Hey there, pardon the interruption, but we’ve got some fun news.  As of 15 minutes ago, the Jetson Green Facebook Group just went live.  I invite you all to join, if you’re interested in Facebook.  This will be a fun experiment.  It’ll give us a chance to get to know readers and it’ll give readers a chance to rub elbows with like-minded individuals.  I hope you’ll drop by and contribute.  Everyone’s invited!  You may even try a few of these things:

• Post a picture,
• Post a cool video,
• Ask a green question, or
• Share an insightful link/tip.

• Wind Power booms with 45% growth in 2007!
• GE Financial targets $6 Billion in renewable energy investments.
• N. Cali homebuilder group mandates 50% energy reduction by 2020.
• Natural Home Top 10 green housing developments.
• Going green can attract and keep employees.
• Greening developers may not be that easy.

*WIR = Week in Review; a Saturday showcase of excellent links.

Actually, of the 800 projects the AIA received for consideration, 28 of them were selected for an Honor Award.  In the architectural category, sustainability played a large part in each of the 13 projects selected.  But the projects come in all shapes and varieties.  Check some of the cool ones below. 

Read more »

• UK, Travelodge builds recyclable hotel.
• Subprime crises + expensive gas = End of Sprawl?
• Ten green quotables in sustainable building.
• Report predicts a wave of green tech.
• "Smart Grid" trials found to reduce electricity bills.
• LED lights may show up in homes in under 3 years.
• Do we have the formula for greener drywall?

*WIR = Week in Review; a Saturday showcase of excellent links.

Last July, when we brought news that Leonardo DiCaprio and Discovery were going to help rebuild the tornado-torn city of Greensburg, we didn't know the city was so focused on greening its infrastructure.  Now comes news that the small Kansas town will require all city-owned buildings bigger than 4,000 sf to achieve a LEED Platinum rating from the USGBC. 

You'll note that Platinum is as high as it gets under the LEED program.  Greensburg is the first city anywhere to require such lofty standards in city buildings.  Additionally, buildings must reduce energy use 42% over current building code requirements. 

With a population of about 1500, there won't be many buildings that hit the mark, but it's a noble step in the right direction. 

Update: LEED Platinum for 547 Arts Center and Buffalo House.