We all know design will do a lot of the work in making a building green, but technology is important, too.  Over the past year, we've seen some interesting innovation in a broad category of articles we call building-related green technology.  Solar innovation is hot, and small wind — albeit heavily scrutinized — is doing some things also.  So, check out this retrospective on green technology in the built environment (click the text links for more images and information). 

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Notwithstanding all the factors hammering the real estate world in 2009, we had the opportunity to cover over sixty-two innovative green homes.  Forward thinkers all over the country, and the world for that matter, are finding ways to develop, renovate, design, and build greener homes in different ways.  Some are more affordable.  Some are more efficient.  Some are certified at the highest level.  Some are prefabricated in days.  They're all interesting and innovative.  Click the text links below for more images and information.

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• The builders' manifesto.  
• Four green building trends to watch in 2010.
• Builders zero in on energy-neutral housing.
• 2/3 of homes had excessive formaldehyde levels.
• Green movement good for restaurant business.
• The transportation revolution starts in 2010.
• Green construction code to debut in 2010.
• A green future that doesn't work.

Also, follow @jetsongreen on Twitter for more news, links, and commentary.

It’s that time of year and the crew here at Jetson Green would like to share well wishes for the holidays. Stay healthy, keep warm, and enjoy friends and family. We’re going to kick out some compilation articles over the next week that we hope you like. Reflect on some things and look forward. It’s been an interesting year with much to be thankful for …

Mark Meyer of Austin-based designSTUDIO recently pointed us to one of his newest projects, la Boite.  La Boite is a green, environmentally sensitive cafe with locally baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee.  It was built from an old shipping container, and if you’re interested in details of the transformation, read more about it on designSTUDIO’s blog.  For the project, DesignSTUDIO used Rainwater HOG’s for greywater collection, biobased spray foam insulation, and Forbo linoleum for the floor and one wall.  You can find la Boite on 1700 South Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas.  Looks fun, doesn’t it?

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