N e w s & V i e w s f r o m t h e S u s t ai n ab l e S o u t h w e s t

Stories of Route 66 Albuquerque’s International District

Green Building: Leadership by Example

July 2014 Northern New Mexico’s Largest Circulation Newspaper Vol. 6 No. 7 2 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 3 Do Your Part! • Ride the RTD!

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4 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com Vol. 6, No. 7 • July 2014 Issue No. 63 Publisher Green Fire Publishing, LLC Skip Whitson News & Views from the Sustainable Southwest Associate Publisher Winner of the Sustainable Santa Fe Award for Outstanding Educational Project Barbara E. Brown Editor-in-chief Contents Seth Roffman Stories of Route 66: Albuquerque’s International District. 7 Art Director . A Creative Placemaking and Community Revitalization Project Anna C. Hansen, Dakini Design Art & Community Change ...... 8 Copy Editors Stephen Klinger Artist Team and Community Participants. 9 Susan Clair ID Live! Event Schedule ...... 9 Webmaster: Karen Shepherd History of Albuquerque’s International District ...... 11 Contributing Writers The International District: A Portrait. 13 Nancy Bearce, Tammy Feibelkorn, Rodney Fox, stablishing the nternational istrict Steve Hale, Amanda Hatherly, Jeff Hood, Sen. E “I D ”...... 16 Tim Keller, Devon Ludlow, Valerie Martínez, Refugee and Immigrant Women Making Their Way ...... 17 Katherine Mortimer, Craig O’Hare, Doug Pushard, Seth Roffman, Kim Shanahan, Nkazi When Did Buildings Become “Green?” ...... 20 Sinandile, Susan Waterman, Chris Webster Training the Next Generation of Green Builders ...... 21 Contributing 50 Shades of Green: Leadership by Example . 23 Photographers Save Energy, Save Water: What to Do?...... 24 Anna C. Hansen, Seth Roffman Rainwater: Good Water with Good Uses...... 24 PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANTs Lisa Allocco, Cisco Whitson-Brown, Susan Build Tight and Ventilate Right...... 26 Clair, Kelley McDaniel, Robyn Montoya Leaky Ducts: How Much Energy ($) Do They Waste?...... 27 Office Assistants Green-Built Homes Are Affordable Homes...... 28 Camille Franchette, Claire Ayraud Times Are Changing for Sustainably Built Homes ...... 29 Advertising Sales Skip Whitson 505.471.5177 Op-Ed: It’s Time for New Mexico to Adopt Modern Building Energy Codes ...... 31 [email protected] City and County Launch “Solarize Santa Fe!”...... 33 Anna C. Hansen 505.982.0155 Sustainable Santa Fe Monthly Update ...... 33 [email protected] Book Review – Farms and Foods: New Mexico’s Agricultural Legacy ...... 35 Robyn Montoya 505-692-4477 Newsbites...... 14, 16, 29, 33, 37 [email protected] What’s Going On...... 38 Lloyd Santiago Covens 505.236.8348 [email protected] Distribution Privilege, Power and Position Lisa Allocco, Barbara Brown, Susan Clair, Co-op Dist. Services, Nick García, Andy Otterstrom in the International District (Creative Couriers), Tony Rapatz, Wuilmer Rivera, Andrew Tafoya, Skip Whitson, John Woodie Enrique Cardiel Circulation: 27,000 copies Printed locally with 100% soy ink on ery few people think about privilege, power and position in their daily lives. Doing so can 100% recycled, chlorine-free paper Vbe difficult and painful, requiring self-reflection, at the least, and a change of behavior Green Fire Times for the most sincere. The dynamics of power play out in all aspects of our lives, including c/o The Sun Companies our neighborhoods. I think a lot about how the International District (ID) is “represented.”

P.O. Box 5588, SF, NM 87502-5588 Because of its deep diversity, how do we ensure that its “voice,” or range of voices, gets heard? © Anna C. H ansen 505.471.5177 • [email protected] © 2014 Green Fire Publishing, LLC We know that one’s social position often determines access to information, decision-makers and resources. An easy approach is for those with privilege and power to speak for others or be treated as though they represent the entire community. Another simplistic approach is to get a friendly member of a marginalized community to participate in a Green Fire Times provides useful information for community members, business people, students and tokenized way. This happens with me as a Chicano-Cahuilla member of the community. Inviting a dark-skinned person visitors—anyone interested in discovering the wealth from the neighborhood to meetings is often used to show “community participation.” But using an individual as a proxy of opportunities and resources in the Southwest. In for an entire community meets very minimal requirements for participation. support of a more sustainable planet, topics covered Most people who get involved in improving their neighborhoods feel threatened when you start asking about their range from green businesses, jobs, products, services, position in our social hierarchy. Anger or guilt are often the primary responses. “Community” approaches often stick to entrepreneurship, investing, design, building and energy—to native perspectives on history, arts & the “this-is-how-we’ve-always-done-it” perspective and keep leaving the same people out of conversations and positions. culture, ecotourism, education, sustainable agriculture, Including those in different positions of privilege, power and position is not easy. The best approach is to encourage and regional cuisine, water issues and the healing arts. To enable those who are normally left out of community conversations and decisions, so they can have meaningful participation. our publisher, a more sustainable planet also means The Littleglobe arts engagement process is a step in that direction; seldom have I seen such a diverse group of residents maximizing environmental as well as personal health (from so many ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic and other backgrounds) meet and work together week after week, month by minimizing consumption of meat and alcohol. after month. This isn’t easy to do, but it’s worth the effort. GFT is widely distributed throughout north-central Enrique Cardiel and his family live in the ID and are actively involved in a wide range of efforts toward community change. New Mexico. Feedback, announcements, event listings, advertising and article submissions to be considered COVER: hahn nguyn, a vietnamese immigrant and resident of albuquerque’s international district, for publication are welcome. is one of the “stories of route 66” project participants. photo © Littleglobe  Green Fire Times is not to be confused with the Green Fire Report, an in-house quarterly publication of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center. The NMELC can be accessed online at: www.nmelc.org www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 5 6 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com ID LIVE! July 26–27 Weekend of Art & Community Events

A Creative Placemaking and Community Revitalization Project

Valerie Martínez n exciting new project has been taking an unusual Aapproach to community revitalization. The Stories of Route 66 project has brought Albuquerque residents together in a collaborative process of storytelling, art and design. The project is transforming outdoor spaces along the Route 66/Central Avenue corridor in the International District.

This project was developed as a result of several organizations that were working or wanted to work toward transformational change in New Mexico’s most diverse legislative district, which locals refer to as the “ID.” The organizations—Littleglobe, Story of Place Institute (SoPI), UNM School of Architecture and Planning, and the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA)— © Littleglobe each wanted to apply for a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts “Our The ID is a four-square-mile southeast range of place-based projects. All of these Town” program, a community-engagement heights neighborhood bordered by collaborations will result in ID LIVE!, a and creative-placemaking initiative. Lomas and Gibson and San Mateo weekend of art and community events NEA “Our Town” grants are very selective and Wyoming boulvevards. The first on July 26-27. phase of the project (October, 2013 to and awarded to just a few metropolitan During the second phase of the project, September, 2015) is based on two-plus areas in the United States. Usually, the UNM School of Architecture and years of relationship building that began organizations present their projects to a Planning, working with the AMAFCA in 2011. It emphasizes arts engagement city mayor and he or she chooses one to at a water reclamation site, will utilize with more than 100 residents, as well as send on to the NEA for consideration. the July art and events as inspiration In the fall of 2013, Albuquerque Mayor Community assets in the creation of a design for a “story Richard J. Berry requested that, rather plaza,” a permanent space along Route than one organization applying, they work mapping and large- 66 that will be a gateway to history and together to create a collaborative project. neighborhood stories. For hundreds of Mayor Berry assigned the city’s Cultural scale arts engagement years, plazas in New Mexico have been Services Department to help coordinate with residents community-gathering spaces—places to the application. The organizations worked enjoy everyday life and celebrate annual assets mapping and design. Community hard to find ways in which their individual events and festivals. The story plaza in members, assisted by a Littleglobe artist projects might come together—large- the ID will encompass that tradition. team, have been sharing their stories and scale arts engagement with residents, Residents and visitors will be able to perspectives through movement, visual community assets mapping, a permanent enjoy a vibrant and beautiful gathering art, music, theater, filmmaking and other installation along Route 66, stormwater space that encourages fellowship, artistic mediums. Meanwhile, SoPI is management as art, and more. The understanding and refuge. i resulting project, “Stories of Route 66: The engaging with community members to International District,” was good enough map community assets, while students Learn more about the project and the ID LIVE! to get an NEA grant, the first of its kind in the UNM School of Architecture weekend at the Littleglobe website: www. littleglobe.org © Anna C. H ansen awarded in New Mexico. and Planning have been involved in a Pillars representing cultures of the International District were created and installed by Lorie Roddick and Margy O’Brian in 2009. They are located on Central Avenue, Louisiana Boulevard SE, Alcazar Street SE and Zuni Road SE. www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 7 Art & Community Change

Valerie Martínez

ometimes, maybe often, when In 2011, New Mexico Sen. Tim Keller we think of a “community came to Littleglobe (along with the Story Sartist,” we think of someone of Place Institute) to invite us to consider who inspires our individual creativity—a a project in his legislative district. He told visual artist, for example, who helps us that economic and other development teens express their feelings in a collage, initiatives were being hampered by a lack or a writer who helps elders gather their of coordination of efforts, the need for thoughts into a story or memoir. This is more social cohesion and the absence important work, often with lasting effects. of a strong community identity. He felt

that empowering residents themselves to © Littleglobe (3) We may not, however, always make the define who they are as a community—to Community members participating in the “Stories of Route 66” arts engagement connection between art and large social “tell their story” —was key. process with Littleglobe movements; the idea of a collage or story changing the world might seem far- community. This work will culminate in lack of political influence, in part because fetched. My work with the New Mexico- Empowering residents a weekend festival of events, ID LIVE!, many residents cannot or do not vote. The based nonprofit Littleglobe is devoted to to define who they are in late July. area was once called “the war zone,” a term transformational social change through residents don’t like us to use. Parts of the as a community Last fall, through a competitive process, creative collaboration. ID suffer from urban blight. Sen. Keller had learned about our work we chose a team of professional artists—a in other communities and attended a filmmaker, painter, installation artist, On Jan. 12, 2014 we began seven months Lifesongs performance (a Littleglobe writer and two theatre actors, directors of sustained arts engagement. Every project with elders in hospice and nursing and playwrights. Two are residents homes). He asked, “Would you be of the ID. The team was trained in interested in working with residents the Littleglobe collaborative process, in the ID?” We said, “Well, let’s see if community facilitation, and the artists residents want to work with us.” We then were immersed in learning everything spent the next couple of years meeting they could about the people and place as many individuals and representatives of the ID. They were also trained in an of organizations in the ID as we could artistic process specifically designed for manage. working with a community of people who don’t always speak the same language. When it was clear that residents were Here’s why. single Sunday, from that day through excited about the prospect of a large- the end of July, the artist team has been The ID is a four-square-mile scale arts-engagement project, we started working with a large group of community neighborhood bordered by Lomas and planning and fundraising. Last fall, we members, making small and larger works Gibson and San Mateo and Wyoming Right now, we are immersed in a were lucky enough to receive a grant from of art. To date, we have worked with 136 boulevards. There are approximately community development project in the the National Endowment for the Arts residents, ages 5 to 70, who speak eight 47 languages spoken in the district. International District of Albuquerque (NEA) Our Town program. With this languages. A significant number of our Its population is approximately 51 (ID), the most culturally diverse district in hand, we were ready to launch. young participants have been in the percent Hispanic/Latino, 18 percent in the state of New Mexico, and one of country less than three years and come Here, I’ll focus on the first foundational Native American, 8 percent African or the most challenged. I’d like to tell you from Afghanistan and Iraq. phase of the “Stories of Route 66: The how this project came about and, in doing African-American, 5 percent Asian, and International District” project—arts so, shift our perception of “community also includes a significant population of The circle is one of our central metaphors collaboration between a Littleglobe artist art” with a small “c” and “a” to Art with a immigrants and refugees, most recently and at the core of our practice; each team and more than 100 members of the community, capital “A.” from Iraq, Afghanistan and Congo. In Sunday we begin with an opening circle, this way, the district is incredibly rich. and we always end in one. The circle The Story of Place Institute democratizes any community process At the same time, the ID is facing critical and discourages dominance by the few. As a lead partner in the Stories of Route 66: The International District Project, challenges: a high infant mortality The circle also encourages listening Story of Place Institute has been collecting historical and contemporary data on rate, real poverty, unacceptable levels of cultural and ecological aspects of the International District (ID) via historical and witnessing. We engage in many unemployment and homelessness and a documents, map analysis, field research, and in-depth interviews. This work has continued on page 19 been done in partnership with UNM’s Resource Center for Raza Planning. The information gathered to date has served to provide meaningful insights into key “I’m very proud that our residents found the connections community issues and assets, as well as to better understand the make-up of this distinct sector of Albuquerque. and creativity to designate a special place for their Story of Place Institute is currently working to synthesize this data and develop celebrations and interactions. The plaza for ‘Stories an interpretive narrative that helps connect residents to the rich history of the of Route 66 in the International District,’ which place where they live and/or work, while at the same time serving as a “story” frame for helping to inform the design of an International District “Story Plaza.” highlights our heritage and pride for our beautiful The next phase of this work will involve presenting findings to the ID community city, will be a stunning example for all Albuquerque and facilitating dialogue with residents and community stakeholders that invite further community storytelling. residents as well as visitors.” - Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry

8 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com Stories of Route 66: The International District Artist Team and Community Participants

Artist Team Member Reflections

Judith Shaw: “As a painter, it warms my heart to be present when some of our group experience amazement and empowerment as the shapes, forms and colors flow from their hands. Little by little, our group has gone from a room full of strangers to a room full of family. Like any family, sometimes we have disagreements and problems, but with love and compassion for each other we are able to resolve them. As much as our participants have learned from the artist team about making art, we have also learned from them about their cultures, their struggles and their joys. This work is unique, intense, creative, challenging and immensely rewarding.”

Mónica Sánchez: “My background is anchored in theatermaking, which I’ve been at for the last 30 years. It is, however, the last six months that have distilled a return to process in the most basic way: not only with the why (do we make art?), which is answered in every session when some unexpected communion occurs, but also in the how, which is a constant exercise in adaptation and being present. It is this sense of process and sharing that we will present through a series of movement and images as we illuminate our shared © Littleglobe and separate journeys, converging now as the Stories of Route 66.” Artist Team Members (l-r) Erin Hudson, Mónica Sánchez, Valerie Martínez and International District residents Billy Joe Miller and Judith Shaw Erin Hudson: “Being a part of the Stories of Route 66: The International District allows me to be engaged in a process I love—getting to know people I normally wouldn’t and listening to their stories. Through this process, I have gained a dynamic and more complex view of what ID LIVE! SCHEDULE it means to be a part of the Albuquerque community. Ultimately, I have become a member FRIDAY, JULY 25 of a new family, made up of a wide range of nationalities, languages, ages and abilities. Our 3-5:30 pm: Premiere of 5 Free Little Libraries family has a common story: we journey through the city to come together, relate, create, be in the International District witnessed, and be fully human, every Sunday from 1:30 to 4:00 pm.” 5:30-7 pm: ID Community Portraits Exhibition. Sundowner Apartments, 6101 Central Ave. Billy Joe Miller: “Early into our Sunday meetings, Mónica put a group of 10 into Opening reception for an exhibition of portraits a circle for an activity. First, we did some movement exercises; then, she asked everyone to of ID residents sing a song from their homeland. I immediately felt uncomfortable for the group. I don’t mind singing to strangers but, sadly, it’s something that the average American just doesn’t SATURDAY, JULY 26 do. I thought it wasn’t going to go over well. As she went around the circle I was completely 10-11 am: Ribbon-cutting, International Art Garden. blown away by everyone in the circle participating. And not just a song. All of them sang NE corner of Dallas and Bell in the with passion, some beat the side of a concrete table like a drum and others performed an Trumbull Village Neighborhood explosive dance. Despite over six languages, each week we learn more about each other and 11 am-3 pm: Building Bridges: Art and Immigration. SE corner of Alcazar & create together. I’m so grateful for this experience, and I’m learning so much so rapidly. There Central. New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice is so much potential for all of us to see something in another light and learn something new.” 1:30-2 pm: Garden Park Sidewalk Dedication. 7401 Copper Ave NE (Corner of Española St. & Copper Ave. in the La Mesa Neighborhood) Quotes from Community Participants 1-5 pm: Student Artwork Exhibition and Outdoor Barbecue on the campus of Southwest University of the Visual Arts “I like the idea of bringing people together to build relationships through art.” 2-4 pm. Children’s Music and Dance. La Mesa Presbyterian Church, 7401 Copper Ave NE, 87108. “I like being around neighbors of different backgrounds. The group movement activities 2-6 pm: Bell Street Block Party seemed to push people into dealing with each other in different and better ways.” 6-7 pm: “Morning Glory” (Shade Structure). opening reception for an art installation/shade structure co-created by “I grew up in this neighborhood, and I’m excited about the coming transformation residents of the Int’l. District and Littleglobe. SE corner of Central and because of this project.” Alcazar (just east of Talin International Market in the South San Pedro Neighborhood) “I like kids. I like coming with my son. I also like the community-building.” 7-8 pm: BYO picnic dinner. NM Veteran’s Memorial Park 8-9:15 pm: Title TBD: Short-Film Festival and Performance. “Porque arte sobre muchas raices y hacer art con otros personas cree una comunidad.” NM Veteran’s Memorial Park, north of Gibson on Louisiana “Me gusta el arte y también es muy positivo para mi comunidad en el Distrito Internacional.” SUNDAY, JULY 27 “So fun! I get to hear stories from other places, and songs or music.” 10 -10:45 am: Lion Dance and Public Walk from Van Hanh Temple (327 Georgia St. 87108 in “Thank you, for in Afghanistan [I have] no art with [other] persons.” So. San Pedro) to Talin International Market. The walk will be led by Van Hanh’s lion dance team in a “I enjoy hearing the many languages. I enjoy learning from one another and making art.” celebration of culture, history, and good fortune. 11 am-3pm: Pop-Up Block Party. Empty lot on 708 San Mateo SE “I feel more connected because I meet a lot of people from different countries.” Noon-2 pm: Design the ID! 5321 Acoma SE in South San Pedro. “We get to do fun stuff like making masks, drawing, and acting.” Design and develop an image representing the International District. “I’ve never seen or done anything like this, and making large artworks I didn’t think 4-6 pm: Closing reception. Lot at Central and Alcazar. was possible by people who were strangers and now are like a big family.” The Stories of Route 66: International DistrictT eam © Anna C. H ansen Pillars on Central & Alcazar www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 9 10 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com History of Albuquerque’s International District

Senator Tim Keller

estled between the diners and storied nightclubs, all of which San Pedro, Singing Arrow and Elder Around this time on the global stage, Foothills and Nob Hill buzzed with activity and life. In the 1940s, Homestead neighborhoods, eventually however, the U.S. Department of State, Non Albuquerque’s historic World War II established Kirtland Air comprised New Mexico’s densest housing in conjunction with the United Nations Route 66 is one of New Mexico’s most Force Base (KAFB) , which sits just south community. However, as America entered Refugee Agency, began contracting with dynamic and diverse neighborhoods, a of the ID, as a nexus of wartime workforce the 1970s, two major changes transformed Catholic Charities to relocate refugees four-mile-square section now known and military activity. Following the war, the area. The first was the slow and gradual displaced by conflict and turmoil around as the “International District.” This as young servicemen returned home move to military-associated housing inside the world in American communities. remarkably diverse community is entering optimistic and ready to begin their new the fence-line of KAFB; the second was Recognizing the potential that this newly its 21st-century reinvigoration. lives, the combination of KAFB and Route the Vietnam War. emptied neighborhood in Albuquerque 66 made this neighborhood legendary held, the federal government began a While military employees continued to as a lively place to live and visit. Neon refugee-resettlement effort in the soon- The district has been relocate onto KAFB, the Federal-Aid lights beckoned at Caravan East and the to-be International District. Highway Act and subsequent creation of profoundly shaped by Sundowner nightclubs on Saturday nights, Interstate highways that crisscrossed the Beginning with the arrival of Vietnam’s while families from across the state flocked global events and U.S. country drew traffic away from Route 66. now-famous “Boat People”—refugees to a racetrack that sat at the south end of The vast housing developments soon sat continued on page 15 foreign policy. Eubank Boulevard (where my house is empty; the once-vibrant Central Avenue today!) for weekend entertainment. I first learned about the people and the was quiet. history of the International District (ID) As post-war military activity increased, by walking—literally—door to door in hundreds of apartment blocks were 2008, when I ran to represent the area needed to house families affiliated with in the New Mexico State Senate. This KAFB. These large complexes—by our small district in the heart of the Duke local standards—many of which still exist City has, perhaps, been more profoundly in today’s La Mesa, Trumbull, South shaped by global events and U.S. foreign policy in the last 50 years than any other area in the state. Today, it is home to thriving Asian, African and Central American communities, and more than 27 languages can be heard on its streets and playgrounds.

The story of the ID begins in the 1870s, as America began the tremendous project of rebuilding and restructuring after the Civil War. Although this area was still undeveloped farmland, it symbolized what the frontier has always represented in the American narrative—unlimited opportunity and unencumbered hope. In pursuit of this reality, homesteaders, including many newly freed men, uprooted their lives in the Deep South and moved west to what is now Albuquerque’s southeast quadrant. Today, the “Elder Homestead” neighborhood bears the name of one of the first homesteading families, and “Eubank” Boulevard, which runs north through the heart of the district, carries the name of one of the largest African- American landholders in the area.

After New Mexico was admitted to the United States in 1912, the district’s first modern incarnation took shape around the vitality of Route 66. Travelers making their way west across the country would encounter, on the east end of © Anna C. H ansen (5) Albuquerque’s Central Avenue, shining Top (l-r): Wat Buddhamongkolnimit Temple with Thai monk; Marian Jordan, Elder Homestead Neighborhood Assoc. president; new car dealerships, along with motels, Asian mother and child in Trumbull Park; War Zone Smoke Shop on Zuni Road; Talin Market at Central Ave. and Louisiana Blvd. www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 11 12 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com The International District: A Portrait

Valerie Martínez lbuquerque’s present-day In 1931 plans were finalized for rerouting The base, including International District (a Route 66 so it would pass through the Sandia National Afour-square-mile area in heart of Albuquerque along Central Laboratories (1948), the Southeast Heights, bounded by Avenue, going east and west. Route quickly became a Lomas and Gibson and San Mateo and 66, which became the nation’s busiest dominant feature Wyoming boulevards) is within a larger western highway, was the single-largest of Albuquerque’s area once known as the East Mesa (or influence in the urbanization of southeast economy. Grand Mesa). Before it was urbanized, Albuquerque. When the new route The construction of the East Mesa was a grassland, stretching was completed in 1937, the area that Interstate 40 (I-40) for about eight miles from the edge of the is known today as the International drastically changed Río Grande to the foothills of the Sandía District experienced significant new the character and the Mountains. The East Mesa wasn’t best development. Car-centered services development of the suited for agriculture (as was the river such as motor hotels, restaurants, car International District. valley), but it was fruitful for grazing dealers and gas stations were the first to As soon as plans for sheep and cattle. emerge. In 1950, it was estimated that I-40 were finalized, 2,000 to 5,000 people traveled the full property values One of the most length of Route 66 every day. From the plummeted, especially

beginning, capitalizing on this traffic was © Anna C. H ansen (2) dynamic and diverse along Central Avenue. the incentive for the area’s development. Cruising San Mateo, © 1991 Barbara Grygutis and City of ABQ areas of the city I-40 siphoned away After the railroad was established in In 1936, the State Fairgrounds, in the virtually all of the the 1880s, the city of Albuquerque heart of the International District, traffic along Route 66, from Latin America, Asia and Africa, (also called New Town) grew steadily, were established, making it a local, state and the incipient business corridor was some on their own and others with the especially in what are now the Barelas and regional destination. It was widely affected dramatically. For example, in 1956, assistance of local nonprofit organizations. and Old Town areas. By the turn of the believed that the area would become Tijeras Place Development Company Recent immigrants, including refugees, 20th century, very little development had one of Albuquerque’s primary urban proposed a giant commercial development have come to the area from Iraq, occurred on the East Mesa, and it wasn’t centers, with large-scale commercial and on San Mateo between Central and Afghanistan and Congo. The district is until the 1930s that the present-day residential development. Zuni, to be called The Uptown Shopping also home to the largest population of International District experienced any Center. This plan was never realized. Just Native Americans in the city, as well as Most of the International District’s substantial urban development. after the plans for I-40 were finalized, large numbers of Hispanic/Latino and residential development took place in it was decided that Winrock Shopping mestizo residents. For hundreds of years, transportation the decades following World War II. This Mall would be built, not along through the Albuquerque region had growth was encouraged by mortgages Central Avenue, but along I-40, been along north and south corridors. backed by the Federal Housing Authority which was completed in 1970. The Camino Real, the railroad, and even for war veterans. The establishment of the original Route 66—established in Kirtland Air Force Base (1941), located Though there were many 1926—all followed the general direction adjacent to the district on the south, negative consequences of the of the Río Grande through the river valley. also encouraged housing development. district’s declining property values, low housing prices created conditions for the district to become one of the most dynamic and diverse areas in the city. Since the 1970s, the district has been the epicenter of immigrant settlement in Albuquerque. In 1975, the State of New Mexico Indochina Refugee The district has benefited greatly from Resettlement Program sponsored nearly the entrepreneurial energy generated by 500 Vietnamese immigrants who settled the influx of immigrants over the past in the area. Since then, families and decades. The area offers a wide range Central Avenue between Wyoming and San Pedro individuals have continued to migrate of international restaurants, businesses continued on page 15

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www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 13 NM Energy Projects Funding Available from USDA-Rural Development

United States Department of Agriculture-Rural Development programs currently have a wide variety of funding opportunities available for energy projects in New Mexico. Terry Bruner, USDA-Rural Development state director, noted, “The programs encourage energy efficiency for businesses, farms and ranches and offer incentives for the production of biofuels.” The following programs are available:

• R ural Energy for America. Provides funding to rural small businesses, farmers and ranchers to purchase and install energy- efficiency improvements and renewable-energy E(R ) systems. Residences are not eligible. Energy-efficiency improvements can include a broad range of equipment types relevant to the business or agricultural producer. RE includes solar, wind, geothermal and other renewables. The grant can fund up to one-quarter of the cost of the project. A loan guarantee is also available. The deadline for submitting a grant or a grant/loan guarantee application is July 7, 2014. The deadline for submitting a loan guarantee without a grant request is July 31, 2014.

• R epowering Assistance. Provides financial incentives to certain biorefineries to assist them in replacing the use of fossil fuels to produce heat or power at their facilities by installing new systems that use renewable biomass. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 15, 2014.

• Contract Proposals for the Advanced Biofuels Payments. Provides payments to producers to support and expand production of advanced biofuels produced from renewable biomass crops such as cellulose, sugar and starch (other than corn kernel starch), hemicelluloses, lignin, waste materials, biogas, butanol, diesel-equivalent fuel, sugar cane, and nonfood crops such as poplar trees or switchgrass. Applications can be made through Oct. 31, 2014, for payments in fiscal year (FY) 2015.

Links to information on these programs are available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Energy.html. For inquiries, contact Jesse Monfort Bopp at 505.761.4952 or [email protected]

14 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com ID History continued from page 11 who fled after the withdrawal of American forces during the Vietnam conflict—history has continued to repeat itself in this little corner of Albuquerque, as tens of thousands of new settlers (refugees this time) have arrived in search of a new life. The initial wave included Vietnamese and Laotian refugees, who were displaced by the conflict; over the past four decades, this group has remained active in the founding of many of the businesses and temples that define the contemporary ID. In the meantime, the demographics of the district have continued to change in line with U.S. © Anna C. H ansen (2) foreign policy and global political events. In the 1990s, New apartments and condos on Bell Avenue and San Pablo Street in the International District as the American presence in Central America increased, remain depressed, school attendance would suffer, and the ID Portrait Albuquerque welcomed a new group of refugees, first from entire area would be viewed through a discriminatory and, continued from page El Salvador, then from other Central American countries. 13 often, racist lens. Today, a sizable community of African refugees has formed, and specialty stores, including Thai, Vietnamese, which includes many families from Burundi, Congo and In 2009, after multiple town halls and community forums, Mexican and U.S./New Mexican. In addition, the southern Africa. local leaders and citizens finally picked a name that affordability of the district has, in part, created its appropriately captured the spirit of the neighborhood. international character. The district’s diversity also Unfortunately, to some New Mexicans, the district I represent My first piece of completed legislation in the state Senate makes it remarkably rich in terms of people, history, is still more commonly known as the “War Zone,” a moniker officially renamed the area, and when city and county culture and character. that reflects a turbulent period in the 1990s that left the officials followed suit, the International District was district in duress. In addition to grappling with the national At the same time, it is facing significant challenges. officially born. recession and urban drug epidemic, southeast Albuquerque The absence of green spaces and the large numbers was also impacted by military downsizing at KAFB and a Slowly but surely, this community is regaining its footing. of empty lots contribute to areas of urban blight. general shift in the city’s population to the West Side. Gangs The local International Festival is entering its sixth year; Single-family homes and apartments, in some and drug dealers controlled the impoverished district, and, Talin Market, an international shopping center, has come places, are in serious disrepair. Housing conditions, eventually, large barricades were installed throughout the to symbolize the business potential of the community; 10 for some, are dire. Unemployment in the 87108 neighborhoods in an effort to curtail crime and violence. Asian temples have been constructed; and the quality of ZIP code area has reached 35.9 percent, poverty education has vastly improved. Change and progress are levels are 42 percent below the federal poverty Toward the end of the ‘90s, the community decided that it evident everywhere, from the new UNM health clinic to level (FPL) in some areas, crime rates are three could no longer tolerate the lack of safety in the neighborhood. the Veterans’ Memorial, to the Ed Romero home, to the times the national average, and infant mortality Armed with bullhorns and backed by Albuquerque’s newly recently improved community centers. This summer, artists is 7.8 per 1,000, all of which present residents minted Safe City Strike Force, community leaders like and activists are teaming up to install a “story plaza” that with challenges that hamper development and Alvorn Cliffton, Nancy Bearce and the Anaya family would celebrates the identities, histories, narratives and dreams vitalization initiatives. gather groups of neighbors and march through the streets, that exist throughout the International District. While we confronting known drug houses and gang affiliates. By the Between 2006 and 2009, community groups certainly have a long way to go, the community has rallied turn of the century, they had succeeded in taking back the began a process of rebranding the area. In early in support of a stronger district and a better future. So next community. Crime rates locally began to fall, and most of 2009, both the city of Albuquerque and the New time you find yourself in Albuquerque in need of a good the barricades that had turned an urban community into a Mexico State Legislature officially named the adventure, or you want to sample “War Zone” came down. area—one more important step toward enhancing the state’s best Vietnamese cuisine, the quality of life in the district for residents and When I first engaged in community service in 2007, I head east from Nob Hill on Central visitors. On Feb. 26, 2009, the New Mexico Senate realized just how eager the community was to put its and pay a visit to the International District 17 celebrated the newly named area: the outdated reputation behind. Outsiders paid no attention District. i International District. This was made possible by to the strengths of the area that stemmed from its unique Tim Keller is a senator in the New the unanimous passing of Senate Joint Memorial diversity; as long as the “War Zone” label remained, Mexico Legislature, where he represents 24, sponsored by Sen. Tim Keller, and by the businesses would lack customers, property values would Albuquerque’s International District. strong support of the community. i NM State Fair Portrait Project Marion Center for Photographic Arts, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, St. Michaels Dr. July 1st – August 1st, 2014 • M – F, 9 am – 4 pm

AnnA Christine hAnsen • 505.982.0155 • [email protected] www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 15 Establishing the “International District”

Nancy Bearce

moved back to my home state of New Mexico in 1999 after Iattending college, establishing a career and marriage. My husband and I chose a location close to downtown because it was diverse in all ways— culturally, economically, historically, and, don’t forget, food-wise.

My personal involvement began at a 2002 town hall meeting led by (then) Mayor Martín Chávez. I was active in my neighborhood association. I listened to small business owners complain that it was hard to get customers to come to the area that was maligned by the media © Anna C. H ansen (3) and realtors and marginalized by the city. National Night Out with La Mesa Community Improvement Association. Nancy Bearce, in the black & white top, is seated in the The Albuquerque Police Department center. Senator Tim Keller is in the back row on the right in the red shirt. found it difficult to meet the challenges of covering its largest command area, That simple notion planted the seed for More attention came when the Talin the memorial passed by the Bernalillo which included the largest city athletics me, and over the next six years I promoted Market World Food Fare at Louisiana County Commission. Sen. Keller then got venues—for Isotopes baseball, UNM the idea at every public meeting I and Central was completed and opened it passed in the New Mexico Legislature, athletics and the BMX track. attended—neighborhood in fulfillment of our 2000 and, finally, Councilor Rey Garduño was associations and sector plan goals. With able to get it passed within Albuquerque’s The area was maligned coalitions—and to elected Talin’s great success in City Council. All of the governing bodies and marginalized. officials in the city, county attracting customers from passed it unanimously within a total of six and state Legislature. The all over New Mexico, months, from late 2008 to 2009. I asked the businesses why we allowed first traction came from the communities in the and accepted others labeling us and Since then, the International District County Commissioner area, with leadership suggested we come up with our own continues new redevelopment, housing, Deana Archuleta, who from neighborhood name that reflected our values and community gardens and much more, as grabbed the idea and associations, like-minded beliefs. I was asked, “Like what?” I we move into the future. We welcome all began an annual event coalitions and nonprofits, reminded them of the positive ideas to New Mexico’s International District of at Hyder Park called began to join together to many of them had expressed about Albuquerque. i “International Day,” filled give a single voice to other our community—cultural diversity, with international music, important community Nancy Bearce, board member of La Mesa acceptance of differences, and the feeling dancing, food and civic information efforts, such as the closing of Lovelace’s Community Improvement Association, is that we are more alike than different— booths. Commissioner Hart Stebbins Gibson Hospital, decreasing the crime president of the City Council District 6 and pitched the phrase “International Coalition of Neighborhood Associations. She continues that event today. rate, eliminating gang activity, opposing Neighborhood.” also founded and is the president of La Mesa a proposed new casino at the State Community Land Trust, Inc. Fairgrounds, responding to the governor’s Water Authority Demands request for ideas on the redevelopment Kirtland Air Force Base Clean Jet Fuel Spill of the fairgrounds/Expo NM, and the winning of a two-and-a-half-year-long Last month, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA) held a news conference in Albuquerque’s Southeast Heights near a drinking water well zoning case to not grant an exception to the agency said is threatened with contamination by a jet fuel spill emanating from a CVS store in the area to sell retail liquor. Kirtland Air Force Base. The ABCWUA has approved a resolution demanding that KAFB “immediately develop and implement an appropriate remediation plan that As we continued our redevelopment prevents further migration of the EDB (ethylene dibromide) plume, continue to monitor efforts, we gained credibility and the location of the plume and install additional monitoring wells to track the movement partnerships with several key elected if it continues toward water supply wells.” The Authority says that the dissolved phase officials. Spearheaded by (then) Sen.- plume of EDB is located less than 4,000 feet from the nearest production well and that elect Tim Keller, the International it is moving in the direction of a well field to the north. Neighborhood concept went through ABCWUA Board Member and Bernalillo County Commissioner Debbie O’Malley a succession of town hall meetings said, “We will accept no more delays and no more conceptual plans that turn out to with area residents, business owners be unacceptable. The burden of remediation is theirs. It is their financial, ethical, and government representatives. The legal and moral duty to make sure our community’s drinking water is safe. We will not accept anything less.” proposed new name was discussed and voted on to be the “International District.” It has been estimated that, for decades, 8 to 24 million gallons of fuel have leaked Even logos were presented and voted from storage tanks at KAFB’s Bulk Fuels Facility, creating plumes of contamination 6,500 feet long to 1,500 feet wide. The spill was first detected in 1999. KAFB’s website on for area signage. Lastly, Sen. Keller says that a final recommendation on how to clean the spill is expected in September. proposed a memorial for the rebranding. Lumberjack landmark on the southwest Commissioner Archuleta was first to get corner of Central Ave. and Louisiana Blvd.

16 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com Refugee and Immigrant Women in the International District: Making Their Way

Nkazi Sinandile ince the 1970s, Albuquerque’s Access to health care, sell them for between $10 and $25. In International District has after immigrants arrive, is 2012, after three months of training in Sbeen a destination for a particular challenge. If sewing, the artisans held their first sold- refugees, immigrants and their families, they are lucky enough to out fashion show/sales event. Currently, first from Asia and then from Africa, find a job, most are low- the artisans retain 100 percent of the Latin America and other countries wage positions that do not proceeds from products they sell. It is around the world. Women and children provide health insurance. expected that, after they receive ongoing constitute a significant percentage of Refugees and immigrants training in business, they will be able to these immigrants. give 30 percent back to the organization.

Refugees and immigrants face a wide NMWGP also works with and alongside range of challenges, both upon arrival other local organizations, families, and in the months and years after they ethnic leaders, and resettling agencies settle in New Mexico. Many arrive with including the New Mexico Asian Family nothing more than the clothes on their Center, Read to Excel, and Albuquerque backs. The majority do not speak English, Academy’s POWER (Promotion and many are illiterate in their native of Women’s Education and Rights). languages. They must work hard to learn a NMWGP is grateful for seed money that new language quickly, navigate a complex was provided by the Self-Development foreign culture, and find a job to support Program of the USA Presbyterian provides English-as-a-Second- themselves and their families. Many also Church, La Mesa Presbyterian Church, Language (ESL) tutoring, and teaches are committed to sending money to other the Office of African American Affairs, life skills. Most of the women who family members still in refugee camps. the New Mexico Women’s Foundation come to NMWGP are from Ethiopia, and Bernalillo County. These funds Initially, both the U.S. State Department Somalia, Congo, Burundi, Bhutan, enabled them to buy ethnic fabrics and and nonprofit agencies provide South Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. materials. Since then, sources of funding resettlement funds, but these typically typically do not have the money to hire There are also a few low- or no-income have become scarce and program founders, cover expenses for only three to five a professionally trained doctor. If they artisans from the United States. The who also volunteer their time, are utilizing months, most often not enough time are lucky enough to find a physician, women learn to craft traditionally personal funds to maintain their work. for them to learn the language, secure it can be hard for doctors to diagnose inspired garments and accessories that They know this is unsustainable, so they employment and access all the services them because of the communication they sell at local markets. When women also work hard with fundraising activities. they need. Finding employment barrier. Even after being diagnosed and learn or build upon their traditional is particularly difficult because of prescribed a given drug, immigrants skills and find venues to sell their NMWGP is absolutely dedicated to the language barrier, employment and refugees can find it hard to follow crafts, they are able to place healthy and providing vulnerable children and their inexperience and/or lack of education. instructions in a foreign language. adequate food on their families’ tables. families a chance to build dignified lives, Many women, who have lost their Albuquerque does have health clinics This has a positive impact on their self- self-worth and, above all, livelihoods spouses, migrate with their children and that are free to those who cannot esteem, as well as the quality of their to transform themselves and their have the responsibility of raising young afford a doctor, but waiting times and families’ lives. communities. i ones at home, which makes working transportation to and from these clinics Nkazi Sinandile co-founded New Mexico are often barriers to getting the services NMWGP is run out of a room provided particularly difficult. Women’s Global Pathways, which is located immigrants need. by Peanut Butter & Jelly (PB&J) Family Services at its Southeast Heights at 209 San Pablo SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108. Despite NM’s own Finally, immigrants experience both location, right in the middle of cultural diversity, subtle and blatant forms of racism after the International District. Every they arrive. Despite New Mexico’s own Monday and Wednesday, from 10 immigrants commonly cultural diversity, immigrants commonly a.m. to 1 p.m., the sounds of sewing experience forms report experiencing hostility, mistrust, machines, women learning English, racial slurs and even violence, simply and children playing are heard. of racism. because they are different. Children play inside this one room It’s important to know that immigrants, and in the adjacent playground For all of the above reasons, in 2009 and especially refugees, often have because there are currently no a group of women from Africa and experienced and witnessed violence, funds to pay a childcare worker. Asia—who themselves had made war and destruction. They have seen At this point, they still do not have the complex journey of migration— loved ones murdered, and many have their own shop to display and sell formed New Mexico Women’s Global languished in refugee camps for years. the bags, pillows, garments, jewelry Pathways. NMWGP, a program of These experiences and the culture shock and other crafts they create, but this the Immigrant and Refugee Resource of a new country demand a wide range is their goal. © Littleglobe Village of Albuquerque, is a grassroots, of physical- and mental-health services Nkazi Sinandile with her granddaughter Thandiwe. microenterprise program that teaches NMWGP artisans also make tote This is one of the many community portraits that that are hard to access. women basic craft skills to earn income, bags from recycled rice bags and will be exhibited during the ID Live! weekend. www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 17 Efficient and resourceful.

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18 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com Art continued from page 8 exercises that move around the circle, meaning that we have to wait, listen and watch. Between these opening and closing circles, we create together via carefully designed activities that encourage individual and group creativity, cooperation and teamwork and, well, joy.

At the end of each session, we feed everyone and give each person—even the children—an envelope of cash. In this way we compensate everyone for working as a collaborative artist.

Over the last six months we have seen what we see in every large-scale Littleglobe project: over time, people who don’t usually share the same space and, in this case, not even the same language, form significant bonds. Creating together, working together, eating together, week after week, month after month, in an atmosphere of creativity, shared risk, problem solving, and laughter, grows a strong connective tissue between us—a social fabric.

At the same time, significant individual and group capacity have been generated, especially in the last weeks now, as we approach the ID LIVE! weekend and the premiere of several co-created works of art. You can imagine what it might take for a large group of people of all ages, backgrounds, skills and talents to envision, design and then create and build major works. These works express the dreams and imaginings of a community collective, mined from months of shared work. On July 26-27, this large community ensemble will animate three spaces in the ID (two empty lots and one amphitheater) with large works of art, film and performance.

After the weekend festival, our job will be to channel this energy and capacity into a range of community development initiatives led by community members themselves. We do this by facilitating relationships, meetings and partnerships with individuals and organizations who can assist the leaders and teams that have emerged.

Art—Community—Long-Term Collaboration—Real Community Change. This is how it works. i Valerie Martínez is project co-director of Stories of Route 66: International District and artistic director of the Littleglobe/ ID Community Ensemble. She is a poet, educator, activist and collaborative artist. www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 19 When Did Buildings Become “Green”? Katherine Mortimer

orthern New Mexico is a green building grave” impact of these dwellings. They are the leader and has actually been so for penultimate example of green building, but their thousandsN of years. Ancient Anasazi Indian initial cost reduces their market even if they are homes were shaded from the summer sun by all but free to live in. building within an overhang of a cliff, under Green building programs began emerging which the low winter sun would then reach, early in the 2000s, first focusing on commercial heating up the stone and mud exteriors, thereby buildings and eventually on residential. Santa storing energy in thermal mass to be released Fe was one of the first communities to develop during the cold nights. The temperature of the a green building code. The current code affects rear of the dwellings would be kept fairly even only new, single-family residential buildings, but due to the thermal properties of the earth of a code for residential additions and remodels will the cliff the homes were built into. go into effect on Aug. 1, 2014, and a commercial Pueblo Indian descendants of the Anasazi code is being finalized. These programs and codes developed unique, stepped-design architecture address the lot design, resource-, energy- and and construction systems, which allowed water efficiency, indoor air quality and building- Among its many green attributes, the “Emerald Home” produces more a construction style similar to that of their Puye cliff dwellings, Santa Clara Pueblo owner education. They don’t look different energy than it uses. ancestors but could be employed where there from any other building and can therefore be wasn’t an existing cliff. They used limestone blocks or large adobe bricks (about 8x16x4 incorporated into any community’s historic or aesthetic style. inches), replicating the stone and mud walls of cliff dwellings. Rectangular rooms would Passive House, developed in Germany, is a standard to reduce the heating and cooling be built on top of each other, over generations, in an irregular pyramid fashion, sometimes load of a building by 90 percent or more. These buildings are super-tight, with little up to five stories high. The dense exterior walls would be warmed by the sun during natural ventilation from leaking, and super-insulated. They therefore require mechanical the day and reradiate it out at night, as with their ancestral cliff dwellings, although ventilation to maintain healthy indoor air quality. By adding a device that takes the the north side of these structures would be colder, not having a cliff to shield them. energy of the indoor conditioned air and exchanges it with the unconditioned outdoor air, it reduces the energy loss from leakier homes. Because this standard does not rely Evolving frontiers in green building on passive solar, buildings European building materials and techniques were imported from the East, even though the built to it look essentially building materials they call for, mostly wood, are in short supply here in New Mexico. This like traditional wood homes. represented a less-green time for New Mexico buildings. These buildings were outfitted While meeting this standard with furnaces, then evaporative (swamp) coolers and, eventually, air conditioners, using lots has meant added costs, Santa of then-abundant and cheap fuel and electricity. Then, in the 1970s, there was a resurgence Fe’s Habitat for Humanity is in passive-solar adobe construction, as well as a proliferation of other solar thermal-storage currently building a duplex strategies. Many of these buildings have more glass than would be recommended today using this standard as a guide and were designed to be “leaky” to allow for natural ventilation. demonstrating how it can be done affordably. While solar thermal panels have remained all but unchanged through that last half- century, photovoltaic (PV) panels have been steadily improving. 1970s’ solar-panel installations covered a much larger area than they do today to produce the same amount Passive House on Shoofly, Santa Fe, byM ojarrab of electricity. In the 1970s, PV installations could cover the south-facing side of a house, Stanford Architects (MoSA) and Daniel Buck even with the angle of the south wall tilted to maximize their efficiency. Construction

Buildings don’t exist alone. They are located within communities where people have to go to work, school, shop, get services, recreate, etc. The next horizon is to address the context within which buildings exist. Higher density reduces the number of vehicle miles traveled within a community and increases walking and biking, which, in turn, promotes public health. However, people enjoy their privacy, solitude and quiet, which may seem contrary to higher densities at first. There are examples of higher-density developments that detract from the visual and social environment. At the same time, © Seth R offman (3) there are examples of ones that contribute to them. I would venture to An earthship under construction, Taos County, NM guess that community design will be the next frontier in green building. Are we, in northern New Mexico, ready to be on the forefront of this Earthships took the energy self-sufficiency of passive and active solar systems and new chapter in green building as well? i design to a new level. Starting in the 1970s, as well, earthships have evolved to include self-sufficiency in all energy, water and food needs of the building and occupants and Katherine Mortimer is Sustainable Santa Fe programs manager for the city of incorporate recycled and readily available building materials, reducing the “cradle-to- Santa Fe. http://www.santafenm.gov/sustainable_Santa_fe

20 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com Training the Next Generation of Green Builders SF Community College’s YouthBuild Program

Jeff Hood and Devon Ludlow

icture for a moment a young man, 17 or 18, with a few tattoos, baggy pants and a ball cap to the side. To his left sits a smartly dressed, middle-aged man.P The older man checks his watch. Then, the young man’s parents walk in, and they’ve brought appetizers. This is a potluck in honor of the young man and his peers, students at Santa Fe Community College’s YouthBuild program. As they eat, the young man and his peers talk excitedly with parents and teachers about what they’re learning—the latest building techniques, R-values for walls, and job prospects in the fast-growing green building industry. Appetizers aside, what’s really happening is that parents, faculty and students are building bonds, paving the way for the future success of this young man and his classmates.

Fueled by a Department of Labor grant, YouthBuild combines SFCC’s Adult Education-GED program, Green Construction Skills certification program, and Teamwork in Action Leadership training program. YouthBuild students can earn a GED while studying green construction skills using computer-aided drafting and modeling, then work with faculty to find and keep jobs or move on to more advanced education. The program also offers financial support for food and transportation. For their part, students commit to a one-year, full-time program, five days a week. Their days are divided between academics and hands-on practice, building a sustainable house on campus that will be moved and sold to a low- income family in Santa Fe. Students learn a lexicon of cutting-edge building skills and technology, from advanced framing and envelope integrity to passive solar and high-efficiency heating and cooling. YouthBuild students come from every kind of background.

It’s much more than construction, though. These students are learning teamwork, problem solving, trust and patience. They’re also building camaraderie, confidence and a new philosophy, because when you study green building you’re studying green living. YouthBuild students come from every kind of background, and SFCC faculty members work with students and their parents to help build the crucial “soft” social skills, challenging students to broaden their horizons. And students rise to the challenge, becoming bright, creative and career-ready young adults.

In the end, these students will learn not just the techniques; they will learn more about themselves, that they have valuable skills to offer the world.Y outhBuild shows that a little time and trust can go a long way. Students leave behind old patterns and look forward to bigger goals and brighter dreams. So, look for them on the job; they’ll be the ones with a firm handshake ready to face any task, learn any skill, and to share with you all that they’ve learned.

In addition to YouthBuild, SFCC offers an associate in Applied Science and a certificate in Green Building Construction, as well as training through its Energy$mart Academy and Continuing Education programs. For more information, call 505.428.1270 or visit sfcc.edu i www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 21 22 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com 50 Shades of Green: Leadership by Example Two New Mexico Homes with Vision and Commitment to Sustainability Chris Webster

he world as we know it today has dramatically benefited from advancements and fiber-reinforced, breathable cement plaster compose the drainage plain and and discoveries in the realms of energy, technology and sustainable supplies. complete the wall system. TThe necessity to effectively apply this knowledge and resulting products to the Doors and windows average better than 0.3 U-value, and glazing design and practical world of designing and developing new homes and communities is of solar-heat coefficient are based on exposure. Passive solar elements on the south paramount importance as these changes become standard operating procedure. side provide naturally warmed interiors in winter. Exterior and interior shading New Mexico has long been recognized for its focused concentration on innovative devices control heat and glare. The structural roof framing is an engineered truss design, utilization and implementation of energy efficiencies, sustainable materials system, sloped for roof drainage, and provides a sealed cavity filled with insulation and environmentally friendly systems utilizing existing resources, all combined in of 16 to 24 inches in depth. Above the trusses, a reflective membrane keeps heat finished products that lead by example. buildup within the roof cavity to a minimum, while air intakes over windows—in frieze blocks and sheet metal shrouds—draw cool air that is convected in a mini- As a community, Santa Fe continues to demonstrate leadership through innovative, attic across the entire roof and, as warmed air, exhausts through roof-cap vents. cutting-edge developments in architecture, engineering and construction. People The roofing membrane contains a reflective aggregate and a high Solar Reflective from around the world visit Santa Fe to experience and learn from our community’s Index. Cooling needs are greatly reduced or eliminated even in the hottest month. diverse examples. Numerous newly designed and constructed “green” homes have been instituted city- and county-wide. Solar features are prevalent and are Windows and doors are constructed with Sustainable Forest Initiative harvested continually cropping up in all sectors, from Tomasita’s Restaurant downtown to lumber. All exposed timbers, wood decking, siding and trim have been milled from Casa Alegre to Eldorado. standing-dead Douglas fir trees that were harvested from Santa Clara Canyon in the aftermath of the 2011 wildfire. Interior casework is made from “no-added- Two exemplary, standout Santa Fe homes are available in today’s market, one urea formaldehyde” sheet goods, and coatings and sealers are water base and low recently designed and constructed, and the other a retrofit. in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

CASA CAROLINA Electrical-system demand is greatly reduced by LED fixtures and lamps. Lighting levels in living areas and exterior spaces are managed and customized with an intuitive, energy-saving lighting control system. All appliances are Energy Star® qualified. An easily monitored 4.4 kW photovoltaic solar system will greatly reduce electrical bills and bank electricity when the house is not occupied. A thermal solar system and a high-efficiency condensing boiler, which also feeds smartly zoned, hydronic under-floor heating, provide domestic hot water. Water-saving circulation pumps are zoned to reduce the length of water piping and deliver hot water only to where it is required. Interior plumbing fixtures are all low-flow and water-saving. Cooling, if needed, is available from a state-of-the-art evaporative cooling system that allows variable-volume passive airflow throughout the home while providing Casa Carolina, 129 Circle Drive, Santa Fe guilt-free indoor/outdoor living on the warmest days. An energy-recovery ventilator provides continuous fresh air. Occupancy sensors activate exhaust fans. Completed in June, 2014 by architect/builder Jim Satzinger, The irrigation system is supplied by a roof stormwater-catchment piping network AIA, LEED AP, of Satzinger and is stored in a use-monitoring underground storage tank. All native and Design, Inc., Casa Carolina semi-native plant materials have been chosen to minimize or eliminate the need exemplifies smart-home design for watering, and irrigation delivery is zoned to provide specific plant species and execution. Located on the requirements and minimize evaporation. north side and entered into the 2014 Santa Fe Homebuilders’ Parade of A Retrofit in Hondo Hills Opportunities for retrofitting an Homes, this home features many existing home can be as beneficial of the best available green-built as designing and building from options, articulated by its creator scratch. As demonstrated in as follows. Nathan Mackintosh’s Hondo Hills Design Concept: Sited on an east-sloping 2.7-acre parcel, the approach to the home, improved energy efficiency, main residence and studio follows existing topography, respecting the native foliage. entertainment and data amenity The floor plan weaves along the natural land contours between open but sheltered options are better than ever. courtyards. Sun and light are available in all spaces as the day unfolds. Indoor and Mackintosh applied his knowledge outdoor living areas are open and inviting and encourage an all-season lifestyle. and expertise in electronics to incorporate a new high-efficiency Energy- and Water-saving Materials and Systems: An insulated barrier heating system, a state-of-the-art entertainment center and a custom programmable wraps both the inside and outside of all walls, floors and doorsills, providing LED lighting system. increased interior comfort and reducing energy needs. The thermal break and seal at exterior doorsills are particularly innovative, energy-efficient designs. The Specific energy-saving features in the home include Low/-E glass in windows wall and roof envelopes include the latest in insulation and air-barrier strategies. that prevent the sun’s heat from overpowering the regulated air temperature Exterior walls are filled with blown fiberglass insulation. A membrane with taped systems, hydronic radiant baseboard heating from the New Mexico company, seams forms the exterior air barrier and foam-sealed, rigid styrene “outsulation” continued on page 25 www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 23 Rainwater: Good Water with Good Uses Doug Pushard or millennia, humans used rainwater for a variety of purposes, including drinking, These two technologies are well known, used around the world, and not highly expensive. washing and irrigation. Yet these days, rainwater can be highly polluted and Rainwater can be used for irrigation without much processing and can be made potable notF suitable for use. Still, it is one of our purest sources for water, and with the right with appropriate, widely used technology. In addition, there are other uses for rainwater treatment, it has many uses. that can have a meaningful impact on our water use that are worth considering. When rain falls onto a polluted roadway or roof, it becomes contaminated with Toilet flushing is one such example. Flushing human waste down the toilet is the top use everything it touches. But before it hits the ground, rainwater is relatively pure. of clean drinking water in most households. Why use a limited resource for something Compared to well water (i.e., groundwater), which is typically very high in minerals, that literally goes down the drain? Clothes washing is another great use for rainwater. rainwater is cleaner and easier to purify. And unlike the water in lakes and streams (i.e., The water used for flushing toilets and washing clothes doesn’t need to be treated to surface water), rainwater contains no pharmaceuticals, minerals or pollutants. drinking water standards. Recently released plumbing codes recognize that alternative With the right treatment, rainwater can be water sources such as rainwater can be used in both toilets and washing machines with the proper signage and precautions. By implementing these simple applications, a typical used to drink, flush, bathe and irrigate. household could drop its potable water usage by more than a third. We drink, flush, bathe and irrigate with water from wells, streams and lakes and can Such savings would greatly reduce your monthly water bill and help in a variety of do the same with rainwater. The planned use of the rainwater determines the type of other ways. One big, indirect cost saver would be reducing the need for new water treatment necessary. treatment plants. In the Santa Fe area, the recently constructed Buckman Regional If you are using rainwater in a drip irrigation system, very little treatment is needed— Water Treatment Plant cost in excess of $220 million, and expanding this plant or just simple gutter or canale screens and then a 200-mesh filter. The filter prevents the building another one is likely to cost much more. Delaying this forever, or for as long sand and particulates from clogging up the drip heads. Rain is nature’s way of watering as possible, would be in all our best interests. plants, and your garden will thrive on it. Unlike typical municipal water and well water, Additionally, by cutting down on our potable water use we reduce the pollution from rainwater contains no salts or minerals. In fact, rain dilutes salts in our soils that can, transporting and treating water. It is estimated that conveying, treating and delivering over the long term, be very harmful for landscaping. potable water consumes about 15 to 19 percent of the nation’s power. The Buckman Much finer filtration is required to make rainwater suitable for drinking. Along with Direct Diversion project has installed solar panels to reduce this reliance on fossil fuels, the canale or downspout screens, a 25-micron filter followed by a five- or one-micron but it is still one of the major costs to this utility. filter is required. Like lake, stream and pond water, rainwater will contain bacteria. City Rainwater is free, and although climate changes and changing weather patterns may water is treated with chlorine to address this problem. Small municipal and residential affect its regularity and intensity, it should be part of the solution to our water future. systems typically use either ultraviolet light (UV), ozone or both to deal with this issue. It is cleaner than most other sources, and its use is only limited by our imagination. i Save Energy, Save Water—What to Do? Decisions about what to do to live more sustainably can be complex. ife is complex today; there is no doubt. Gone are the days of simple decisions of Energy Solutions New Mexico. “Home energy planning can help a homeowner if you are going to live in today’s world in an active way. Even simple-sounding understand their building—its energy strengths and weaknesses—and how to make the decisionsL can be daunting—what phone to buy, what foods are good for me, or how most economical improvements. While economics are important,” Wilson continued, much exercise do I really need? Then there are more complex decisions such as, what I “comfort is the main driving force for most home energy improvements.” should do to live more sustainably? Too many choices, too many conflicting views and For water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an irrigation audit too many alternatives can cloud our ability to decide. Many put off making a decision, certification program that teaches professionals how to perform and report on irrigation even though our intentions are very good. efficiency and effectiveness. The city of Santa Fe has partnered with the SFCC to offer So how do we try to live on a water- or energy budget? Should I install a photovoltaic this program locally. The next class is scheduled for Nov. 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14 at the Santa system, a rainwater system, a geothermal or solar thermal system? These competing Fe Convention Center. Graduates must both pass a test and perform a water audit choices can all save big dollars over the long term, help reduce our carbon/water before being certified. footprints and are great alternatives for the environment. Many property owners are not City of Santa Fe Water Conservation Manager Laurie Trevizo states, “We are pleased fortunate enough to do all of them, so we have to choose which to do first or which we to offer landscape professionals an opportunity to be nationally certified and expand can really afford, and not do the others. They are all good options and, if done properly, their business. Some of the benefits of landscape evaluations include reducing water will increase your security and provide a positive return on your investment. consumption, increasing the efficiency of your irrigation system and ultimately But how to choose? How to prioritize? A good starting point is to gain an understanding saving money on water bills.” To register for the class, go to www.santafenm.gov/ of how much you could save, energy- or water-wise. Water and energy audits are a waterconservation great way to start. These will give you an understanding of where you should spend Investments in energy and water systems such as photovoltaic, solar thermal and your hard-earned dollars and what options are first steps to consider. rainwater harvesting are great ways to save money, energy and water; however, reducing On the energy side of the equation, it is possible to save up to 30 percent of what you what you are already using should always be the first step. Get an audit and save. already pay for by performing an energy audit, according to the U.S. Department Information and a DIY video for homeowners may be viewed at: http:// of Energy (www.energy.gov/public-services/homes). Santa Fe Community College www.sfcc.edu/NM_energysmart_academy i (SFCC) has a home audit energy program and graduates certified auditors. A list of local certified auditors is available at www.bpi.org/homeowners.aspx Doug Pushard, founder of HarvestH2o.com, is a member of the city of Santa Fe Water Conservation Committee. He designs and installs active and passive rainwater “While most people can identify and repair obvious energy issues in their homes, a systems in northern New Mexico. [email protected] trained energy auditor can give you a more comprehensive view,” said Xubi Wilson

24 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com 50 Shades of Green continued from page 23

19 Piute Road, Hondo Hills, Santa Fe

Runtal, in conjunction with passive Given the strength, as well as depth, of solar heat by direct gain and thermal- the creative and intelligence quotient mass retention, a Lutron automation per capita found in northern New system for lighting and exhaust fans, as Mexico, it’s no wonder our community well as an entire home exhaust system and its dwellings are looked upon as recirculating fresh air as programmed. stellar examples of world leadership, The recirculating domestic hot water innovative design, and sustainable system prevents waste while otherwise accomplishment—50 shades of green, waiting for hot water and allows the and counting. i system to remain off when water is not Chris Webster of in demand. Webster Enterprises, oversees and coordinates Wireless technology eliminates having numerous activities to install wiring to numerous amenities. in the arts, real estate All aspects of electronically driven and development, equipment and systems, whether it be business consulting, lighting, the home’s environment, or investments and entertainment, may be manipulated philanthropy, and is an associate broker with Sotheby’s International Realty - Santa Fe. and controlled through a smart phone, 505.780.9500, chris@webster-enterprises. tablet or computer. com, www.chriswebster.com

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Call Skip Whitson at 505.471.5177 or Anna Hansen at 505.982.0155 www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 25 Build Tight and Ventilate Right Amanda Hatherly

id you know that the there was always air moving through or this can lead to mold. Environmental Protection the house. Energy was cheap, and there Cooking on a gas stove DAgency lists poor indoor air quality as was no concern about climate change. without a good kitchen fan the fourth largest environmental threat If you were cold or hot you could adjust has been shown to increase to the United States? And that this the thermostat. asthma and COPD attacks. poor indoor air often leads to allergies And think of pests and the But now we are making houses very and asthma problems? Asthma is the pesticides used to kill them. tight. Is this wise? You’ve probably heard leading serious chronic illness for Air in the house can be quite people say, “A house needs to breathe.” children, and there are about 40 million toxic sometimes. That’s a big myth. Houses do not need can be connected to the home they live people in the United States who are to breathe—the people inside them Are you still sure you want to let in. There is a small energy penalty for affected by allergies. In addition, the do. And what is the best way to do your house breathe? We really need using a continuous-ventilation fan, but air we breathe in our houses can cause that? Well, if we rely on the cracks and a controlled way to get rid of stale or research has shown that to leave a house other health problems. leaks in a house or opening windows contaminated air in our house. leaky enough to provide adequate fresh for natural ventilation, this air, you need to leave it so leaky that So we want to create energy-efficient is what you may get in your you are wasting a lot more energy than houses that are tight, and we want to air: pollen, dust and particles a fan would use. Systems that many bring in fresh air, and we want to get from car exhaust. A recent builders use today pass the incoming rid of stale or contaminated air. How study showed that children and outgoing air through a small heat do we do that? who live near highways have exchanger, thus pretempering the fresh higher rates of ADHD from incoming air3 and saving energy. the pollutants that come into The air we breathe in 1 We want to live in safe houses. Building their homes. And what about our airtight houses can codes originated to address our safety. people living alone who don’t Now, as we become more aware of feel safe leaving their windows cause health problems. energy issues and our health, we have open? Relying on opening The Tenement House Act of 1879 was more responsible builders, standards windows for ventilation isn’t one of the first attempts to address and codes that ensure our safety by also What’s this got to do with green building? practical in many cases. ventilation in the United States, written carefully controlling the air that we One of the key requirements of any to ensure that people living in tenement If you have a crawlspace, moldy, creepy breathe. i “green” home these days is that it needs housing in big cities like New York had things often live down there; that 1. Newman, Nicholas C et al. “Traffic-Related Air to be energy efficient. And one of the some source of fresh air—a window, for crawlspace air can leak into your home. Pollution Exposure in the First Year of Life and big things that must be done to create example. Now we have a standard called Behavioral Scores at 7 Years of Age.” Environmental The dead mouse that died in your walls? health perspectives 121.6 (2013): 731. http://ehp.niehs. an energy-efficient home is to build it ASHRAE 62.22, which guides indoor The leaky air is leaking past that, too. nih.gov/1205555/ airtight, with few or no leaks or cracks for air quality in many green building codes. And the worker who left his lunch in 2. American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air- heat to sneak in or out of. New Mexico Conditioning Engineers the wall by mistake as he installed the state code and various local codes address The best way to ensure good air quality? drywall? You get the point. Build tight and ventilate right. 3. Heat Recovery Ventilators or Enthalpy Recovery air tightness. People living in older homes Ventilators (HRV or ERV) are also sealing up cracks to cut out drafts Think of all the things we bring into Have a controlled, continuous system and reduce their energy bills. Amanda Hatherly is the director of the EnergySmart our house—the new sofa that off-gases that filters the incoming air and exhausts Academy and the Center of Excellence at Santa Fe chemicals, the cleaning products or air This is all well and good on its own, but the stale air. These are becoming standard Community College. She is on the board of the fresheners we might use, etc. We need what about the air quality inside these in many homes, particularly as more Santa Fe Area Homebuilders Association and the a way to get rid of them effectively. curriculum committee for the National Center homes? Older houses had plentiful leaks and more people realize that allergies, And we need to get rid of the moisture for Healthy Housing. She teaches classes in energy or chimneys with ill-fitting dampers, so asthma and other health complaints we create when we shower or cook, efficiency and environmental health.

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26 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com Leaky Ducts: How Much Energy ($) Do They Waste? Rodney Fox

ne of the biggest wastes of energy I encounter when performing energy audits is from leaky ducting. From the data I’ve collected over the years, I findO the average is about 10 percent. So, if your building has ductwork that runs either in your attic or crawlspace and it’s leaky, you can use this simple formula to determine how much those leaky ducts cost you during the heating season:

Annual total of 12 utility bills Example Gas or electric, depending on how you heat your building $2,000 - Average of the three lowest monthly bills x 12 ($50 + $45 + $55) / 3 = $50 $50 x 12 = $600 = Your probable heating cost $1,400 x Industry standard factor of 1.1 $1,400 x 1.1 = $1,540 (accounts for winter variance when more consumption can be expected) x 0.10 (10% average leaky duct factor) $1,540 x 0.10 = Annual cost of duct leakage (for heating) $ 154

Of course, your costs may vary. But wouldn’t you rather keep that money in your pocket? And what else does leaky ducting cost you? Well, for one, your health. A good forced-air system should be a closed system, where roughly the same amount complete. If you pay your neighbor’s kid $10/hour, of air that is blowing out of the supply registers is also being sucked back into it will cost you about $300 plus materials, which the system through return registers. I rarely see them sized appropriately. With should include a good drop light and extension cord, a an unbalanced system, two things can occur: painter’s coverall, a bandana for your head, a headlamp, 1. If you have leaky return ducting, which takes the air in your house and routes several good dust masks (or even a respirator), and a it back to the air handler, you’re picking up garbage air from the attic or crawl box full of nitrile gloves (because you don’t want to space—or both—like carbon monoxide, fiberglass, radon, mold and bacteria get that goop all over your hands). Still sound like of all sorts and depositing this junk into your home. These contaminants can too much? You can often skip all of the straight pipe be deadly. Get headaches often? Respiratory problems? connections because they tend to leak far less than the junctions (where one shape of metal ducting joins with 2. The other problem is that the furnace needs to work that much harder to another). So, if you were to seal only the 24 junction condition the air again. For example, if it’s 20 degrees in your attic and there points, your cost for the neighbor’s kid’s labor would be only $80. is a leak in your return ducting, what normally would have been 60–70 degree return air now gets injected with that 20-degree air, and your furnace has to work harder to heat it up. This also works in the inverse; that is, if you send In most cases, the fix is simple. cool air through leaky ducts in your attic for air-conditioning (AC) in the What’s not simple is the labor. summer, that cool air gets injected with the 120-degree heat in the attic, making the AC work really hard to cool and dehumidify that air. If you have Using the annual leakage cost example of $154 and a cost of $350 for the work, the leaky supply ducting, you’re going to get cold rooms, inconsistent heating payback would be around two years, with an annual rate of return on investment throughout the building, and a warm attic or crawl space—or both—venting of over 50 percent. If you use AC, the savings will increase by at least another 25 your hard-earned money right out into the atmosphere. percent. That’s good business sense. With the problem fixed, you will enjoy more comfort, better health and the peace of mind of knowing you’ve reduced your In most cases, the fix is simple: flexible duct mastic over every duct joint. What’s carbon footprint a little more. i not simple is the labor. It’s a miserable job crawling around in your crawl space or attic, trust me. But it’s absolutely necessary. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you Rodney Fox is an energy-efficiency and weatherization wizard in the greater Santa Fe/ Albuquerque area. He is committed to sustainable living and carbon reduction on a massive can hire a high-school kid or someone who needs the money scale, one building at a time. 505.216.6119, [email protected], www.amgi.net because, to be quite honest, it’s not rocket science applying the mastic. What it takes is a willingness to get dirty for a while. You can pick up a bucket of mastic at Home Depot for about $15. Just paint it on or smear it on with your hands, being sure to squeeze it into every crack and hole. Use this easy formula to determine how much time it will take:

Example 1. Count all supply and return registers (grates) in your building and multiply by two. 12 x 2 = 24 2. From each supply and return register, count the number of long strides (4 ft.) it takes to get from the register to the furnace (most metal ducting comes in 4-ft. lengths). 10 + 8 + 8 + 4 + 20 + 12 + 12 + 6 + 6 + 12 + 6 + 4 = 108 3. Multiply that number by 0.6 (many supply registers share supply ducting). 108 x 0.6 = 64.8 (65 rounded) 4. Add the total from number 1 to the total from number 3. 24 + 65 = 89

In the example above, there are 89 areas needing sealing. My average is three per hour. So, in this example, we can assume the project will take about 30 hours to www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 27 Green-Built Homes Are Affordable Homes Kim Shanahan

he persistent myth that green-built on a duplex project off Henry Lynch homes are more expensive than Road, built to Passive House standards. T“regular” homes is dispelled every day Designed by local architect Jonah by builders producing some of the most Stanford, the project exemplifies Habitat’s affordable homes in our state. This article commitment to pushing the envelope will look at four of the best: two in Santa on maximizing the tightness of the Fe, one in Albuquerque, and one being building envelope. The total number of built all over New Mexico. homes in America built to this standard is estimated to be in the low hundreds, The obvious place to start when discussing which makes Habitat’s efforts truly affordability is Habitat for Humanity. As worthy of recognition and applause. an organization, it is one of the top five One of the homes will be featured in the builders in America by volume. But it is a Haciendas—A Parade of Homes, put bottom-up organization, with each local on by the Santa Fe Area Home Builders chapter determining its own building Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity Passive House duplex Association in August. style and methods of construction. Not and construction. Rob was for many business, and Tom has stepped up Jerry’s surprisingly, the Santa Fe chapter, led by Another local nonprofit builder with years the head of BT Homes, a Santa Fe- commitment to affordable green building. Executive Director Ted Swisher, is one an entry in the Parade of Homes will based builder/developer with dominant As an organization with subdivisions all of the greenest in the national Habitat be Homewise. Most Santa Feans are market share until the building crash of over New Mexico and southern Colorado, family. aware that Homewise is an affordable- 2008. Rob recognized that, if Homewise they bring a commitment to green building housing provider, but they may not were to compete effectively with national in every community they build. Santa Fe Habitat recognized early on that know how committed it is to building production builders, it would need to be its clients, who only earn from 33 to 60 energy-efficient homes. Like Habitat as green and energy-efficient as possible. percent of area median income, need the Comfortable for Humanity, Homewise (operating Rob began working with Larry Gorman, smallest utility bills possible, which means in Albuquerque as “Homesmart”) a pioneering New Mexico Home Energy superefficient homes the most energy-efficient homes that recognizes that affordability goes far Rating System (HERS) rater credited can be built on really tight construction with predictable and beyond the initial purchase price of a with mainstreaming the evolution of budgets. The evolution of specifications home; it is also about how much it costs “building science” for New Mexico affordable utility bills of their homes over the past decade has to operate. homebuilders. Rob was an eager student been dramatic as they continued to seek The Wades were also one of the first to and helped mentor the growth and maximum efficiency. Executive Director Mike Loftin, in his offer full solar options on their homes education of Platinum Sky Construction, more than two decades of overseeing for true net-zero energy usage. Their Because the homes are built primarily owned by Joseph and Valerie Montoya. Homewise’s growth, has built an distinctive craftsman-style, pitched-roof with volunteer labor, attention to detail Platinum Sky builds all of Homewise’s organization that does far more than homes are not out of place in Santa Fe is guaranteed by a core of consistent subdivisions. All of Platinum Sky’s homes simply qualifying buyers for the city and and harken back to a look often seen in local volunteers who have turned their routinely achieve HERS ratings in the some of Santa Fe’s oldest, most cherished mid-50s, which means they are more than neighborhoods. The pitch of their roofs twice as efficient as an average Santa Fe also lends itself to unobtrusive installation home, estimated to be in the mid-120s. of photovoltaic solar panels. Santa Fe’s newest entry into affordable, As a for-profit builder going head to highly efficient homes is being built by head with the nonprofit Homewise and Palo Duro Homes in a subdivision off the publicly traded behemoth Centex Agua Fría Road near Agua Fría Village. Homes, this new but very experienced Owned by Jerry Wade and his son, Tom, New Mexico builder promises to shake this duo brings 56 years of New Mexico up the affordable-homes market in Santa home building experience as they jump Fe, which will certainly benefit the area’s into the 220-lot commitment they are first-time homebuyers. The initial Palo Palo Duro Homes Craftsman-style with photovoltaic solar making in Santa Fe. Duro model home is expected to be Jerry Wade was an early adopter of finished in time for the Santa Fe Parade “retirement” years into full-time jobs. county affordability programs. Homewise energy-efficient homes, even before of Homes. They are on-site every day to ensure that buys raw land, develops it, designs the they were called “green.” He made a The builder least familiar to Santa the never-ending stream of out-of-town houses, hires the contractor, qualifies the name for himself in the ’90s by building Feans, but one who is quickly making and part-time volunteers stays on track. buyers, originates the loans, and then Albuquerque’s South Valley to a standard an impressive national reputation, is They also make sure the cadre of student often services those mortgages for the life called “Building America,” developed Albuquerque’ s Paul Allen Green Built workers from Santa Fe ¡YouthWorks! is of the loan. And those are just some of the by the U.S. Department of Energy. Homes. Rex Paul Wilson, developer and learning both how to build houses and myriad of services it provides. Jerry became nationally known for his builder of the Saltillo Subdivision on why energy efficiency matters. pioneering efforts, in part because of the One of Loftin’s most fortuitous moves Albuquerque’s West Side, designed and larger-than-life character he embodies. Habitat stepped up its commitment to in recent years was bringing on Rob created specifications for super-efficient While still active, Jerry is handing Tom affordable super-efficiency by taking Gibbs to be in charge of development affordable homes. The unique look is all the reins of day-to-day operations of the

28 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com Times Are Changing for Sustainably Built Homes Steve Hale

bout two months ago, funding for the New Mexico Sustainable Building Banks and mortgage lenders take into account the amount of the mortgage Tax Credit ran out. Although the program was to be in effect through payment, including taxes and interest, but when it comes to utility bills, they 2016,A the funding had an annual cap to be shared by single-family, multi-family, don’t even consider them. A granite countertop will add value, but a $100-lower manufactured housing and commercial construction interests across the state. The monthly utility bill isn’t a factor. This, by the way, has been a major issue of concern incentives worked great, better at helping the building sector than likely any other for green builders for more than 10 years. credit has helped its targeted area—such as the film industry—at an amazing 10 That may be changing. I recently talked with a mortgage broker who will be rolling times the annual amount. out a “real” energy-efficient mortgage program that will plow annual energy savings Since 2007, this incentive has transformed the home-building industry to make back into reducing the principal of the mortgage. Imagine having the mortgage New Mexico a national leader in sustainably built homes. What is meant by reduced by $500 per year while living comfortably in a home that you are paying “sustainably built”? Homes that are built to be more comfortable, have better less to operate than most existing homes of the same or even smaller size. That is indoor air quality, are energy- and water-efficient, and utilize better and fewer a winning combination, and it will change the home-valuation process. materials than their code-minimum brethren. These homes have been built across Build Green New Mexico is in the process of revising its program, which is based the state and are mostly in the affordable price range of first-time buyers, those on the National Green Building Standard (ICC 700-2012). We are raising the moving up, and even for Habitat for Humanity homes. bar for energy- and water efficiency and making sure that the indoor air quality So, what now? Housing has not made much of a comeback since the Great is correct in these tightly built homes. It’s an interesting and exciting time for Recession. Fewer homes are being permitted this year than last. The surprise is green builders and one that will challenge them to not only that they are still building green. Maybe they are trying to figure out the next build great homes but also to tell the sustainability story in their move, but, for now, most builders are still building exceptional homes and having marketing. i them third-party-certified by Build Green New Mexico or LEED for Homes. Steve Hale, a custom homebuilder and remodeler in the Albuquerque area One of the biggest issues with building these great homes is the appraisal process. since 1986, has been program director of Build Green New Mexico since 2009. his own, but Wilson credits his daughters start in the mid-$130s and top out in “Greenwash Action” Takes on Industry- for pushing him to incorporate green the mid-$280s. That’s affordable, even Backed Green-Building Standards principles into the construction. without the affordable housing mandates that Santa Fe builders must comply with. Green Globes is a green-building rating system backed by chemicals, plastics and With an oft-repeated tag line of “less timber industries as a cheaper and easier alternative to LEED, the U.S. Building than one hundred dollars a year to heat Wilson often notes that many of his buyers Council’s standards that are the nation’s preeminent green certification. Green and cool your home,” Wilson makes a are out-of-town empty-nesters migrating Globes is administered by the Green Building Initiative (GBI), whose board of directors is largely made up of representatives of those industries, as are many of bold claim for a housing market that to the Southwest who have done their its members and supporters, along with trade associations and industry lobbying relies on both a good deal of electricity research and picked Albuquerque because groups that are conducting media campaigns against LEED and the USGBC. for air conditioning and a good deal of of his homes and the comfort they have, natural gas for heating. With homes knowing they can live out their golden Green Globes has made inroads at state and federal government levels. The General built to the Gold level of the National years on a fixed income with predictable Services Administration approved the rating system in November, 2013 as an alternative to LEED. Through gubernatorial executive orders, several states have Green Building Standards and LEED for and affordable utility bills. Paul Allen banned the use of LEED in public construction projects, and legislation banning homes, and with HERS ratings from zero Green Built Homes may not have huge LEED is expected to be filed in the states of Oregon and Washington. to the mid-50s, Paul Allen Green Built market share in the Albuquerque market, Homes can stand by its claim. but its unparalleled success is clearly Greenpeace and the Sierra Club have recently launched “Greenwash Action” setting a high bar for the competition and (greenwashaction.org), a campaign to expose Green Globes. The environmental Like other builders mentioned in this groups say Green Globes’ standards aren’t strict enough on forest stewardship is moving that very competitive market in article, Wilson makes sure the home’s and disclosure of whether the ingredients in building materials are nontoxic. The an ever-greener direction. envelope (walls, floors and roofs) is as use of toxic chemicals in carpet and other materials actually gets points in that system. The groups also say that Green Globes has no mandatory prerequisites efficient as can be. With 2x8 walls, twice Green building has long stopped being to ensure that buildings meet minimum performance levels and that its approach as thick as typical Albuquerque homes, he a fad or even a trend. It may soon stop to assessing energy does not fully address actual energy performance, contains achieves R-30 with blown-in fiberglass being a movement and simply be what loopholes and is subject to gaming. insulation. R-10 rigid insulation on is. The fact that some of New Mexico’s New Mexico Ranks High for foundation walls and under slabs keeps most affordable homes are also some Residential LEED-certified Homes the floor temperatures well modulated, and of its greenest should finally put to rest R-60 roof insulation is more than double forever the notion that green building is According to a recent U.S. Green Building Council report, New Mexico is one of the top states for homes build to LEED-certified standards. The EE“L D in Motion: that of the average Albuquerque home. too expensive for the average American Residential” reports ranks New Mexico, with 1,698 qualifying projects, 10th out homebuyer. It is also one of New Mexico’s Highly efficient mechanical equipment, of all states in green building for single-family homes, low-rise apartments and areas that can truly claim to be one of the condo projects. ENERGY STAR® appliances and nation’s best. i windows, along with sensible design The report says that across the country, since 2005, the green share of new single- and orientation on the lot, allow Wilson Kim Shanahan is the family residential construction has increased from 2 percent in 2005 to 23 percent to achieve some of the most efficient executive officer of the in 2013, and that green-labeled homes sell for an average of 9 percent more Santa Fe Area Home production homes built in America, than conventional homes. Financial incentives for homebuilders average from Builders Association $20,000 to $25,000 per home. To read the full report, visit http://go.usgbc.org/ without breaking the bank of his buyers. and a former builder of rs/usgreenbuilding/images/LEED-in-Motion-Residential.pdf Indeed, homes in the Saltillo Subdivision affordable green-built homes. www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 29 Manny Cline of Guadalupe HealinG ServiCeS returns to practice after a 10 year hiatus. psychic Healer 505.310.3556

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30 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com OP-Ed: It’ s Time for New Mexico to Adopt Modern Building Energy Codes Tammy Fiebelkorn

hat year is it? For New Mexico’s There are many reasons for New Mexico building industry, it’s still 2009. to adopt the 2015 energy conservation That’sW the outdated version of the codes. The most obvious one is that International Energy Conservation building science is continually evolving, Code that New Mexico still follows. with new products and construction methods being introduced continuously New Mexico skipped right over the to the market. Building codes are 2012 codes without any discussion meant to keep the building industry about updating them. current with the latest in building “When consumers buy a new science. New Mexicans should reap house, they enjoy more comfort and the benefits of the latest innovations affordability if the house is built to in the building industry, making new the most current building energy buildings as inexpensive to operate and codes,” said Jim Meyers of Southwest as comfortable as possible. Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP). Another important reason to upgrade “Homebuyers in New Mexico are the New Mexico state energy- ruled in favor of the appellants on one How does New Mexico compare with missing that opportunity.” conservation codes is the new carbon of the seven legal issues included in the other states in SWEEP’s territory? Building code templates are updated dioxide (CO2) emissions standards appeal. The remaining six issues await Of the three Southwest states that every three years, and those templates recently proposed by the U.S. deliberation. In the meantime, the state have statewide energy codes, New are made available for jurisdictions to Environmental Protection Agency continues to operate under the rolled- Mexico lags behind Nevada and Utah, tailor and adopt. The International Code (EPA) to combat climate change. The back version of the 2009 codes. both of which have adopted the 2012 Council (ICC) develops these templates standards call for a 30 percent reduction International Energy Conservation with input from building officials, builders in CO2 emissions from existing power New Mexico now has an Code. Although Arizona does not and industry professionals from across plants by 2030. The proposed standards have a statewide code, a 2013 study the nation. The ICC regularly updates give states the flexibility to include opportunity to catch up. found that nearly 60 percent of all the energy-conservation codes—along emissions reductions from energy- construction in the state occurs in Rather than continuing to fight over with codes for plumbing, electrical and efficiency strategies in their compliance jurisdictions that have adopted the which version of 2009 codes will general construction—to ensure that new plans, including greater building- 2012 energy code. remain in effect in New Mexico, buildings are constructed using the latest energy efficiency through codes. many are calling upon the Martínez Will New Mexico adopt 2015 energy in building technology and provide the The state’s decision to move forward administration and the CIC to begin codes that offer savings and added best value to building owners and users. with adoption of the 2015 building immediately the process of reviewing comfort to building owners and users? codes or remain stagnant with the and adopting the 2015 energy code. Or will we continue to lag behind in 2009 version will be made by top state Revisions to the template need to code development, delivering six-plus leaders. Under Gov. Martínez, steps be tailored to New Mexico’s unique year-old building science and less-than- in this area have all been backward. geography and traditional building optimal construction of new buildings There was the ill-fated attempt, on Gov. methods and can take several months. statewide? Since the governor sets the Martínez’s first day in office, to block The process should begin now in order tone for many important issues in this the publication of the energy-efficient to allow the 2015 codes to become state—including updated building New Mexico code (among several effective in 2015. Building industry energy codes—we look for either Gov. other environmental protections) leaders are coming out in favor of Martínez or her successor to move New that was developed during the past adoption of 2015 codes. Mexico forward and get these upgrades administration via a year-long public done. i process. The state Supreme Court “The idea of skipping the 2012 codes Tammy Fiebelkorn is the state representative overruled that attempt, and the energy- in favor of immediately adopting the 2015 version is gaining traction for the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, saving code was published. a public-interest among many of the state’s building organization that The next step backward was the professionals, including members of advances energy administration’s appointment of new the Santa Fe Area Home Builders efficiency in the members to the CIC, who voted, Association (SFAHBA), members of Southwestern The most recent 2015 energy codes through a questionable process, to the CIC and staff at the Construction states of Arizona, were released on June 1, 2014, and New replace the progressive codes with 2009 Industries Division. It just makes sense, Colorado, Mexico now has an opportunity to Nevada, New base codes. Several environmental and especially since the 2015 codes formally catch up. The Construction Industries Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. www.swenergy. policy groups, as well as businesses, recognize an energy-performance path Commission (CIC) should begin the org builders and individuals, filed an that is used extensively by builders in process of adopting the 2015 codes appeal of this roadblock, and it is still New Mexico,” said Kim Shanahan, now, so they can go into effect at the in progress. The Court of Appeals has executive officer of the SFAHBA. beginning of next year. www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 31 32 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com City and County Launch Sustainable Santa Fe S larize Santa Fe! Monthly Update The Sustainable Santa Fe Commission’s current efforts Craig O’Hare are focused on projects that integrate sustainability practices into all city operations and increase t’s time to “Solarize Santa Fe!” The had no idea that solar was so affordable. awareness and understanding of these practices city and county of Santa Fe have I’ve wanted to go solar for awhile now among city employees. The targeted projects involve embarkedI on a cooperative public but thought it was still just for the improvements in public accountability, updates to the outreach campaign to promote the well-to-do.” Solar photovoltaic (PV) city’s sustainability and climate adaptation plan, and benefits of solar power to homeowners electric systems are less than half the the creation of training resources for facility managers. When sustainable practices are integrated throughout all municipal operations and each department is held and businesses. The “Solarize Santa cost they were just five to six years ago. accountable for progress, larger-scale improvements can follow, and the city can Fe” initiative has two components: 1) Both PV and solar thermal (water and serve as a model for the private sector. a marketing and advertising campaign space heating) systems enjoy 40 percent to increase public awareness on the income tax credits and can be totally The following projects are high priorities for the SSF Commission from June cost-effectiveness of solar systems or close to “zero cost” from the get-go. through August, 2014: these days, and 2) public education The monthly loan payment for your The Sustainable Santa Fe Plan Revision. Revisions will include an adaptation plan and free advice to those interested solar system can be about the same as based on current climate-projection science and a training package for city facility in solar but who have additional the reduction or elimination of your managers. The revised plan will be presented in a digestible form for use by city staff questions or concerns before they electric, natural gas, or propane bills, to set annual sustainability objectives specific to each department. move forward with installing a system making it cash-neutral from the first for their property. The Santa Fe Green month of owning your system. For Identify Existing Sustainability Measures. The Commission is working with city Chamber of Commerce and the Santa those that qualify (gross household facility managers to identify current sustainability measures and define specific implementation plans. Fe Alliance for Clean Energy are also income less than $104,000 per year), a partners on this initiative. loan from Homewise, a nonprofit low- Community Scorecard. This report will measure and track progress over time, and moderate-income lender, can be a providing annual, trackable indicators for citywide greenhouse gas emissions, On June 11, the Santa Fe mayor and great option. Many solar companies energy and water consumption, green economic development, and other areas of City Council adopted a resolution offer attractive financing as well. In sustainability. Baseline data, national averages and comparisons between Santa formally expressing their commitment addition, a solar system increases the Fe’s current status and stated objectives will be included. to the Solarize Santa Fe! campaign. resale value of a home or commercial The Santa Fe County Commission Environmental Impact Questions. Three questions will be proposed as additions property. addressed a similar resolution on to the financial impact statement required for city resolutions and ordinances. Mandatory evaluation and reporting of environmental impact, prior to approval June 24. Both governing bodies have Solarize Santa Fe! aims to educate of new city policies and laws, will prevent unintended negative impacts and assist previously established aggressive the public about how solar systems with integrating sustainability into all city actions. policies promoting solar power in our are now quite cost-effective—making region—the city via its “Sustainable both dollars and sense. Contact me Santa Fe residents are encouraged to participate in SSFC projects on subcommittees. Santa Fe Plan” and the county in its for more information at 505.992.3044 The commission meets on the thirdT uesday of every month, from 2:30–4:30 p.m. in “Sustainable Growth Management or [email protected]. The the Council Conference Room in City Hall. Interested community members should contact the commission staff, Katherine Mortimer, at [email protected]. Plan.” The city and county recognize county cannot recommend specific solar nm.us. Other information can be found at http://sustainablesantafe.wordpress.com the environmental and public health companies to install your solar system, benefits of transitioning to clean, but we do maintain an informative list renewable solar power and also the of companies that do business in the New Green Building Code in Santa Fe Aug. 1 significant job creation and economic area. Go to www.santafecountynm. An increasing number of municipalities are adopting green building ordinances development associated with growing gov and click and/or codes, and the development community and homeowners are following the solar industry in our community. on “Solar as they recognize the longer-term value in building green. The city of Santa Fe Power” under recently adopted a Residential Addition and Remodel Green Building Code, which On behalf of the county, I’ve been “Services.” i goes into effect on Aug. 1.T ailored to northern New Mexico’s climate, the code promoting solar power to the public change is part of an effort by the city to meet the 2030 Challenge, which is part for more than three years now. The Craig O’Hare is of the U.S. Conference of Mayors agreement on climate change. The new code is most common comment I continue Santa Fe County’s designed to provide a number of homeowner benefits, including lower operating Energy Programs to receive goes something like this: “I costs, increased comfort, improved environmental quality, enhanced durability specialist. and less maintenance.

Two new chapters were added to the city’s Code Section 7-4, Green Building Codes: Chapter 11, on large remodels and additions, and Chapter 12, covering small additions and complete kitchen, bathroom or basement remodels. Chapter 11 applies to remodels affecting 50 percent or more of the floor area and additions greater than 400 square feet. There is a point system and mandates similar to that required by the city’s Green Building Code for portions of the building affected by the project. Chapter 12 applies to portions of buildings affected by smaller remodels and additions and includes mandates for a building’s thermal envelope, air sealing Supporting Local Business in Southern and insulation, recessed lighting, high-efficiency lighting, boiler supply piping, appliances, gas-fired equipment, solid-fuel-burning appliances, HVAC system New Mexico protection, duct insulation, recycling, universal design elements, showerheads, faucets, water closets, radon control, flashing, ice barriers and architectural features. 221 N. Main Street, Las Cruces. 575-­‐323-­‐1575 To learn more about the code, visit www.santafenm.gov/greenbuildingcode www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 33

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34 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com Book Review by Susan Waterman

Farms and Foods: surprising varieties found among the New Mexico’s Agricultural Legacy traditional crops, by Timothy McKimmie as well as other 104 pages, 200-plus color photographs vegetables, herbs and Available at local bookstores and on Amazon spices. The book also ISBN 978-0615844800 surveys the large and [email protected], http://www.unityswpress.com surprising variety of nuts and fruit grown n his recently released book, Farms and in New Mexico. Beef cattle –northern New Mexico rangeland Foods: New Mexico’s Agricultural Legacy, ITim McKimmie invites the reader to join him “What about water?” the author asks. “Farming arid lands requires an intimate in a journey through New Mexico’s colorful knowledge of water.” The long history of water management, distribution and usage agricultural history. More than 200 color in agriculture in New Mexico is presented as an urgent reminder of the scarcity photographs taken by the author are a heartfelt of this precious resource and its necessity for a thriving, sustainable agriculture. tribute to the rich landscapes of farming and I asked McKimmie what he has found to be most encouraging and most food that shape this arid state. Retired from the disheartening for the future of agriculture on his journey across family farms College of Agriculture at New Mexico State over the years. He told me without hesitation, “The promise of so many small University, the author shares his passion and farms.” He pointed out that in the past two years the number of farms in New wisdom, acquired over 30 years of involvement Mexico increased by 10 percent, while the acreage has remained constant. When in food and agriculture in the Southwest. The questioned about challenges facing sustainable agriculture and local food systems, book is a definite “must-read” for families and he mentioned “short-sighted sacrificing”—allowing pollution and the give-away food lovers of all ages. The author shows us that of already-scarce water to corporations and industries that have little stake in we all have a stake in an important agricultural livelihood, lifestyle or agriculture in New Mexico. “Making the choice, the decision, legacy and how we can help preserve it. to use water wisely for the good of our communities is the best each of us can do McKimmie’s book presents a concise history of New Mexico’s farming, beginning to ensure our sustainable agricultural future and local food systems,” he says. i with the Indian people who grew the Three Sisters crops—corn, beans, and Susan Waterman has a Ph.D. in Botany and has been an advocate of sustainable agriculture and local squash—two thousand years ago. The earliest farmers planted in scattered locations food systems for over 25 years. Visit www.harvestbyhand.com and [email protected] where moisture was available, and eventually developed skills in places like the Mimbres Valley and Chaco Canyon to harvest water and create irrigation systems. In 1598, Spanish colonists, led by Juan de Oñate, settled near the confluence of the Río Grande and Río Chama. Spanish crops, livestock and farming practices, along with the colonists’ missions, revolutionized the lifestyle and stimulated trade along the Camino Real. We journey through the radical transformation in landscape and agriculture as Puebloans adopted new crops and livestock that arrived with the Spanish explorers.

The book is truly a picturesque directory to farms, fairs, harvest festivals and museums across the state. And McKimmie’s stunning images illustrate the colorful, rich abundance of fresh produce available at New Mexico’s farmers’ markets in spring, summer and fall. Locally inspired farmers’ market signage, along with the portraits of landscape, livestock, fiber products, flowers and food, reflects the traditions of agriculture in our high-desert state and the fun of spending a day visiting these markets and chatting with the hard-working farmers who grow the food we eat. A morning at the market may inspire you to spice up your culinary repertoire with the

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36 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com NEWSBITEs

Buckman Direct Diversion Triangle Gallegos’ owners also have an interest in Lucky Corridor, LLC, a company Installs New Solar Array planning to build a 130-mile transmission line that will carry the wind-farm power through Springer and Taos. The Buckman Direct Diversion (BDD) has installed a 1.5 megawatt (MW) solar array on eight acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land adjacent to the TheT riangle Gallegos wind farm will be the eighth wind-energy project on state trust Buckman Regional Water Treatment Plant. The new array has 4,608 high-efficiency land. The leased land will generate about $47 million during its term—a little over a panels, increasing the total energy BDD’s solar system generates to 2.5 MW. That million dollars a year—for state schools, universities and other institutions. Powell constitutes 41 percent of the energy needed to treat and deliver Río Grande surface says that the Land Office is working to expand the state’s renewable energy portfolio. water to Santa Fe residents. The new system also powers pumps to push water 11 El Cabo Wind Farm, being built by Iberdrola Renewables in phases over the next miles uphill to the treatment plant. decade on 34,000 acres in Torrance County, will have a 1-gigawatt generating capacity. Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Gas Industry in Colorado San Miguel County (NM) Clerk Sued for Refusing Home Rule Petition On June 10, 2014, residents of Lafayette, Colo., filed a first-of-its-kind class-action lawsuit against the state of Colorado, Gov. John Hickenlooper and the Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA) to protect the rights of the people of Lafayette to self-governance.

In November, 2013, Lafayette residents overwhelmingly adopted a Home Rule Charter Amendment banning all new commercial extraction of natural gas and Total potential savings on BDD’s annual bill will be about $400,000. Because of the oil within the city limits. The amendment established a Community Bill of Rights, solar system, the cost of energy is fixed for 30 years, and the savings will grow over including the right of human and natural communities to water and a healthy time as grid electric becomes more expensive. environment. The Bill of Rights bans fracking and other extractions as a violation of those rights. In December, COGA filed a lawsuit against the city of Lafayette to “The BDD board mandated several years ago that green power would be a component overturn the Community Bill of Rights, contending that the community does not of providing customers with sustainable drinking water,” stated Joseph Maestas, have the legal authority to protect itself from fracking and that corporate members BDD board chair and Santa Fe city councilor. “The board is firmly committed to of the association have the constitutional “right” to frack. energy- and water-efficient practices that continue to reduce our carbon footprint and help our citizens adapt to climate change.” The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) which assisted

Lafayette residents in drafting the Community Bill of Rights, is providing its expertise The new $4.8-million solar system was funded in part by the New Mexico Finance with the filing of the class action lawsuit. CELDF Executive Director Thomas Linzey Authority through the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. “Santa Fe has stated, “This lawsuit is merely the first of many by people across the United States, paved the way, and we hope to see other communities create these kinds of projects whose constitutional rights to govern their own communities are routinely violated too,” stated Ryan Helton, NMFA senior program administrator. by state governments working in concert with the corporations that they ostensibly

regulate.” Positive Energy Solar and Bradbury Stamm Construction were selected through an RFP process to install the array. CELDF, on behalf of a San Miguel County, New Mexico, citizen, is also currently Arizona Solar-Wind Tower Planned suing the San Miguel County Clerk to challenge the clerk’s refusal to allow a citizen petition to go forward to seek home rule in San Miguel. If this court case is successful, Solar Wind Energy, a Maryland-based company, has received the necessary startup it will open the doors for all counties in New Mexico to petition for home rule and capital for construction of a 2,250-foot-high solar-wind hybrid tower, to be built near to take a ballot initiative forward on the county level. San Luis, Arizona. The tower would be the tallest freestanding structure in the U.S. Albuquerque Wildlife Federation: 100 Years The concept for solar-wind towers was invented in Israel and patented in 1975. A uly elebration alle de ro atl ildlife efuge mist of water droplets is sprayed over an opening in the tower. The fog evaporates J 19 C — V O N . W R and absorbs the heat of the surrounding air. Because it is denser than warm air, the Aldo Leopold arranged a meeting of sportsmen and conservationists in Albuquerque cooled air sinks to the bottom, accelerating up to 50 miles per hour. At the base of the in 1914. His purpose was to enlist a group of volunteers to advocate for laws protecting tower the downdraft is tunneled through wind turbines, which generate CO2-free wild game species. Fourteen years earlier, the last wild passenger pigeon had been power. As long as the air is warm and dry enough, the downdraft can be produced killed. Similarly, during the late 1800s Leopold had witnessed the near-extermination at all times of the day, year-round, generating an average of 435 megawatts, close to of the bison from the American West. Leopold was convinced that we could learn that of the smallest nuclear power plant in the U.S., which averages 502 megawatts. from mistakes of the past and put in place protections that would prevent other species from meeting the same sad fate. The company intends to pipe desalinated water from the Sea of Cortez, 46 miles away, across the Mexican border. The overall cost of the plant is estimated at about $1.6 Since its founding a century ago, the Albuquerque Wildlife Federation has billion. The company has so far received $1.6 million and hopes its rising stock value demonstrated the power of volunteers to make a difference for wildlife and wild lands. will continue to attract investors. Construction is planned for 2018. Their work has made a profound difference in changing how wildlife is managed and has prevented more extinctions by overhunting. Today, the AWF organizes eight New Mexico Wind Farms restoration service projects around the state each year. Volunteers do things such A Texas company that is a joint venture of Triangle Cattle Co. and Gallegos Wind as plant native vegetation, remove unnecessary roads and fences, and build rock Farm won a bid to build a wind farm in northeastern New Mexico’s Union County structures to improve the integrity of vital wetlands. on 19,000 acres of state trust land and 31,000 acres of private ranch land. The project, to be built in two phases beginning in 2015, will create 400 construction jobs and The public is invited to a celebration of the AWF’s 100th anniversary on July 19 at 25 permanent, full-time jobs. State Land Commissioner Ray Powell says that the the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge in Albuquerque’s South Valley. It is a wind farm could generate about 500 megawatts of electricity with 285 wind turbines, location that likely would have pleased Aldo Leopold and the other founders because enough to power about 200,000 homes. Compared to generating power with coal, the they had called for both the protection of the Río Grande bosque and the creation wind farm will reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by 1.3 million tons and save more of a national system of wildlife refuges. The celebration will include music, games, than 550 million gallons of water annually. food, and a keynote talk by renowned local environmental historian and author Jack Loeffler. Details can be found at abq.nmwildlife.org

www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 37 What's Going On! Events / Announcements

July 17, 7:30-9:30 am July 30, 9 am July 3, 7:30 pm Reinventing Our City Santolina Master Plan Hearing Family Lotus String Band Mariott Pyramid North Vincent E. Griego Chambers, City Hall Sol Santa Fe, Hwy. 14 5151 San Francisco Rd. NE Bernalillo County Planning Commission Legendary 8-piece NM band The Family A summit on building a better economic future hearing on proposed South Valley develop- Lotus (bluegrass/jazz/rock) with guests The for Albuquerque. Networking breakfast and ment that has yet to address water issues. Santa Fe Revue in a dance concert to support panel discussion of business and community http://contrasantolina.wordpress.com, restoration of the historic Madrid ballpark. leaders. $35. 505.348.8326, http://bizj.us/vnrqt http://www.southvalleyacequias.org/ $15 advance/$20 at the door. Tickets: The Lensic, 505.988.1234, Ticketssantafe.org ALBUQUERQUE July 19, 3-10 pm Aug. 6, 6 pm July 2, 9, 16, 23, 3-5 pm Albuquerque Wildlife Federation Pueblo Revolt Lecture July 10, 5 pm Farmers’ Market/ th International Folk Art Market 100 Birthday Celebration Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Healthy Families Initiative Community Celebration Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge 2401 12th St. NW East San José Elementary School The federation was founded by Aldo Leop- Dr. Matthew J. Martínez will present an SF Railyard Park 415 Thaxton Ave. SE old. Music, food trucks, bosque tours, speak- overview of the events leading up to the Re- Welcome the artists at the annual Artist Pro- Fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, ers, games and family activities. Free. http:// volt of 1680 and discuss how pueblos con- cession. Followed by a community concert. activities, health information. 505.304.8724, abq.nmwildlife.org/ tinue to honor and remember legacies. Free. 505.992.7600, www.folkartmarket.org. Free. [email protected] 505.843.7270 July 23, 5:30-7 pm; July 31, 2-3:30 pm July 10 & 12 July 2, 5:30-7:30 pm Eating for Your Health Sept. 26 The Wastewater Gardener Green Drinks Fall Solar Fiesta Lomas-Tramway Library, 908 Eastridge 7/10, 6 pm: Collected Works Bookstore; Hotel Andaluz, 125 2nd St. NW Drive (corner Lomas & Tramway) CNM Workforce Training Center 7/12, 9 am-12 pm: SF Farmers’ Market Network and mingle with Community-based presentation with Q&A A full day of engaging presentations spon- Dr. Mark Nelson, people interested in local by Susan Clair, MCRP/MPA, on elements sored by Central NM Community College. chairman of the In- business, clean energy and of a healthy lifestyle, plant-based and animal Presented by the NM Solar Energy Associa- stitute of Ecotechnics other green issues. Guest proteins, organic vs. conventional, antioxi- tion. http://www.nmsolarfiesta.org will discuss his new speaker: Michael McDade dants and systemic alkalinity, health benefits book and his waste- of Focus Creative Agency. of herbs & spices, fats & sweeteners. Free or Oct. 15-19 water projects around Free. 505.244.3700, Lind by donation. 505.281.9888, [email protected] National Wilderness Conference the word. www.waste [email protected] Hyatt Regency ABQ, watergardener.com, July 23, 6-9 pm onvention enter synergeticpress.com July 7, Aug. 4, 10 am ABQ C C Home Composting Basics Presentations, panels, exhibits, field trips Wildlife Habitat Garden Tour July 10, 11, 7 pm UNM Continuing Education, South and skill-development workshops focus- Krishna Das & Band Xeric Garden Club of ABQ, Bldg., 1634 University Blvd. NE ing on recent advances and emerging issues 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE Learn the science, materials and methods of in wilderness stewardship. The companion Green Garson Theater Guided tour of garden that uses native plants to drought-proofing your garden soil in order Wilderness Celebration Exhibition will Be transported to the heart. Presented by support indigenous wildlife and migratory birds. to grow vegetables, fruit and berries. Regis- showcase organizational booths for grade- Center for Inner Truth and Transitions All ages welcome. Free. www.xericgardenclub.org tration: go to UNM Continuing Ed website. and middle-school students. Conference Radio Magazine. Reserved seating tickets: Info: 505.277.0077 registration: $350/$200. Scholarships. Get 505.988.1234, Lensic box office, www.Tick July 8. 10 am-12 pm Wild Festival (public) on Oct.18, 2-10 pm on etsSantaFe.org, www.krishnadas.com NM Music Commission Meeting July 24-25 Civic Plaza. http://www.wilderness50th.org Indian Child Welfare and July 11-13 Natl. Hispanic Cultural Center Daily, 10 am-6 pm Open to the public. 800.879.4278, www.new Juvenile Justice Conference International Folk Art Market Wildlife West mexicomusic.org Isleta Resort and Casino Museum Hill 87 N. Frontage Rd., Edgewood 150 master folk artists from 60 countries, July 9, Aug. 13, 9-10:30 am “Connecting the Dots through Tribal/State Relations” Sponsored by the NM Children, (just east of ABQ) international food bazaar, live music. Hand- Agriculture Collaborative Youth and Families Dept. and Casey Family 122-acre park/attraction with educational pro- made traditions support economic, social Meeting Programs. Registration: $85. 505.842.1122, grams dedicated to native wildlife and ecology. and individual empowerment. 505.886.1251, MRCOG Offices, 809 Copper NW http://aidainc.net/ICW/contact.htm $7/$6/$4/children under 5 free. 7/25-27: Wild- http://holdmyticket.com/event/170173 life Music Festival. www.wildlifewest.org http:www.mrcog-nm.gov/agriculture-main- July 12-13, 9 am-3 pm menu-55/meetings-mainmenu-240 July 26, 10 am-12 pm Home Composting Basics Through May 31, 2015 Young Natives Arts & Crafts Show El Agua es Vida: Acequias in July 10, 5:30-7:30 pm alo uro enior enter Palace Courtyard, NM History Museum P D S C Northern New Mexico TEDxABQ Salon – The Entrepreneur 5221 Palo Duro Ave. NE Collect from the next generation of artists Albuquerque Museum of Art & History Desert garden soils often lack sufficient organic Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, UNM when children and grandchildren of the Por- This salon will feature New Mexicans who are put- matter. Learn the science, materials and methods Groundbreaking, multidisciplinary exhibit. tal artisans display and sell their wares. Free. ting the entrepreneurial spirit to work for them- of drought-proofing your garden soil in order to Free. 505.277.4405, maxwellmuseum.unm.edu 505.476.5200, www.nmhistorymuseum.org grow vegetables, fruit and berries. Registration: selves or from within their organizations to benefit July 16, 5-7 pm Opening Reception the community. Info/Tickets $21.50: tedxabq.com 505.782.4495, [email protected] SANTA FE July 1-August 1 9 am - 4 pm Temporary Installations Made July 12, 9 am-12 pm July 26-27 NM State Fair Portrait Project for the Environment (TIME) Valle de Oro National Wildlife ID Live! Stories of Route 66 Festival Marion Center for Photographic Museum of Contemporary Native Refuge Open House Between Lomas and Gibson & Arts, SFUAD Campus, Art, 108 Cathedral Place Creating Habitat for Wildlife. See wild- San Mateo and Wyoming 1600 St. Michael’s Dr. Live performance of “Pull of the Moon,” 3-D life, learn more about nature and enjoy free, Celebrating ABQ’s International District. Multicultural portraits taken over five years digital landscape project by artists Ai Weiwei and hands-on activities for all ages. Presented by Littleglobe and residents of the district will by six photographers. Free. 505.473.6341, Bert Benally. Documentary film and new media the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. http:// premiere four co-created works of art, film [email protected] installation. Through Oct. 16. 888.922.4242 www.fws.gov/refuge/valle_de_oro and performance, the result of seven months of preparation with over 130 community July 2, 5:30-7 pm July 16, 6:30-8:30 pm July 14-25, 8:10 am-12:40 pm members. www.littleglobe.org Santa Fe Green Drinks Eating for Your Health Curanderismo Class esidential ommunity lubhouse July 28, 8 am-Aug. 1, 5 pm Inn of the Governors, 101 W. Alameda R C C , ain ampus nthropology Off of Old Taos Highway UNM M C (A Certified Training and Certifi- Learn how the Green Lodg- Bldg., Room 163) Community-based presentation with Q&A by cation for Energy Managers ing Initiative is helping hotels, Traditional Medicine without Borders: and soon, restaurants, operate Susan Clair, MCRP/MPA, on elements of a Curanderismo in the Southwest and México. PNM Training Facility more sustainably. Speakers: healthy lifestyle, plant-based and animal pro- Workshop, lectures, demonstrations. Regis- 414 Silver Ave. SW Sam Gerberding, Gen. Mgr., teins, organic vs. conventional, antioxidants tration for credit: 505.277.8900; non-credit: Instructor: Mark Roche. $1800-$1900. Info: cae Inn of the Governors; Andy and systemic alkalinity, health benefits of herbs 505.277.0077, Info: 505.277.0952, http:// [email protected]; certification info: http://www. Otto, Exec. Dir., SF Watershed Assn. Free. & spices, fats & sweeteners. Suggested dona- curanderismo.unm.edu aeecenter.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3351 505.438.9123, [email protected] tion: $5. 505.281.9888, [email protected]

38 Green Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com July 19, 10 am Aug. 14, 6:30-8:30 pm Española and field trips with local & international experts Solar Energy Seminar Ernest Thompson Seton July 7-23 on sustainable, resilient design for a changing Constellation Home Electronics, Birthday Celebration Adobe Workshops world. Open to sustainability professionals, archi- tects, designers, advocates and the general public. 215 N. Guadalupe Academy for the Love of Learning El Portal, Santa Cruz, NM Class credits and CEUs available. Lectures, films, Amenergy, a leading solar installer, will provide eton illage S V (near Española) informal social gatherings. Full pass: $300. Other information and answer questions for home Gallery opening and reception (7:30 pm) Fundamentals of adobe construction. rates available. 575.737.3737, info@sustaintaos. and business owners about solar options, hedg- with curator David L. Witt. Free to the pub- ing against future energy costs, available tax Adobe-making, foundation, wall-building com, www.sustaintaos.com lic. 505.995.1860, learn@aloveoflearning. and mud plastering techniques. Details: credits and power company renewable energy org, www.aloveoflearning.org certificates. 505.983.9988, ext. 202 505.410.0959, [email protected] HERE & THERE Aug. 15, 3-4:30 pm; July 20, 12:30 pm July 11-13 July 6-10 Aug. 16, 8:30 am-5 pm Española Valley Fiesta Culture/ 2014 National Solar Conference Film about Fracking Inaugural Symposium: Art Market San Francisco, California CCA, 1040 Old Pecos Trail Women’s INT’L Study Center Hosted by the American Solar Energy Soci- Screening and Q&A with director/producer. Española Plaza Park, Española, NM Drury Plaza Hotel, 228 E. Palace Ave. ety, this conference will feature 47 papers and $5 donation. Santafecitizensclimatelobby.org Local artisans, craftspeople, talent, nonprofit Risk & Reinvention: How Women Are organizations. 7/11: 3-9 pm; 7/12: 10 am-9 pm; panels from 22 universities and a dozen design July 20, Aug. 17 2-4 pm Changing the World. Panel discussions 7/13: 11am-8 pm. 505.929.0380, jrvigil95@ and architectural firms from around the world. Turquoise from Prehistory about women in the arts, sciences, cultural gmail.com, http://www.cityofespanola.org http://solar2014.org, http://ases.org preservation and business. With keynote to the Present speaker, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth July 12, 7 am-1 pm July 10, 9 am Museum of Indian Arts and Culture Bader Ginsburg and attorney Roberta Coo- Sostenga Garlic Festival “Fire on the Mountain” 7/20 lecture on Zuni. 8/17 lecture on Na- per Ramo. 505.983.6538, info@wisc-amh. ostenga enter arm Valles Caldera National Preserve, vaho. Sundays free for NM residents/$9 org, wisc-amh.org S C F , NNMC, 1027 ailroad ve spañola Banco Bonita Staging Area, near non-residents/free for children under 16. N. R A ., E , NM mile marker along tate wy 505.476.1272, www.indianartsandculture.org Aug. 15, 5 pm-Aug. 17, 1 pm A gathering in celebration of traditional ag- 30 S H . 4 Transforming Suffering riculture and community. 7th annual festi- Doug Cram, NMSU Extension wildland July 22-26 val will feature live music, food, fun, games fire specialist will conduct a tour of the cal- paya en enter Hispanic Cultural Festival U Z C and workshops. Sign up your garlic-picking dera. He will address livestock issues, wild- 1404 Cerro Gordo Road team. Free. 505.747.2236, Updates@face life, vegetation and wildfire. 575.646.3221, Museum of Spanish Colonial Art A Five Energies Approach to Service and book.com/sostenga.atnorthern [email protected] 750 Camino Lejo Social Change, taught by Acharya Fleet Performances, Spanish Market preview, lunch Maull, M.A. CEUs for counselors, therapists July 13, 12-3 pm July 12, 10 am-12 noon and dinner events, film screenings. Cipriano Vigil and social workers available. $285 includes Española Valley Fiesta Home Composting Basics y la Familia, Nosotros. Tickets: 505.982.2226, ext. meals. 505.986.8518, [email protected]/ Grande Parade Zuni Christian Mission School 109, www.spanishcolonial.org programs, www.upaya.org/programs Española, NM 19 Pía Mesa Rd., Zuni, NM July 25, 5-8 pm Aug. 15-17; Aug. 22-24, 11 am-6 pm Parade route: Industrial Park Rd., south on Learn the science, materials and methods Activate Neglected Landscapes Haciendas: A Parade of Homes Paseo de Oñate, left on Calle Salazar, right of drought-proofing your garden soil in or- and ending on Hunter Street at the old Es- der to grow vegetables, fruit and berries. Radicle, 1703 Lena St. Self-guided tour. 8/22, 4-9 pm: Twilight tour. pañola High School complex. 505.929.0380, Free. Registration: 505.782.4495, register@ Christie Green will lead an interactive session 505.982.1774, sfahba.com (See ad, page 21) [email protected] nmcomposters.org looking at how to landscape wasted and neglected spaces. Bring photos or sketches of your problem Aug. 28-31 July 19-20 Santa Fe Yoga Festival TAOS areas. 505.474.8000, [email protected] July 11-13 Ohkay Owingeh Arts & Crafts July 25, 5-8 pm Bishop’s Lodge Resort Taos Pueblo Pow Wow Ohkay Conference Center, Pueblo of International instructors, speakers and musi- Perspectives on “Pest” Plant Species Social gathering and Ohkay Owingeh (north of Española) cians, hikes, cooking classes, farm-to-table din- Impressive tribal art and Pueblo dances. Ohkay.com Radicle, 1703 Lena St. ners. $149/$399. www.santafeyogafestival.org cultural celebration, Artist Connie Schaekel will display and dance competitions, July 24, 6:30-8:30 pm crafts. Admission and discuss unwanted, non-native, invasive and Sept. 19-21 Home Composting Basics “pest” plant species in relation to land use, Startup Weekend photo permit fees. TaosPueblo.com, Cibola County Extension Office, design and culture. 505.474.8000, Christie@ SF Business Incubator, 3900 Paseo beradicle.com TaosPuebloPow 551 Washington, Grants, NM del Sol Wow.com Desert garden soils often lack sufficient or- July 26-27, 8 am-5 pm Dynamic entrepreneurial event. Pitch an ganic matter. Learn the science, materials 63rd Annual Spanish Market idea, form a team, build a startup. Registra- July 18-20 and methods of drought-proofing your gar- tion: $75/$35. 505.424.1140, soshea@sfbi. Fiestas de Taos den soil in order to grow vegetables, fruit Santa Fe Plaza net, www.santafe.startupweekend.org Taos Plaza and berries. Registration: 505.782.4495, Handmade art from hundreds of artists, mu- [email protected] sic, demonstrations and food. www.spanish Oct. 11: Public Conversation; Centuries-old fiesta. A gathering of genera- colonial.org Oct. 13-16: Retreat tions celebrating the cultural uniqueness of Aug. 6-10 Taos. Delicious cuisine, traditional music Leading by Being: Exploring a 93rd Intertribal Ceremonial July 26-27, 8 am-5 pm New Vision of Leadership and fellowship. Fiestasdetaos.com Contemporary Hispanic Market Red Rock State Park, Gallup, NM Conversation: The Lensic; Retreat: July 25-26 505.863.3896 incoln venue L A Ghost Ranch, Abiquiú, NM Feast Days of Santiago and 505.331.5162, info@contemporaryhispanic Gloria Steinem, Alice Walker, Chung Santa Ana Aug. 10, 7 am-3 pm marketinc.com Pueblo Independence Day Hyun Kyung will explore ways to support Taos Pueblo Aug. 9, 10 am-4 pm the growth and development of the femi- Culturally rich religious celebrations where Jémez Historic Site, NM Annual Benefit Art Show nine voice and balanced leadership. Lensic patron saints are celebrated with traditional Commemorating the successful rebellion tickets ($35): 505.988.1234; Retreat ($455- Corn Dances. Photography is not allowed. against Spanish colonization. Pilgrimage Kindred Spirits Animal Sanctuary, $900): 877.804.4678, ext. 4152 or Registrar@ 575.758.1028, [email protected] run from Jémez Pueblo to Jémez Historic 3749-A State Road 14 GhostRanch.org Site (13 miles) begins at 7 am. Festivities A wide variety of donated original artwork August 2 First Saturday of Each Month, begin at 10 am: traditional dances, music, shown throughout the barns and shady Los Jardineros Garden/Home Tour Native arts & crafts, food vendors. Free. grounds benefits the animals. 505.471.5366, 10 am-12 pm 575.829.3530. nmhistoricsites.org/jemez kindredspiritsnm.org SF Citizens’ Climate Lobby Taos, NM See beautiful, unique and refreshing con- Natural Grocers, Community Room, Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-1 pm Aug. 14, 6-9 pm cepts for your home and garden. Emphasis and Saturday Objects of Art Opening Night 3328 Cerrillos Road on native plantings, xeriscaping and food “Creating political will for a livable world” production. $20 in advance; $25 day of tour. Pajarito Environmental l useo in the ailyard E M , R [email protected] 575.751.0191, Schedule and venue info: Education Center Benefits NM PBS. More than 65 exhibitors www.gardencluboftaos.org range t os lamos showcase the new, the old, the unique and the Become a Site Steward 3540 O S ., L A , NM unexpected from around the world. $50. Show Nature center and outdoor education pro- Santa Fe National Forest August 5-8 runs 8/15-17. ObjectsofArtSantaFe.com grams. Exhibits of flora and fauna of the Monitor archeological and historical sites on a Sustainability Institute: Pajarito Plateau; herbarium, live amphib- regular basis for evidence of natural deteriora- Humanitarian Design ians, butterfly and xeric gardens. Free. tion or vandalism. www.sfnfsitestewards.org UNM Taos, Taos, NM 505.662.0460, [email protected], Innovative seminar, workshops, demonstrations www.pajaritoeec.org www.GreenFireTimes.com Green Fire Times • July 2014 39 Green40 Fire Times • July 2014 www.GreenFireTimes.com