Green Building : Jetson Green

Top 10 Tidbits from Greenbuild 2008

Although not really a convention-type person, I must say that Greenbuild 2008 was quite enjoyable.  By official count, it appears that 29,752 people attended, which is absolutely phenomenal.  There's seriously something, I don't know, magical, for lack of a better word, about being surrounded by such diverse people with a similar interest in green building.  I spent the entire time talking with and learning from those around me -- which is why I certainly plan to attend next year.  If you weren't able to attend, you'll be able to catch some videos on Greenbuild365 in the future.  In the mean time, I've listed a few news tidbits that you may find interesting:

2008 Top-10 Green Building Products

For the seventh year in a row, BuildingGreen has just announced their list of Top-10 Green Building Products.  The products, as you will note, have various and multiple environmental attributes.  BuildingGreen culls the ten products from new additions to the GreenSpec Directory, a print and online guide that organizes green products according to LEED credits.  Although the GreenSpec Directory has over 2,000 products in total now, BuildingGreen is selective in choosing those that get in.  As a result, Top-10 selections are regarded as the cream of the crop.  Without further ado, here they are:

LEED Platinum Home Breaks Records

We've seen a ton of LEED Platinum homes on this site, but today's home achieves something new.  USGBC founder David Gottfried and his family recently finished the green renovation of their 1440 square foot Craftsman bungalow, a home that was originally built in 1915, and took it through the LEED for Homes certification process.  In doing so, they received a total of 106.5 points (out of a total 136) and the noteworthy accomplishment of being the highest-scoring green home renovation since LEED-H launched earlier this year.  The Platinum home is designed to be net-zero energy and utilizes technology such as solar photovoltaics and a solar- and hydronic-powered water heating system. 

Smart Tech Helps NY Times Building Cut Lighting Costs Dramatically!

Last summer, it was the ceramic rod curtain wall.  Now, it's the lighting system.  Various green aspects of the New York Times Building continue to make high profile news and it's only been a year since the modern building opened.  Here's the deal: The Times Company installed Lutron's Quantum solution, a total light management system that includes daylight, occupant, target set point, time clock, and emergency lighting controls.  Although the building was originally designed to use approximately 1.28 watts per sf of lighting power, with the Lutron technology, it's actually using only 0.38 watts per sf of lighting power -- a 70% reduction in lighting use.  That means, based on New York City electric rates, they're saving ~$315,500 and preventing the emission of 1,250 metric tons of CO2 annually.  These are some serious numbers.  Here's where they recognized the most in terms of lighting energy savings:

Natural Design for a Creative Exchange

This building in Cambridge, England is not only called “Creative Exchange,” but it functions as one, too.  Designed by 5th Studio, the structure has a purposely small footprint and smart design that allows natural light to flood into interior spaces.  The interior spaces are open and function more flexibly than a typical office so occupants can collaborate and share ideas.  Similarly, the top floor has a working garden that also facilitates congregation and interaction among the occupants.  Other than the few private workspace areas, everything is quite open and communal at Creative Exchange. 

Builder LivingHome Green Prefab Planned for Las Vegas IBS 2009

Well, if you didn't have a reason to visit Las Vegas in January 2009, maybe we could give you one now.  Builder is teaming up with LivingHomes and KieranTimberlake to place this beautiful, green prefab on the exhibit floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center at the International Builders' Show (IBS) 2009.  The modern 2000 sf prefab will be built with steel-wood modules and an abundant list of sustainable materials.  Its ostensible purpose, I believe, is to show the industry that modular construction can be financially accessible, sustainable, and optimal for eliminating construction waste and debris. 

Greentainer Project in Gandino Italy

The Greentainer Project in Gandino, Italy is yet another expression of container architecture, albeit this time it's for a more whimsical application.  The project used one, standard-sized, 40-foot container and transformed it into a structure that's mobile, flexible, and self-sufficient.  In its current form, Greentainer is perfect for multiple uses and almost infinite locations, plus the rooftop solar panels provide all the energy necessary to run the heating and cooling system, lights, and other devices.  So you could potentially use it for a party, event, grand opening, art show, or any other scheme you can come up with. 

Sustainability Within a Generation

Starting this Wednesday, the USGBC's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo will convene and I'm geeked to take some time to fly out and participate.  The USGBC and LEED, I believe, should take a lot of credit for creating new opportunities in this exciting green building movement in which we all participate.  At the same time, though, I try not to forget that many of our neighbors, friends, or family may not have an idea as to what's growing into a watershed moment in building, design, and construction.  To get an idea of how far this movement has evolved, the USGBC just released eight, short videos in a series called 15 Years, 15 Stories.  The video highlights various leaders and their collective perspective over fifteen years of working with the USGBC. 

Recycling Truths, LEED-EB Benefits, Grid Overhaul, + Office of Urban Policy

• Debunking five half truths about recycling.
• Green building is the state of the art.
• Cheap green: home rating systems.
• Report: grid overhaul needed to handle solar/wind power.
• Man-made energy island conceived to supply green energy.
• Costco aggressively pursues options to reduce impact.
• LEED for Existing Buildings helps owners compete in tough market.
• President-Elect Obama looks to establish Office of Urban Policy.
• Many consider benefits of taking the LEED.

Blogs worth reading: Remodelista + Real Life LEED.

Nzinga Modern Modular Town Homes

Check out these modern green town homes being developed by Yolande Nicholson called Nzinga Town Homes.  Designed by Garrison Architects (the same firm that brought you the Tread Lightly House), each Nzinga Town Home residence consists of 2900 total square feet with 2000 sf of living space and 900 sf for a separate apartment space.  The homes are open, airy, and abundant with natural light, but if you're looking for a little privacy, the vertical trellis work seems just right for a green wall and some natural shading.