Each month, the Dovetail team aims to deliver new and important information that impacts environmental decision-making -- this month is no exception!
I'm excited to highlight the contents of this month's newsletter which include a new report on the INTERNATIONAL GREEN CONSTRUCTION CODE (IgCC); a factsheet developed in collaboration with the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) to address BIOMASS HARVESTING GUIDELINES in the state; and a commentary written by Jeff and I that invites reflection on the nearly two decades of forestry experience and investment in certification, and that leads us to looking BEYOND CERTIFICATION for the next generation of methodologies that can drive significant change.
Enjoy!
- Katie
Kathryn Fernholz
Executive Director
D o v e t a i l N e w s
Highlighting impacts for materials used in commercial construction
(Mpls, MN) – A new report released from Dovetail Partners digests the recently announced International Green Construction Code (IgCC). The report focuses on the impacts the code will have on the selection of building materials for commercial construction projects.
Read more here....
Protecting Minnesota's Forests While Utilizing Biomass Resources
New factsheet provides overview of guidelines for responsible forest biomass harvesting
(Mpls, MN) – Dovetail Partners and the Minnesota Forest Resources Council announce the release of a new factsheet addressing forest biomass harvesting in the state. The factsheet provides a brief overview of the biomass harvesting guidelines, including how they were developed and the management practices they address.
Read more here....
D o v e t a i l C o m m e n t a r y
Jeff Howe & Kathryn Fernholz
In 2013, the world will mark the 20-year anniversary of third-party forest certification. After 20 years of effort, approximately 10% of the world’s forests have been certified through the various programs. During this time, many changes have occurred in the forest sector and in the practice of forest management. Yet, in spite of many successes, major hurdles remain. Although it could clearly be argued that global forestry has been affected positively, not only are 90% of the world’s forests uncertified but also the certified 10% was already the best-managed forestland in existence. So the key question now is what will the next 20 years of forest improvement look like? Will we continue on the certification path we are on, or will we thoughtfully assess and apply the lessons learned in order to chart an improved course? Based upon the knowledge gained over the past two decades and the experiences of other eco-labeling systems, it is clear that a better method is needed, and is possible. It is time to move beyond the forest certification of the past generation and entertain a broader, more inclusive, and more cost effective approach.
D o v e t a i l R e p o r t
Lead Author: Jim Bowyer
The International Green Construction Code addresses the full spectrum of commercial construction and has now made its way through a three-year process of publication, public comment and feedback, and revision. Print copies were made public in late March 2012. This article provides an overview of the IgCC, with particular attention given to provisions that relate to building materials selection.
Dovetail 2011 Report Collection
Printed in their original full color format and complete with all tables, figures, and citations, this 130+ page bound collection of 13 reports is a perfect reference source, current issues backgrounder, or gift for client or colleague.
Sold individually this collection would cost more than $90.00!
Environmental Education Videos
A number of informative videos/DVDs on environmental topics are available for purchase through Dovetail Partners. All videos are created for middle school through adult audiences. Several of the films have received awards of excellence and recognition.
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Speakers Bureau
Access to expert speakers on diverse environmental topics
Staff and Associates of Dovetail Partners are available to speak on a variety of topics and offer diverse areas of expertise. Book a speaker for your next event today!
http://dovetailinc.org/speakers
Helping People
Dovetail Partners, Inc. & Growing Edge Facilitation are collaborating to provide “For Benefit” businesses the support they need to survive and thrive in today’s complex business environment.
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“The Outlook” is the monthly e-newsletter of Dovetail Partners Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit corporation.
Dovetail Partners is a highly skilled team that provides authoritative information about the impacts and trade-offs of environmental decisions, including consumption choices, land use, and policy alternatives.
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