USGBC Sets a LEED Platinum Example

Usgbc-hq-entry

According to a press release issued yesterday, the juggernaut USGBC just announced the Platinum certification of its new Washington D.C. headquarters in the Foggy Bottom district.  It’s the first project to obtain certification under the latest version of LEED, and the two-level, 75,000 square foot space triples the size of the USGBC’s previous Platinum location.  The light, airy, and modern design features a number of recognizable furniture pieces, and some of the following noteworthy green elements:

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By |July 21st, 2009|Commercial Interiors, LEED|3 Comments
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Home Depot To Save $16 M/YR By Switching to CFLs

Ecooptions

You may have noticed recent news that Home Depot will be providing free, in-store recycling of CFLs at all of its U.S. stores.  But buried in that story is another interesting factoid — a tidbit of information in the likes of plucking the low hanging fruit.  Home Depot announced that they will be switching to CFLs at all U.S. Light Fixture Showrooms and expect to save roughly $16 million in annual energy costs.

This news isn’t all that sexy, but it’s important.  Make the switch, if you haven’t already and stop throwing money out the window.  With the low hanging fruit, it’s true: money grows on trees!

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By |June 25th, 2008|Commercial Interiors, Energy Efficiency, News|4 Comments
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Element Fan, Big Ass Fans' New Energy Efficient Fan

Candy Red

You’ve probably seen Big Ass Fans in the gym or in some larger space, and that’s because they’re huge and energy efficient.  Just last week, Big Ass Fans launched their newest product called the Element Fan.  Element uses the 10 airfoil and wiglet design to move air quietly and efficiently.  According to BAF: "At standard speed in a room with 16 ft. high ceilings Element is able to create comfortable breezes over an area larger than a basketball court, all while requiring less than 100 watts to operate. That is considerably less energy than even the most efficient small ceiling fan in production today."  I’ve been around these gargantuan fans and love them.  Seriously, they cool down a large space like nothing I’ve ever seen.  Plus, you can really get creative with the colors, so as far as large fans go, this is a dang good option to go with.    

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By |May 27th, 2008|Commercial Interiors, Energy Efficiency, Furniture|0 Comments
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Viesso – Speedy, Custom Green Furniture Options

Viesso Chairs

Viesso, a Santa Monica based company, makes custom green furniture that’s ready to ship in three weeks.  All furniture is made right in Los Angeles.  They offer 17 couch and sectional shapes and 9 armchairs in a practically endless variety of fabrics.  You then also have the choice of leg shape and cushion interior materials, spring type, etc., and you can build and price out your exact piece on their website.

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By |March 10th, 2008|Commercial Interiors, Furniture, Modern design|0 Comments
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Liberty Collection, Vivid Recycled Glass Mosaic Tile

Neptune Detail

I just caught wind of an incredible new collection of transparent, glass mosaic tile called LIBERTY.  LIBERTY was designed by Giulio Candussio for Trend USA, a company we profiled previously for their Trend Q product.  These images are incredible.  The hand cut tiles contain a minimum of 50% post industrial recycled content and are available in 12 colors.  LIBERTY retails for about $45 psf, which is not bad depending on the use.  A wall might be expensive, but an accent will be more reasonable.  I’m gonna let the images speak on this one, but if you want more information, LIBERTY will be in tile shops all over the country (visit here or call 866-508-7363 for nearest location). 

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By |January 30th, 2008|Commercial Interiors, Materials, Modern design, Recycled|12 Comments
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3form Chroma, a Solid Surface Product

Moss - Chroma

3form has a line of great eco-friendly materials.  One of their products, Chroma, is a solid surface material suitable for countertops, tabletops, vanities, and anything else your imagination can dream up.  The best part about the Chroma line is the color choices.  There is a beautiful palette of brights, bolds, neutrals, and earth tones to choose from.  The bright colors are candy-like and would make a truly unique and bold statement in an otherwise neutral room.  The fascinating thing about Chroma is it’s reclaim potential.  Chroma can be sent back to 3form and they can change the color of the material — and this can be done over and over again.   

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By |January 10th, 2008|Commercial Interiors, Materials, Modern design|0 Comments
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