INDIANAPOLIS - Participants in the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA)'s Sustainability Workshop brainstormed new ideas, learned from experts in "green" building and business practices and celebrated "World Environment Day" yesterday in downtown Indianapolis.
"Some of Governor Daniels' top priorities are to make Indiana a leader in attracting new businesses, creating more jobs, and improving the health of Hoosiers," said Jennifer Alvey, Public Finance Director of the State of Indiana. "We hope that our Workshop has provided encouragement and guidance for communities, businesses and developers to continue growing Indiana's economy while, at the same time, protecting our environment to preserve the health of future generations."
Hosted by the IFA's Environmental Programs (the Indiana Brownfield Program and the State Revolving Fund Loan Programs), the Workshop was a registered event of the United Nations' Internationally-recognized "World Environment Day," commemorated each year on June 5th. Participants heard from experts in Sustainable concepts and were encouraged to provide input into new incentives being created to enhance IFA's Environmental Programs.
The morning was kicked off with a keynote speech from David Forsell, President of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB). KIB will move into a new headquarters in two weeks, which was built on a what was previously a brownfield site and is on track to becoming LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified. The IFA's Indiana Brownfields Program helped fund the removal of petroleum tanks on the site, which had been previously occupied by two gas stations, a drycleaner and a metal plating company.
"When it comes to redeveloping brownfields, you can't just focus on the obstacles, but the success you can achieve," said Forsell. "Our mission is about finding solutions."
The design of KIB's new facility includes rain gardens, natural lighting for employees, high efficiency appliances and lighting, a parking lot made of pervious concrete to reduce runoff, a wind energy demonstration and other environmentally-friendly attributes. The building will also have bike parking and shower facilities to encourage employees to exercise during the day or ride their bike to work.
During lunch, guests heard a motivating speech from Wayne Zink, CEO of Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) - an Indianapolis-based, national organic chocolate company that incorporates Sustainability and ethical practices into all aspects of its business. The company is adamant about environmentally-sound and ethical practices, such as ensuring cocoa farmers overseas work in humane conditions and ensuring that all of their ingredients are purely organic. ESC donates 10 percent of its net profit to support species, habitat and humanity. As of recently, their products can be found on Target store shelves.
"It's not that hard being green, and more than likely, it will be profitable," Zink stated. "Every little action does make a difference. Whether you stop providing paper plates in your breakroom or build a LEED-certified building, it all matters."
Governor Daniels and the State of Indiana are also committed to Sustainability, which is demonstrated in that the IFA owns five of approximately 10 LEED-certified buildings in the State. The State of Indiana has also incorporated Sustainability concepts into everyday business practices since 1999 through its "Greening the Government Initiative," which Governor Daniels refined and continued by Executive Order in April 2005. The Initiative includes establishing goals for paper reuse and reduction, encouraging carpooling and educating State employees on good environmental practices. The State also has conveniently-located recycling bins throughout campus, which accept a wide variety of items from paper to batteries and cell phones.
Approximately 150 engineers, architects, community officials and government employees attended the Sustainability Workshop. Powerpoint presentations, speaker biographies and notes from the event will soon be posted on IFA's Web site at http://www.in.gov/ifa/srf/3260.htm/
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About the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA):
Governor Mitch Daniels created the IFA in 2005 to more effectively manage State-related finances under one entity. The IFA manages various financial programs, which include the Indiana Brownfields Program and the State Revolving Loan Fund Programs.
About the Indiana Brownfields Program:
The Indiana Brownfields Program, a part of IFA's Environmental Programs, works in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other Indiana agencies to assist communities in making productive use of their brownfield properties. The program's mission is to encourage and assist investment in the redevelopment of brownfield properties by helping communities via educational, financial, technical and legal assistance to identify and mitigate environmental barriers that impede local economic growth.
About the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Programs:
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Programs, part of IFA's Environmental Programs, provide low-interest loans to Indiana communities for projects that improve wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. The Program's mission is to provide eligible entities with the lowest interest rates possible on the financing of such projects while protecting public health and the environment. SRF also funds non-point source projects that are tied to a wastewater loan.
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