Saturday, December 31, 2011

I've Always Liked Trains


Friday, December 30, 2011

Charles Sheeler and Scullin Steel

Charles Sheeler, an American photographer and painter, worked through the 1950s. Much of his work documented industrial scenes. I just heard that the smoke stacks of Scullin Steel are slated for demolition soon. Another part of our disappearing industrial past. Here are some images of Sheeler's work (top) and a couple of photos I took the other day of views of the stacks.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Reflections on Chris Jordan

Selections from Chris Jordan's Running the Numbers are on exhibit at the St. Louis Artists' Guild through January 7th. There is lots of good stuff in each gallery and it all is connected to St. Louis with an environmental and sustainability twist.

More info: http://www.stlouisartistsguild.org/new/

BPI Training Complete

www.bpi.org 

Building Analyst Standard

Envelope Professional Standard

I have to wait 4-6 weeks to get the official results but I'm pretty sure I passed all my exams and field tests for the BA and EP Certifications. It has been an interesting 2 weeks of classes, field work, late nights hitting the books with a bit of stress and worry thrown in for good measure.

As a LEED AP and a builder with over 30 years experience I have long embraced sustainable and energy efficient construction practices. The work of the past few weeks has reaffirmed my commitment to these practices (and their application in existing buildings) in a way that has the depth that comes with this  new, 'nose to the grindstone' experience & knowledge.

I can now measure what I once knew as theory. I can measure change as it occurs. I can calculate the needs and possibilities that exist in a given building and combine it with my previous experiences in order to deliver meaningful, measurable results.

A special shout out to my instructor, Dan Payne, of http://www.environmentalenergyconsultants.com/ - he did a fine job in the class room and during the field training. He has worked hard to develop an impressive and comprehensive curriculum that really does the job in an in depth way and it worked well for me.

I'll be using my new certifications in my new role as an Energy Programs Manager. I am administering energy efficiency programs for utilities and governmental entities and part of my work will be evaluation and quality assurance of completed projects.