Charlotte Convention Center receives Community Champion Award

Ecoimpact is thrilled to have provided LEED Administrative Services to the LEED v4.1 O+M Gold Charlotte Convention Center. The project received the Community Champion award at the USGBC Carolinas Green Gala on October 26, 2023.

The Charlotte Convention Center is an accessible meeting and convention space in the heart of Uptown Charlotte.  A short 7-mile shuttle ride from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the convention center offers convenience, and its prime location in the city center offers excellent walkability with access to nearby hotels, restaurants, and culture.  The venue includes multiple large exhibition halls, meeting rooms of various sizes, offices, concourses and more to accommodate a variety of event needs. 

The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority is committed to environmental and social responsibility and sustainability in serving our customers and visitors. Achieving LEED certification was valuable to the team for many reasons including guest and staff comfort and wellbeing; improved environmental performance; and supporting the City of Charlotte’s Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP) efforts.  In pursuing LEED O+M v4.1, specifically, one of the key benefits was using Arc for Performance Scoring.  Arc was determined to be the most manageable method for reporting and assisted teams in making data-supported decisions to pursue low cost and capital projects that resulted in improved energy and water performance scores. 

To achieve long-term sustainability, LEED process replicability for this project was critical.  From an operations perspective, team goals included policy creation and procedural management ensuring seamless process for future recertification. The Charlotte Convention Center represents the first City of Charlotte project to achieve LEED O+M Certification.

Congratulations Trisha, M.Sc. in Sustainable Development

Ecoimpact Consulting congratulates our own Trisha Knight, sustainability consultant, on the completion of her Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Sustainable Development program at University College Dublin.  The new master’s program was created in partnership with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s SDG Academy.  The core elements of the M.Sc. require students to study the Sustainable Development Goals at global, national, and city levels and include a wide range of modules to address the SDG agenda including climate change law and policy, sustainable cities, food systems, post-conflict development, and global health, among others.

Trisha speaks about her passion project, “My final research paper was about the propensity for citizens to shift to sustainable, more plant-based diets if/when offered trusted information about the negative impacts of animal agriculture.”  A vegan herself, Trisha’s research focused on “the vast, high-level, international consensus and data confirming the devastating, global impacts of this sector and the simultaneous absence of clear, consistent messaging from leading environmental organizations.”  In addition, her research survey demonstrated that citizens would make plant-based dietary shifts if they received information from a trusted source.  “Plant-based diets offer a unique, immediate, multi-faceted, and positive planetary, environmental, and human health opportunity!” she conveyed with enthusiasm and hope for an equitable future for all.  A similar abstract was accepted for inclusion at the virtual International Conference on Sustainable Development (IC-SD.org) taking place on September 21, 2021.

“Please join us in congratulating Trisha on this outstanding achievement. Trisha demonstrates an unparalleled level of motivation and capability to make a positive impact on everything she touches,” says Summer Minchew, managing partner, “She inspires us every day and we cannot wait to see her sustainable development expertise in action.”

Ecoimpact Named LEED® Proven Provider™ by GBCI

Status Acknowledges Ecoimpact’s Role as High-Quality LEED Project Administrator.

Today, Ecoimpact Consulting announced that the Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI) has designated Ecoimpact a LEED® Proven Provider™ for the Building Design and Construction, BD+C, rating system family. This designation was developed to streamline the LEED project review process for experienced organizations that demonstrate consistent excellence in administering LEED projects.  

“Quality is at the core of the LEED certification process, and Ecoimpact has exhibited expertise in helping to bring healthy, high-performing buildings to the market,” said Sarah Alexander, senior vice president of certification, GBCI. “The LEED Proven Provider model represents a great partnership between Ecoimpact and GBCI, because it allows GBCI to maintain a rigorous certification program and gives Ecoimpact an opportunity to deliver LEED projects to its clients faster.”

“We are honored to receive the LEED Proven Provider designation for BD+C projects, this designation is a testament to the experience, high-quality standards, and dedication of our team,” said Summer Minchew, managing partner, Ecoimpact Consulting. “Our goal on every project is to make the LEED process successful, manageable, and repeatable for our clients. The LEED Proven Provider designation will help Ecoimpact continue to deliver on that objective.”

LEED Proven Provider is designed to encourage and reward high-quality LEED project submissions to minimize the need for additional work during the project review process. It represents an opportunity for Ecoimpact and LEED reviewers to work together to enhance the LEED certification experience, simultaneously allowing Ecoimpact to further invest in quality control and continuous improvement and allowing LEED reviewers more opportunities for direct engagement with and support for project teams.

Recently certified LEED projects from Ecoimpact include:

• The RailYard, a 326,500 sf office mixed use building in Charlotte, achieved LEED BD+C: CS Silver certification.

• The Michelle Obama Southeast Center of Bread for the City, a 28,000 sf community resource facility in Washington DC, achieved LEED BD+C: NC, Gold certification.

• Audi Field at Buzzard Point in Washington DC, a 20,000-seat stadium for the MLS team DC United, achieved LEED BD+C: NC, Gold certification.

Organizations that demonstrate and maintain high-quality project submissions through LEED Proven Provider receive significant benefits, such as greater access to a LEED reviewer and recognition from USGBC for their sustained track record of high-quality project submissions.

Organizations with significant LEED project administration experience (a minimum of six certified projects in a single rating system family) can learn more.

Summer Minchew of Ecoimpact Consulting Selected as 2020 LEED Fellow→

LEED Fellows represent the top of their fields in green building design, engineering and development

[Charlotte, North Carolina] – (October 20, 2020) – Ecoimpact managing partner Summer Minchew has been named a 2020 LEED Fellow by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Summer is among 25 professionals who represent exceptional practitioners and leaders within the green building community and have demonstrated mastery of the technical application of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building rating system.

 Summer’s accomplishments include exceptional technical proficiency in delivering over 1.5 million square feet of LEED certified space, demonstrated leadership as the USGBC Carolinas Community Market Leadership Advisory Board Chair, outstanding education and mentorship credentials including service as a BuildingGreen LEEDuser expert, and noteworthy dedication to an equitable, sustainable and healthy built environment for all through her ongoing work with the USGBC Advance Campaign for Social Equity and the Health Product Declaration Collaborative.

I am thrilled to named one of GBCI’s 2020 LEED Fellows and honored to be among a group of 25 inspiring green building professionals committed to making our world a healthier, more sustainable place. -Summer Minchew, LEED Fellow

LEED Fellows are nominated by their peers and must have made at least 10 years’ worth of exceptional impact on LEED and hold an active LEED AP with specialty credential, among other requirements. The evaluation process includes extensive portfolio review and is carried out by the LEED Fellow Evaluation Committee and supported by GBCI. The LEED Fellow program was established in 2011 to recognize outstanding LEED APs who have demonstrated exceptional impacts with LEED in key mastery elements related to technical knowledge and skill; a history of exemplary leadership in LEED; significant contributions in teaching, mentoring, or research with proven outcomes; and a history of highly impactful commitment, service, and advocacy for LEED.

“The green building industry plays a critical role as we look toward rebuilding our economy and our communities in the months and years ahead,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of GBCI and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). “Our LEED Fellows are on the frontlines of that work helping to ensure our buildings and spaces are healthy, resilient and sustainable places for us all to enjoy. LEED Fellows have made substantial contributions to the green building community and their commitment to LEED will continue to help us shape a better living standard for all.”

The 2020 LEED Fellows will be recognized at this year’s Greenbuild Virtual conference during the USGBC 2020 Leadership Awards on Thursday, November 12 at 5 p.m. EST. Visit greenbuildexpo.com to register for the conference and usgbc.org/credentials for more information on professional credentialing opportunities.

LEED® Fellow™ and the LEED Fellow logos are trademarks owned by the U.S. Green Building Council® and are used with permission.

Ecoimpact featured in RedFin blog: 13 Ways to Conserve Energy While Everyone's Home

At Ecoimpact we often consult our clients on ways to be more sustainable in the workplace. But the COVID-19 health crisis has more and more of us working from home. We admit it, lights are being left on by our kids left and right, gadgets and laptops are plugged in all over the place, our dishwashers are working overtime, and we are cooking more than ever. That’s why we are thrilled to have been included in the RedFin blog post 13 Easy Ways to Conserve Energy While Everyone’s Home offering practical tips to a more efficient work-from-home environment. No matter where you are starting from, this blog offers opportunities to reduce your environmental impact and be more sustainable.

During these most unprecedented times, it is our sincere hope that you and your families are safe and healthy. While we have all experienced disruptions in our daily lives, we hope that you have spent more time enjoying the outdoors, have connected virtually with loved ones and have taken inventory of what is most important. Ecoimpact has never been more dedicated to working toward our collective well being in a healthier, more sustainable built environment.

Celebrating 50 Years of Earth Day

It should be no surprise that Earth Day is kind of a big deal here at Ecoimpact. Our team is excited to share their sustainable lifestyle tips.

Being green is not just what we do, it is who we are.

“Wishing it came under different circumstances, I am grateful for the relief this moment has given our shared planet.  Hoping images of pollutant level drops like the ones we are seeing of Wuhan and other global cities encourage fewer grocery trips, more mass transit, and more telecommuting… among other calls for climate change action.  This is proof that we can make a REAL change in a short period of time. There is hope. Happy Earth Day, sweet Earth… this has been a desperate outcry for you as well. Wishing everyone health and safety.” -Trisha, Sustainability Consultant

“Consider a more eco-friendly way to get your fashion fix. Buy less, choose quality sustainable brands, find thrift treasures and always donate your unwanted items.” -Summer, Senior Sustainability Consultant

“Instead of using plastic K-Cup pods, brew your single cup of coffee with a reusable insert and regular ground coffee.” -Steve, Sustainability Consultant

“Use kitchen scraps in the garden. Eggshells, leftover veggies, really any non meat or dairy scrap can provide plants a boost of nutrients.” -Emily, Senior Sustainability Consultant

From all of us at Ecoimpact Consulting, take care of one another and take care of our shared planet. Together we can make every day Earth Day.

Charlotte Business Journal's 2020 Women In Business Achievement Award

Ecoimpact is pleased to announce that Summer Minchew, Managing Partner, has been selected as a Charlotte Business Journal 2020 Women in Business Achievement Award winner! The judges selected the winning candidates based on their leadership and achievements in their professional career. Summer is thrilled to be recognized among 25 outstanding women. All winners will be included in the Special Report published in the February 21st issue of the Charlotte Business Journal and will be recognized at the 2020 Women in Business Achievement Awards dinner on February 24th.

Join us in celebrating Summer’s accomplishment and recognizing the achievements of all honorees! 

The Million Mark

Ecoimpact is proud to announce that we have exceeded the 1 million-square-foot mark.

With the recent certifications of CVCC Worksforce Solutions Complex and HGTC Advanced Manufacturing Center projects, Ecoimpact has managed the certification of over 1 million square feet of green building space. And the trend is set to continue with another 1.7 million square feet of registered projects on the way.

“What a wonderful achievement for Summer and the whole Ecoimpact team - the first of many milestones still to come.” Founding Partner, Penny Bonda

By emphasizing the environmental impact of building design, construction and operational choices; we educate our clients that sustainability is more than just a box to check. We offer strategies to help our teams achieve their sustainability goals and simplify the certification process.

Ecoimpact projects on average:

• Demonstrate 37% energy cost reduction over baseline buildings

• Use 36% less water in indoor plumbing fixtures

• Divert over 71% of construction waste from landfill

• Utilize materials with over 23% recycled content

Our approach combines environment and efficiency with human health and wellness. We believe that a building can embody and enhance the values of an organization and address the needs of the community and the needs of its occupants.

Let’s build a more sustainable future together.

10 Things You Can Do to Curb Climate Change

The climate is getting some well deserved attention this week. Friday's global strike was likely the largest climate rally ever. Millions of people around the world took part and although estimates of total crowd sizes are still rolling in, some estimate as high as 4 million. And today Climate Week NYC is kicking off in the Big Apple, having doubled in size from last year with over 350 events taking place.

Here at Ecoimpact we are celebrating climate change activism and action with our list of the 10 Things You Can Do to Curb Climate Change. Because we believe everyone has a role to play and everyone must do their part for the planet.

1. Eat less meat. Value your food and your food sources. Buy local.

2. Turn your thermostat up / down 2 degrees when you are not home.

3. Walk, take public transportation or ride-share.

4. Recycle right. Know what your municipality will recycle and avoid purchasing items that can’t be recycled.

5. Waste not. Shop for perishables as needed. Compost.

6. Plant a tree. Trees absorb carbon dioxide released in to the atmosphere.

7. Switch to LED light bulbs.

8. Buy less stuff. Donate or swap stuff you have finished using instead of throwing it in the dumpster.

9. Limit your time at the tap. Turn off the water while you soap or brush your teeth. Try shorter showers.

10. Vote. Be informed. Speak up on behalf of your planet.

Net + Positive Interview

Ecoimpact Managing Partner was recently interviewed by Sam Snodgrass of Net + Positive. The series introduces viewers to the people at the forefront of the sustainability movement and explores topics including net positive design, transportation, tools and technologies that are helping to build a more sustainable future. Click here to view the full interview.

Ecoimpact provides LEEDuser with Stadiums and Arenas Tip Sheet

LEEDuser, an independent website operated by BuildingGreen, Inc., is designed to help project teams achieve LEED certification. LEEDuser has long been a valuable resource to our team here at Ecoimpact and managing partner Summer Minchew serves as a LEEDuser expert through which she shares her experience and expertise with other LEED practitioners across the globe.

That is why we are so pleased to announce LEEDuser’s publication of their Tip Sheet for Stadiums and Arenas authored by Summer Minchew of Ecoimpact and Carlie Bullock-Jones of EcoWorks Studio.

Achieving LEED certification provides team owners and facility operators an opportunity to highlight their commitment to sustainability and improved user experience. However, project teams for stadiums and arenas may face unique challenges in meeting the prescriptive requirements set forth in the LEED rating system. From fluctuating operating hours and occupant densities to nontraditional floor plans, it’s enough to make your head spin. LEEDuser has collected tips from stadium and arena projects to help you navigate this complex building type.

Click here to read the entire tip sheet and learn more about how to make your next stadium or arena project a LEED champion.

7 Questions: Why Summer Minchew considers flip-flops essential

Managing partner, Summer Minchew was recently featured in The Business Journal Bizwomen’s “7 Questions” series. Our favorite response:

If you knew then what you know now … I like this quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower: “What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important.” I’ve learned to spend my energy focused on solutions rather than managing situations.

For all seven answers and to find out why flips flops are essential for travel check out the full article.

Summer Minchew awarded Most Inspiring Individual at Charlotte Sustainability Awards

Ecoimpact managing partner, Summer Minchew, was awarded Most Inspiring Individual at Sustain Charlotte’s Charlotte Sustainability Awards presented by Timber Block on April 24, 2019. In her acceptance remarks Summer encouraged the nearly 400 attendees to get involved, to go big, to think globally and act locally and to continue to sustain Charlotte.

I am hopeful that we will see major improvements in land use and smart growth, neighborhood education, senior mobility, and safer alternative transportation in this city thanks to Sustain Charlotte’s inspiring events and outreach, advocacy and strategic partnerships. Everyone has a role to play, from inspiring young leaders to our progressive government agencies and forward thinking elected officials, to developers and architects who are deeply committed to building sustainable and healthy building and communities.

Ecoimpact Managing Partner 2019 Sustain Charlotte Award Nominee

Ecoimpact managing partner, Summer Minchew, is announced as a 2019 Sustain Charlotte Award Nominee. Winners will be announced at the annual Charlotte Sustainability Awards on April 24, 2019. Congratulations to Summer and all of the remarkable honorees striving to make a difference in Charlotte and beyond!

Since 2012, Sustain Charlotte has honored smart growth and sustainability leadership in Greater Charlotte through this exciting annual event. Our honorees are working toward sustainability and smart growth, and by their actions, inspire others to do the same. The awards help us further our mission to inspire choices that lead to a healthy, equitable, and vibrant communities across the Charlotte metro region for generations to come. Sustain Charlotte

“Leading Edge Sustainable Stadium Design” Panel Discussion

Ecoimpact partner, Summer Minchew, will present on a panel discussing Leading Edge Sustainable Stadium Design. The event will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, on January 8th 2019. For more information visit event sponsor Excel Dryer registration page. Ecoimpact is proud to have served as LEED consultant for several sports venues including LEED Gold certified Audi Field, home of DC United, designed by Populous and Michael Marshall Design and the Washington DC Entertainment and Sports Arena, home of the Washington Mystics and Washington Wizards practice facility, designed by Rossetti and Michael Marshall Design.

Event Recap by event sponsor Excel Dryer: “Our primary goal in hosting Leading Edge Sustainable Stadium Design was to bring together design professionals as well as friends and partners in an open dialogue, under one roof, to discuss trends and best practices in sustainable design and operations, and to encourage all in attendance to become more aware and engaged in sustainability initiatives. We believe that our diverse and dynamic group of panelists provided in-depth insight, as well as actionable and practical tools to implement.”

LEED Operations and Maintenance Panel Discussion

Summer Minchew, the Managing Partner of (eco)impact Consulting served on a panel for the May 30 Charlotte Green Team meeting “What is Involved in Getting LEED Certification”. The Charlotte Green Team writes in their recap of the event:

"LEED certification….so important to so many people and organizations; some have it; others want it. That’s what the last meeting of the Charlotte Green Team was all about: “What is Involved in Getting LEED Certification.”

This was a panel presentation, and what a great panel it was. The speakers came at the topic from a number of different perspectives. The Charlotte Convention Center is under-going renovations and an expansion, and they’re going after their LEED certification in planning and construction work. Doug Tober, the Director of Engineering & Capital Projects for CRVA is heading all this up. He also called on three other experts to join him in a panel presentation for the Green Team.

Monifa Hendrickson-Woodside, the Project Manager in the City of Charlotte Engineering and Project Management Department is overseeing this expansion project for the City and noted that the City is pursuing LEED certification in all of its new construction projects. Stefanie Young, the Vice President for Technical Solutions with the US Green Building Council talked about all of the different green certifications and standards the Council pursues, including LEED. And Summer Minchew, the Managing Partner of (eco)impact Consulting talked about their specific expertise in LEED certification and how they have helped many projects during their design, construction and operating phases to get and keep their LEED certification. As she noted, LEED certification never really stops; it’s an on-going approach to doing business.

The four different perspectives were very valuable and insightful. There was a lot of great dialog, and questions and answers with those in attendance. This is always a part of our Green Team meetings."
 

Congratulations!

Ecoimpact is pleased to announce that Summer Minchew, Managing Partner, has been selected for the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2018 40 Under 40 Awards! The judges selected the winning candidates based on their leadership and achievements in their professional career and involvement in the community. All winners will be included in the 40 Under 40 Special Report published in the June 1 issue of the Charlotte Business Journal and will be will be recognized at the 25th annual 40 Under 40 awards on Thursday, May 31.

Summer is grateful to the US Green Building Council, the US Green Building Council North Carolina Community, Shalom Green: Shalom Park Environmental Initiative, the Health Product Declaration Collaborative, LEEDuser/BuildingGreen, and the Hydrocephalus Association for the opportunity to serve. We look forward to celebrating this accomplishment! 

Ecoimpact Leadership Announcement

Ecoimpact Founding Partner, Penny Bonda, announces her retirement from active participation in Ecoimpact Consulting as of January 1, 2017. It is with a mixture of sadness and fondness that we wish her many happy adventures as an official retiree.

Her steadfast leadership and unwavering advocacy will be missed by those of us who had the pleasure of working by her side during her long and fruitful career. We are indebted to her vision and commitment to propelling the sustainable design industry to its present state. Penny has been an active participant in the green building industry since its early stages and has pioneered the development of many of the accepted practices and recognized standards that have defined the sustainability movement. Popularly referred to as the “mother of green interiors,” she is the founding chair and primary author of the US Green Building Council's committee for LEED Commercial Interiors rating system. As Founding Partner of Ecoimpact Consulting, Penny has provided educational forums to businesses and organizations to assist them in greening their products, people, processes and communications. She is a trusted mentor and a true friend. 

Penny wishes us all a fond farewell in this address, "For the last seven years of my nearly five decades-long design / greenbuilding career I have been working with you, my clients and collaborators, to establish and promote sustainable strategies for better business. Together we’ve made progress in moving our people, products, buildings and messaging to a deeper shade of green, which gives me great joy. I am leaving you in the very capable hands of my business partner, Summer Minchew. Those of you who have worked with Summer know her to be knowledgeable, savvy, dependable and dedicated to your success. It has been my honor to work alongside her – and with you. In this season of celebration I wish you and your families peace, prosperity and lasting happiness."

Think Globally, Act Personally

This Earth Day we encourage you to start a new tradition: set an Earth Day Resolution. Similar to the time we spend every December 31st searching our souls for ways improve ourselves in the New Year, this Earth Day we challenge everyone to start thinking about ways that our personal actions can positively impact the environmental movement.

Much like the popular New Year’s Resolutions including exercising a little more or spending more time with family and friends, we acknowledge that some resolutions are easier to keep than others. Here are some great ideas generated by Ecoimpact partners and staff to get you thinking about easy ways to think globally and act personally this Earth Day and every day:

Reduce:

• Bring your own shopping bags to the grocery store. If you are like us, sometimes you forget to grab your reusable bags so keep some in the trunk of your car or hang them by your front door.

• Reduce food waste. Food waste is the third largest contributor to GHG emissions. Consider composting food scraps in a home composter and try shopping for small amounts of produce twice a week to reduce spoilage.

• Cut down on your meat consumption. Livestock rearing is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Start with “meatless Monday” if you are new to the vegetarian concept. Someday you may find yourself eating “meat free most days.”

Vote with your dollars:

• Buy more organic foods. Buying organic food supports a heathier lifestyle and a healthier food economy. Check out lists of which conventional produce contains the most pesticides and replace those with organic as a place to start.

• Consider purchasing household items from companies who are certified B corporations. Buy Fair Trade. Look for the FSC label on paper and wood products.

• Send a regular donation to an environmental group whose sustainability goals align with yours.

• Switch out chemical cleaners and sprays at home. Research alternatives to chemical cleaners and make your own using things like baking soda and vinegar whenever possible.

Enjoy nature and encourage natural habitats:

• Consider planting bee and butterfly friendly flowers this spring. Plant a tree near your house. Reduce irrigation needs at home by reducing turf grass area and selecting native or adaptive species for your region.

• Volunteer with a local organization for a creek or urban clean up.

Know the Issues and Advocate:

• The averages temperatures of the Earth and its oceans are rising.

• Glaciers are shrinking and sea levels are rising.

• Oceans are more acidic due to the emission of more harmful gases in the atmosphere, causing changes in the chemical composition of water.

• Learn the issues, study the research and take a stance against the climate change deniers.

• Vote with our Planet’s future in mind.

Small changes can make a big difference. From all of us at Ecoimpact, let’s make every day Earth Day!

Ecoimpact Partner to serve as an Education @USGBC Pro Reviewer

Summer Minchew was chosen to serve as an Education @USGBC Pro Reviewer.  Pro Reviewers review Education @USGBC course content and serve as expert voices providing feedback to both the course creator and Education @USGBC customers.  Pro Reviews assist customers with their green building education by providing information upfront about what to expect from each offered course.  Pro Reviewers are active LEED AP or LEED Green Associates with strong general knowledge and deep subject matter expertise in LEED and green building.