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 »

I was incredibly excited to discover that American Olean, a large well-known tile company, is offering products made of recycled materials.  As we all know, there are a lot of great eco-friendly building materials out there, but it can be a challenge to access them, especially if you don’t live on the West Coast.  Well, here is a product that you can find at virtually any store that sells tile and certain styles are even available at Lowe’s.  Not that I would suggest Lowe’s over your neighborhood tile store, but it’s there as an option, if you need it. 

Read more »

MetroShed, in collaboration with its Miami-based partner Cabin Fever, recently announced that it would produce a smaller version of the popular 16′ x 20′ MetroCabin in 2008.  The smaller MetroCabin will be 12′ x 16′, with prices starting at $17,460 (which includes flat-packed shipping and delivery).  The new MetroCabin features curved steel roof beams (or the straight roof package), Duro-Last roofing, prefab SIP walls, and premium heavy-duty sliding doors. 

And although the company’s MetroShed product is built with greener materials such as FSC-certified woods, I’m not sure if this one is.  That said, if you live in this, and this alone, I’d say you’re pretty green. 

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.

The average American releases about 50,000 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.  A large portion of that comes from our homes and wasted, wasted energy.  Matter of fact, according to a recent McKinsey study, the single most cost-effective way to reduce GHG emissions is via building insulation.  Click on over to the Time Earth-Friendly Home graphic and move the lens around for other ideas to reduce GHG emissions and save some dolla, dolla bills.  Before you click over though, I will say, this is pretty basic information, but at least they provide some numbers and illustrate the impact of concerted effort. 

While you’re over there, check out this article, too:
++51 Things We Can Do to Save the Environment [Time]