In the rapidly changing landscape of automobiles, what will your garage look like to accommodate all electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles? Ford has worked with many partners in the development of their home charging system for the electric Focus, to be released this year, and the upcoming plug-in hybrid and electric versions of the all new C-MAX.
As part of Ford’s futuring and trend conference, Forward with Ford 2011, the company placed a significant emphasis on sustainability and its efforts in this area. The company invited Ed Begley Jr., celebrity environmentalist and host of Living with Ed, to speak about his eco-friendly lifestyle and environmental advocacy efforts. Ed stressed that in his 41 years being an outspoken advocate for the environment there are ways to make and save green while going green.
Consumers are turning to greywater systems to reduce their potable water consumption as a result of growing interest in water savings and concerns over the long-term effects of droughts or water price increase. Over the past few years we’ve seen great efficiencies in flush and flow fixtures, as well as bathroom systems; however, to keep cutting demand, forward thinking projects are moving towards greywater reuse. One system on the market is by a company called Water Legacy.
The ‘Power Haus’ by Josh Wynne Construction in Sarasota, Florida has achieved the lowest HERS rating on record in the U.S., a negative 22, with an elegant, well-crafted design. Earning 118 LEED points the home is just shy of also becoming the highest scoring LEED home in the country by 1.5 points to the Helenowski Residence in Chicago, which holds the highest known score at 119.5.
Resysta is an attractive, sustainable, and non-plastic alternative to wood. With the look and feel of wood, Resysta is very durable, water-resistant and most comparable to the typically unsustainable, tropical hardwoods; however, it contains no wood. Suitable for decking, cladding, interior wall cladding or marine applications, Resysta is flexible enough for all projects.
Project Profiles
