

The Surfrider Foundation says the latest concept would still have the same environmental impacts. One of the Surfrider Foundation’s major concerns is damaging the water quality. The road would be built close to the park’s pristine watershed, which is home to several endangered species including the arroyo toad, steelhead trout and the pocket field mouse.

The watershed drains out to the ocean and Surfrider says it could easily carry debris from construction with it. This, Surfrider says, could also alter the world famous wave by changing the amount of sediment on the ocean floor.

The TCA says the toll road is desperately needed to help relieve traffic. The Surfrider Foundation says the solution isn’t gobbling up open space it’s using the footprint that is already there and widening I-5.

Trestles is home to the World Champion Tour, a major surf competition that happens every September.

Learn more: Green OC

They scored points with their meticulous recycling program, the ease of alternative transportation, purchasing decisions, and commitment to health of fans and employees with locally sourced food and environmentally friendly cleaning products.

The organization has a reported 70 percent diversion rate from landfill waste. This extraordinary achievement is due to their recycling and food-waste composting program. The Senior Vice President, Sarah Mensah, even joked that their office composting contributed to an aroma that proves their office environment is one of a kind.

They have made the switch to 95 percent compostable containers and garbage liners made from recycled materials. Their smart lighting installment on the event level saves them roughly 400,000 gigawatt hours per year.

The Trail Blazers plan on celebrating this achievement with their fans at their annual Green Game on April 9, 2010.

What is LEED?

LEED is a certification dreamed up by the U.S. Green Building Council. It stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It’s based on a point system over 5 key areas: site, materials, water efficiency, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. Stay tuned to NGN for our news feature that will make you an expert in LEED buildings.

Nursery Owner, Grace Dinsdale, decided to invest in the system in an effort to reduce the nursery’s energy costs as well as to blaze a trail for others to follow. The system could take ten years to pay for itself, however, there are other benefits. Dinsdale says the system will help make the greenhouse more versatile and allow them to grow plants that require more heat.

Water in the tank will heat up to 200 degrees. Geothermal loops were also installed beside the underground tank to help prevent against heat loss.

SolarWorld has been manufacturing photovoltaic cells for over 30 years and is one of the largest and oldest manufacturers of solar technology in the world. One of their manufacturing sites is in Hillsboro, Oregon. The company is currently hiring 8 to 10 people a week for their new module assembly facility, which is scheduled to go into production this summer.

At the facility in Hillsboro, the company creates photovoltaic cells, which are assembled into modules or solar panels. SolarWorld Public Affairs Manager, Ben Santarris says SolarWorld is vertically integrated, which means they do every step of the manufacturing process themselves.

The company is also committed to sustainability. SolarWorld accepts end of life modules and recycles their components for reuse. They received an $82 million tax credit under the White House’s recently announced green energy tax incentives program. SolarWorld says the tax credit will help defray the heavy costs of investing in U.S. manufacturing.

SolarWorld plans to have 1,000 employees in Oregon by 2011

Large coffee plantations have cut down trees, something he says decreases precipitation.

Sustainable Harvest is a coffee importer that helps growers find markets for their coffee in a way that is good for the environment and society. Their goal is to find long-term solutions for farmers so they can have viable businesses.

Sustainable Harvest says the farmers it works with do not have to be organically certified but good environmental practices are encouraged.

Coffee is one of the few cash crops that can grow under trees. Sustainable Harvest works with growers to replant in areas that have been deforested, like the area outside Gombe National Park in Tanzania.

Valle says farmers who are organically certified or have good environmental practices can get higher prices for their coffee. That’s incentive for him to grow his coffee in an environmentally responsible way and he hopes more growers will do the same.

Stumptown uses a process called Direct Trade. It takes Fair Trade a step further and means Stumptown spends a lot of time in the countries where the coffee is produced working directly with growers. This ensures Stumptown gets the best quality coffee and ensures
the workers are fairly compensated.

Stumptown will only work with those who produce the most high quality coffee
Ripe coffee cherries must be processed in an immaculate manner with good equipment. However, Stumptown pays the highest wages in the business. This way the company says growers see there is an incentive for picking and growing the best cherries. Money can be invested back into the farm to make sure the quality of the coffee gets even better.

Abroad, many coffee farmers are struggling to make ends meet. Costs of production at origin are at all time highs. Fertilizers alone have climbed more than 300% in the past 18 months. Growers say companies like Stumptown are helping create opportunity.
Stumptown says organic certification is not a requirement, however they will only work with growers who take care of their land.

Stumptown encourages people to get more informed about where there coffee is coming from. They say choosing coffee with Fair Trade or Direct Trade labels helps send a message that you want to support brands who care about the environment and make sure their growers are compensated fairly.

The Portland Public School District launched its Farm to School Program during the 06/07 school year. The district says the goal of the program is to help kids develop lifelong healthy eating habits and to help them get used to eating food that is not overly processed.

The district is working with local farmers to get as much locally grown food on the school lunch menus as possible. Harvest of the month is a part of the program where a different fruit or vegetable is featured on the menu every month. The children are taught how it’s grown as well as about the farmer who grew it.

The district would eventually like to include locally sourced main entrees; however, one of the major challenges is cost. School lunches currently are $2.20 and only about a dollar of that total can be spent on food. The rest goes to labor and other costs. For more information about the Farm to School Program go to: www.nutrition.pps.k12.or.us.

The most important component to any green building is something called integrated design. Principal of Interface Engineering, Andy Frichtl, defines it as, “bringing professionals together to create a solution that does multiple things.” Just about every feature in the Center for Health and Healing has multiple functions.

The south side of the building is covered in photovoltaic, or solar, panels. The panels provide shade as well as a source for renewable energy.

The building uses radiant floor heating in the lobby for heating and cooling. There is a source of groundwater beneath the building that’s pumped through the floor to provide the heating and cooling needs. The radiant slab also stores excess thermal energy produced by the combined heat and power unit.

A bioreactor treats the sewage into almost potable water. The water is reused for flushing toilets, irrigation for the rooftop gardens, and cooling. Rainwater is also harvested and reused.

As the world subtly shifts from a fossil fuel intensive society to a more conservative, environmentally friendly one, clean technology and smart designs become more important than ever. Buildings like OHSU are important success stories that showcase new functioning technology that reduces energy consumption, improves air quality, and is cheaper to build.

Green streets are vegetated facilities that filter and manage stormwater runoff. To the average person they may look like a planter box, but they actually provide a real and important function. When it rains, water from the street flows into the facilities through an opening. The plants, soil and rocks slow the water down and clean it naturally. The green streets help maintain capacity in the system by capturing water and keeping some of it from getting into the pipes.

The City’s Sustainable Stormwater Division Manager, Linda Dobson, says green streets provide a number of other benefits including cleaning the air, and making sidewalks safer for pedestrians by slowing down traffic and providing a buffer.

The installation of green streets is part of the city’s Gray to Green Initiative, which is a five-year plan to invest in green infrastructure.

Dobson says the city is doing all this work in order to make sure the Willamette River is clean and healthy for everyone.

There were 51,402 green jobs in Oregon in 2008. Employers expect that number to increase 14% by 2010.

The survey of 10,000 employers found green jobs in every employment sector however they were slightly more concentrated in areas typically thought of as “blue collar” industries.

For the purposes of the study a green job was defined as one that, increases energy efficiency, produces renewable energy, restores the natural environment, provides education, consulting or similar services in any of these categories.

The average wage for green jobs in 2008 was $22.61 per hour. On average, green jobs had slightly higher wages than jobs across the entire economy, however the minimum education requirements closely mirrored the requirements for all jobs statewide. Nearly two thirds of all green jobs required no more than a high school education.

Many states in the US have conducted studies about green jobs, but Oregon is only the third state to ask employers to identify which of their employee’s jobs meet the definition of a green job. The Oregon Employment Department says it felt like this was the most accurate way to determine whether an individual job was a green job. Economists working on the project say they believe they got unbiased and accurate data.