A couple years ago we mentioned that the University of California San Diego was in the process of installing rows of Solar Trees on top of the Hopkins and Gilman Parking Structures. These parking lots, and the company that makes them, Envision Solar, received a mention by the NY Times recently. That's because Envision Solar has a novel approach — putting solar and shade in otherwise unused and unshaded parking lots.
Over the next five years, according to a subscription report published by Environmental Leader, total United States green building market value is expected to increase from $71.1 billion to $173.5 billion. The EL Insights report projects a compound annual growth rate of 19.5% in green building market value from 2010 through 2015.
While we’re talking about bamboo, another product worth keeping an eye on is this bamboo dimensional lumber from Cali Bamboo. The San Diego-based company says the product, Lumboo, is the “world’s first engineered bamboo dimensional lumber,” made with 100% compressed bamboo and a low-VOC resin. It can be used for fences and a variety of other applications.
Lamboo, Inc., a maker of architectural bamboo products out of Illinois, has this concept studio featured on their website. Lamboo Studio is made with several different Lamboo products, including bamboo interior paneling, custom bamboo furniture, bamboo content in windows and doors, and laminated structural bamboo in the roof and floor. Illustrating several uses for these bamboo products, the 304 square-foot tiny home has a wavy aluminum roof with integrated Uni-Solar panels and a composting toilet for off-grid living.
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