U A Greenie?

Dining Green

2012-01-17T14:28:00.001-05:00

We were always told by our parents and doctors to eat green (vegetables) it’s healthy.

I propose another way to eat green: Dine Green. Yes, dining green is not just a trendy choice, it is a smart choice. Many restaurant owners are choosing to go green in their operations and services or design green as they plan and build.

Restaurant owners may ask: How can you make your food service facility green? Should it be LEED Certified? Is it costly? Where do I start? These are many questions that may be in the mind of future restaurant owners as they are planning their facility.

The key is to plan. If you desire to be socially conscious in your restaurant operations and services, take advice from Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Successful People: 'Begin With The End In Mind.' This will save you money and time. Choose an environmentally conscious design professional, suppliers and even employees. Be sure to communicate your vision to your employees as you begin.

Green Tips for Your Food Service Facility:
• Extend the life of an existing building by renovating instead of building from the ground up.
• Save money and time: buy or rent a building that once housed a restaurant.
• Purchase used restaurant equipment and furniture.
• Use locally grown fruits and vegetables.
• Install low-flow toilets.
• Install tankless water heaters.
• Use low or no VOC paints
• Use recycled materials to enhance the décor.
• Design designated areas for recycled materials.
• Create a Go Green and a Recycling Plan.

For more information on green restaurant design, contact Urban Aesthetics at 267.702.0810 or 856.733.0809. Email: info@urbanaestheticsllc.com

My Biz Go Green

2012-01-17T14:25:00.002-05:00

Did You Know that there are approximately 60,000 businesses in the City of Philadelphia, all required to submit a recycling plan to the City of Philadelphia?

“All commercial properties receiving private or city waste collection must complete the Commercial Solid Waste and Recycling Plan.” (City of Philadelphia, Secure Waste and Utility Services).

Did you know that only 15,000 of these businesses are in compliance with this requirement? (Ashley Nguyen, Philadelphia Daily News)

Urban Aesthetics, LLC is a full service, committed green business and a certified Woman and Minority owned project management firm located in Philadelphia. We provide green, design and permit services.

As a long-time advocate for the environment, green business owner and a former student of Green Business Management, I particularly enjoy having the opportunity to see how businesses function from the inside and how I can help businesses comply. This blog outlines the scope of work, including objective and scope of services.

Our objective is to assist businesses with the implementation of a Recycling Plan in or to help in compliance with the city’s requirements for commercial businesses. We provide professional assistance to help your business plan, coordinate and implement a Recycling plan, in accordance with the requirements of the City of Philadelphia.

We help businesses with the following services:

Green Design and Planning
Recycling Plan Compliance
Go Green Plan

Scope of Services:

a. Conduct an evaluation based on your business operations and needs.

b. Assist in the planning and implementation of a Recycling and / or a Go Green Plan.

c. Recommend steps required to successfully implement the new system and assist in assembling setup information and data used in the implementation process.

d. Filing and posting of your City of Philadelphia Commercial Solid Waste and Recycling Plan.

2. Compile a complete list of waste haulers, including fees, addresses, phone numbers, vendor terms, vendor classes (if any), and other necessary vendor information for your use in recycling hauling.

3. Acquire and placement of appropriate recycling receptacles.

4. Training and implementation:

a. Work with you and your staff during implementation to help you gain a general understanding of the process.

b. Follow up of your Go Green Plan and development of a progress report.

BENEFITS

When the process is complete, your company will be in compliance with the City’s requirements for recycling. After completion of the Go Green Plan, your company will join the community of businesses that seek to provide a greener, healthier environment for all.

We would appreciate the opportunity to service your company’s needs. If you have any questions, please contact our offices at 215.702.0810 or email: gogreen@mybizgogreen.com.

Happy Green New Year!!!

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Greenies and Happy New Year 2012! It has been some time since I have posted. I have been spending time communicating with my Urban Greenies. 2011 was a great year for us at Urban Aesthetics, filled with wonderful green activities such as planting trees, and completing green projects including building renovations, participating in green house building and completing historical preservation projects.

Next in store, 2012; a year filled with green expectations and greener plans. Have you completed your Green Goals for 2012? As I look back on my 2011 Green Goals, I notice that I have only completed half of the goals on the list. This may sound disappointing but I'll take a 'glass half full' approach. The first step is to have a desire to be greener. The next step is to create a plan to be greener and after that, put your plan into action.

My list of 2012 Green Goals are complete including plans to plant more trees, increase green design projects by 25% and educate green. My planned tasks to put the goals into action are in place. I look forward to checking off each goal on my list and I encourage you to do the same. Let's have a great, green year!!!

Sustain.Ability

2010-06-15T13:29:00.002-04:00

To sustain; as defined by Merriam Webster, to bear up under; to give support or relief to; to supply with sustenance; to support the weight of. The Americans with Disabilities Act was created in 1990, in order to ensure disabled persons equal access to buildings. Providing accessible facilities is an important part of design and stands alone as sustainable.

Early in my career, a former boss and mentor, Architect Robert Kendall, asked me to help him in his efforts to form an organization that offered free design and planning to victims of spinal cord injuries. The formation of this organization was important to Robert because of his association with a close friend that was in a wheelchair, as well as his own brief disabling experience, due to a soccer injury. Robert's dream became a reality with the formation of a non-profit charitable organization named Homescapes. As a volunteer for Homescapes during its formation and operations, the needs of the disabled became important to me.

As family members age and no longer are to get around the same, we realize the need to make their homes safe for their movement. In addition, we become more aware of the need for public spaces to be accommodating to people with a disability.

I could not consider myself a true green or sustainable designer if I did not include the needs of the disabled in my work. I make sure that my commercial projects always include consultation about the needs of the disabled. Not only is it the law, it's thoughtful and for the business owner that serve the public, it makes good business sense.

Urban Aesthetics is proud to say that we find the needs of the disabled important and they will continue to be at the forefront of our projects. We provide a accessibility permit drawings as a service to very important clients and if an ADA retrofit is what you need, do not hesitate to call:
800-868-1921.

Painting the Town Green

2010-03-27T17:52:00.001-04:00

Painting the Town Green

Posted using ShareThis

Eco-Deck and Gardens

2010-03-07T19:25:00.002-05:00

"...I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden..."
Ruth Stout

Spring is almost here and it is the time of year that we start upgrading the exterior of our houses in anticipation of great holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Many other special days are around the corner, including Family Reunions or those special gatherings that you have outdoors.

"...You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt..."
Author Unknown

How about having your gathering on your new or upgraded deck leading to an elegant garden? Planting a garden is an eco-friendly move, adding oxygen to the air and helping to decrease the amount of storm water runoff. Your garden can be an ongoing spring and summer project, decreasing your time spent indoors, eventually saving you energy and money.
Sustainable choices for your garden:

Plant herbs to use as spices for your favorite dishes.
Plant vegetables and save money on food.
Use eco-friendly choices for fertilizers

"...Plants cry their gratitude for the sun in green joy..."
Astrid Alauda

Make another green choice for your garden and deck by using environmentally friendly materials. Your best option can be to reuse wood from construction debris, preferably from a previous deck. Additional options include using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood and deck tiles, ensuring that the use of the wood is not leading to deforestation. An alternative to using wood for decks is composite decking. Composite decking eliminates the need to use natural resources because it includes alternative materials to wood. The decking also decreases the amount of maintenance needed.

FSC Deck Tiles: http://www.decktiles.org/
Composite Deck Materials: http://www.trex.com/

"...I think the true gardener is a lover of his flowers, not a critic of them. I think the true gardener is the reverent servant of Nature, not her truculent, wife-beating master..."
Reginald Farrer, In a Yorkshire Garden, 1909

Urban Aesthetics will design a deck to your specifications and we will do it the right way. Many decks in the area have been built done wrong, with us do your deck will be done right.

Call: 215-776-8795
Email: info@urbanaestheticsdesigns.com

"Every April communities, organizations, and individuals nationwide celebrate gardening during National Garden Month." National Gardening Association

All Decked-Out in Green

2010-03-04T13:56:00.002-05:00

Deck: A flat-floored, roofless area adjoining a house.

Are you looking to save energy this summer? Would you like to increase the value of your home? Thinking of adding a deck? Does your house have an existing deck that needs upgrading? If your answer is "yes" to any of these questions, you are in luck.
Would you like your future deck to be built to code? Would you like it to be safe? Is your existing deck safe?
Is it green? Would you like it to be green?

"Decked Out": "Adjective: Someone or something that is really extravagant and awesome looking..."
Urban Dictionary
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=decked%20out

"Paint my house or deck green, NO Way!!!" I agree, depending on the shade or unless you are going with an AMAZING theme. But you can "deck your house out in green..." An adjective describes or modifies a person, place or thing. Adding a deck modifies or enhances your home. You can make your home "awesome looking" with a new deck. And the deck can be green. Not necessarily the COLOR green but a green and choice.

The benefits of adding a deck on your home or property:

Adding a deck can be a "green" choice - Making the choice to entertain or relax outside during the spring and summer months can save energy, while saving you money. Many people eat dinner, entertain and relax on their decks. You can turn off the appliances, the air and the lights and enjoy the weather on your deck.
Adding a deck can save you money - Watch your energy bills diminish as you use less electric and air.
Building a deck onto your home can make you money - A deck can add value to your home. You can add a room without spending the full price of building an addition.

"...building a deck can be a smart way for property owners to maintain or even improve their home's value..."

Luke Mullins, U.S. News and World Report

If you are planning on adding or upgrading your deck, and you want to do it right, call Urban Aesthetics, LLC: 215-776-8795. We can help you:

Get a Licensed Contractor.
Get a Permit.
Choose sustainable materials and practices.

Urban Aesthetics has completed several decks throughout the Philadelphia area.

Graduating Green

2010-02-22T22:03:00.127-05:00

Graduate: to pass from one stage of experience, proficiency, or prestige to a usually higher one...

You have learned that the Passport to Sustainability is Educating Green, planning, building and operating Green. So now, I ask the question: have you taken a Recess and made the decision to Green your educational facility? Now is the time for you to graduate.

"...The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change..."

Carl Rogers

It's time to change. The best place to spark that change is in the classroom. Sustainability is a choice, a way of life. As we learn, we implement the teaching into our lifestyle or the education is futile. As you Graduate Green, you will realize that this is only the beginning. Progress is being made daily to help individuals become greener and live a more socially responsible lifestyle. We have an opportunity to continue to learn, we have a chance to embrace new options.

"...I believe that education is the fundamental method of social progress and reform. All reforms which rest simply upon the law, or the threatening of certain penalties, or upon changes in mechanical or outward arrangements, are transitory and futile.... But through education society can formulate its own purposes, can organize its own means and resources, and thus shape itself with definiteness and economy in the direction in which it wishes to move.... Education thus conceived marks the most perfect and intimate union of science and art conceivable in human experience..."

John Dewey, My Pedagogic Creed, 1897

As you graduate, I offer additional Greenie Tips for your Educational Facility, Daycare Center or Classroom:
1. Incorporate "upcycling" art projects.
Encourage students to bring in items ready for the waste stream to be used in art prjects. Example: egg cartons, styrafoam peanuts, boxes, cans, etc.
2. Set up a class website.
Explain the importance of saving paper and allow students and parents the option to download information via the website.
3. Send out grades online.
Continue to save paper by emailing transcripts for students and parents willing to go paperless.
4. Use both sides of paper.
5. Organize outside cleanup days in order to promote recycling and neighborhood cleanup.
Contact Rafyah Lumb of NaturallyNeat Cleaning to have her organize a cleanup project for your students.
Phone: 215-667-7446.

Source: X-ray technician Schools. (2008). 30 Go Green Tips For Teachers in the Classroom.
http://www.x-raytechnician
schools.org/30-go-green-tips-for-teachers-to-introduce-to-the-classroom/

Now fellow students, alumni, teachers and faculty, I encourage you to reflect on this educational journey and seek progress in your building planning. In your existing facility, I encourage you to implement changes, the option benefits you and everyone utilizing your facility. For additional information on Green Operations, Building and Incentives, contact Felicia Middleton at:
P: 215-776-8795
Email: uagreenie@urbanaestheticsdesigns.com

Green Recess

2010-02-15T19:41:00.002-05:00

Are you planning the building of an educational facility such as a daycare center, school or classroom? Do you have an existing educational facility? Is it Green? Do you teach sustainable practices to the students? Do you represent these practices through your operations, providing a good example for the students?

If you are planning to open or remodel an educational facility, STOP! Take a break and rethink your plans.
If your plans are not green, STOP! Change the color of your facility.

Recess: "...A temporary cessation of the customary activities of an engagement, occupation, or pursuit."

Think Green.
A healthy learning environment is the best for a student. Greening your facility can provide a healthier atmosphere for your students.

Ensure that the facility has a properly run Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system. Good indoor air quality is essential for a healthy learning environment and can cut back on diseases and allergies.
Clean your facility using environmentally friendly products and services. A Green cleaning service that uses eco-friendly products can also help indoor air quality and reduce allergies. The added benefit will be that you will be helping the environment.
Design or renovate your facility incorporating natural light. "...natural light for its demonstrated positive effects on student productivity and wellness..." (Sunlight Direct Inc.)

"Education costs money, but then so does ignorance."
Sir Claus Moser

Rethinking the design and planning of your school, classroom or daycare center will be an added benefit for your facility, the staff and your students. Greening your educational facility is a "Win-Win", everybody benefits. For additional information on the design, planning AND greening of your facility, contact Urban Aesthetics, LLC.

Phone Number: 215.776.8795
Email: info@urbanaestheticsdesigns.com

Additional Information:

We have additional information that will be of help. The Keystone Stars Child Care Quality Initiative is a quality improvement program for child care providers. Child care providers can be designated as Star One, Star Two, Star Three or Star Four based on achieving performance standards in Staff Education, the Learning Environment, and Administration. Additional information, preparation and help will be provided in our upcoming monthly workshops. Please feel free to email us or contact us for additional information.

http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ECERS/uses/Government/pennsylvania.html
http://www.pakeys.org/pages/get.aspx?page=Programs_STARS
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/PartnersProviders/ChildCareEarlyEd/KeyStoneStarChildCare/
http://www.sunlight-direct.com/education.php

Educating Green

2010-02-07T22:37:00.047-05:00

"...I've never let my school interfere with my education..."

Mark Twain

That's right, the school should not interfere with an education. The building, the hallways, the classroom, all should enhance the educational experience and not affect it. In the past, materials such as asbestos, lead and poor HVAC systems had a negative effect on the student's health. Today we know how to build in a manner that respects both the earth and the health of individuals.

"...Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education..."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Does your educational facility reflect character and integrity? Social responsibility? Green educational facilities promote education and reflect a positive character. Green classrooms are healthy learning environments where the interior physical location wont affect the child's overall education. In fact, they can be used to enhance their education. Children can learn early practices of waste reduction and recycling. In addition, they can develop a lifestyle of eco-friendlly habits.

Operate Green:
-Choose eco-friendly printing:
MTB Imaging Corp.
1-866-345-1MTB
tmccleary@mtb.com
www.mtbimaging.com
-"Upcycle" Sharpie Markers and other items: Send them to TerraCycle to be reused.
www.TerraCycle.net

TerraCycle finds another use for items normally considered trash before they enter the waste stream.

Greenie Building Tips for your Educational Facility:

-Use zero or low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html

-Use eco-friendly Acoustical Ceiling Tiles - Green Depot:: http://www.greendepot.com/greendepot/dept.asp?dept_id=5300&page=2&s_id=0

-Use eco-friendly flooring.
-Contact Urban Aesthetics LLC for sustainable design solutions, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification and Green Planning.

Phone: 215-776-8795
Email: info@urbanaestheticsdesigns.com

Completed Designs of Educational Facilities:
Urban Aesthetics:
-Classrooms in Church Facilities
-Designs for Daycare Centers
Felicia Middleton of Urban Aesthetics has completed:
-School Cafeterias
-School "Cafetoriums"
-School Commissary Kitchens

Additional Information:

Lead Poisoning in Educational Facilities:
http://www.cababstractsplus.org/abstracts/Abstract.aspx?AcNo=20043159779

http://www.civilrights.com/LeadPaintLitigation.php

Education is the Passport to a Sustainable Future

2010-01-31T21:00:00.029-05:00

   "...Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today..."
El Hajj Malik El Shabazz
     As I walked through the hallowed halls of my former high school, I could remember the school the way it was many years before while appreciating the changes that had recently been made. The new addition to the former-elementary-school-turned-high school changed the look completely from the way it was when I attended. For years, there was talk of building a new school but the outcome was an addition to the existing building. The final choice was a green option, renovation - one that is a favorite of mine.
   The International Building Code defines an Educational Facility as "one with six or more occupants for educational purposes through the twelfth grade." Day Care centers that provide educational supervision or personal care services for five or more children over 2 1/2 years of age are included in this definition.

Opening an Educational Facility? If so, why not make it green? Own an existing facility or accessory educational space in a facility (classroom in a church)? Change its color to green. Over the past year, I have discussed with current and potential clients educational projects that have include classrooms in churches, daycare centers as well as institutions of higher learning. I was pleased to see the interest in not only green, but LEED Certified facilities.

"...Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance..."

Will Durant
In the past, many of these facilities were built without the environment in mind. Now that we understand the negative affects, and we know how to reverse them, let's seek to change past practices. Philadelphia is rich with educational facilities - daycare centers, public and private schools. These facilities should be built using sustainable practices and the students should learn about the environment and green living.
Educating Green is a passport to a sustainable future.

Greenie Tips for Schools:
-Recycling - "Every building in Philadelphia is required by law to recycle...". Some are not participating in this practice - I have seen it with my own eyes.
http://www.keepphiladelphiabeautiful.org/schoolrecycling.html
-Education - All schools should make it a common practice to teach children about the practices of recycling and waste reduction. Urban Aesthetics is partnering with Naturally Neat in a volunteer effort to teach children about recycling. and green practices.

-Build and Renovate Green - Implement sustainable design practices in the planning of your facility. Contact Urban Aesthetics for LEED Certification, design and planning.

Phone: 215-776-8795
Email: info@urbanaestheticsdesigns.com

Light of The World

2010-01-24T19:32:00.001-05:00

"...And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness..."

God created light, NATURAL LIGHT. We all love light. However, most of our love affair is with unnatural light. But just as God separated the light from darkness, sometimes we should do the same thing. We need to separate ourselves from unnatural lighting. What am I referring to? Conservation. Energy. Turn the lights off, people, conserve energy. Use energy efficient bulbs, save energy. Save energy = save money. Save Energy = help the planet. It's just that simple.

What are other ways to conserve energy in planning your church facility?

Greenie Tips:

Lighting:

Build your facility letting in natural light, have the natural light designed based on the proper solar orientation and specific to target locations.
Add a clerestory to allow additional light to enter. A clerestory is a high wall with a band of narrow windows along the very top. The clerestory wall usually rises above adjoining roofs.

For existing buildings, your light choices may be limited but don't rule out adding sky lights.

Design rooms with motion sensor lighting.

"...He causes the clouds to rise over the whole earth. He sends the lightning with the rain and releases the wind from his storehouses..." Psalms 135:7

Energy:

The weather affects energy usage. Energy usage affects costs. Energy usage affects the environment. Your facility can be designed to accommodate these conditions and conserve energy. Upcoming legislation will have a drastic affect on energy usage and costs.

This legislation will impact the operations of your church facility.

Deregulation is coming. Deregulation will allow consumers competition among energy suppliers and customers will be able to choose their own energy suppliers. Competition will provide the opportunity for lower prices and energy choices from socially responsible suppliers.

Energy Saving Tips:

The structure should be properly insulated.
Choose a Green Roof. Green Roofs provide insulation; help reduce the size of the HVAC system and manage stormwater runoff.
Your designer should specify an HVAC system that is energy efficient.

Contact Urban Aesthetics for energy efficient design choices. Our LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) consultant can help your building get LEED Certified to maximize your benefits.

Phone: 215-776-8795

Email: info@urbanaestheticsdesigns.com

http://architecture.about.com/od/structural/g/clerestory.htm

Discovering Philadelphia's Architecture

2010-01-22T11:28:00.004-05:00

http://www.workshopoftheworld.com/center_city/reading.html
Reading Terminal Head House and Shed

The Reading Terminal (head house and train shed) located at 1115-1141 Market Street has connected Philadelphia and its visitors since its inception in 1893. The original builder for this architectural masterpiece was Charles McCaul. The train shed, one of a kind in size and engineering, served as a transportation connection point for daily commuters living in and outside of Philadelphia.

After the renovations in 1995, the original purpose of the building evolved into its new purpose. Today, the building continues to serve as a connection point for citizens of Philadelphia as well as visitors from the surrounding suburbs and beyond. The Head House, preserved externally to maintain its original Italian Renaissance style, now serves as an entrance to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Market East Train Station and the Gallery shopping Center.
The train shed now serves as part of the Convention Center and is truly elegant. Elements, such as tracks placed within the shed's flooring reveal the shed's original use while serving as a decorative element.
The sculptures by Judy Pfaff decorating the shed's ceiling offers electrical illusions, again reminding one of the feeling of the original purpose of the building along with a distinct indication of the elegance of its new use. Although left abandoned for a brief period prior to renovation, the building has been a place of activity and exploration in Philadelphia for more than 100 years.

The Reading Terminal has been on the National Register for Historic Places since 1972. Historical Preservation and Renovation are Green and Sustainable design choices.

I LOVE Philadelphia, Espescially the Architecture

2010-01-22T11:19:00.000-05:00

I love Philadelphia. I love architecture. I love people. I especially love Philadelphia's architecture. I also love to breathe. When you love something, you dedicate yourself and your work to making it better. In college, I combined these loves as I studied sustainable architecture, urban planning and worked and did an internship with the Clean Air Council in an effort to help people and the environment.

As with many first loves, we leave them but if it's true love, we always return. I left Philadelphia for a season. I returned and I will probably never leave again. As the rap artist Mos Def says in his song Brooklyn, "I love my city, sweet & gritty..." That's me!

Another first love is the environment. I have been an environmental advocate for more than 15 years and I have dedicated my studies, work and practices toward design and sustainability. At times I have wavered but the mindset has always been here. I have so much pride in seeing the efforts that are now promoted towards sustainable design.

I continue to have pride in my city. I am happy to see all the positive changes taken place in Philadelphia. I love the Greenworks plan and the city's efforts towards the environment. My company's mission is to help change the aesthetics of blighted urban communities through providing quality and sustainable design solutions, building planning and efficient construction services. My 2010 goals include helping Philadelphia become the greenest city in the nation.

I had even more happiness today when I read about the new LEED Law.http://whyy.org/cms/news/regional-news/2010/01/19/philadelphia-mayor-signs-energy-efficiency-law/28265
I am happy to see that the city has again stepped up its efforts towards being even more green and sustainable. Felicia Middleton and Urban Aesthetics is dedicated to the cause.
We are a W/MBE certified business offering green design and permit services. We have a professional LEED consultant to help you get your building certified. We offer green design and we are a committed green business in practices and services.

Phone: 215-776-8795
info@urbanaestheticsdesigns.com
http://urbanaestheticsdesigns.com/

Green Stewards

2010-01-17T23:55:00.000-05:00

"...O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all..." Psalm 104:24.

In church we celebrate God's creation and we give Him praises for his marvelous works. How important is it that His house does the same. Wisdom can guide you towards making your church building project more sustainable. All over the United states, individuals, businesses, government facilities and organizations are integrating sustainable practices and building green. Why not do the same for your church building project?

Choosing to remodel an existing building can save energy, money and time. When choosing an existing building, an additional sustainable practice is to select a building that has recently been used for the same purpose. This practice not only saves the environment but it helps to save time in possible zoning issues.

Green Choices For Renovating an Existing Facility.

Choose energy efficient lighting.
Choose environmentally friendly flooring (tile, carpeting).
Use energy efficient windows and doors.
Choose environmentally friendly ceiling tiles.

Green Choices For Building a New Facility:

To encourage carpooling and minimize the number of cars on the road allow specific parking for members who carpool.
Use FSC Certified Wood products when building. FSC is an acronym for Forest Stewardship Council. FSC Wood is quickly renewable wood from forests with sustainable practices. (www.fscus.org).
Install Solar Panels as a means to utilize an alternative energy source. Solar Panels can be used as a source of heat for hot water.
Recycle Construction Waste - it will be helpful for another organization's building project.
Keep current and future members who don't drive in mind. Locate your facility near public transit or in a safe area to walk.

"...There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number - living things both large and small..." Psalm 104:25.

"...How awesome are your deeds!" Psalm 66:3.

Yes, God's deeds are awesome and a good steward protects His creation. As a good steward, choose to build green, choose to renovate and remodel in a sustainable manner. Contact Urban Aesthetics, LLC for help with your sustainable project.

Phone: 215-776-8795

Email: info@urbanaestheticsdesigns.com

Website: www.urbanaestheticsdesigns.com

Planning and Greening Church Facilities

2010-01-10T21:35:00.000-05:00

"If you build it, they will come..."

This is a belief of many church officials, believing that a new facility will draw members.

In the Holy Bible, Psalms 127:1 states: "...Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain..."
The church facility should accommodate God's people while He draws them in. Building is not always the right choice.

Although buildings are my first love, and some new structures are masterpieces, sometimes building should be a second, even third choice. Building new facilities are not the only answer. Many church officials must learn when NOT to build a new facility. Planning is key.

GREEN FACTS:

Buildings consume more than 40% ($359 billion dollars per year) of our nation's energy.

Renovating an existing building along with reusing materials is a more sustainable way to build.
Building new construction takes away open land that can be used for green space. Providing green space offers the opportunity for additional greenery that can add oxygen to the atmosphere while cutting back on storm water runoff.
"Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly into a lake, stream, river, wetland or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water..."
(http://www.epa.gov/weatherchannel/stormwater.html#solution).

Following are a few tips to guide you in planning your church building project:

-Create Building Committee and familiarize the members with recent practices in building.
*Green Alternative: Choose energy efficiency, green design and renovation as your building project choices.

-Utilize a Commercial Real Estate Agent familiar with the area where you are planning your facility.
*Green Alternative: Choose a Real Estate Agent Designated by the National Association of Realtors as a Green Real Estate Agent
(http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org/green_business_network.cfm).
-Choose a Design Consultant.
*Green Alternative: Choose a design consultant with a knowledge of green design practices. Urban Aesthetics provides green design, LEED AP design and green consulting services. (http://urbanaestheticsdesigns.com/).
-Choose to conserve energy when renovating. This can save money as well as energy.
*Green Alternative: Choose an energy consultant to help you plan alternatives to save energy usage and money. (http://www.1wp.com/go/Topqualityhsi/).

Proper planning in building projects lessens headaches and saves time and money. Gaining a knowledge of Zoning Issues and laws as well as permit requirements for the municipality is an important step that should be taken PRIOR to purchasing a building.

Contact Urban Aesthetics, LLC to help you plan and build your future project.
Phone: 215-776-8795.
Email: info@urbanaestheticsdesigns.com.
Website: www.urbanaestheticsdesigns.com.

Field Of Dreams, 1989. Phil Alden Robinson.

Holy SustainAbility!

2010-01-04T00:06:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year and Happy New Decade! As we enter into a new year and a new decade we will focus on providing ways to green various types of facilities and organizations. The challenges may be difficult and the practices different but the opportunity exists and the benefits are plentiful. We will focus on a different type of facility each month, providing sustainable design information and Greenie Tips.

Traveling various places daily, I often evaluate the buildings that I enter and imagine greener operations and facilities. Many organizations do not give sustainability a chance, they dismiss the opportunity as if it is not useful or applicable. I am happy that more and more organizations are implementing green practices and in 2010, I will be happy to help add to that list. Organizations I have observed include (but are not limited to) schools, stores, offices, small businesses and also churches. Having designed churches and church facilities throughout my career, I will enjoy the discussing greening church facilities throughout January.

A church leader may wonder why should we be green? How does this benefit the ministry? To these questions I answer: green practices are another way of giving praise to God, we are showing our appreciation for His creation.
Psalms 24:1-2 states that "...the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth's foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths..."
Nehemiah 9: 6 states: "...You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you.."
Knowing this, as a Christian, I am PROUD TO BE A GREENIE.
How can a church be greener? Following are easy Greenie Tips to help you begin:

Create a recycling/waste reduction team.
Encourage the use of email and social networking sites for event promotion as opposed to passing out flyers.
Remodel using furniture donated from other facilities
Monitor and reduce energy use by installing programmable thermostats and using energy efficient light bulbs.
Renovate instead of building.
Create a church carpooling program to reduce the number of cars on the road.

If you are a part of a church community and would like to be more socially responsible, contact Urban Aesthetics, LLC. Urban Aesthetics will help you create green practices and green design solutions for your church facility.

2009 Green Round Up

2009-12-29T14:21:00.000-05:00

As an environmental advocate, Green has been a way of life for me for many years. I have also made it away of life for my business management and operations. In 2010, Urban Aesthetics will help other businesses owners and organizations make Green a reality.

Following are Green Accomplishments for Urban Aesthetics during 2009:

Urban Aesthetics created our own “Green and Sustainable Ethics Policy”.
Urban Aesthetics became a committed Green Business with the Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. (www.phillygreenbiz.com)
Urban Aesthetics has completed Green Community Service Projects in both 2008 and 2009. C.A.M.P. Sustain.Ability, sponsored by the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects - Urban Aesthetic's annual 3^rd Quarter Community Service Project. The camp is designed to teach urban youth about Architecture and Green Design. (philanoma.noma.net)
In 2009, Urban Aesthetics completed three Green Projects, providing the following Green Services to Clients.

Housing Co-Op Historic Presentation Project in Philadelphia, PA reusing bricks and other exterior building products.
Residential Renovation Historic Presentation Project in Norristown, PA.
Kitchen Design Project – Incorporating used materials into the kitchen renovation including reusing kitchen cabinets and appliances pulled from another property.
Urban Aesthetics Green Client Services – Design and permit drawings created without paper transfer between Urban Aesthetics and the Client.

In addition to our regular business goals, we have laid out our Green Goals for 2010. Our Green Goals are challenging but we plan to keep you informed as we accomplish each one.

Thank you for joining in with U A Greenie and in the Green Movement.

In 2010 we at Urban Aesthetics would like to urge you to challenge your friends and neighbors with the question: "Are U A Greenie?"

Urban Aesthetics would like to wish you a Green and Prosperous New Year!

Historic Preservation and Renovation

2009-11-30T19:35:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Historic Preservation and Renovation of buildings are both types of green building?

Historic Preservation is the process of preserving and conserving an existing building in its original state.
In Historic Preservation, materials including bricks, floors and trims, are often reused from the existing building or recycled from another property or architectural salvage.

Renovating is the process of restoring a building to a better state than its present condition.
Renovation projects can be greener by using recycled materials and reusing existing materials including doors, windows, hardware, bricks, studs, and floor joists. Additional green practices include remodeling, donating or reusing kitchen cabinets, sinks, countertops and appliances. Did you know that it was this easy to be green when renovating?

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Credit MRI. I-1.3 states that building reuse is to maintain 50-70% of an existing building.
Credit MR 2.1 and 2.2 discusses the diversion of materials from the waste stream through recycling building materials.

Both Historic Preservation and Renovating include the following:

Reusing the existing building
Reusing existing materials

Many simple practices in home renovation and remodeling help save and preserve the environment:

Reusing materials
Recycling construction debris
Installing energy efficient windows
Using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood for studs and floor joists

Urban Aesthetics has completed two historic preservation projects in 2008 and will continue to take part in the preservation of buildings and the environment. We also have an interest in saving the environment and will continue to invest in this interest through completing green projects, promoting green products and educating the public about green practices.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Philadelphia-PA/Urban-Aesthetics-LLC/55273634049?ref=ts

2009-09-14T10:42:00.000-04:00

Change the Color of Your Home!

You schedule an Interior Designer to help you remodel your home and the first thing you hear from them is: “Make your home green, inside and out”.
Do you look in horror, imagining a completely green home?
Or
Do you smile and say: “You’re hired!”?
Of course, I am not referring to the color “green”. Although I love green, I love it more as an adverb than an adjective.
Make your home green. You will love the color change in your home, green can be easy and affordable:

Green cleaning products are becoming easier to find and are more affordable than ever.
Green home cleaners will offer cleaning services with an environmentally friendly touch.
Weatherize your home. The government is currently offering tax incentives for home owners who weatherize.
When remodeling, use zero VOC paints.
Install energy efficient windows. Current tax incentives save home owners a lot when installing energy efficient windows.
Donate or sell used kitchen cabinetry to Developers, Landlords or first time home owners who want to spruce up their home.

What color is your home? What color do you want it to be? Contact Urban Aesthetics at 215-776-8795 and let us help you change the color of your home. Our current Green projects include:

A kitchen remodel, replacing existing cabinets with used cabinets.
A Historic Preservation Project, reusing existing brick.
Ongoing Green Client Services, where no paper is transferred between Urban Aesthetics and the Client during the course of the project.

Urban Aesthetics is a Committed Green Business offering LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional Services; Green Design and Construction and Permit Services.

http://www.urbanaestheticsdesign.com/

info@urbanaestheticsdesigns.com

2009-08-06T12:39:00.000-04:00

What is your Sustainable Potential?

How great can you be? Ask yourself that question then look around you at areas where you can be more sustainable. Besides recycling, do you seek to reduce the waste that you produce?

What is your carbon foot print?

Urban Aesthetics is in the process of assessing this value in order to be even more sustainable.

If we all refused to accept Styrofoam packaging and made a statement to businesses that use them (restaurants in particular); we could have an affect on the purchasing and eventually the manufacturing of the product.

If we turned off lights in every room when we left the house and unplugged chargers, we could save energy and reduce bills.

If we walked those short distances as opposed of driving we could save gas usage and get in some exercise.

We all have the potential to darken our shade of green. Urban Aesthetics can help you to achieve those goals. We can specify green products; offer environmentally friendly design solutions; suggest ways to reuse products when remodeling and help you save energy.

We can help you towards reaching your sustainable potential.

You A Greenie?

2009-06-10T19:18:00.001-04:00

You a greenie? This is not a judgment, just a question I am asking of people I talk with on occasion. If your answer is yes, that's great! I enjoy associating myself with socially conscious, like minded individuals. Some people have even asked me to help them become greener. I welcome this challenge also because it reveals the individual’s desire to make a change. Being a “greenie” starts with a conscience, then an act.

I believe that it is every Entrepreneur’s responsibility to be socially responsible.
So, as my business plans became more focused, I decided to step up my own efforts to be even greener. I took stock of my efforts to help the environment and looked for additional changes that I could make. The simple ideas that materialized are this week’s green tips:

I changed all the light bulbs in my home to energy saving bulbs. The initial investments were a little more but some bulbs have lasted more than a year.
I utilize Mass Transit and car sharing - Philly Car Share (Hybrid Vehicles Only) for business travel.
I gave my support to groups and businesses that truly support green and sustainable causes.
When visiting cafes, I request mugs, plates and non-disposable utensils.
I signed up to have my name removed from ‘junk mail’ lists. Check out:
www.thegreenmailbox.com.

Urban Aesthetics is a “Greenie”. The title of this blog is “U A Greenie” which stands for Urban Aesthetics [is a] Greenie. I took the same efforts that I utilized on a personal level and added them to my business practices. During this year's planning process, I created a “Green Initiative” for my business. In addition, we have added additional green services including Green Product Specifications and Green Client Initiatives with plans to add Home Energy Audits in the near future. We employ LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) AP personnel including Designers, Engineers and Architects.
Urban Aesthetics is a proud supporter of the following green groups:

Sustainable Business Network
Delaware Valley Green Building Council
The Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program
C.A.M.P. Sustain.Ability

So, I ask one last time, you a greenie? If not now, I hope you are on your way!

It’s Not Easy Being Green

2009-06-02T17:27:00.000-04:00

It’s not easy being green but if you are advertising as a “Green” business, I hope that you, yourself are practicing a green lifestyle, no matter how difficult. Do you recycle? Do you reduce waste? Do you seek to reuse items as much as possible? Being green is not an easy task. However, as you start the change in your habits, it will begin to feel more normal. Old ways of living are difficult to change but with the right mindset and effort, being green is possible.

I will admit, it is not easy being green. It is easier to through your water and / or soda bottle in the trash while you are out instead of taking it back home to your recycle bin. It is easier to have an item placed in a plastic bag in the store instead of refusing the bag and placing the item in your briefcase, pocket or purse. Now I will admit, all items cannot fit in your purse or briefcase or should be without a bag but if we start to think about it, many items that we purchase do not require a bag.

It’s a challenge being green. Purchasing recycled paper and printing on recycled business card stock requires additional thought and money. You have to be committed to the cause in order to take on the responsibility. You have to want to be different than before; want to make a difference and want to help the cause.

It’s really not that easy being green. Especially in my business. We have a bad habit of using a lot of paper. It’s the nature of the business. Normally, we make a practice out of printing drawings, checking the prints and reprinting. Over the years, the level of difficulty in cutting back on these practices has gone up and down. In the early years, I made a conscious effort to cut up unused drawings into scrap paper to make small tablets. Recycling the paper was always a general practice. In the present, I offer “Green Client Services”, where drawings are not printed, they are emailed.

Although it’s not easy being green, here is:

This Week’s Green Tips for You and Your Business:

Carry a refillable mug with you to your favorite coffee house.

Read emails online as opposed to printing them. If printing is required, print on a sheet of paper that has been used on one side.

Recycle Batteries and then invest in rechargeable batteries and a battery charger.

Recycle printer cartridges. Staples offers a return on investment for all recycled printer cartridges.

Purchase recyclable paper.

It’s not easy being green. But I hope you will join in and make the color change. For real.

GREEN

2009-06-02T17:20:00.001-04:00

Being green is not a marketing campaign. Green is a way of life. To be truly green, your thinking changes, your day-to-day lifestyle changes and your habits change. Greening is a process which goes beyond taking a class, an exam and declaring your business green. Being green means that you truly care about helping the environment and you are doing your best to make it better.

I have been green for more than a decade. In college, while studying subjects such as Environmental Science, Urban Planning and Sustainable Design, I made the choice to be an Environmentalist. I had a green job before it was popular to call jobs green. I worked as an advocate for the Delaware Valley Citizens Council for Clean Air (Clean Air Council). While employed at the Clean Air Council, I headed the office Waste Reduction Team and also operated the Recycling Hotline. I also worked on the Pollution Prevention Program, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency.

During my senior year at Temple University, I also completed an Internship researching Environmental Injustice and Brownfields. For a period of time, I abandoned my thinking about the Environment because I was employed in a profession where we not only used too much paper but at the time, there was not a great concern for Sustainable Design. But green has proven to be something that is not going away. As I made my journey back to green, former Vice President Al Gore helped to solidify my thinking. He brought awareness to an extremely important topic. Now, I Am Greener Than Ever!!!

My thinking is green, my lifestyle is green and my business is green.

Yes, Urban Aesthetics is Green. Gold + Blue does make green!

This Week's Green Tip: Install a tankless water heater. Help save the environment by cutting back on energy usage. Conventional water heaters utilize energy (gas, electric, etc.) to consistently heat a tank full of water in order to keep steady temperature. In contrast, tankless water heaters have a heating element that heats water on contact. This cuts back on the continuous energy used to heat water in a tank. An added benefit is the constant flow of hot water as opposed to using all of the water heated within your hot water tank.