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July 01, 2009

Zwahlen's Ice Cream Goes Green With SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile




Zwahlens Ice Cream and Chocholate

 Zwahlen's is a local (Audubon PA) ice cream and chocolate establishment that just so happens to have the first commercial use of SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile Roof.

I was driving past the store last evening when my son told me about the sign on the front that  said --- something along the lines "the best ice cream under the sun is now powered by the sun".  I needed to check this out ... SRS logo

" SRS Energy, ...installed ... the first building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing product designed for curved roofing systems, ... the first commercial installation of the Sole Power Tile(TM) system  ..."

"T...a great example of how time-tested traditions and cutting-edge technology can meet to create something beautiful," said Marty Low, CEO of SRS Energy and owner of Zwahlen's. "

" ... designed to blend seamlessly with several styles of US Tile's clay tiles, providing energy without the use of traditional solar panels that can compromise a building's roofline and curb appeal. ... preserves Zwahlen's charming Swiss chalet look."

"SRS Energy recently introduced the Sole Power Tile(TM) system to the greater Philadelphia region at the PV America show, held at the Pennsylvania Convention center during the week of June 7, 2009."

SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile can generate 500 Watts per sq ft.

 

Via:  EarthTimes  LINK

Via:  SRS Energy  LINK

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June 30, 2009

Exolation - New Insulation developed in Philadelphia for newly created End Row Homes




Newly Created "end unit" row homwPhiladelphia is a city of row houses ... unfortunately many are in blighted condition and when they are town down the newly  created "end units" are poorly insulated.  Cleaning up the blighted homes causes the other homeowners to have basically little or no insulation on a large surface of their home.

Exolation insulation

"In the interest of creating local green jobs, the city hopes to find a local manufacturer." " ... product consists of layers of insulating foam (for thermal protection), high-density foam (to absorb impact), fabric (to prevent penetration of sharp objects), and a latex-stucco finish.  ... produce it in 2-by-4-foot panels that will be affixed to a wall with a foaming adhesive."

" ... Philadelphia University's help was enlisted after the city determined that existing exterior-wrap products were too expensive and not sufficiently durable."


Via:  Philadelphia University  LINK

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June 26, 2009

Starbucks Sustainable Store Strategy




Starbucks updates its retail store strategy to incorporate strong sustainable design elements and will place emphasis on unique local characteristics at each location to accentuate the customer experience. ...
... "Derive 50 percent of the energy used in company-operated stores from renewable sources by 2010; Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making company-operated stores 25 percent more energy efficient by 2010; Achieve LEED certification for all new company-operated stores worldwide by late 2010; " ...
Via Starbucks: Store Experience Reinvention

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June 25, 2009

Green Sears Tower Renovation Planned




Owners of the Sears Tower building in Chicago plan extensive green renovations to transform the energy profile of the building including operational efficiencies and power generation from rooftop solar photovoltaics and wind turbines. ... Via NY Times: Link
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June 21, 2009

iGEN Lighting Controls





iGEN logo

One easy way to save energy and money is to turn off the lights when no one is around.  Older buildings often have lighting that can only control half or a quarter of a building's floor.  That is why so often you see all the lights on in a large section of an office building at night ... one person working and all the ligLightolier logohts on.

 

Lightolier's iGEN is one way to fix this problem ..." ..flexible lighting control solutions, whether you are connecting a few luminaires in a private office or hundreds in a building-wide system. ...building owners and architects seek effective digital lighting technology for intelligent buildings and green building design... iGEN delivers the means and the materials for sustainable, cost-efficient lighting practices ..."

 

Via:  iGEN / Lightolier  LINK

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June 15, 2009

Wired Home in Chicago




Chicaog Wired Home

Wired Magazine has created their Smart Home  .. which is Green + Wired.  The design uses green materials and techniques along with tools to allow you to be GREEN with energy.

" ... high-design demonstration homes ... technologies we present aren't stuck in beta, but are available now. Trends driving the developments? Environmentally smart architecture, affordable automation systems, and real-time energy monitoring."

" ... use prefab construction ... automation systems we use are affordable, and upgradeable ... same access to energy data as the latest car dashboards, showing daily and weekly electricity and water consumption, as well as up-to-the-minute electricity pricing to help homeowners make smart decisions."

The Wired Home is open from March 19th, 2009 through January 3red, 2010.  If you are in Chicago and want to tour the home ... CLICK FOR DETAILS.

Via:  Wired  Link

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June 04, 2009

Platinum LEED homes in Manayunk (Philadelphia), Pa




Sheldon Crossing - Manayunk, Phila, Pa

Green living options are increasing in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia.  Manayunk is accessible to the R6 regional rail line to center city and is a very walkable village ...

Sheldon Crossing is a new Platinum LEED (to be certified) development ...

" ...16-unit carriage home development in Manayunk, PA, ... to meet and surpass green standards, which will earn us a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum level of certification. As we are redefining eco-conscious living, we have not lost sight of the importance of design. ..."

" ... less energy and resources consumed ... will result in significant savings for the homeowner as utility bills dwindle. ... Sheldon Crossing homes will use less energy, water, and natural resources. They create less waste, have less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. ... features to highlight are PV solar panels, green roofs, Icynene insulation, high efficiency heaters, WaterSense plumbing fixtures, water purification, heat recovery ventilators, smart home technology, Energy Star appliances, windows and doors and much more. ..."

 

Via:  SheldonCrossing  LINK

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June 03, 2009

U.S. Wants to Go Green with White Roofs, White Roads and Light Colored Cars




whote roofs in Bermuda One possible way to save energy is to paint your roof white ... or some other light color.  This would keep buildings cooler and lessen the need for air conditioning.  Same for roads and other dark surfaces ... which would reflect heat back into space instead of warming the earth.  Concrete could be used instead of painting road a lighter color ...

" ... solution to climate change could be as simple as a big bucket of whitewash, ... Steven Chu believes that painting the world's roofs, roads and pavements white would keep buildings cooler as temperatures rise and cut the need for air conditioning."

"... the U.S. Secretary of Energy and a Nobel prize-winning scientist, said the low-tech solution would be as effective at reducing global warming as taking all the world's cars off the road for 11 years."

 

Via:  DailyMail  LINK

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May 28, 2009

Net-Zero Green Building




Washington University in St. Louis celebrates grand opening of its Living Learning Center, which is designed to achieve zero net energy and zero wastewater. It is a great accomplishment that will further our understanding of these green building strategies. ...
... "The pavement surrounding the building is porous and will absorb almost all storm runoff. Waterless composting toilets will eliminate a major use of water and enable the collecting of waste that will be used as fertilizer for the surrounding grass. A 17-kilowatt photovoltaic system will power the facility. " ...
Via Washington University in St. Louis: Greenest building opens

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May 27, 2009

Taiwan's Solar Powered Stadium





Taiwan's solar powered stadium

Taiwan has built a solar powered stadium that can generate 100% of it's powder needs and can send power to the grid when the stadium is not hosting an event.

" ... solar-powered stadium that can generate 100% of its electricity from the sun. ... can hold 50,000 spectators and is made with over 8,000 solar panels."

"...will officially open in July for the 2009 World Games. ... ntegrates many other sustainable features such as permeable paving and maximum use of domestic materials and local labor." 

" .... [when] not being used, the government plans to feed surplus energy into the local grid, where it will meet approximately 80% of the neighboring area's demand. This equates to approximately 660 tons of carbon dioxide per year! "

 

Via:  WholeTravel blog LINK

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May 26, 2009

greenfiber insulation




GreenFiber logo

One of the easiest ways to make you home more energy efficient ... and save on your heating and cooling bills is to insulate to the proper levels.  A poorly insulated (or not insulated) house is just letting your heat or air conditioning pass through the house.  

 EPA Recommended levels of Insulation

Recommended minimums for walls and ceilings are based on your geographic location ... LINK to see the appropriate R-Values for your location.

" .. high-efficiency thermal insulation and effective R-value. ... Reduce nuisance noise when used in walls. ... made from 85% recycled paper fiber. ... Support energy conservation programs focused on engreenfiber insulationvironmental responsibility."

" ... forms a monolithic blanket of protection—blocking air infiltration and convection currents that are both primary causes of energy loss. ... ... remains consistent through a greater temperature and application range than that of loose-fill fiberglass, ... can increase a wall's fire resistance by 22-57%. ..."

 

Via:  greenfiber  LINK

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May 25, 2009

Greener Building




Eric Corey Freed discusses green architecture on this podcast (mp3) via Greener Cities.

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May 13, 2009

801 Market St in Phila to be LEED Green




801 Marklet St, PhilaThe former Strawbridge and Clothier flagship department store in Philadelphia is being remodeled in a green way.  PA. REIT has posted window signs and made green dioramas in the store's street side display cases (most of the building has been closed for some time).

" ... bring together 16 state agencies in a former retail space, a 13-story historic building on Market Street, bringing renovations and modernizations throughout the space. ... the arrival of the state agencies will bring 750. employees to the Market East section of Center City, as the state consolidates agencies ... PREIT, which controls everything from the sub-basement to the sixth floor, will renovate vacant space to make room for retail on the first, second and third floors, while maintaining the historical aspects of the building and complying with LEED silver certification requirements."

 

Photos to follow ...

 

Via:  Phila Biz Journal  LINK

 

 

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May 06, 2009

ebay Green Campus




ebay green campus eBay has many green aspects to its business model ... including the basic eBay design - helping people sell unneeded / unused stuff ...

They are also greening their campus by making the most of available sunlight, using a smart irrigation system, recycling / using recycled materials, using SOLAR and designing for and achieving LEED ...  ... 


" ... newest building, in San Jose, California, was designed and built to the  ... (LEED) Gold standard."


" ... automatic dimming system detects the amount of natural light ... and adjusts the electric light accordingly, resulting in an estimated 39% energy savings.... Recycled materials are used throughout, including 95% recycled structural steel, 38% recycled carpet tiles and 100% recycled workstation fabric. ... smart irrigation system ...  monitors weather conditions, including forecasts, dewpoint and relative humidity levels to determine the optimal and most efficient irrigation pattern."


" ... a 650 kW solar installation at our San Jose North location ...  3,248 panels cover more than a football field of roof space and will take up to 18% of our energy demand at that campus off the grid completely."

 

Via:  ebay  Link

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May 05, 2009

SAP LEED Platinum Building Design Elements Demonstrate Enterprise Commitment to Sustainability




SAP's enterprise commitment to sustainability translates well into its facility expansions. The company's new office building at its Newtown Square campus demonstrates the potential that sustainable design practices can offer. The building is under review by the US Green Building Council for LEED Platinum-level certification and incorporates the smart use of sunlight, a greef roof, intelligent water management and recycling, geothermal heating and cooling, and time shifting of energy consumption. SAP collaborated with FXFOWLE Architects to deliver this achievement. Green construction techniques were adhered to. Here are highlights of sustainable design features from SAP's release. ...
... "Located on the 110-acre campus of SAP North America and adjacent to its existing LEED-certified building, the new building features a floor-to-ceiling glass exterior and an open-space plan that takes maximum advantage of daylight. The green grass roofs, the use of native and regional vegetation species in landscaping and the maintenance of extensive open space highlight SAP's goal of integrating the building with the surrounding natural environment. The new building also incorporates numerous innovative features to reduce water use. Rainwater from the green roof and other areas is collected in a 50,000-gallon cistern, which supplies water for landscape irrigation and the flushing of toilets in some of the building's bathrooms. Additionally, low-flow bathroom fixtures will greatly reduce water usage, with an expected saving of over one million gallons of water per year. Energy-efficient features abound in the building. Geothermal wells use the constant ground temperature of the earth to both heat and cool areas of the building. Lighting systems based on the concept of daylight harvesting are controlled by sensors that dim the lighting levels and raise or lower window shades based on the level of sunlight coming through the triple-glazed glass exterior wall. A hybrid air conditioning system produces ice during the overnight hours when energy demands and electric rates are lowest, with the chilled water from the melting ice used to cool the building during the heat of the day. " ...
Via SAP: New LEED Platinum Building

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April 24, 2009

Comcast Philadelphia HQ is LEED Certified




Comcast Phila LEED BuildingComcast's HQ in Philadelphia is now LEED Gold certified ... and the tallest such building in the US.
LEED Gold logo
Read on for more  >>>

" ... received LEED Gold certification for the building's core and shell from the national organization. ... using 40 percent less water than a typical office building, with fixtures that save more than 3 million gallons of drinking water annually and waterless urinals in all restrooms that save 1.2 million gallons."

" ... a shaded plaza reduces the heat-island effect caused by pavement by 70 percent and ... low-E coating ... blocks 60 percent of heat while allowing in 70 percent of the sun's visible light, reducing energy used for air conditioning while using natural light to its fullest."

Via:  Philadelphia Business Journal  LINK

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April 21, 2009

Smithsonian (Washingotn, DC) Goes Green




http://media.smithsonianmag.com/images/smithsonian-castle-green-388.jpgI was in Washington DC this past weekend and saw some small buses with the Smithsonian log on the side - promoting them as green hybrids.  This prompted me to see what else our nations museum is up too in the green space. 

Turns out quite a bit ... Read on for more >>>

" ... in 2008, 3.7 percent of our electricity came from renewable energy sources. ... reducing our carbon footprint [by]... 4.2 metric tons of greenhouse gases..."

" ... Smithsonian manages a fleet of over 700 vehicles ... As we finished 2008, over 76 percent of that fleet is now either hybrid electric or capable of working off of alternative fuels."

" ... have several people on staff who are LEED accredited professionals, ... design managers, architects and some engineers and are there to assist Smithsonian in seeking these LEED certifications."


 

Via:  Smithsonianmag.com  LINK

 

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April 16, 2009

ROI of Green Building Studied




Study looks at the return of investment for developing Living Buildings. As with any ROI calculation, the payback improves when the client has a holistic perspective and includes operating costs in addition to one-time project costs over a longer time horizon. Building scale, the location's climate and energy costs, and the use have significant impacts on the costs and the financal return of the green building investments. ...
... "Achievement of this highest documented level of sustainable design continues to be highly sought after, although a true Living Building has yet to be completed and certified. The purpose of this study is to provide much needed, up-todate information on the incremental cost between LEED Gold buildings and Living Buildings, and answer the questions regarding the anticipated payback. " ...
Via Cascadia Region Green Building Council: THE LIVING BUILDING FINANCIAL STUDY (PDF)

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April 14, 2009

Toronto Green Roofs




Toronto is considering legislation that will require a green roof on future new buildings of certain sizes. ...
... "Every building or building addition constructed after January 30, 2010 with a Gross Floor Area of 5,000 square metres or greater shall include a Green Roof with a coverage of Available Roof Space ... " ...
Via Toronto, Canada: Green Roofs Required (PDF)

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April 12, 2009

Babcock Ranch Florida Solar City




Babcock Ranch is designed to be energy-efficient and the first city completely powered by solar energy. FPL will build a next-gen Solar Energy Center to produce 75 MW of electricity. ...
... "Babcock Ranch is the first city planned to be powered by the sun, with the majority of its electric needs generated from the largest on-site solar photovoltaic energy facility powering any city on earth. " ...
Via Babcock Ranch: Southwest Florida City

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April 07, 2009

Green House - Video Tour




bbc logoCheck out this BBC video of a prefab house ... some neat ideas that make for green living ...

" ... One of the exhibits at the TED2009 conference is a pre-fabricated house that boasts state-of-the-art technology and a sustainable design that promotes a green way of living. ... Peter Bowes was given a look inside the home. "TED logo

>>> To see the video "Inside the new 'green' house" ... LINK

 

Via:  BBC  Link

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April 06, 2009

Green Empire State Building Renovation Reaches for the Gold




Johnson Controls collaborates with partners, such as the Clinton Climate Initiative, to remake the Empire State Building as the model for sustainability renovation that can be replicated to other commercial buildings. This building retrofit integrates multiple energy efficiency strategies to significantly reduce power consumption. The project schedule is front-end loaded with retrofit tasks that will accrue energy savings early as the building systems are completed. The project team expects the building to to achieve LEED Gold performance levels. ...
... "The program is expected to reduce energy consumption by up to 38 percent and will provide a replicable model for similar projects around the world. Work has already commenced, and building systems work is slated to be completed by year-end 2010. The balance of the work in tenant spaces should be concluded by end of 2013. Work that is scheduled to be completed within 18 months will result in over 50 percent of the projected energy savings. The balance will be an additional 36 months completed by 2013. The project will prove the viability for energy efficiency retrofit projects to dramatically increase building energy efficiency and reduce its overall carbon output with sensible payback periods and enhanced profitability. At the end of the project definition process, the team analyzed the steps to be taken in conjunction with other steps towards sustainability as part of the Empire State ReBuilding program within the framework of the existing USGBC LEED rating system. Internal calculations show that the Empire State Building will be able to qualify for GOLD certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings ... " ...
Via Johnson Controls: ENERGY EFFICIENCY RETROFIT PROJECT AT EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

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April 04, 2009

Vancouver Green Convention Center






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March 25, 2009

GREEN BUILD (365)




Greenbuild 365 logo "Greenbuild365 expands USGBC's Greenbuild Conference to a year-round interactive green building learning portal. Educational opportunities ... are now available to anyone, anywherhttp://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Images/PromoImages/07701818-5cce-4480-a74b-273865c7d165.jpusgbc leed logoe. It is through green building education, outreach, and the sharing of best practices that USGBC's mission of a sustainable built environment within a generation will be achieved."

"Resources ... are organized into four primary categories, [ALSO] ...Course Catalog – Search for USGBC's core LEED offerings, ... Green Bytes – Download short videos, podcasts and articles to expand your knowledge even while you're on-the-go.  ... Greenbuild Expo Media Library – Watch videos of Greenbuild's keynote speakers ..."

 

Via:  USGBC  LINK

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March 17, 2009

Timberland's 474 Broadway Store in NYC




Timberland has a solid green business policty and their store on Broadway in NYC is another good example ... "Located at 474 Broadway,... our newest specialty store incorporates salvaged industrial elements with a modern, sustainable aesthetic. ...Green building practices included using materials salvaged or reclaimed from previous occupants, energy-efficient lighting, a more eco-conscious HVAC system, and wall paints and sealants containing reduced chemicals. Via: Timberland Link
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March 10, 2009

Green Advantage - Green Building




 
greenadvantageWant to become certified in Green Building or looking for a Green Certified Contractor?


Check out Green Advantage >>>

 "Green Certification Available for Building-Related Practitioners ... environmentally consciouUSGBC logos client prefers structures that are ... energy and water efficient, ... healthier and environmentally friendly. Green Advantage® certifies your knowledge of the latest in "green" building practices, technologies and techniques. ..." 

" ... homeowners directly benefit from green building practices: lower energy bills, lower water bills, and healthier longer-lasting homes. ... cumulative effect of large-scale green building can have enormous benefits for the community, the nation and the planet. ..."

To find a Green Advantage certified contractor ...LINK

 

Via:  Green Advantage  LINK

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March 05, 2009

Top25 EnergyStar Cities




EPA identifies the Top 25 ranked cities with EnergyStar rated buildings. ...
... "1. Los Angeles, CA 2. San Francisco, CA 3. Houston, TX 4. Washington, DC 5. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX 6. Chicago, IL 7. Denver, CO 8. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN 9. Atlanta, GA 10. Seattle, WA 11. Boston, MA 12. New York, NY 13. Austin, TX 14. Detroit, MI 15. Milwaukee, WI 16. San Antonio, TX 17. Philadelphia, PA 18. Charlotte, NC 18. Portland, OR 20. Grand Rapids, MI 21. Sacramento, CA 22. Phoenix, AZ 23. Miami, FL 24. Riverside, CA 25. Madison, WI " ...
Via EPA: EnergyStar Labelled Buidlings

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March 04, 2009

Starbucks Shared Planet




 Starbucks Shared Green Planet

Starbucks Shared Planet is " ...  commitment to doing business in ways that are good to the earth and to each other ... it's using our size for good....committed to minimizing our environmental footprint, tackling climate change, and inspiring others to do the same"Starbucks LEED plant

One shining example of this is their new (Feb 19th - 2009) South Carolina " ... state of the art roasting plant ... an example of the company's global commitment to green design and has been awarded LEED® Silver certification for New Construction by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)."

LEED Logo" ...20 percent – of building materials were from recycled content and over 75 percent of construction waste was recycled. ... drought tolerant landscape and a portion of the power used for operations will be green power supplied by wind energy."


Via:  Starbucks  Link

 

 

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February 24, 2009

European Building-Integrated Solar




French farmer secures multi-million Euro investment to integrate solar photovoltaics into farm sheds, enabling electricity generation that will be fed back into the grid with a capacity over four megawatts. ...
... "The type of solar-panel roof Westphal is using -- known as integrated because the panels are built into the roof rather than superimposed -- is booming in France thanks to legislation creating 20-year contracts with strong incentives to sell electricity to the grid. " ...
Via Reuters: French Solar Farmer

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February 19, 2009

Starbucks LEED Coffee Roasting Facility




Starbucks opens green roasting plant in South Carolina. The new facility has achieved the level of LEED Silver for New Construction. ...
... "The facility employs 100 full-time Starbucks partners (employees) and supplies coffee to the company’s southeastern U.S. stores. The facility is also is an example of the company’s global commitment to green design and has been awarded LEED Silver certification for New Construction by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Using green design components certified by a third-party organization is part of the company’s strategy to help achieve the Starbucks Shared Planet goal to significantly reduce its environmental footprint by 2015. Starbucks invested in a variety of green design elements to help reduce the energy and waste generated by both the construction and operation of the facility. A significant amount – 20 percent – of building materials were from recycled content and over 75 percent of construction waste was recycled. The facility features efficient, state of the art lighting and water fixtures, drought tolerant landscape and a portion of the power used for operations will be green power supplied by wind energy. " ...
Via Starbucks Coffee Company: LEED Certified Coffee Roasting Plant

Starbucks on Sustainability:



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February 17, 2009

Elon Green Building




University invests in new building with green design, materials, and energy. ...
... "Lindner Hall will also be Elon’s greenest building, using photovoltaic solar power cells and low-flow plumbing. According to E-Net, much of the building’s materials contain recycled materials and local products. " ...
Via Pendulum, Elon University: Evolution
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January 27, 2009

Principles in Green Building Standards




Green principles that enable many building standards ...



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January 25, 2009

Audubon Green Building Workshop




Sustainable home workshop begins this week. ...
... "This four-part workshop series begins Tuesday, January 27th with Green Homes 101: An Introduction to Green Building and features a panel of noted experts in the field of green building and home design ... " ...
Via Audubon Greenwich: Green Homes Workshop

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January 24, 2009

Obama on Green Building




The impact of Obama policies on green building is discussed. ...


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January 23, 2009

Sustainability Series - Radnor Township (Pa)




Radnor Twp logoRadnor Township has a number of "green" sites:  a new school has a green roof, restored wetlands at Villanova University and leaf pick up / composting by the township.  Now they are presenting a series of lectures on Sustainability in Radnor. 

Read on for more >>>

" ... Sustainability Series: Issues in Sustainable Living and Growth in Radnor Township ... GREEN BUILDING 101 ... Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 7 to 9 pm ... Radnor Township Municipal Building (also aired live on Comcast Cable Channel 10 and Verizon FiOS Channel 30)"

Topics covered include " ... What is Sustainability and Green Building ... How Green is Green? ... Promoting Green Building ... Making it Real in Radnor, a Success Story ... "

Via:  Radnor Township  LINK

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January 18, 2009

Office Depot Green Retail Store Achieves LEED Gold Rating




Office Depot achieves LEED Gold for Green retail store pilot. The store has demonstrated green building performance through significant energy savings, use of solar photovoltaics to offset electricity from the grid, efficient lighting and water conservation techniques. Kudos to Office Depot for their commitment to sustainability. ...
... "Office Depot received the Gold Rating for the Company's Store Prototype as well as for its first Green retail store in Austin, Texas which opened during the summer of 2008. The Office Depot Austin store was the first location the Company constructed following its environmentally preferable prototype design or master set of drawings. The prototype, which will be utilized for future stores where Office Depot manages the new construction process from the ground up, has now been recognized with Gold Certification, obtaining one of the highest levels of environmental sustainability. " ...
Via Office Depot: Retailer Receives LEED Gold Certification from U.S. Green Building Council

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January 13, 2009

AMD Austin Campus is LEED Gold




AMD's Lone Star campus in Austin, TX achieves LEED gold certification through renewably-sourced electricity, rainwater reuse, recycled construction materials, and native landscape plantings. ...
... "The Lone Star campus, which is home to AMD’s business operations and the Austin design engineering center, was designed and constructed by a diverse team of internationally recognized architects, engineers, ecologists and sustainability experts. The site development plan for the 58-acre, 870,000 square foot campus was based on three key tenets: limit site impact, protect water quality, and use innovative sustainable design. " ...
Via AMD: Campus Receives LEED Gold Certification

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January 04, 2009

Sims Green Building




Green building meets The Sims. ...

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January 03, 2009

PECO's First Green Building - West Chester, PA.




PECO logoAs part of their 2020 Low Carbon Roadmap .... PECO opened their first "green" building in West Chester (Chester County) Pa. 

" ... $2 million, 8-month project to open PECO's first 'green building' at the company's service site in West Chester, Chester County. ... expected to use about 20 percent less energy and 40 percent less water. ... the use of reflective roofing materials; low flow water devices; recycled construction materials, ... energy efficient lighting, ... and more .."


Via:  PECO  LINK

 

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December 28, 2008

PECO Green Roof in Center Citry Phila, Pa.




PECO logo

PECO is installing a green roof at it's Phila HQ location at 23rd and Market Sts.  The planned 45000 sq. foot roof will " ... reduce the summertime temperature of a dark roof by 60 to 80 degrees, saves on heating and cooling costs, and grows without conventional soil..."

" ... green roof development ... is part of the company’s recently-announced comprehensive environmental initiative with a range of programs over the next several years.

 

Via:  PECO  PECO

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December 27, 2008

First Green Dental Office on the East Coaast - in PA




Here is the first I have read about Green Dentistry ... an established practice (over 50 years) in Aston, Pa that is Green Dentistry ... renovating to become GREEN.

" ...Dental Health Care Associates ... undergoing a major renovation ... and will soon become the first LEED certified "green" dental office on the East coast."

"... measures are being taken to create a state-of-the-art facility that will meet or exceed the Gold certification standards for LEED  ... buildings. ... renovations include, but are not limited to:tooth and toothbrush

    " ... recycled building materials ... Geothermal HVAC ... Solar and wind-powered energy ... No-VOC cabinetry, carpets, flooring, and paints ... rainwater collection tank ... Water-free landscaping ..."


Via:  PAGreenDentist.com  Link

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December 18, 2008

Honda's GREEN Data Center





Honda's Longmont, Colo Data Center

Honda has always been known for its fuel efficient and low emissions vehicles ... it is now known for its LEED cetrified data center in Longmont, Colo.Honda logo

" ... 61,000-square-foot data center, ... certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system for green building construction. ... selected building materials based on proximity to the data center's location and ... recycled 73% of the construction waste ... left much of the site undeveloped and replanted trees and shrubs indigenous to the area."

" ... administrators were ... advised to decommission unused equipment quickly and to use management tools to ensure that servers are optimally provisioned...."

Via:  Informationweek.com  LINK

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December 16, 2008

LEED Baseball Field




Penn State baseball field achieves LEED through green design features, such as waterless urinals, gray watering system, and intelligent lighting. ...
... "Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the baseball facility home to the Penn State team and the short-season Class A Spikes, has been certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) as an environmentally friendly facility. " ...
Via The Daily Collegian: The Med

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November 29, 2008

Leadership Award for Green Building Education






BuildingGreen: "Alex Wilson is the Executive Editor of Environmental Building News. "

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November 26, 2008

California Academy of Science - Greenest Museum?




The California Academy of Sciences is an example of GREN design - from solar cells, to green roof, to skylights to reused literature ... See the Video for more ... Via: ZDNet LINK
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November 25, 2008

Tour Honda Green Buildings




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November 21, 2008

LEED Lending Increasing




Wells Fargo breaks the $2B threshold for lending towards LEED green buildings. ...
... "Doubled its commitments for LEED buildings from $1 billion to $2 billion; Increased the number of LEED buildings it has financed by 125 percent; Expanded its reach from financing LEED-certified buildings in 11 states and the District of Columbia to 19 states; Increased the type of LEED buildings financed to include a cold storage facility, data center and community center, in addition to office, mixed-use, industrial, retail, schools, multifamily; " ...
Via Wells Fargo: Financing for LEED-Certified Green Buildings

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November 19, 2008

Vatican Solar Panels




Vatican Solar Panels

" ...the first solar panels have been installed on the Paul VI auditorium at the Vatican. ... BBC News reports Pope Benedict has become the first pontiff to harness solar power to provide energy for the Vatican."

"Roof tiles on the Paul VI auditorium, ...  are being replaced by 2,700 solar panels ... photovoltaic cells ... generating enough power to light, heat or cool the 6,000 seat hall ..."


" .... When ... not in use, the surplus energy produced will reportedly be fed into the Vatican's power network."

 

Via:  CathNews.com  Link

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November 15, 2008

Sustainable Design Education




The Center for Architecture Science and Ecology has been created by RPI and a leading architecture firm to develop advanced green strategies for building design by pushing the frontier of material use and building configuration. ...
... "CASE participants will explore the use of natural dehumidifying materials, the naturally cooling properties of terra cotta walls and ways in which a structure can be modified to harness wind energy. " ...
Via New York Times: Green Building Design

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP (SOM)

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November 08, 2008

Green Roof Replacement in NYC




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Penn State Scores with Green Roof Research




While we would enjoy an unbeaten season as much as any other fan, Penn State contributes to the advancement of green roofs with its research into species, growth rates, and maintenance. This green roof was installed on the roof of an old building, a root cellar. ...
... "The roof is divided into 6 equal size sections each with it’s own drainage that runs into the building and through a series of flumes to measure runoff flows. Four of the roof sections have an average of 4in of medium and the other 2 have 8in of medium. The sections are planted with sedums and other green roof plants and will be used to evaluate potential green roof species ... " ...
Via Penn State University Center for Green Roof Research: Root Cellar

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Trane Green Building Education




Trane leader shares green building experience with students at Ball State and Indiana University at Bloomington. ...
... "Dave Sommer, business leader for Trane Indiana, discusses how green architecture incorporates innovative designs and technologies to significantly reduce a building’s negative impact on the environment." ...
Via Trane: Ball State University Indiana University visit

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November 05, 2008

GREEN Living in Philadelphia's Western Suburbs





Pembroke North logoNewly opened condominiums in the Western Suburbs of Philadelphia combine energy efficiency, LEED design standards, a green roof and is within easy walking distance of 2 tLEED for Homesrain stations.

" ... highly efficient energy and mechanical systems meet stringent environmental certification requirements ... making Pembroke North the first multi-family residential buildings to be registered for LEED-certification in the Philadelphia area ...". 

Green roof on parking garage" ... buildings have heating and cooling systems that employ heat pumps connected to extensive underground thermal pipe systems for tremendous energy efficiency. ..."

"LEED FEATURES ... High-Efficiency Window Glass ... Well-Insulated Roof and Exterior Walls ... Natural Light and Views ... Geothermal Heating and Air-Conditioning ... Tankless Hot Water Heaters ... "

Nearby Radnor Middle School also has a green roof ... that's 2 green roofs (at least0 in Radnor, Pa!

Via: Pembroke North  Link

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October 04, 2008

Green Building Tour




Open house and tour of local green buildings ...
... "This year's Green Building Open House features 27 homes in Tompkins, Tioga and Schuyler Counties. Homeowners and/or green building professionals will be on site to answer questions and describe their green building features ... " ...
Via Cornell University: 2008 Green Buildings

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August 04, 2008

Pittsburgh's Green Convention Center




Historically Pittsburgh was not thought of as a green city ... but a heavily industrialized one ... Today Pittsburgh has one of the nation's greenest buildings ... " ... trying to shed its image of a gritty, grimy steel town one building at a time. Its convention center is one of the most environmentally friendly buildings of its size in the entire country. ... boasts an organic garden, its own water reclamation plant, and a smart cooling system. The building was awarded gold-level certification on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings scale set up by the U.S. Green Building Council." See the video for more information Via: ZDNet Link

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June 30, 2008

Green Building Web Service




Autodesk provides architects with a software-based approach to green building through a web service that evaluates building components for energy consumption so that sustainability can be integrated early in the design process. ...
... "Green Building Studio tools enable architects and designers to evaluate the energy profiles and carbon footprints of various building designs. Files are shared between engineering software programs and among engineers and architects early in the design cycle, making sustainable design more efficient and cost effective. " ...
Via AutoDesk: Green Building Studio

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June 16, 2008

Green Building




 American Technion Society Green Building

Here is a truly green building that combines green thinking and agriculture ... providing a family  with greenhouse space for food and possible income. 

Read on for more  >>>

" ... high-rise apartment complex includes greenhouse spaces that enable a family of four to grow a variety of vegetables for their own consumption, with enough left over to generate additional income. ..."


"... design will be used to construct a building in Wuhan, China. ... Groundbreaking on the new building is expected to begin this year."

"Each apartment has ... greenhouse space measuring approximately 100 square feet. These climate-controlled areas  ... will employ a system that utilizes soilless growing media ... a liquid fertilization system, and an advanced drip irrigation system. ... will use water recycled from the apartment units and rainwater harvested on the building's rooftop. The building will also feature solar heating and cooling systems and a geothermal system."

"Among its advantages are significant savings in energy, providing fresh, pesticide-free organic food, freeing agricultural land for forests, which contribute to the environment, preventing soil pollution by pesticides, and intelligent use of recycled water for irrigation."


Via:  American Technion Society 
Link

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June 09, 2008

Largest Gold LEED Center




The Pittsburgh convention center is LEED Gold certified by embracing green design and practices, such as recycling of demolition waste, water reclamation, natural ventilation and illumination, and energy optimization. ...
... "The David L. Lawrence Convention Center is the largest Gold LEED certified green convention center in the USA and the first of its kind in the world. " ...
Via Lawrence Convention Center: Green Factor

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June 02, 2008

LEED Science Center Breaks Ground




Utah university starts construction on new science center to satisfy growth in enrollment while embracing a green building design. The building design will reuse storm water, leverage daylight, and use local materials saving on transportation costs. ...
... "The new 60,000-square-foot, four-story Meldrum Science Center is the culminating project in Westminster's 10-year campus master plan. It will be LEED certified, underscoring Westminster's commitment to the environment. " ...
Via Westminster College: Meldrum Science Center Ground-Breaking

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May 31, 2008

Citibank Branch Green Building Program Reaches for LEED




Citi achieves Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) pre-certification for its retail branch prototype through U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) pilot program. ...
... "New CitiFinancial branches in Austin, Texas, and Flint, Mich., and the Citibank financial center in Warrington, Penn., are the first Citi branches to be certified in this pilot program. An additional 27 CitiFinancial and Citibank branches were designed with the same features and are in the process of pursuing LEED certification. " ...
Via Citigroup: Milestone in Green Building

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May 28, 2008

Citigroup Green Skyscraper






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May 17, 2008

Eco-Friendly Paints Discussed




Building Green show explores the basics of green paint brands. ...

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May 12, 2008

Green Building Standards Analysis




AIA reviews green building rating systems and makes recommendations that goals are established for efficient use of water resources and the life cycle value of a community or project is understood, in addition to construction costs. ...
... "U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED NC 2.2 system: This is good example of a rating system which provides a measurement of environmental achievement. Continued developments in life cycle assessment, requirements for renewable energy or carbon reduction targets for certified projects will continue to make this system an effective resource for architects. " ...
Via American Institute of Architects: AIA Study of Three Green Building Rating Systems

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April 29, 2008

Sustainable Design EcoPrinciples Discussed




Eco-friendly materials are highlighted ...

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Green Roof at Schuykill Valley Nature Center (greater Phila, Pa)




RoofScapesSchuylkill Valley Nature Center (Phila area, PA)
Roofscapes, Inc. is " ... an engineering firm dedicated to developing the most elegant and efficient performance-based green roofs. ..."  Roofscapes is in Germantown, Pa (greater Philadelphia, Pa).

Schuykill Valley Nature Center roofOne of Roofscapes "green roofs" is at the Schuykill Valley Nature Center - just outside of Phyioladelphia PA.  The roof is not irrigated and covers 2,000 sq ft.

" ... 2” thick ...vegetated cover was selected to complement the other sustainable development technologies in this project. ... was required to be very thin ... Runoff from the green roof is channeled into the rain garden below on the ground. ..."
 

 

 

Via:  Roofscapes  Link

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April 27, 2008

Cool Roof Coatings




Elastomeric roof coatings lower the power requirements for cooling flat roof buildings, saving money and conserving energy. ...
... "Because they are white, elastomeric coatings reflect more sunlight before it becomes heat. Traditional flat black roof coatings, such as asphalt, absorb sunlight and radiate heat. These elastomeric coatings also protect against cracking because they themselves expand and contract as part of the roofing material. The result is a cooler and longer-lasting roof, lower ambient air temperatures and energy savings for the entire building. " ...
Via Rohm and Haas Company: White is the New Black Gone Green... When It Comes to Roofs

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April 25, 2008

Green ACME Supermarket in Concordville, Pa.




Architect drawing of Concordville, PA ACME
The newly opened ACME in Concordville, PA is GREEN. 

How GREEN?  Very Green !!

Read on for more >>>>

" ... What makes this supermarket so special? LEED registration and hopefully soon - certification!"

... Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ... promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality."..."

The complete listing of all the GREEN work / thought / materials / concepts that went into this building go on and on but here are some of the items ...

" ... is located within ½ mile of a residential area with 10 units per acre and has pedestrian access to 10 basic services within ½ mile ... Preferred parking (5% of total vehicle capacity) to be provided for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles. ... Water Efficient Landscaping - ... No use of potable water for irrigation. ... Recycle or salvage at least 50% or 75% of non-hazardous construction waste. ...  ... an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan for the construction phase of the project. ...
Low Emitting Materials - ... Paints and Coatings ..."

Via:   Dever Architects   Link

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April 23, 2008

Radnor (Delaware County, PA) Schools Go Green




Radnor Middle School Radnor Township (Delaware Country, Pa) recently opened their new Middle School.  It was designed from the ground up to be environmentally friendly as well as to provide a healthy environment for the students and staff.

Some of the energy saving features include: " ... Geothermal heating and cooling, ...'green roof' with plants that absorb storm-water, keep the building cool, and give off oxygen, Waterless urinals and motion-activated sinks, Motion sensors that adjust / turn off classroom lights reducing electrical load..."

" ... is the only green-roof school in Delaware County [PA]  ... . is eligible to receive LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council ..."

 

Via:  PhiladelphiaSustainabilityAwards.com   Link

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April 21, 2008

Friends School in Philadelphia, Pa to use Goethermal Energy




Friends Center - Phila., PA.

Friends Select, an independent Quaker school in center city Philadelphia, Pa, is constructing a thermal energy system,.

Drilling holes " ... 1,500 feet below the sidewalk ... in search of energy savings."

" ... will use the ambient temperature of the ground, about 50 degrees, to heat and cool the Quaker-run office complex."

" ... costing $1.3 million, ... will help eliminate the center's emissions of greenhouse gases and cut its energy costs by an estimated 46 percent. The payback period: six to eight years."

Freied Select has other "green" application ... " ... a green makeover that includes solar panels, a vegetated roof, and rainwater holding tanks to flush the toilets."

Via:  www.philly.com   Link

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April 13, 2008

Green Architecture Lecture This Week




Green architecture movement will be discussed this week ...
... "Nicolai Ouroussoff, the chief architecture critic for The New York Times, will discuss green architecture on Thursday, April 17, at SUNY Cortland. Ouroussoff, who has written a number of articles pertaining to the green architectural movement for The New York Times magazine, will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Sperry Center, Room 105. " ...
Via SUNY Cortland: New York Times Critic to Discuss Green Architecture

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April 11, 2008

India Green Building Design




Dupont collaborates with TERI to increase market awareness of green building design in India. ...
... "DuPont and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote the cause of green building design and certification in India. " ...

Via Dupont: Green Building Design in India

 

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GE ecomagination Homebuilder Program




GE ecomagination Homebuilder Program

"... a whole-home solution that benefits the environment and your wallet. Designed to lower overall household energy consumption, emissions and indoor water consumption,... combines building science with high performance products ..."GE logo

FACT: "A 2,500-square-foot house in Texas built to the ecomagination Homebuilder Program specification is designed to lower CO2 emissions by approximately 5 tons annually, which is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of driving more than 10,000 miles in an average U.S. car, or to the CO2 absorbed by 1.3 acres of a Southeastern forest each year.

FACT:  A 2,500-square-foot home built to the ecomagination Homebuilder Program specification is designed to save the homeowner US$ 600 to upwards of 1,500 USD on annual utility bills versus an industry-standard average new home due to significant energy and water savings.

Source: GE Consumer & Industrial

 

Via:  GE ecomagination Homebuilder Program  Link 

 

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March 28, 2008

University LEED Silver Green Building




Saint Xavier University starts its second green building, which will target LEED Silver certification. ...


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March 15, 2008

Green Building Could Stem Global Warming




Recently presented report shows that conversion to green buildings could play strong role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ...
... "The study, which was released at an environmental conference in Vancouver yesterday, points out that buildings in North America, including those in Canada, release 35 percent of all CO2 emissions. " ...
Via London Free Press: Green buildings
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March 11, 2008

Green Building Residential Market Assessment




Market growth for green homes is expected to expand significantly over the next five years, while the percentage of green products is nearing fifty percent of the remodeling market. ...
... "The size of the homeowner remodeling market that is using green products is large: 40% of homeowners remodeling their houses are doing so with green products, especially their windows and heating and cooling systems. " ...
Via McGraw Hill Construction: Green Homeowner Market Assessment
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March 10, 2008

LED Lighting for Green Buildings






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March 07, 2008

Green Building Ideas and Design Studio in Philadelphia, Pa




Greenable

Want to go green and not sure how to start?  Kpeco wind powerednow a lot and just want some ideas?

Check out GREENABLE.

" ... is Philadelphia's premier resource for interior and exterior green building products and services for residential & commercial projects."

"... a can of paint, a green roof installation, or an entire residential or commercial design project, Greenable does it all. ... located in Old City on Market Street between Front and 2nd."

Via:  Greenable.com   Link

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March 05, 2008

Green Tips on Sustainable Building Design




Architects discuss the eight steps to green building design and practices. ...
... "he defined the actual concept of sustainable design as a functional, durable, healthy for occupants, energy-efficient and designed to work with exterior environment and location to optimize comfort and utility. ” ...

Via Cornell Daily: Green Building Tips

 

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February 22, 2008

Drexel University Smart Home




Drexel University - Smart House

Drexel University's Smart House "... is a student-led, ... project to construct an urban home to serve as a "living laboratory" [to] ... conduct research and develop designs in the areas of environment, energy, interaction, health, and lifestyle with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life in the urban residential setting."

Drexel Logo

" ... toward the goal of creating a building that functions like a home and serves as a laboratory ... will provide an exemplary model and testing environment of an improved approach to home life while specifically improving the lives of the individuals inhabiting the house."

The sSmart House will focus research on 5 Areas:

  • "Environment ... decrease the environmental footprint ...implement sustainable and environmentally friendly products"
  • "Energy ... investigate alternative energy sources, such as solar and geothermal, ... ultimate goal is to generate all energy on site.
  • "Interaction ... addressing the way in which people interact with technology ... to create an intelligent and aware living environment. "
  • "Health ... Indoor air quality ... will be incorporated into the Smart House. "
  • "Lifestyle ... increase the efficiency of our day-to-day living. ... more efficient living and work spaces..."

 

Via:  Drexel University SmartHouse  Link

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February 14, 2008

Japan Green Roof




Lightweight green roof tour, in Japan ...

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February 13, 2008

gbXML Sustainable Design Software




Autodesk acquires web-based energy analysis software through Green Building Studio, expanding its offerings to the sustainable design community. ...
... "Green Building Studio Inc. developed the Green Building XML (gbXML) schema and launched the Green Building Studio web service in 2004. The web service offers whole building energy, carbon, and other analysis tools for architects and designers using CAD and BIM software from Autodesk and other industry providers. Green Building Studio provides the ability to quickly and efficiently analyze building design proposals, providing building performance information to support sustainable design. Autodesk currently plans to continue support for the Green Building Studio web service and gbXML as an open standard, and to strengthen the web service's integration with its BIM software. " ...
Via AutoDesk: Sustainable Design Product Portfolio

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February 10, 2008

UN Green Office






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February 07, 2008

Solar Decathlon 2009 Lineup




Department of Energy has selected twenty university teams for competition in the DOE's Solar Decathlon planned for the National Mall in Washington, DC, in the fall of 2009. ...
... "This year’s teams have been selected from universities in the United States, Canada, and Germany and each team will receive $100,000 from DOE to uniquely design, build and operate an energy efficient, fully solar-powered home for this unique competition. Each home will utilize energy efficient technology and demonstrate that homes powered entirely by the sun do not have to sacrifice all the modern comforts and aesthetics Americans are accustomed to. The Department's Solar Decathlon complements the President's Solar America Initiative, which seeks to make solar power cost-competitive with conventional forms of electricity by 2015. " ...
Via Department of Energy: Student Teams Selected
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January 30, 2008

Green Building Features






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January 28, 2008

LEED Gold Building Pacific University Sustainability Strategy




Pacific University will open its new Berglund Hall, designed with a foundation for LEED Gold capability, on the Forest Grove campus . ...
... "Walsh Construction led work on the building, designed for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification in keeping with the University's sustainability drive. Berglund is the fourth new green building project for Pacific. In addition to environmental and resource saving materials and systems, the five trees cut down to make space for this project were reused in the building itself. An impressive table in the boardroom was one way the trees were used. Recycled wood was also used as trim, wainscoting, and on banisters. " ...
Via Pacific University: Green Building Opens at Pacific University Feb. 1
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January 27, 2008

Green Buildings Expected to Grow




With the real estate market in a slowdown, the green building market is forecast for growth. ...
... "He used all Sherwin-Williams paint from the Harmony line, which has no volatile organic compounds. He also used carpeting made from natural fibers, dual-flush toilets and sinks made from recycled materials. " ...
Via Detroit Free Press : Eco-conscious design

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January 24, 2008

Greener Gadgets Conference in N.Y.C. Feb 1, 2008




Greener Gadgets ConferenceNew York City is hosting the Greener Gadget Conference on Feb 1, 2008.  The one day event details:
 

10am - 6pm
McGraw-Hill Conference Center
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York City, NY

"... industry leaders, entrepreneurs, [and others] ... will gather to discuss the business case for the greening of the consumer electronics industry. ... featuring ...  consumer electronics companies ..., innovators from academic thinktanks, members of startups ... and some of the leading minds in the word of sustainable design and business. Topics to be addressed include: design for sustainability, product life cycle management, take-back and recycling programs, energy efficiency, greener materials, and green lifestyle and product marketing. An attached gallery space will feature a green prototype office display and technology exhibits from companies on the cutting edge of green tech."

" ... will showcase revolutionary design and tech innovations that will shape the future of the consumer electronics and change your world... for the better."

Some discussion points: 
  • "Environmental initiatives from leading consumer electronics companies, such as take-back and recycling programs"
  • "New environmentally sensitive materials, product lifecycle and design for sustainability"
  • "Innovations in renewable energy technologies, such as fuel cells, kinetic energy, wind and solar power"Greener Gadget Conference

Via:  GreenerGadgets.com  Link

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January 21, 2008

Greening our Schools- Green Flag Program




Green Flag Program Logo Some schools are already green.  Others are just getting started.  Many need help with a structured program to guide them. Green Flag Logo

Green Flag promotes 4 key areas:

-- Indoor Air Quality - looking at mold, irritants, etc
-- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, - pretty self explanatory
-- Non Toxic Products - cleaning products and others
-- Integrated Pest Management - for grounds and indoors
 

"Schools across the nation are using the Green Flag School Program to make their schools healthier places to work and learn. ... Achieve recognition for ... your school already does, and improve your program with the support of teachers and field experts across the country. ... check out the Green Flag School Program today!"

 

Via:  Green Flag Program  Link 

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January 13, 2008

Green Building Cost Competitive for Lockheed Martin




Lockheed Martin builds green for a negligible premium of 1.5 percent. The company also sees its green building and a green enterprise strategy as attractive to future talent. ...
... "Lockheed Martin Space Systems has constructed the first buildings in Sunnyvale, Calif., to comply with the rigorous standards of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. The fleet maintenance facility and automatic storage and retrieval system building cover a total of 33,000 square feet and feature a wide range of green construction features, such as light-colored roofs (to reflect heat), trees to shade parking spaces, full cutoff fixtures to reduce light pollution, low-emission building materials and wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. " ...
Via Lockheed Martin: Space Systems Green Buldings
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Zero Emision Research Station




 zero emission research station in antartica
Antarctica is probably one of the last pure pristine place on earth.  It is also home to the Belgian research station Princess Elizabeth, in Utsteinen, Antarctica. 

Can the two exist in harmony?  Can a research station be GREEN?

Read on for more >>>

Zero Emission Research Station in Antartica

T" ... designed with the environment in mind. ... built using eco-friendly materials, as well as to minimize energy consumption and waste. ... will operate completely on renewable energies. ...eight wind turbines ...as well as approximately 380 square meters of solar panels on and nearby the station."

"... will use only 20% of the energy used by a comparable station. Heating will be done via a mixture of passive and active systems, including a heat recovery system ..."


 

Via: Inhabitat  Link

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January 10, 2008

LEED Gold Green Condos in LA




Advanced green buildings in Los Angeles condominium showcase responsible development. ...



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January 09, 2008

Sweden's "People Powered Heating" System for Buildings




 

Body Heat Rising from athlete's headHere is an interesting idea ... harness the body heat from commuters to warm a building.  instead of radiating into the air ... an interesting idea in Sweden uses that heat to heat a new nearby office building.  

>>> Read on for more.large building with lots of people - heat source?

" ... heat from hundreds of thousands ...  will be used to heat a new office building..."

"...body heat would warm up water that in turn would be pumped through pipes .. ".

"... old technology, but used in a new way. ... expects the system to bring down heating costs in the building by up to 20 percent. "

I" ... system is not expected to be complicated or very costly,..."

 

Via:  Physorg.Com  Link

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January 05, 2008

Green Buildings Operating Benefits




With a hot real estate market, Atlanta sees strong interest in green construction. Real estate agents must get educated on green features. Prospective homeowners must be prepared to question builders about their green building techniques. Ultimately, green home will benefit the homeowner with lower operating costs. ...
... "The owner of a green home pays less per month in total and owns a more valuable asset. Plus the home is more comfortable and has better indoor air quality. " ...
Via Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Green Home Market

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January 04, 2008

Urban Green Roofs




Lovely host, from RiverWired, tours urban green roofs. ...



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January 03, 2008

Sustainable Home Construction Timelapse




Timelapse video of the construction of Heliohouse, a sustainable home that you can rent. The house incorporates a number of sustainable, green building techniques, such as building materials from recycled material. ...



Heliohouse

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January 02, 2008

Green Building Growth Accelerating




American Institute of Architects (AIA) studies the growth of green building policies in the nation. One in seven cities have a green building program and the growth rate is accelerating such that one in five cities will achieve the same in 2008. ...
... "The report, Local Leaders in Sustainability, analyzed 661 communities best practices, strategies and trends, as well as provides recommendations for cities that are looking to implement green building programs. " ...
Via American Institute of Architects: Cities with Green Building Programs Have Increased More Than 400%

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December 31, 2007

LEED Professional Certification




Beginning in January 2008, the Green Building Certification Institute will provide administration of the LEED Professional certification program. ...
... "GBCI will manage all aspects of the LEED AP program including exam development, registration and delivery. GBCI will also oversee the development of the maintenance program for LEED AP credential holders. " ...
Via GBCI: Green Building Certification

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December 21, 2007

LEED Green Building Supported By Chain of Custody Certification




With green building trends increasing, the whole building value chain can be navigated sustainably. The Forest Stewardship Council will certify forests and provide chain-of-custody certification when products flow through the supply chain to their final destination. ...
... "Chain of custody certification is especially important to commercial building projects seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. " ...
Via The Ellsworth American: Green Building

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December 18, 2007

Green Roof Discussion




Green roofs discussed from Ladybird Johnson Center in Austin, Texas. ...

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December 17, 2007

Florida Green Building Achieves LEED Silver




The Florida Solar Energy Center manages pilot program for green building and supports the achievement of LEED Silver certification for Florida residence. ...
... "The Florida Solar Energy Center completed several inspections and performance tests on John and Pamela Parés new home, which features solar water heating, high-efficiency windows and doors and many other environmentally friendly features. " ...


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December 05, 2007

Green Waterfree Urinal




Falcon Waterless Technologies - logo

What is a waterless urinal?  waterless urinal details - inside view
How does it work? 
How does it save money and or energy?

Waterless urinals are now being installed in buildings around the country.  I saw them this week at the US HQ (PA) of a major German software company ...

They mount like an ordinary urinal but have a drain only - now plumbing is needed to "flush" so there are energy saving s in construction, less water and maintenance. 

waterless urinal " ... As much as 5% of fresh water consumed is currently used to carry away urine. Each Falcon Waterfree  ... saves an average of 40,000 gallons (151,000 liters) of fresh water per year. ... No energy need be used to treat this water, nor does it produce carbon dioxide emissions as a byproduct of its treatment. ... "

A" ... very little maintenance ... no moving parts ... only maintenance is an easy change of the cartridge, performed approximately three to four times per year."





Via:  Falcon Waterless Technologies Link

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December 03, 2007

Green Building Benefit Anecdotes




LEED certified and green buildings offer their owners additional benefits than the obvious operating savings. See the LEED rating system. ...
... "Green buildings generate 3.5 percent higher occupancy rates, 3 percent higher rental rates and have a 6.6 percent improved return on investment, Katz said. Additionally, green buildings see an average increase of 7.5 percent in building values ... " ...
Via NuWire: LEED Leads to Profit
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November 26, 2007

Chemical Company Adds Environmentally Advanced Green Roof




Rohm and Haas Logo

Rohm and Haas (NYSE: ROH), a Philadelphia, Pa based global chemical company, is updating the roof on their corporate HQ building.  The roof is approx 40,000 sq. feet and and is being coated with a polymer to reduce the heat impact of the roof.  Reflective Roofing Material Being Applied

" ... summer cooling offsets any heat gain by a black roof in winter more than tenfold, ... project will be completed by the end of October and will include monitoring devices that will ... track energy savings.

" ... Philadelphia is currently seeking to increase standards for new and replacement roofs ... new Rohm and Haas roof coating exceeds the current state regulations and would meet the proposed city regulations, should they be adopted."

“... using this roof coating technology, we reduce the indoor air temperature as well as the urban heat island effect, reducing energy costs ..."

 

For a High Res pic of the Reflective Roofing Material being applied ... Link


Via:  Rohm and Haas.com   Link

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November 14, 2007

New York Governor's Mansion Goes Green




 New York Governor's Mansion

"Silda Wall Spitzer, ... wants to turn the governor's mansion ... into a modern model of energy efficiency ... “Greening the Mansion” will cut its electrical energy consumption by 50% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half.solar panels

Highlights include:

* solar panels
* a fuel cell to  replace back up dielsel powered generator
* energy efficient appliances

Via:  TreeHugger.com   Link

 

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November 12, 2007

Home Depot Smart Home Creates Living Lab for Energy Efficiency




The Smart Home, sponsored by Home Depot, at Duke University is now open. It is designed to LEED gold standards and will create an environment for students to experiment and learn about sustainable living. ...
... "Once they move in, the 10 residents will automatically become ambassadors of sustainable lifestyles, conducting tours and answering questions about energy-efficient, environmentally responsible living in a stylish, high-technology setting. The residence hall and research laboratory is the centerpiece of a much larger program in which more than 100 students are conducting research on smart living. Primarily focused on undergraduates, the program encourages students from different academic disciplines to form teams and explore smart ways to use technology in the home. " ...


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November 09, 2007

Near Zero Energy Home




BASF Near ZERO Energy HomeWhat is a green home?
What makes it special or different?

>>>> Read on to learn more... 

"Transforming the residential market to green building is critical to our efforts to halt global climate change. By earning LEED Platinum certification for the Near-Zero Energy Home, BASF is having an immediate, measurable impact on energy use and CO2 emissions ...BASF's leadership in achieving LEED Platinum certification sends a powerful message to the marketplace, and will help accelerate the adoption of green homebuilding nationwide."80% energy saving

 
"... a demonstration home for innovative BASF technologies promoting high-performance, energy efficiency and ecological benefits in new housing. ..."

"... will incorporate Zero-Energy Housing (ZEH) concepts from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the building science principles of PATH/Build America expert, Steve Winter, AIA."

"... Near-Zero Energy Home-Paterson, N.J., has been selected by the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) pilot testing for the recently launched Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes (LEED-H) rating system, under which it has achieved the Platinum level. The home will be designed to achieve Energy Star certification and, with the inclusion of solar panels, will support New Jersey's Solar Initiative Program."


Via:  Betterhomebetterplanet.com   Link

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November 06, 2007

Green Building Supplies and Services




rateitgreen Want to know more about Green building materials and services?  Looking for that special green product or service?

>>>> Checkl out rateitgreen.com .... a "... diverse community of individuals and professionals interested in finding and sharing the best in green building and design products and services.  ... offers several key ways to learn from and share information with your peers:


Via:  rateitgreen.com   Link

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Greenbuild Conference - Nov 7 - 9, 2007 in Chicago




 
greenbuild 2007

Want to learn more about green building?  Want to meet others who share this desire and learn what is new in the industry?

>>>> Then check out greenbuild in Chicago on Nov 7 - 9, 2007 in Chicago! 

"... Come join 18,000 other people who agree that green building is a good idea and good for business at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. ... will take place in Chicago at the new McCormick Place West Building."

"At Greenbuild 2007 we'll explore "Accelerating Green Communities" with outstanding educational sessions, exciting speakers, special events and tours, and our largest exhibit hall ever."

" ... is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties."

Via:  greenbuild  Link 

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November 03, 2007

Sustainable Building Insights




Developer provides perspective on sustainability in development of communities. ...



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November 02, 2007

L.L. Bean's Green Building




Green building are much more common ... seems that the more there are there more demand there is and the easier for people to get their hands around what it is really like ... could this work for you?

Read on ...

First off ... what makes for a green building?  An accepted standard is LEED - Leadership on Energy and Environmental Design. 
Burlington, Mass green store
"(LEED) Green Building Rating SystemTM is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. ... we are committed to LEED standards to help minimize the impact upon the environment."

"Here are just a few ways we have incorporated “green design” into our new stores:

• "The rubber flooring ... [recycled] from old car tires, ... carpets have a high percentage of recycled content."
• "Fixtures .. from reclaimed wood and steel."
• "All new wood is certified ... from well-managed and sustainable forests."
•" Paints, carpets and adhesives contain minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to reduce toxic fumes."
• " ...a minimum of 75% of construction debris was sent to recycling facilities rather than landfills."

• "Our recycling program includes glass, metal, plastic, paper and cardboard."
• " ... indigenous plants in landscaping eliminates the need for irrigation systems."


• " ... lighting control system takes advantage of natural light brought into the store by the large windows."
• " ... sensors regulate climate control in each area of the store."
• " ... bicycle storage and changing rooms encourages employees to ride their bikes to work."

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October 31, 2007

Green Research Facility Will Build at LEED Platinum




U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) begins construction on its energy-efficient and green Research Support Facility in Golden, CO. ...
... "NRELs new Research Support Facility promises to be one of the most green buildings ever constructed; the new Renewable Fuel Heating Plant will use biomass to cut NRELs future natural gas use by 75 percent; and the Mesa Top PV Project a new five-acre photovoltaic array, and one of the largest solar power systems in Colorado will help power the labs main campus. It will make substantial use of daylighting, dramatically reducing energy use and providing a pleasant and productive working environment. The RSF has been designed to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) Platinum designation, the highest benchmark awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. " ...


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October 27, 2007

Green Home Geodesic Dome




Cute trailer on green home with geodesic dome and alternative energy sources. ...


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October 12, 2007

Green Building and Sustainability in Academia




Rider University embraces sustainability practices, including green building techniques for new investments such as dorms. ...

... "The building, with a target completion date of May 2009, would be Rider’s most environmentally conscious, with waterless urinals and solar shingles. The building would reduce energy costs and water use. " ...

 

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Green Bio-Roof Uses Soy Polymer Coating




Chicago aquarium uses energy efficiency techniques, such as reflective roof made of soy polymers. Soy Roof...
... "The white roof coating helps reflect sunlight and reduces energy usage by lowering the building's cooling needs. " ...


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October 11, 2007

Chicago's Green Exchange is First Green Mall




 Green Exchange
"The four-story 250,000 SF, Green Exchange, ... 2545 West Diversey Avenue, is to be converted in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, with an aspiration to achieve a Silver certification. ... creating an epicenter for green businesses and organizations in the Midwest U.S."

" ... the Green Exchange when it (hopefully) ... tenants ... currently on board include an eco-freindly printer, a sustainable furniture store, an eco-clothing store, a car sharing service, and a bike shop. ..."

 

Among the Features:
  • Located 10 minutes north of the Chicago Loop, at a full-service interchange fronting I-94 with access to major Chicago streets and public transportation
  • Loft style spaces with tremendous natural light
  • 9,000 SF courtyard garden area
  • State of the art green roof
  • High-efficiency HVAC, water and energy systems
  • Energy efficient windows and doors
  • Building paint and stains all eco-friendly for clean air quality
  • State of the art communications technology

Among the Amenities:
  • Bike room and showers
  • Car-sharing service
  • Priority hybrid parking

Via:  GreenExchange   Link
           and
Via:   Ecorazzi.com   Link

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October 06, 2007

Solar Decathlon Design Homes




University of Missouri design team's solar home will participate in the Solar Decathlon student competition at the National Mall on Oct. 12-20.  This home is affordable. ... Solar Home built by Univ of Missouri design students
... "Energy from the solar panels on the roof of the new house is converted from DC to AC power, which is used for the lighting, cooling and heating. The lighting and the house’s sound system are run on fully-automated sensors. Solar power is also used to run all of the energy-efficient appliances and to charge a small electric car. UMR is one of 20 collegiate teams selected to receive $100,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the construction of new houses for the 2007 Solar Decathlon. " ...

Via UMR, University of Missouri Rolla: Solar house

 

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October 02, 2007

National Solar Tour 2007 (Oct 7)




 

National Solar Tour MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Oct 7th, 2007!

The ASES (American Solar Energy Society) National Solar Tour is Saturday Otc. 7, 2007 all across the USA.house with soar panels

 

As the green dude is from PA and the green tech is from NJ let's see what is planned for those states ...

"... ASES National Solar Tour is the largest tour of sustainable energy features for buildings in the U.S.  Now in its 12th year, some 100,000 people ... see how neighbors are using clean sources of energy to save on energy bills and protect the environment. Through a series of open-houses and informative tours participants learn about renewable energy options, energy efficient design, real-world costs, current rebates available, and other valuable insights."

 

Look for a report later in the month ...  

 

PA ASES Solar Tour   Link

NJ ASES Solar Tour  Link



Via:  ASES  Link

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September 30, 2007

Solar in Green Building




Solar technologies in green building, seminar this week ...