One key watchword when it comes to green building is innovation. In reading this article about defining green building as as term, this much is apparent. Thanks to Buffalo Niagara Enterprise (@BNEnterprise on Twitter) for posting the link to the article. Among the goals outlined in the article is creating buildings that are 'independent', that don't rely solely on the power grid for heat and for water. Thus, windpower, solar energy, and the efficient use of rain harvesting technology are … [Read more...]
Prefab homes: a next step in green building?
July 15, 2009 By 3 Comments
I don't think it's a stretch to conclude that in this new millennium, we are being faced with something of a paradigm shift when it comes to the state of our environment and our impact on it. And I think this becoming true of owning a home too. Given the recent economic downturn which has caused many to face the possibility of losing their homes, or in trying to find ways of owning homes which offer greater efficiency and less expense, the time appears to be ripe for new solutions. So, what … [Read more...]
Green Building For the Average Joe & Jane
July 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about the TV Show Living With Ed. The particular episode that struck me most was the one featuring singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. The hit writer of "Running On Empty" (among other radio favorites) has gone to great lengths to stay off of the grid by using windpower, solar power, and strategic architectural design in his own home. Reflecting upon this, it struck me that green building might be considered by some in this context to be in the sole province … [Read more...]
Green building makes common sense a reality
June 22, 2009 By 3 Comments
I've been reading a bit about the NZI Centre in Auckland, New Zealand, which incorporates a number of green building innovations. For instance, rooftop gardens, rainwater used as 'grey water' in toilets, skylights that bolter natural daylight, and glass layers that acts as insulation are built right into the design. One innovation I'd never heard of before has to do with the elevators, which upon their descent generate electricity that feed back into building's main supply. Incredible. I've … [Read more...]
Celebrity Green Building: Ego or Ecology?
May 12, 2009 By 4 Comments
In trolling through the interwebs for some interesting stories about green building, I was reminded of the recent TV series Living with Ed, which chronicles the lifestyle of actor and eco-activist Ed Begley, Jr and which can be seen on HGTV. On the program, Begley discusses his own approach to environmentalism and ways to live more green-friendly way. In addition, other celebrities of a like-minded worldview are also profiled, including Helen Hunt, Larry Hagman, Jay Leno, and many others . One … [Read more...]
Sustainable Forest Certifications in North America
October 23, 2008 By 1 Comment
North American sustainable forestry certifications are outlined in an excellent article in January 2008 issue of Environmental Building News. You need a subscription to read it so I’ll render a précis here. Among others, the major certification organizations operating in North America are: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC); Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI); American Tree Farm System (ATFS); and Canadian Standards Association (CSA). FSC is a sprawling international not-for-profit with … [Read more...]
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