As we noted here a few weeks ago, the draft for a new version of U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program was released for public comment and review. In general, as a LEED Accredited Professional, what I saw in the program looked good. The changes that are proposed will make improvements to the system. Below is a discussion of changes we can look forward to in the next generation of LEED.
Just a little over a year ago, on May 4, 2007, Greensburg, Kansas was smashed by a tornado that pretty much decimated everything. Since that time, the city has made news all over the world for its ambitions to rebuild everything in an environmentally-friendly way. City buildings larger than about 4000 sf will be LEED Platinum, etc. So this building, 547 Arts Center, is an example of the green reconstruction process going on in Greensburg. 547 Arts Center is the first building certified as LEED Platinum in Kansas and has some incredible green elements — not to mention three small wind turbines twirling away above the roof line.
I just want to pass along a reminder relating to Sustainability Now, a free, virtual event highlighting the essential issues that matter right now for those creating a sustainable built environment. Although the event will be broadcast from and with an emphasis on activity in the UK, I understand some of the content will also be highly relevant to professionals here in the U.S. We’ve provided an article and an interview for the event, so keep your ears open for that. Click here to register for the July 1-2, 2008 virtual conference and exhibition.
[+] Green Events Page and Calendar [JG]
*WIR = Week in Review; a Saturday showcase of excellent links.
Sometimes the images just don’t tell the whole story and that’s where some quality video will do the trick. I stumbled upon this video while doing research for a prior story and was blown away by the modern, green home. It’s ridiculous — probably a dream residence for many of you out there. The passive design, combined with good insulation, high performance glass, solar thermal panels, radiant flooring heating, and an efficient system, keeps this home operating very efficiently.
Recently I was able to speak with Matthew Linden of ConsciousBuild, a San Luis Obispo-based company that’s trying to make an eco-friendly contribution to the luxury home and lifestyle market. ConsciousBuild is ramping up a website to be launched in July that aims to provide podcasts, videos, and access to information on green building practices, techniques, and materials. Their first project, ConsciousBuildOne, or CBOne, was designed in the vernacular of Contemporary American Farmhouse and flies in the face of the notion that a green building needs to take any one particular form or shape. Serving as both a residence and office, Linden hopes CBOne will be used as an educational model for the latest in eco products, techniques, and technologies. Here’s what’s planned for the building:
