Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Stelzer.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Steve. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The City of Houston Building Code Enforcement section within the Public Works and Engineering Department decided to initiate a program in 2007 to educate the public about green building. They opted to hire a ‘green architect’ to provide optional interim plan review to offer green strategies to the public for their building projects within a setting offering displays of green strategies to help with this educational process, as well as offering educational seminars periodically. I was hired in late 2007. They opted to build this setting to achieve a LEED for Commercial Interiors rating from the US Green Building Council, which opened on Earth Day in 2009, and was certified in 2010. Now located in the LEED Gold certified Houston Permitting Center since 2011, the mission is still in progress.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a fairly smooth road, and Houston has gradually become a greener city.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about City of Houston – what should we know?
Our Mission: “To enable the public to experience and learn more about healthy and energy, water, and material conserving design and construction; also known as Green Building”
Our Initiatives: Visitors can peruse the showroom, touch and feel samples, and learn about green building options in a relaxed setting. Browse on your own, use an interactive workstation, or ask questions of the Green Building Resource Center staff. We also offer complimentary plan review services by appointment to suggest strategies for conserving energy and water, saving money, and creating a healthier building environment. The GBRC sponsors educational programs at the Houston Permitting Center and in the community. See our Events page to learn more.
Our Showroom carries a wide range of eco-friendly products and methods that educate the public on how to incorporate sustainable design components in residential and commercial settings. The showroom is broken into four sections: building components, water conservation, site, and energy efficiency. Learn about new, innovative ways to save energy costs in your home or business by browsing through our display presentation boards and models. Resource guides are conveniently located throughout showroom to provide additional information.
Houston has the largest center of its kind in the country, and is conveniently located in the centralized permitting facility and is free and open to the public.
Continual improvement and refinement is the general plan. Continuing to offer pertinent education seminars, twice annual rain barrel and compost bin truckload sales is important to many Houstonians. Spearheading a LEED for Existing Buildings for the Houston Permitting Center is a project in progress. In short, no big changes. I am targeting speaking engagements to interested groups within the city that wish to learn more about green building.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Sheila Blake, a recently retired Assistant Director within Code Enforcement of the Public Works and Engineering Department hired me in 2007 and was a tireless advocate for the center.
Pricing:
- Rain Barrels are currently priced at $69.00 in the Spring and Fall sales, with compost bins at $65.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 1002 Washington Avenue
- Website: www.codegreenhouston.org
- Phone: 832-394-9050
- Email: steve.stelzer@houstontx.gov
- Instagram: HoustonGBRC
- Facebook: HoustonGBRC
- Twitter: HoustonGBRC
Image Credit:
Katrina Hassett (all)
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