After much talk, Cincinnati Chapter is trying to kick off an online post board for green jobs. In order to keep things simple and easy to maintain, we decided to create a Google Group.
The basis for this idea is that many young professionals are now seeking firms engaged in sustainable practice (design, research, etc.) Firms are looking for enthusiastic people that share their values. This online forum utilizes a Google Group format that lets users upload and browse resumes and job descriptions. Users can also post messages, send notifications when resumes/jobs are uploaded, exchange contact info, and link to other websites.
A couple concerns I have: I think the success of this depends on "getting the fire started." That is, getting enough initial posts to be a lively and active site that would encourage a visitor to participate. University of Cincinnati's coop department is willing to refer firms looking for full time hires to the site. I will begin to contact other schools and firms to get the word out. Our local USGBC Chapter is also a good resource. Any thoughts on this?
It would also be nice to organize the uploaded files into "resumes" and "job posts." I have not been able to figure out a way to do this in Google Groups, but maybe someone here has some more experience with this?
I'm hoping this site will serve not only the architecture profession, and not only the Cincinnati/Ohio region. So I'd like to spread the word beyond my sphere of contacts, possibly by talking with various colleges. I sometimes get emails from companies looking for job candidates (maybe you do to as EGB members) and it would be nice to have a place to refer them to.
Thanks for everyone's time! Brian Coffman Cincinnati EGB Chair
Hi, my only thought related to a post board for green jobs is to eventually develop some sort of firm evaluation from an employee's perspective related to sustainability in practice and operations. After working with several architectural firms, I can say that some of those promoting sustainability initiatives via their p.r. don't truly continue the practice in their own operations to the extent one would believe from the outside. I find myself frustrated when I hear talk day in and out about sustainability in projects but then teams are flying constantly vs. teleconferencing and large luncheons still generate mounds of trash. Of course, one could argue that the net effect is environmentally beneficial when you consider building operations in the long run compared to the doings of the design team but I think understanding of impact comes from discipline in daily practice for the designers, too. Wish there was some sort of rating similar to the way NCARB rates firms for their success in training professionals to help match employee/ employer values in a more informed way. Sorry if this concept has been discussed in the forum previously- I am a bit out of the EGB loop but just want to put the thought out there.
----- Original Message ----- From: <becoff...@gmail.com> To: "EGB Corresponding Committee" <EGB-CC@googlegroups.com> Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2007 10:22 AM Subject: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
> Greeting all!
> After much talk, Cincinnati Chapter is trying to kick off an online > post board for green jobs. In order to keep things simple and easy to > maintain, we decided to create a Google Group.
> The basis for this idea is that many young professionals are now > seeking firms engaged in sustainable practice (design, research, > etc.) Firms are looking for enthusiastic people that share their > values. This online forum utilizes a Google Group format that lets > users upload and browse resumes and job descriptions. Users can also > post messages, send notifications when resumes/jobs are uploaded, > exchange contact info, and link to other websites.
> A couple concerns I have: > I think the success of this depends on "getting the fire started." > That is, getting enough initial posts to be a lively and active site > that would encourage a visitor to participate. University of > Cincinnati's coop department is willing to refer firms looking for > full time hires to the site. I will begin to contact other schools > and firms to get the word out. Our local USGBC Chapter is also a good > resource. Any thoughts on this?
> It would also be nice to organize the uploaded files into "resumes" > and "job posts." I have not been able to figure out a way to do this > in Google Groups, but maybe someone here has some more experience with > this?
> I'm hoping this site will serve not only the architecture profession, > and not only the Cincinnati/Ohio region. So I'd like to spread the > word beyond my sphere of contacts, possibly by talking with various > colleges. I sometimes get emails from companies looking for job > candidates (maybe you do to as EGB members) and it would be nice to > have a place to refer them to.
> Thanks for everyone's time! > Brian Coffman > Cincinnati EGB Chair
I agree with you Christina, the bait-and-switch that happens with a lot of firms can be really disheartening as a young-professional. Perhaps there is something we can do, short of a rating system, which could equip applicants to see through potential employers' PR campaigns. Perhaps a short list of questions which applicants could ask of their interviewers, such as the following:
* What percentage of company employees are LEED Accredited Professionals?
*(Look out for potential employers who say "LEEDS is very important to us" - there is no 'S' in LEED)
* Does your company have a recycling program? Bike to work / mass-transit accommodations? Other active environmental initiatives?
* Is your office LEED certified?
* How many LEED certified projects has the firm worked on and completed?
* Does the company materials library include (clearly identifiable) sustainable materials?
* Is the firm a member of the USGBC? Is there internal support available for taking and studying for the LEED exam? Does the firm send employees to Greenbuild or other sustainable building conferences?
Making it clear that an interview is a two-way conversation can be empowering to applicants to not just take what they get, and will send a clear message to those firms doing the interviews that this is something they should take as seriously as we do.
Jeremy Knoll - LEEDR AP
Kansas City EGB Chair
National EGB Committee Member
P Please consider your environmental responsibility before printing this e-mail
I think this is a great discussion. We have been wrestling with this same discussion here in Middle Tennessee. We have posted a few job posting requests asking for applicants interested in working on green projects. However, now that we have posted those that we know are truly green companies with sincere requests, do we have to post every request to be fair, even though we don't know how sincere the company is in their green marketing? This has prompted us to halt posting requests until we can further discuss the matter with the Chapter Board. I think the points that Christina and Jeremy make are very important in setting up a job posting site. Maybe the questions that Jeremy has asked should be answered at the time the firm posts the listing.
EDWARD WANSING, LEED AP, Associate AIA DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY GOULD TURNER GROUP 4400 Harding Rd. Suite 1000 Nashville, Tn 37205 Ph: 615.297.3122 Fax: 615.523.2805 ewans...@gouldturner.com
________________________________
From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com [mailto:EGB-CC@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Jeremy Knoll Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 9:38 AM To: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com Subject: RE: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
I agree with you Christina, the bait-and-switch that happens with a lot of firms can be really disheartening as a young-professional. Perhaps there is something we can do, short of a rating system, which could equip applicants to see through potential employers' PR campaigns. Perhaps a short list of questions which applicants could ask of their interviewers, such as the following:
* What percentage of company employees are LEED Accredited Professionals?
*(Look out for potential employers who say "LEEDS is very important to us" - there is no 'S' in LEED)
* Does your company have a recycling program? Bike to work / mass-transit accommodations? Other active environmental initiatives?
* Is your office LEED certified?
* How many LEED certified projects has the firm worked on and completed?
* Does the company materials library include (clearly identifiable) sustainable materials?
* Is the firm a member of the USGBC? Is there internal support available for taking and studying for the LEED exam? Does the firm send employees to Greenbuild or other sustainable building conferences?
Making it clear that an interview is a two-way conversation can be empowering to applicants to not just take what they get, and will send a clear message to those firms doing the interviews that this is something they should take as seriously as we do.
Jeremy Knoll - LEED(r) AP
Kansas City EGB Chair
National EGB Committee Member
P Please consider your environmental responsibility before printing this e-mail
We were concerned about greenwashing as well, but putting forth a rating system for firms is time intensive, and quite a sensitive and difficult proposition (what criteria to use, etc.). Also, as representatives of the USGBC, I don't feel comfortable "certifying" that a company is a green firm.
Jeremy's suggestion that we publish a list of questions to ask/discuss is a great way to suggest what a candidate and an employer should be focused on when offering or pursuing a "green" job.
Thanks for the help!
Shawn Hesse, LEED AP
USGBC I Cincinnati Regional Chapter I Vice-Chair
From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com [mailto:EGB-CC@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Jeremy Knoll Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 10:38 AM To: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com Subject: RE: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
I agree with you Christina, the bait-and-switch that happens with a lot of firms can be really disheartening as a young-professional. Perhaps there is something we can do, short of a rating system, which could equip applicants to see through potential employers' PR campaigns. Perhaps a short list of questions which applicants could ask of their interviewers, such as the following:
* What percentage of company employees are LEED Accredited Professionals?
*(Look out for potential employers who say "LEEDS is very important to us" - there is no 'S' in LEED)
* Does your company have a recycling program? Bike to work / mass-transit accommodations? Other active environmental initiatives?
* Is your office LEED certified?
* How many LEED certified projects has the firm worked on and completed?
* Does the company materials library include (clearly identifiable) sustainable materials?
* Is the firm a member of the USGBC? Is there internal support available for taking and studying for the LEED exam? Does the firm send employees to Greenbuild or other sustainable building conferences?
Making it clear that an interview is a two-way conversation can be empowering to applicants to not just take what they get, and will send a clear message to those firms doing the interviews that this is something they should take as seriously as we do.
Jeremy Knoll - LEEDR AP
Kansas City EGB Chair
National EGB Committee Member
P Please consider your environmental responsibility before printing this e-mail
All very good comments! As Shawn said, we want to avoid the responsibility of "certifying" that a firm is green. I think one simple solution would be that when a firm posts a job position, we give them a template to fill out which includes some of the questions that Jeremy brought up.
Of course, a firm could lie, but at least there would be some accountability. The job candidate would have something in writing if there is a misunderstanding later. I think this would help discourage a firm from posting a bogus job description.
Keep in mind, nothing on this site takes the place a job candidate from doing the normal due diligence (interviewing/researching the firm). Maybe this should be noted on the site to avoid potential negative feedback.
Thanks everyone, Brian Coffman Cincinnati EGB Chair
I think you might be putting the cart before the horse on coming up with ways to keep potentially non-green firms posting to the chapter job site.
The Chicago Chapter has one, and while people are using it, we are far from experiencing Monster.com-levels of postings. The simplest thing for us to do was to make it a requirement that firms be National Members to post. Thus far, we haven't been infiltrated, even by recruiters.
I'm not sure that greenwashing by firms for recruiting is at pandemic levels. If firms are willing to post job listings at the USGBC chapter level, they are probably somewhat on board. If anything, a young, passionately "green" person might be just what that firm needs to turn their marketing into reality, and they very well might be posting at USGBC because they recognize that.
-----Original Message----- From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com [mailto:EGB-CC@googlegroups.com] On Behalf
Of Brian (becoff...@gmail.com) Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 10:58 AM To: EGB Corresponding Committee Subject: Re: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
All very good comments! As Shawn said, we want to avoid the responsibility of "certifying" that a firm is green. I think one simple solution would be that when a firm posts a job position, we give them a template to fill out which includes some of the questions that Jeremy brought up.
Of course, a firm could lie, but at least there would be some accountability. The job candidate would have something in writing if there is a misunderstanding later. I think this would help discourage a firm from posting a bogus job description.
Keep in mind, nothing on this site takes the place a job candidate from doing the normal due diligence (interviewing/researching the firm). Maybe this should be noted on the site to avoid potential negative feedback.
Thanks everyone, Brian Coffman Cincinnati EGB Chair
This is an interesting concept; however it seems to me that we may be missing a crucial element of the opportunity.
One issue we should all be looking at is the idea we must become green warriors and "infect" firms that are not green so that they will become green. It is easy to go to a firm like HOK, BNIM, etc and work on LEED Projects, but the battle must be fought on multiple fronts. You have to take the mindset of changing everything, not just those most open to the idea or else we will be overwhelmed. For example, I joined a firm that has only one LEED project, and I only got to work on it for one day, but I started a group to help get others LEED AP, and I always fight for sustainable features to get incorporated into our projects, like energy star roofs, grasspave on fire lanes, linoleum rather than VCT, etc. This is very important, especially in the Education and Medical fields because of budget restrictions and other concerns such as Life safety.
So in conclusion, yes I do believe it is unfair that firms tout themselves as more sustainable than they are, however I do believe that if they are coming to our website we should see this as an opportunity to make an impact.
-----Original Message----- From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com [mailto:EGB-CC@googlegroups.com] On Behalf
Of Brian (becoff...@gmail.com) Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 10:58 AM To: EGB Corresponding Committee Subject: Re: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
All very good comments! As Shawn said, we want to avoid the responsibility of "certifying" that a firm is green. I think one simple solution would be that when a firm posts a job position, we give them a template to fill out which includes some of the questions that Jeremy brought up.
Of course, a firm could lie, but at least there would be some accountability. The job candidate would have something in writing if there is a misunderstanding later. I think this would help discourage a firm from posting a bogus job description.
Keep in mind, nothing on this site takes the place a job candidate from doing the normal due diligence (interviewing/researching the firm). Maybe this should be noted on the site to avoid potential negative feedback.
Thanks everyone, Brian Coffman Cincinnati EGB Chair
NOTICE: This e-mail transmission is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential, privileged, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, disclosure, copying, distribution, or other use of any of the information contained in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by e-mail at the above address and delete it from your computer system; you should not copy the message or disclose its contents to anyone. The content of the message and or attachments may not reflect the view and opinions of the originating company or any party it is representing.
Jeff makes a very good point. I found myself in the same position. My firm had no green projects, and no emphasis on green operations. I have been fighting to implement both, and while we are still not a green firm, I have made tremendous strides in greening our operations and our projects.
-----Original Message----- From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com [mailto:EGB-CC@googlegroups.com] On Behalf
Of Chapman, Jeffrey Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 11:27 AM To: EGB Corresponding Committee Subject: RE: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
This is an interesting concept; however it seems to me that we may be missing a crucial element of the opportunity.
One issue we should all be looking at is the idea we must become green warriors and "infect" firms that are not green so that they will become green. It is easy to go to a firm like HOK, BNIM, etc and work on LEED Projects, but the battle must be fought on multiple fronts. You have to take the mindset of changing everything, not just those most open to the idea or else we will be overwhelmed. For example, I joined a firm that has only one LEED project, and I only got to work on it for one day, but I started a group to help get others LEED AP, and I always fight for sustainable features to get incorporated into our projects, like energy star roofs, grasspave on fire lanes, linoleum rather than VCT, etc. This is very important, especially in the Education and Medical fields because of budget restrictions and other concerns such as Life safety.
So in conclusion, yes I do believe it is unfair that firms tout themselves as more sustainable than they are, however I do believe that if they are coming to our website we should see this as an opportunity to make an impact.
Jeff Chapman LEED(r) AP Architectural Intern
SHWGROUP
C 832.215.0251
-----Original Message----- From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com [mailto:EGB-CC@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Brian (becoff...@gmail.com) Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 10:58 AM To: EGB Corresponding Committee Subject: Re: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
All very good comments! As Shawn said, we want to avoid the responsibility of "certifying" that a firm is green. I think one simple solution would be that when a firm posts a job position, we give them a template to fill out which includes some of the questions that Jeremy brought up.
Of course, a firm could lie, but at least there would be some accountability. The job candidate would have something in writing if there is a misunderstanding later. I think this would help discourage a firm from posting a bogus job description.
Keep in mind, nothing on this site takes the place a job candidate from doing the normal due diligence (interviewing/researching the firm). Maybe this should be noted on the site to avoid potential negative feedback.
Thanks everyone, Brian Coffman Cincinnati EGB Chair
NOTICE: This e-mail transmission is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential, privileged, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, disclosure, copying, distribution, or other use of any of the information contained in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by e-mail at the above address and delete it from your computer system; you should not copy the message or disclose its contents to anyone. The content of the message and or attachments may not reflect the view and opinions of the originating company or any party it is representing.
This was, admittedly, my experience too. On my first day at my firm we had a meeting where the VP announced that the firm had lost a bid for a LEED job because we had not done one before, and then challenged us to figure out what was necessary to "break in" to this kind of work. I took that as a call to action, and have been the firm's "green warrior" ever since. The firm is now housed in a LEED-CI certified office space, has 3+ active LEED projects (including phase-2 of the project the VP discussed on my first day), 30% LEED-APs, an automated recycling program, a green purchasing policy, a rotating LEED exam study group, sustainable specs, a digital sustainable materials library database, etc.
Maybe the pointed questions I posted earlier could be tempered by a follow-up to any "NO" reply:
* Are you willing to invest my billable time to make this possible?
Great discussion all! Keep it coming!
Jeremy Knoll - LEEDR AP
Kansas City EGB Chair
National EGB Committee Member
P Please consider your environmental responsibility before printing this e-mail
Jeff: I totally agree: a firm that is striving to "green" itself probobly needs a Sustainability advocate more than a firm with an established record. I know my firm is in the transition phase right now, only a few weeks ago bagging our first LEEd registered project. If there is a way to measure a firm's commitment to sustainable practice, that would be valuble.
Next item: I'm quoting Conor here, hope he doesn't mind:
"This is Conor from the Colorado Chapter, we will try to make our job postings available on this website and borrow from yours to post on ours. There's my spark to add, let's hope it catches.... "
Makes me wonder, though, if EGB should have one central website for all these postings. One of my secret worries is that we'll not get enough postings for this site to take on a life of it's own and "cath fire." If everyone pooled all their contacts into one site, it seems like a strength. After all, why limit this geographically? People take jobs in other cities all the time, if there are opportunities. I see that other groups have this (thanks Kris, I checked out the Chicago link). At the very least, the Chapters that have job postings could link to eachother...
Actually, I would be the biggest advocate of doing both. It seems like we need a National Page anyway, one that is a little bit more professional and is focused on Nationwide issues. This will allow for exposure to large movements, such as the 2010 Imperative, Solar Decatholon, etc. Then the individual chapters can feed relavent information to there constituents, and post localized information, ie a place to watch the 2010 Imperative and how to donate money to the local schools Solar Decatholon team. Each page should have the job postings, the national would have all of them, and local having the ones they find most local, keeping in mind that people looking to move elsewhere can check A.) other local pages or B.) National Pages. This way we can tell employers who post to our site that they will have ad's in two places.
Of course, all of this is in theory, we really need imput from Traci on how this actually gets done.
Jeff
________________________________
From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com on behalf of Brian (becoff...@gmail.com) Sent: Mon 7/30/2007 7:45 PM To: EGB Corresponding Committee Subject: Re: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
Jeff: I totally agree: a firm that is striving to "green" itself probobly needs a Sustainability advocate more than a firm with an established record. I know my firm is in the transition phase right now, only a few weeks ago bagging our first LEEd registered project. If there is a way to measure a firm's commitment to sustainable practice, that would be valuble.
Next item: I'm quoting Conor here, hope he doesn't mind:
"This is Conor from the Colorado Chapter, we will try to make our job postings available on this website and borrow from yours to post on ours. There's my spark to add, let's hope it catches.... "
Makes me wonder, though, if EGB should have one central website for all these postings. One of my secret worries is that we'll not get enough postings for this site to take on a life of it's own and "cath fire." If everyone pooled all their contacts into one site, it seems like a strength. After all, why limit this geographically? People take jobs in other cities all the time, if there are opportunities. I see that other groups have this (thanks Kris, I checked out the Chicago link). At the very least, the Chapters that have job postings could link to eachother...
NOTICE: This e-mail transmission is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential, privileged, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, disclosure, copying, distribution, or other use of any of the information contained in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by e-mail at the above address and delete it from your computer system; you should not copy the message or disclose its contents to anyone. The content of the message and or attachments may not reflect the view and opinions of the originating company or any party it is representing.
Thanks for the input- thoughtful points. Guess I was not thinking so much about a quantitative rating system but more loosely a way for employees/employers to be able to express themselves about their sustainable beliefs and practice so the questions that Jeremy listed are right on target. Of course, one has always to be wary of hypocrisy in the words/ actions of employers AND employees in the case of any evaluation. Hey, that's a caution to human nature in general and of course I don't count myself out. I just see the benefit of potential employees/employers have direct ways to be as honestly informed as possible about what they will experience. As some of you have mentioned, it is important for strong advocates of sustainability to be there on the front lines where more understanding is needed, as well. I commend you and didn't mean to sound negative- In fact, I'm sure you all realize that the best way to combat negativity and "preachiness" is to keep green goals clearly understood and to accentuate the positive benefits for all of us living beings. Last year, only one person biked to work in my 30+ person firm routinely and now 9-10 people do regularly because they simply feel much better at work all day in addition to the fuel cost savings The first bit of encouragement from some of us to try their bikes out for a week has got them going. Now, I'm going to have to do a better job of getting the secretary to check out Green Earth Office supply for our bulk orders of disposables (compostable pla plasticware, recycled sugar cane, etc.).
There also are organizations in addition to the USGBC such as the "Natural Step" (primarily in Oregon right now) to which firms, businesses, governments, institutions etc. can obtain membership and demonstrate further commitment to sustainability-
I am impressed by the very encouraging EGB network- Christina
----- Original Message ----- From: "Wansing, Ed" <EWans...@gouldturner.com> To: "EGB Corresponding Committee" <EGB-CC@googlegroups.com> Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 12:46 PM Subject: RE: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
Jeff makes a very good point. I found myself in the same position. My firm had no green projects, and no emphasis on green operations. I have been fighting to implement both, and while we are still not a green firm, I have made tremendous strides in greening our operations and our projects.
-----Original Message----- From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com [mailto:EGB-CC@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Chapman, Jeffrey Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 11:27 AM To: EGB Corresponding Committee Subject: RE: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
This is an interesting concept; however it seems to me that we may be missing a crucial element of the opportunity.
One issue we should all be looking at is the idea we must become green warriors and "infect" firms that are not green so that they will become green. It is easy to go to a firm like HOK, BNIM, etc and work on LEED Projects, but the battle must be fought on multiple fronts. You have to take the mindset of changing everything, not just those most open to the idea or else we will be overwhelmed. For example, I joined a firm that has only one LEED project, and I only got to work on it for one day, but I started a group to help get others LEED AP, and I always fight for sustainable features to get incorporated into our projects, like energy star roofs, grasspave on fire lanes, linoleum rather than VCT, etc. This is very important, especially in the Education and Medical fields because of budget restrictions and other concerns such as Life safety.
So in conclusion, yes I do believe it is unfair that firms tout themselves as more sustainable than they are, however I do believe that if they are coming to our website we should see this as an opportunity to make an impact.
Jeff Chapman LEED(r) AP Architectural Intern
SHWGROUP
C 832.215.0251
-----Original Message----- From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com [mailto:EGB-CC@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Brian (becoff...@gmail.com) Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 10:58 AM To: EGB Corresponding Committee Subject: Re: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
All very good comments! As Shawn said, we want to avoid the responsibility of "certifying" that a firm is green. I think one simple solution would be that when a firm posts a job position, we give them a template to fill out which includes some of the questions that Jeremy brought up.
Of course, a firm could lie, but at least there would be some accountability. The job candidate would have something in writing if there is a misunderstanding later. I think this would help discourage a firm from posting a bogus job description.
Keep in mind, nothing on this site takes the place a job candidate from doing the normal due diligence (interviewing/researching the firm). Maybe this should be noted on the site to avoid potential negative feedback.
Thanks everyone, Brian Coffman Cincinnati EGB Chair
NOTICE: This e-mail transmission is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential, privileged, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, disclosure, copying, distribution, or other use of any of the information contained in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by e-mail at the above address and delete it from your computer system; you should not copy the message or disclose its contents to anyone. The content of the message and or attachments may not reflect the view and opinions of the originating company or any party it is representing.
Forgot to note that our "positive" incentive for getting the pla compostable plasticware is to help provide fresh soil for the secretary's office veggies which we're now making w/ composted coffee grounds- although we're trying to prevent the "attack of the gigantic spider plant" office situation. C
----- Original Message ----- From: "Christina Joy Neumann" <cjoy...@earthlink.net> To: <EGB-CC@googlegroups.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 1:14 AM Subject: Re: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
> Thanks for the input- thoughtful points. > Guess I was not thinking so much about a quantitative rating system but > more > loosely a way for employees/employers to be able to express themselves > about > their sustainable beliefs and practice so the questions that Jeremy listed > are right on target. Of course, one has always to be wary of hypocrisy in > the words/ actions of employers AND employees in the case of any > evaluation. > Hey, that's a caution to human nature in general and of course I don't > count > myself out. I just see the benefit of potential employees/employers have > direct ways to be as honestly informed as possible about what they will > experience. As some of you have mentioned, it is important for strong > advocates of sustainability to be there on the front lines where more > understanding is needed, as well. I commend you and didn't mean to sound > negative- In fact, I'm sure you all realize that the best way to combat > negativity and "preachiness" is to keep green goals clearly understood and > to accentuate the positive benefits for all of us living beings. Last > year, > only one person biked to work in my 30+ person firm routinely and now 9-10 > people do regularly because they simply feel much better at work all day > in > addition to the fuel cost savings The first bit of encouragement from > some > of us to try their bikes out for a week has got them going. Now, I'm > going > to have to do a better job of getting the secretary to check out Green > Earth > Office supply for our bulk orders of disposables (compostable pla > plasticware, recycled sugar cane, etc.).
> There also are organizations in addition to the USGBC such as the "Natural > Step" (primarily in Oregon right now) to which firms, businesses, > governments, institutions etc. can obtain membership and demonstrate > further > commitment to sustainability-
> I am impressed by the very encouraging EGB network- > Christina
> ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Wansing, Ed" <EWans...@gouldturner.com> > To: "EGB Corresponding Committee" <EGB-CC@googlegroups.com> > Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 12:46 PM > Subject: RE: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
> Jeff makes a very good point. I found myself in the same position. My > firm had no green projects, and no emphasis on green operations. I have > been fighting to implement both, and while we are still not a green > firm, I have made tremendous strides in greening our operations and our > projects.
> -----Original Message----- > From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com [mailto:EGB-CC@googlegroups.com] On Behalf > Of Chapman, Jeffrey > Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 11:27 AM > To: EGB Corresponding Committee > Subject: RE: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
> This is an interesting concept; however it seems to me that we may be > missing a crucial element of the opportunity.
> One issue we should all be looking at is the idea we must become green > warriors and "infect" firms that are not green so that they will become > green. It is easy to go to a firm like HOK, BNIM, etc and work on LEED > Projects, but the battle must be fought on multiple fronts. You have to > take the mindset of changing everything, not just those most open to the > idea or else we will be overwhelmed. For example, I joined a firm that > has only one LEED project, and I only got to work on it for one day, but > I started a group to help get others LEED AP, and I always fight for > sustainable features to get incorporated into our projects, like energy > star roofs, grasspave on fire lanes, linoleum rather than VCT, etc. > This is very important, especially in the Education and Medical fields > because of budget restrictions and other concerns such as Life safety.
> So in conclusion, yes I do believe it is unfair that firms tout > themselves as more sustainable than they are, however I do believe that > if they are coming to our website we should see this as an opportunity > to make an impact.
> Jeff Chapman LEED(r) AP > Architectural Intern
> SHWGROUP
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> -----Original Message----- > From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com [mailto:EGB-CC@googlegroups.com] On Behalf > Of Brian (becoff...@gmail.com) > Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 10:58 AM > To: EGB Corresponding Committee > Subject: Re: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
> All very good comments! As Shawn said, we want to avoid the > responsibility of "certifying" that a firm is green. I think one > simple solution would be that when a firm posts a job position, we > give them a template to fill out which includes some of the questions > that Jeremy brought up.
> Of course, a firm could lie, but at least there would be some > accountability. The job candidate would have something in writing if > there is a misunderstanding later. I think this would help discourage > a firm from posting a bogus job description.
> Keep in mind, nothing on this site takes the place a job candidate > from doing the normal due diligence (interviewing/researching the > firm). Maybe this should be noted on the site to avoid potential > negative feedback.
> Thanks everyone, > Brian Coffman > Cincinnati EGB Chair
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As Jeremy said, this is a GREAT conversation! And all of our National Committee members have been keeping up with it, whether we've given input yet or not. We will be sure to address this on our national committee call this afternoon and figure out how best to move forward - and actually make it work.
It's been great watching the conversation grow and ideas transform. Keep it going! We'll chime in with thoughts or a plan of action after our call this week.
Traci
On 7/31/07, Chapman, Jeffrey <jchap...@shwgroup.com> wrote:
> Actually, I would be the biggest advocate of doing both. It seems > like we need a National Page anyway, one that is a little bit more > professional and is focused on Nationwide issues. This will allow for > exposure to large movements, such as the 2010 Imperative, Solar Decatholon, > etc. Then the individual chapters can feed relavent information to there > constituents, and post localized information, ie a place to watch the 2010 > Imperative and how to donate money to the local schools Solar Decatholon > team. Each page should have the job postings, the national would have all > of them, and local having the ones they find most local, keeping in mind > that people looking to move elsewhere can check A.) other local pages or B.) > National Pages. This way we can tell employers who post to our site that > they will have ad's in two places.
> Of course, all of this is in theory, we really need imput from Traci on > how this actually gets done.
> Jeff
> ________________________________
> From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com on behalf of Brian (becoff...@gmail.com) > Sent: Mon 7/30/2007 7:45 PM > To: EGB Corresponding Committee > Subject: Re: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
> Jeff: I totally agree: a firm that is striving to "green" itself > probobly needs a Sustainability advocate more than a firm with an > established record. I know my firm is in the transition phase right > now, only a few weeks ago bagging our first LEEd registered project. > If there is a way to measure a firm's commitment to sustainable > practice, that would be valuble.
> Next item: I'm quoting Conor here, hope he doesn't mind:
> "This is Conor from the Colorado Chapter, we will try to make our job > postings available on this website and borrow from yours to post on > ours. There's my spark to add, let's hope it catches.... "
> Makes me wonder, though, if EGB should have one central website for > all these postings. One of my secret worries is that we'll not get > enough postings for this site to take on a life of it's own and "cath > fire." If everyone pooled all their contacts into one site, it seems > like a strength. After all, why limit this geographically? People > take jobs in other cities all the time, if there are opportunities. I > see that other groups have this (thanks Kris, I checked out the > Chicago link). At the very least, the Chapters that have job postings > could link to eachother...
> NOTICE: > This e-mail transmission is intended only for the use of the individual or > entity named above and may contain information that is confidential, > privileged, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are > not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, > disclosure, copying, distribution, or other use of any of the information > contained in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received > this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by e-mail > at the above address and delete it from your computer system; you should not > copy the message or disclose its contents to anyone. The content of the > message and or attachments may not reflect the view and opinions of the > originating company or any party it is representing.
-- Traci Rose Rider, LEED(r) AP PhD Program, College of Design North Carolina State University ------------------------------------------------ USGBC Emerging Green Builders www.usgbc.org/egb 919-455-5995
I'm really enjoying this discussion about job postings. It seems to me the natural place to have such a post would be on the USGBC website. Since there are so many EGB groups that aren't connected to each other and so many chapters that don't necessarily keep in close contact, the only way to get every listing in every area together in one central place, a place job seekers and employers would automatically think of looking would be the USGBC website. Is there anyone who manages that site that we can get on board with this idea? It would be most effective if jobs and resumes were sent to the webmaster and then posted under a link for each state or chapter.
Stacey Glenewinkel Bellingham EGB President, WWU
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The job board was further discussed on the National Committee call today. We are thrilled with the volume of discussion it has generated thus far. Further, we have been watching this topic with keen interest and will work to bridge the gap between EGB and USGBC as EGB-LL develops this idea. From what I'm told USGBC has toyed with creating a job board in the past, but it has never been a high enough priority to commit the resources. I'm sure USGBC National would be thrilled if EGB were to take this on. Regardless, it seems to be something we need. Thus, this will be a topic of discussion on Thursday's call, so please join us if you can and help shape the future of this idea.
As EGB discussions usually go, this idea has grown into something bigger. The topic was broached today about the possible development of an EGB website to house the current google groups resources, date, functions, etc., but also the proposed job board. Obviously, this will take some monetary, technical, and professional resources, but it would be owned by us. Anyway, make sure you think about this over the next few days and come with your ideas to the conference call. Talk to many of you Thursday!
Ryan
________________________________
From: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com [mailto:EGB-CC@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Stacey G. Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 5:32 PM To: EGB-CC@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: Sustainable Practice Job Forum
I'm really enjoying this discussion about job postings. It seems to me the natural place to have such a post would be on the USGBC website. Since there are so many EGB groups that aren't connected to each other and so many chapters that don't necessarily keep in close contact, the only way to get every listing in every area together in one central place, a place job seekers and employers would automatically think of looking would be the USGBC website. Is there anyone who manages that site that we can get on board with this idea? It would be most effective if jobs and resumes were sent to the webmaster and then posted under a link for each state or chapter.
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Thanks everyone who participated in last week's Conference Call! The continued discussion really helped us clarify the short and long term goals of the Job Forum project. My immediate task is to keep the Google group page going as a "pilot project." First of all, to see how much of a response we can get from employers and job seekers. Also, to see what the site's strengths and weaknesses are before potentially investing more greater time and energy into a nationally hosted website.
So at this point, I need everyone's help. Let's try to get his website filled with postings! You can get the word out via EGB listserves, local USGBC chapter contacts, local colleges, friends and co-workers. (Any other ideas?)
