Archive for the ‘Interior Design’ Category
May 22nd, 2008
Dwell on Design– A Must-Go + IT’S FREE
If you do not already have it marked on your calendar, please plan to attend the 3rd annual Dwell on Design event in LA June 5-8. The event is a multi-faceted gem– it includes a loaded conference, exhibition hall and even home tours. The entire offering focuses on the fusion of good design and a very healthy serving of sustainability.
The Conference is designed and manged by the editors of Dwell, and includes talks by Eric Garcetti (LA City Council President), Andy Lipkis (Tree People founder), Fritz Haeg (Edible Estates and Gardenlab founder). Many of our favorite companies will be exhibiting there– pieceHomes, Kirei, EcoShack– as well as many more we’re eager to check out.
AND, courtesy of our friends at Dwell, YOU can get in for free! When you register here, use the code BDODEC to get free addmission.
We’ll see you there!
May 20th, 2008
LEED Version 3 Is Coming
Written by Philip Proefrock, courtesy of GreenBuildingElements.com
Since 2000, the U.S. Green Building Council has been transforming the built environment through the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program. If you’re at all paying attention to green buildings, you are well aware of LEED. There are now over 10,000 projects, representing over 3.5 billion square feet of buildings, that have been registered with LEED. And today, a new draft version of LEED becomes available for public comment. You can see the draft here.
The new draft version will be LEED version 3, and will be the next step in the LEED program. Rather than another incremental improvement in the existing LEED, the new version promises to take new steps in order to advance and improve upon the already successful program. LEED version 3 is intended to ” strike the optimal balance between market uptake and technical advancement.” The building industry has already begun moving in a new direction, and the pressure that LEED has applied has certainly been a factor in that. For instance, many more building products incorporate recycled materials (and their manufacturers broadly advertise that fact as well). In some instances, that is used to obtain points in the LEED rating system. But whether a building is registered with LEED or not, the benefit of those improved products applies to all buildings across the board.
An outline of the major changes being incorporated in the new system was provided in advance by USGBC and includes four major points:
Alignment of Prerequisites and Credits
There are now many different flavors of LEED, with special rating systems for schools, hospitals, and other niches in addition to the basic LEED-NC for new construction. The credits for different specialties are now coordinated and unified. This makes it easier for building designers and does not require separate analysis of the building depending on its particular sub-specialty.
Predictable Development Cycle
For many years, building codes have been regularly reviewed, updated, and re-issued in order to continue to advance the industry and to respond to best practices in construction as well as accommodating new advances in building technology. Architects and builders are accustomed to the three year cycle for building codes that has been in place for many years. And, while LEED is not a building code, it too needs to be updated and improved on a regular basis. This revision should begin a regular schedule of evaluation and improvement, so that LEED continues to represent leadership in green buildings.
Transparent Weighting of Credits
Different credits are now going to be given different points “so that a given credit’s point value more accurately reflects its potential to either mitigate the negative or promote positive environmental impacts of a building.” This should help offset the criticism that “a bike rack is worth as much as the whole building mechanical system.” The truth of the matter is not as simple as that, but the new system should make that less of an issue, and help improve the overall rating of buildings and make it more meaningful.
Regionalization
One point that many green builders have stressed is that different regions have different needs as far as the building performance. LEED recognizes the use of regional materials, but has not given different weight to credits based on regional needs and priorities. Water use reduction is far more crucial in other parts of the country than they are in the upper midwest, where I work. The new system will give more credit for those measures that are most beneficial to their regions, and adopt less of a one-size-fits-all mentality.
There will still be generalizations within the LEED system. Green building is far more than a single checklist, but LEED has proven to be a powerful tool for promoting green building. Once the draft version is out and discussion is underway, we will aim to bring you more information about the new version of LEED.
May 15th, 2008
Green Events Across the US, late May and June 2008
Here are some of the major green events going on across the US in the next six weeks.
Green Festival 2008–Chicago, May 17 & 18, Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois
Celebrating what’s working in our communities, Green Festival showcases more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses displaying and selling eco-friendly, fair trade and sustainable products. More than 150 speakers appear for standing-room-only panel discussions, presentations and main stage speaking events.
Greener Homes and Gardens Expo, May 17 & 18, Portland, Oregon
This year’s show features Green Home Building & Remodeling; Sustainable Landscaping & Gardening; Renewable Energy & Conservation; Alternative Transportation; speakers, hands-on workshops, food, live music and more!
Sustainable Arkansas 2008, May 19 & 20, Hot Springs Convention Center, Arkansas
SA08 offers three sustainable tracks for conference attendees: Commercial Green Building, Residential Green Building, and Public Awareness.
Green West Expo, May 20-22, LA Convention Center, Los Angeles, California
Green West will feature the full spectrum of green, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly products and services. Exhibitors and attendees include architects, builders, designers, renewable energy professionals, city and state government representatives and more.
Homing in on Green: Jumpstarting the Demand for Eco-Friendly Housing in Chicago, Friday May 23, Chicago
The USGBC - Chicago Chapter and the NIHBA are hosting a special event that features an open forum to explore the methods, programs, organizations, and resources available to encourage sustainable housing. This event is being held in Chicago on Thursday evening and in Lisle on Friday morning. The program will be the same with the intent on giving attendees in the Chicagoland area an opportunity to attend at the venue that is most conveniently located.
Drive Nowhere Day 2008– May 30, Nationwide
May 30 is Drive Nowhere Day. Join the fun! Sign the pledge here.
JUNE
Clean Technology 2008, June 1-5, Boston, Massachusetts
Clean Technology 2008 is the largest and most comprehensive technical and business event in clean technology world-wide.
Sustainable Brands Conference, June 2-5, Hyatt Regency Monterrey, California
The global move toward innovation for sustainability is alive and well, and companies big and small are capitalizing on this new opportunity to build sales and brand equity. How can you join their ranks? Come find out at Sustainable Brands ’08.
Greener by Design: Strategies, Tools, and Markets for Product Innovation, June 12 & 13, Alexandria, Virginia
The only how-to event that focuses on the greening of mainstream products. Participants will hear from leading companies, both large and small, as well as the top green product designers, and participate in innovative techniques that combine the best elements of a traditional conference and an experiential workshop.
The 8th Annual Ann Arbor Green Fair, June 13, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Downtown Main Street will be open to pedestrians for free entertainment and more than 100 exhibits with environmental information, hands-on youth activities, green energy construction and transportation options, Bike Fest 2008, WasteKnot Business Partners, walking tours and more.
The Green Living Expo, June 20, Las Vegas, Nevada
Free for the entire family. Find the latest in eco-friendly products and services. On June 20th & 21st from 10a to 5p both days. Don’t miss our live entertainment, educational seminars, eco-fashion show or our exciting Green Kid’s Zone!
Bronx Green Roof Tour, June 20, New York
Visit 6 Green Roofs in the Bronx.
Greening the Heartland, June 22-24, St. Louis, Missouri
This regional U.S. Green Building Council conference will promote sustainable design and construction strategies for the built environment by encouraging joint leadership by the private and public sectors. The conference will highlight the latest in green building techniques that achieve energy and operational efficiencies, apply responsible construction and demolition practices, and aim for carbon neutrality. It will also demonstrate how green buildings promote the “triple bottom line” of profitability, people, and the environment – without compromising resources for future generations.
May 7th, 2008
Are AIA COTE Winners Too Much of the Same?
Written by Philip Proefrock, courtesy of GreenBuildingElements.com
The winners of this year’s AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten Green Buildings were announced this week, and there certainly are some very attractive buildings among the lot. Some of these buildings are certified, or in the process of becoming certified, to high LEED standards, in addition to their COTE Top Ten recognition.But while I’m excited by some of the design presented in this year’s lineup, there are some troubling aspects of the roster as a whole that struck me almost immediately.
There is a strong slant toward a certain general kind of public building in this year’s COTE Top Ten. Of the ten winners (plus one honorable mention) almost all of the projects are buildings with a strong visitor component. Most of the buildings are Visitor Centers, Galleries and Libraries. Only one is a residential building, and the only office building is the honorable mention Internal Revenue Service Center in Kansas City MO.
Of the remaining nine, there are a Sculpture Building and Gallery, a Botanical Garden Visitor & Administration Center, a Learning Center, a University Center, a Center for Science and Art, an Environmental Education/Visitor Activity Center, a Discovery Center, a Library, and an Environmental Center. These are buildings which typically have a sizable budget and which are showpieces, meant to impress visitors. The inclusion of green building elements in all projects like this should be a given.
But do these really represent the best “examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment”? Or should the best buildings represent the whole range of building?
As a program of the AIA, superior architecture and design are going to be key in any national awards, whether related to environmental issues or otherwise. So expecting these to be more ordinary buildings may be a bit much to ask of COTE.
The best examples of environmental design should be found in a range of buildings and building types. Monocultures are rarely a good thing in the long run. Too much of the same kind of building runs the risk of developing a public perception of green building being limited to only certain types of buildings, a niche, rather than a direction in which all building must start moving.
All of these projects are fine examples of green building, and I do not want to detract from any of this year’s winners. But if the AIA is going to “Walk the Walk,” it needs to promote a broader range of sustainable building projects. The Committee should take a closer look at its selection process and the methods it uses to arrive at its Top Ten award winners. A wider range of the implementations of green building needs to be recognized as part of the program. Without a greater representation from a wider variety of project types, the COTE Top Ten recognition runs the risk of becoming a marginalized and insignificant award, rather than a standard of excellence for all building design and construction.
My congratulations to all of this year’s winners.
See Also:
What Makes It Green? 2008 Winners
Architecture Week 2008 - Is It Sustainable?
Image: Pocono Environmental Education/Visitor Activity - Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Architects, via: AIA.org
May 5th, 2008
10 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Do you like to come home and take a nice deep breath as you relax? You may be getting more than you bargained for! It may come as a shock to learn that according to the EPA the air in our homes is often two to five times more poisonous than the air outside.
There are many sources of indoor air pollution: furniture or cabinets made of pressed wood products, damp carpets, pesticides, cleaners, tobacco smoke, hobby supplies, mold and the list goes on. These chemicals can cause and aggravate allergies, some have been linked to nervous system disorders, and some of them are carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Immediate effects can show up as sore throats, itchy eyes, headaches or fatigue. Longer term effects can be much worse.
Here are 10 ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
1. Open the windows — get some fresh air into your house! Best of all, it’s free.
2. Change your furnace/AC air filter at least a couple of times each year. Definitely do it before winter heat season starts– your air filter has trapped all kinds of junk while it has been sitting idle. Find replacement air filters here.
3. Don’t use chemical air fresheners. Most air fresheners sold at your local grocery or drug store are laden with chemicals. If you need to freshen your air, trying getting a natural essential oil and some of those wooden “soaking sticks” to spread sweet fragrance around your home.
4. Similarly, be careful about candles. Paraffin wax candles are made from a petroleum derivative, and the fumes from the paraffin wax have been found to cause kidney and bladder tumors in laboratory animals. “Gel candles” are also dangerous; they are the ones that are clear, often colored, and usually come in a glass container. Most gel candles are also scented with artificial fragrances. Many types of scented candles (not just the gel type) are unhealthy–some scented candles include acetone, benzene, trichloroethylene, and a host of other toxic chemicals. Be sure to try to get soy candles and read the labels carefully– do you recognize the essential oils they are using as scents? If not, ask or don’t buy it!
5. Use non-toxic home cleaners. More and more people are coming to realize that standard home cleaning supplies contain many chemicals which are dangerous to breathe or touch. You can either click here to buy safe pre-made cleaners, or consider making your own natural cleaners– it’s cheap and easy!
6. Consider getting rid of your carpets– or get natural carpets. Carpeting can be one of the biggest air-quality culprits in your home: most carpets are treated with chemicals that off-gas and carpets act as traps for dirt, allergans, mold and other nasty items. If you can stand to part with your carpet, it will improve your air quality. If you must have carpet, consider natural area rugs.
7. Consider getting room air filters for your home. A HEPA filter can seriously reduce the presence of toxins, allergens, and particulate matter in your home. See air filters here.
8. Limit or remove vinyls from your home. Did you know that your vinyl shower curtain is releasing toxic gas? Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been found to discharge softening chemicals called phthalates into home air, increasing respiratory problems.
9. If you’re doing any painting or staining, be sure to use no- or low-VOC paints and finishes. Volatile organic compounds are found in most traditional paints and their off-gassing can be dangerous for your family. Find safe paints and stains here.
10. Obviously, make your home a smoke-free zone!
May 5th, 2008
Top 10 Renewable Tech Gadgets
Today’s post on Tech Gadgets comes to us by Michelle Bennett and comes to us courtesy of GreenOptions.com.
There are a lot of cool gadgets out there, but there’s a fine line between what’s cool and what’s useful. This is a green list of gadgets that are useful, but boast the extra-cool factor of using renewable energy. No batteries required!
10. The Ship has Landed
The lightship is a solar-powered LED mounted on suction cups. Result: a portable, hands-free, solar light. It’s even weather proof and weighs a slim 8oz. For under $15, this is the best 8 hours of clean light I can think of, and I might just get one for my car/camping trips/travels.
9. High-tech pool toy?
If you simply must have hot water anywhere, at any time, try a portable solar water heater. Could it double as a heated water bed? A pool toy? Bring some towels if you decide to try. This gadget is designed to bring cheap, easy hot water to people and places without access to indoor plumbing or electricity. It rolls up small enough to fit in a backpack, and it’s supposed to be affordable enough for people or communities in developing nations.
8. The Fridge without Power
A little ingenuity paired with the laws of thermodynamics have made Mohammed Bah Abba a famous man. His invention is simple: place a pot into a slightly larger one. Pad the space between them with wet sand, and cover with a damp cloth. As the water evaporates, it will draw heat out of the containers and cool whatever’s inside. The system has already proved itself in northern Nigeria, a hot and arid region. Food lasts for days or weeks longer compared to the only alternative: room temperature. Here in the land of plastic coolers, I can think of a few common uses: Camping trips could be easier without the weight of heavy packs of ice and the danger of freezing more fragile foods. Egg-cicle anyone? Even if you don’t intend to leave the comforts of modern civilization, consider these for cooling food or drinks at your next BBQ, or even for a DIY kid’s science project.
7. Speaking of BBQ…
We’re putting heat in the kitchen with solar cookers. The benefit here is that some designs are lightweight with easy-to get materials, like foil and pizza boxes. They also offer a neat alternative for your next BBQ (and yes, they can get hot enough to cook meat) if, for example, you live in an area with frequent fire-bans. Since there are no flames involved, it’s much safer and there’s definitely something fascinating about watching the sun roast your food.
6. Crank your Gadgets
How about a MP3 player that you can crank? You’ll never run out of juice if you can charge your gadget by hand. Trevor Baylis, the inventor of the hand-crank radio, brings you an MP3 with plenty of whistles and bells. If a wind-up MP3 isn’t your cup of tea, how about a kinetic cell phone or phone charger? You might hesitate to buy anything that requires physical exertion on your part, but what happens when there’s no socket in which to stick your regular charger? Be the cool kid who can charge himself. Also, consider emergency applications. The MP3 comes with a flashlight, and the cell phone charger could keep you connected when you most need to call for help.
5. Personal Wind Turbine
We’re not talking about the huge wind-farm fodder; we’re talking about something you can strap to your house. Now I admit, gadgets tend to be smaller and more… gadgety. After much deliberation, I figured omitting wind power would be like forgetting Unix in a “Top-5″ for PC operating systems. Plus, they look really cool. For a mere $500 you could own this turbine, which is designed for charging batteries (the batteries would power a cabin or house). The Japanese turbine (shown here) hasn’t quite hit the American market yet, but it’d be my wind-power-of-choice. Airplane propellers are so last-year.
4. Sunlit Gadgets
Solar powered lighting aside, what about self-sufficient gadgets? Nowadays there’s a wide variety to choose from. There’s Msi’s solar’powered MP3 player, which you can also plug in when the sun won’t shine. How about a Bluetooth headset? You too could strut with all the style of a pocket-protector, smug in the knowledge that yours works indoors and out. Other self-sufficient gadgets include a mosquito repeller, tire gage, and all-in-one survival kit. However, some of the extreme deals associated with these makes me wonder if they’re worth the low price…
3. The Nerdiest Lights Around
Let’s play with fiber optics. You could have natural sunlight (sans UV and infrared) for your home or office, and it could come from fiber optic cables (pictured above). Among the gadget you don’t get to see (assuming it’s wired through your walls), it’s got to be the coolest. You even get a futuristic collector dish on your roof.
2. Lightcap 200
This is a solar-powered cap for your water bottle. So why power your Nalgene? It turns your translucent water bottle into a solar-powered lantern. Every backpacker knows that every ounce counts, so now you can combine two heavy but necessary items into one. There is also the cool factor: pick you color with your favorite shade of kool-aid.
1. Solar Battery Recharger… even your laptop
It was bound to be on the list. There are a range of solar-powered rechargers. Some come with battery packs (for when the sun don’t shine) or bells and whistles. Voltaic Systems and Burton’s Solar Roll claim the prize of recharging a standard laptop. As you might expect, prices range from $20 to “owch”. But if you carry a purse, tote your gadget horde, backpack, geocache, or travel through regions with less-than-reliable electricity, any one of these could be invaluable. Plus, they all come with a magnificent cool factor.
(images courtesy of Sunlight Direct Products, EcoGeek.com, and Solarjo)
