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Sustainable Design Forum News

Welcome to our section for press releases and industry-related news. Our articles are recommended for anyone interested in LEED Certification or learning about sustainable design.

  • Plastic Waste Devastating To Sea Turtle Population

    News

    Plastic waste is accumulating at an alarming rate along the shorelines, beaches, and sea beds of the world’s oceans. This harmful waste has a devastating effect not only on the cleanliness of the shoreline, but also on the lives of the sea creatures that live nearby. It is reported that over 80% of plastic waste ends up polluting the oceans where it causes dangerous, even fatal consequences for the marine wildlife.

    One turtle was recently rescued from Melbourne Beach in Florida by a group of marine biologists. As the team cared for the turtle over the next several weeks, they noticed that the creature had an alarming amount of plastic in its digestive system. It is reported that 74 foreign objects emerged in the feces from the turtle’s body over the course of a month. These objects included many common household items such as latex balloons, string, hard plastic particles, soft plastics, a carpet-like substance, and tar balls. Unfortunately, the turtle apparently did not know the difference between plastic waste and its own similar looking diet of jellyfish and sponges and ingested the plastic instead.

    Sea turtles are being affected by the increase in plastic pollution all over the world. In addition to the turtle found in Florida, researchers have discovered sick turtles on the coasts of Italy, France, and Spain in the Mediterranean Sea and on the beaches of Dubai. As the beaches and coral reefs where they live are filled with plastic pollutants, the turtles have a harder time finding food and become ill when they unwittingly digest the waste.

    Plastic waste will continue to threaten sea turtles and other marine animals until we decide to do something about it. In a recent report on plastic pollution in the ocean by Colette Wabnitz and Wallace J. Nichols by SeaTurtle.org, production of plastic materials such as water bottles and packaging continues to increase each year and it is estimated that a billion plastic bags alone are distributed for free each day. These products are popular because they are lightweight and durable. Unfortunately, those properties are exactly why plastics are such a dangerous pollutant for marine life. Many plastics will float until they are waterlogged or consumed. Nature Middle East reports that even plankton are susceptible to eating microscopic pieces of plastic which then accumulates to unhealthy levels as these plankton are eaten by larger animals further up the food chain. In this way, many different animals are affected by plastic consumption.

    Many groups like the Mother Nature Network and Seaturtle.org have partnered to help understand and combat ocean pollution at the Fifth Annual Marine Debris Conference recently held in Honolulu, Hawaii this year. However, they can’t do it alone. There are some things everyone can do to help reduce waste and clean up the shorelines. Some suggestions are to bring re-useable bags to the grocery store instead of using the plastic ones, choose to drink from re-useable bottles, and volunteer or donate to local conservation efforts.

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    Sea Turtles, Ocean Pollution

  • Miswak: The All-Natural Toothbrush

    News

    It turns out that the latest trend in oral hygiene may be one of the oldest tricks known to man. Those not familiar with a miswak toothbrush might not be alone, but they’re probably missing out. This homeopathic method of preserving dental hygiene is gaining popularity in the Western World as more and more users reap the benefits of this natural, effective teeth-cleaning method.

    Miswak, also known as sewak, most commonly comes from the root or twig of a Peelu tree (Salvadora persica). It is a natural ‘toothbrush’ used to clean teeth and maintain oral hygiene. Endorsed by the World Health Organization, miswak is still used in many developing countries for a variety of reasons, including religious or traditional practices and its availability, affordability and ease of use in maintaining oral health.

    Although, use of miswak predates Islam, it is still predominately used in the Muslim world today for religious and traditional reasons. It is widely believed that the Islamic prophet Muhammad used it regularly and instructed followers to do the same. In fact, Islamic literature sites over 70 uses of miswak.

    Many scientific studies reveal that using a miswak toothbrush has a dramatic effect on dental and oral health. In 2008, a prominent periodontal journal published a study conducted by a group of Swedish researchers. The article specifically highlighted the antibacterial properties of miswak, revealing that pieces of miswak destroyed bacteria that cause periodontal disease just by being in close proximity to the germs. In this case, they were within the same Petri dish.

    The natural antibacterial properties of miswak, its ability to increase saliva and the natural, floss-like properties of its ‘bristles’ have shown miswak might be more effective than toothpaste and artificial brushes in cleaning teeth. These properties aid in killing the bacteria that cause gum disease while removing plaque, preventing further plaque build up and reaching places between teeth an artificial brush can’t. Other suggested benefits include cavity prevention and breath freshening.

    Miswak commonly comes from the root or branch of the Peelu tree, but can also be made from walnut or olive trees. Its flavor is generally likened to licorice. Miswak sticks are available for purchase online, as are toothpastes and mints containing its extract; however, with access to the right tree, brushes are easily constructed.

    1) Cut a root (preferably) or a twig the length of a hand’s span.
    2) If the stick is dry, soak in water so ends become soft.
    3) Chew off one end so as to break down the fibers, creating fine, soft bristles.
    4) Brush the bristles over and between teeth.

    As the Western World continues embracing natural and green alternatives to health and the planet, it’s not surprising the miswak toothbrush is gaining popularity. Its proven, natural properties and availability make it a natural choice for those concerned with wellness and the planet. That’s something the whole world can agree on.

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    Miswak Toothbrush, Oral Hygiene

  • Creating Sustainable Cities In The Middle East

    News

    Could sustainable cities save the planet? That’s exactly what one man believes. Sustainability expert Patrick Condon of the University of British Columbia recently outlined a handful of simple steps in his book “Seven Rules for Sustainable Cities: Design Strategies for the Post Carbon World,” which was published in 2010. According to Condon, urban planners in the rapidly growing Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region should listen up and follow these seven simple steps to create the sustainable cities needed for the future.

    The urban development model in the United States and Canada has resulted in an uncontrollable urban sprawl where commuters travel long distances to work and complete daily tasks. Climatic data shows that cities and metropolitan areas are responsible for 80% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Collectively, the interstate-driven city model that urban planners rely on in North America contributes 30% of the total greenhouse gas emissions from cities. To reduce the gridlock, congestion and traffic that cause pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, Condon suggests the following seven steps:

    1: Bring Back the Trolley
    Common in Europe, tram and light rail systems are one of the most efficient ways for residents to move about town. By designing an efficient streetcar system, cities can control traffic and reduce emissions.

    2: Design Multi-Use Roadways
    Everyday, thousands of people in the Middle East spend hours stuck in traffic. By designing an interconnected street system that is available for pedestrians, bikers and public transportation systems, residents can enjoy less congestion and reduced commute times.

    3: Localize Commercial Services
    Before nations of people relied on gas and oil for transportation, grocery stores, retail services and health care facilities were much more localized than today. To bring back commercial services to urban areas, Condon suggests a ten-dwelling per acre population density that will turn a trip to the grocery store into a five minute walk.

    4: Locate Jobs Near Homes
    Living close to work is a rarity with today’s commuter lifestyle. By creating jobs that are close to homes, commuters can cut down on drive times and energy use while enjoying more time at home.

    5: Diversify Housing Options
    Condon argues that the bad side of town should be a thing of the past. By creating diversified housing options for multiple income levels, communities can increase efficiency, reduce transportation problems and promote social equality.

    6: Preserve Parks and Walking Paths
    Natural spaces are essential to the health and well being of communities and the environment. Building a network of parks and bike paths creates a more livable community while ensuring natural resources are managed responsibly.

    7: Build Higher and Lighter
    Free-standing suburban homes require four times as much material compared to apartments built within an urban housing community. Building lighter can save money and the planet.

    The final rule for creating sustainable cities in the Middle East is to embrace each of these suggestions to create a holistically integrated city that is efficient, livable and most importantly sustainable.

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    MENA Region, Sustainable Cities

  • USC Student Housing Project To Obtain LEED Platinum Certification

    News

    Los Angeles – For $55 million, Symphony Development partnered with CityView Los Angeles Fund to develop the first project of its kind in Los Angeles. West 27th Place, the newest addition to student housing at the University of Southern California, will become the only residential project in the city to obtain the LEED Platinum certification – the highest sustainability certification level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. Scheduled to debut in May, West 27th Place will accommodate over 400 occupants and features 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space that will be accessible to the community.

    Commercial real estate firm Symphony Development didn’t need to rely on the latest market reports to determine how to make West 27th Place a hit with the student body. USC students let the firm know exactly what they wanted on the firm’s Facebook page – premier housing that is environmentally friendly. These demands, vocalized on Facebook, inspired the developers of West 27th Place to take sustainability to a whole new level.

    While the demands of students gave developers the initial push, the city provided the incentives needed to make their eco-friendly plans economical. Symphony Development president David Hillard explained, “We started aiming for Silver certification, but we found that if we were careful in our selection of materials and construction techniques, we could gain additional points here and there at a relatively small increase in cost. Suddenly, we found ourselves aiming for Gold, the Platinum certification.”

    From start to finish, the project took environmentally sound precautions at every turn. During the construction of the housing units, measures were taken that reduced waste by 95 percent. A modular framing system was adopted to reduce wood waste, and it increased the overall efficiency of the project. Construction crews took care to eliminate waste by properly disposing of all recyclable materials during construction.

    West 27th Place is designed to make environmentally friendly living a way of life for future residents. Drought-tolerant plants and low-flow water fixtures make water conservation effortless for residents. Energy Star-rated appliances, an energy efficient elevator, and a high speed OTIS electricity generator, are features that will promote a sustainable living environment.

    Students will have no problem reducing their carbon footprints as they find their way around the city and commute to campus for class. Residents can take their pick from the public transit systems that are within walking distance, including the city bus system, the Expo light rail, and USC’s tram system. The parking garage will reserve the best spaces for fuel-efficient vehicles and, of course, there will be plenty of bike racks available throughout the property.

    Meeting the demands of students, Symphony Development designed a community that combined sustainability with premier living. Along with its competitively priced rates, West 27th Place offers state-of-the-art amenities for residents. A resort style swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and a full-service computer lab are just a few of the conveniences future residents have to look forward to.

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    USC, Green Student Housing

  • Improve The Indoor Air Quality Of Your Home

    News

    Outdoor air pollution has been in the news for the last 30 years. However, the majority of people are concerned about what occurs indoors. Since most individuals spend 90 percent of the time in a closed environment, the international scientific community has started to focus its attention on indoor air pollution. The air inside your home may be polluted by microscopic dust mites and chemicals from fragrances used in detergents and cleaners.

    Luckily, there are a couple of things you can do to improve air quality. The main strategies include pollution source control, air cleaners and ventilation improvements.

    Pollution Source Control

    Checking the main sources of pollution in your home is an important step to take. Gas stoves can be adjusted to reduce the amount of emissions; other sources, like those containing asbestos, can be kept under control by sealing or enclosing them.

    Making some small changes can help improve air quality greatly. In general cleaning and house detergents are not biodegradable, being made from synthetic chemicals. Many of them are active pollutants, and they can affect the air in your house.

    Most people use cheap detergents because of their low price. Choosing eco-friendly laundry products will help you keep the air clean in your home and stay healthy. These products are pH neutral and contain herbal ingredients derived from natural biodegradable sources.

    They do not have the chemical substances and the fragrances that you will find in traditional cleaning products. Eco-friendly detergents are available in concentrated formulas, so that you will get optimum results by using small amounts. Although their price is higher, you will save money over the long run. Some of the best laundry products available in Israel are ECOS, Ecover, and those manufactured by the Israeli company EcoFriend.

    In general, eco-friendly products can be found in local health stores.

    Ventilation Improvements

    One of the most effective ways to improve air quality is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. This can difficult in the Middle East where the weather is hot in the summer, but it is important to be aware that home heating and cooling systems won’t bring fresh air into the house. Using attic fans and opening windows can help reduce the concentrations of indoor air pollutants. In case you work with chemicals and polluting ingredients, do it outdoors.

    Air Cleaners

    Studies have shown that most house plants act as living air purifiers. If you are still using indoor air filters, you should know that they do not remove toxic household gases. On the other hand, common house plants filter out toxins, carbon dioxide and other chemical substances.

    The Ancient Chinese Art of Feng Shui states that plants can help lower the levels of stress by absorbing air pollutants. NASA has shown that some plants, including Hedera (kisuss hachoresh), Ficus (ficus) and Spathiphyllum, are more efficient in keeping the air clean than others. Allowing one plant per 100 square feet of living area will lead to noticeably improved air quality.

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    Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation

  • American Businesses Offer Needed Relief To Japan

    News

    Since the devastating earthquake/tsunami hit Japan, individuals, companies and governments worldwide have been quick to react, focusing on ways to best help those affected. Many have provided financial and logistical support in the form of food, clothing, money, rescue teams, equipment and medical aid.

    Emergency personnel have been sent in from Mexico to aid in the search and rescue efforts to locate those buried in the rubble. The USS Ronald Reagan, an American aircraft carrier, was dispatched to bring in much needed food and water and hundreds of bone marrow transplant centers in Europe have been put on standby in the event that radiation victims require treatment.

    Several small businesses in Riverside, California, which is a sister city of Sendai, Japan, are pitching in to help financially. The Extreme Pita Restaurant has pledged a percentage of their sales and Takami Sushi Restaurant, located in Los Angeles, has promised to give all of their profits to benefit victims. Stingray Sushi Restaurant in Phoenix, AZ, has come up with a new item, the 'Recovery Sushi Roll', which sells for $12, with all proceeds being given to the American Red Cross (ARC).

    United Parcel Service, one of the first to offer help, has pledged one million dollars in transportation aid and is collaborating with both the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army to fulfill further needs for financial aid, emergency supplies and humanitarian workers on the ground.

    More Aid Coming From Across The Globe

    So many companies are doing their part to help the Japanese people in their time of need it would be difficult to list them all. Here is a partial breakdown:

    - Bayer is donating both financial resources and health products. Bayer employees are also being encouraged to make individual donations.
    - Amgen has pledged $1 million to Direct Relief International and International Medical Corps to provide basic necessities and health services.
    - Abbott Laboratories has pledged $3 million.
    - Amway has promised $1.2 million in the form of products and cash.
    - Walt Disney Company is providing $2.5 million to the ARC.
    - United Technologies is donating one million dollars to the ARC and encouraging employees to make donations, which they will match up to another half million dollars.
    - Northrop Grumman is providing $500,000 through ARC, Save the Children and Americares.

    This is just a small sampling of companies going above and beyond in an effort to help those devastated by the recent natural disasters in Japan. Philadelphia Insurance has sent $100,000 to the ARC. Boeing has pledged $2 million and Wells Fargo is sending another $1.5 million. Dow Chemical is offering up to $6 million and Meijer, out of Grand Rapids, has pledged $25K to the ARC. Kellogg is sending $250,000 in financial support and another $250,000 in food.

    Visa has said they will waive fees on their cards used for donation purposes and Microsoft has pledged $2 million in software, services and cash. It's heartening to see the global response in wake of such tragedy.

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    Japan, Tsunami

  • Apples Shown To Increase Lifespan

    News

    Apples have always been a go-to snack for all ages, as they are both healthy and delicious. Now, scientists may have discovered a new bonus for those who regularly eat apples as a meal or snack: an increased lifespan. The ACS’s Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has published a new study that shows that test animals who were regularly fed the antioxidant chemicals abundant in apples showed an increase in lifespan by as much as 10 percent. Although this study was performed using fruit flies, which regularly substitute for humans in numerous research projects every year, similar results have been reported in other test animals that relied on the antioxidants of apples.

    The study was published by Zhen-Yu Chen and his research colleagues. They pointed out that the body produces a substance known as free radicals that cause negative changes to one’s physiology and have been attributed to aging, as well as certain diseases. Antioxidants, however, have been shown to fight this harm. Fruits and vegetables, particularly ones that are very brightly colored such as apples and tomatoes, have been shown to be strong source of antioxidants for the human body. The discovery of the potentially increased lifespan was first noted in previous research with other animal trials. This fruit fly experiment was the first to specifically check for the connection between antioxidants and longevity by giving fruit flies different apple antioxidants, or polyphenols. In addition to increasing their lifespan, the polyphenols also decreased the bodily degeneration associated with age, keeping the fruit flies in a healthier condition for longer.

    Chen and his research team point out that these findings support similar studies here apples were tested for health benefits, including a study where women who regularly consumed apples showed a significant decrease in the risk for heart disease.

    Apples have also been shown to function as an aphrodisiac. Apples, in addition to their rich antioxidants, contain a chemical called pectin. Pectin helps ensure that the energy received from the sugar of the apple is evenly distributed throughout the body and prevents the sugar crash usually associated with junk food. This natural and sustained energy has been shown to help increase sexual vitality. Historically, apples have always been thought of as an aphrodisiac across many different parts of the world. It might likely originate from the biblical story of the Garden of Eden, where apples were symbolic of temptation and sexuality. There are also traditions from folklore and myth where women would sleep with an apple in their bed and convince a man to eat the apple, which would cause him to fall in love with the women. Even the Greeks would allegedly use apples as a symbol of attraction and intent to court. It’s been said that if a soldier tossed an apple in the direction of an eligible woman, he made his attraction to her clear, as she is the apple of his eye.

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    Apples, Antioxidants

  • Czech Gift Aids Bedouin Community

    News

    Dana Biosphere Reserve was created in 1989 to maintain the region's amazing biodiversity while also maintaining the lifestyle of the native Bedouin people there. Known for its unique and soothing herbal tea as well as world heritage cultural atmosphere, visitors now can enjoy the pleasures of Rummana campsite with eco-friendly solar energy and lighting.

    Traditional lighting sources in the bedouin entertainment tent were kerosene fuel and gas lanterns. These have been replaced by four solar units installed courtesy of the Czech Republic. The Czech embassy wrote out the check that got the ball rolling for two eco-friendly projects at the Dana Biosphere Reserve. The solar units will power a candle-making project as well as a weaving workshop at the Fenyan Eco-lodge.

    Thanks to the generous funding, Rummana campsite will have two local women weaving away, making traditional handicrafts using entirely recycled fabrics. The candle-makers will produce souvenir special candles featuring illustrations of the area's fauna and flora. The crafts and candles will be sold to ecotourists and others at the campsite as they explore the all-natural Dana Biosphere Reserve.

    The Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest natural reserve, created in 1989. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature -- Jordan with money from the Global Environmental Fund in 1994 put together a biodiversity management plan to balance protecting this 320 km of four different and world diversity unique, bio-geographical zones in the Great Rift Valley with the needs of native Bedouins. The area is treasured as home to 833 types of vegetation and many rare plants as well as hosting the southernmost remaining pencil pine forest in the world.

    The Rummana campsite is nothing more than a summer grazing area for goats that has grown into a community of 20 tents housing 60 people. Two of the tents in the middle of the area contain a kitchen, toilets and large outdoor dining room.

    However, the Czech gift means two of the local women can make a good living in the desolate and harsh desert by weaving rugs through energy provided by solar power. Previously, the Bedouin community had to rely solely on herds and government handouts. What's more, the dirt-poor villagers could not afford electricity even when it was available at their remote areas.

    The two women took a six-month course in solar engineering so they could operate the solar panels. Barefoot College in India started the course in 2005 and has solar lit more than 10,000 homes in 100 villages with 150 grandmothers in 28 nations operating the solar units. The women were illiterate and had never been employed. However, their elders hand picked them for their suitability for the project.

    As much as the project is about helping the local people economically, it also is demonstrating how renewable energy can change people's lives for the better, sponsors said. The project also is part of Jordan's plan to satisfy 20 percent of the nation's needs with renewable energy by 2020.

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    Dana Biosphere, Jordan

  • Saving The Earth One Beer At A Time

    News

    There’s finally a way to help the Earth that everyone can participate in. Keep drinking beer. Really. Cornell University scientists have revealed thousands of gene sequences from the wastewater left behind from brewing beer. These gene sequences show that the microbes are quite capable of converting this wastewater into biofuel.

    So what can the biofuel power? A plethora of things but it takes the place of natural gas. Many breweries that have begun recycling their wastewater use it internally to fuel pumps so that it all stays in the same place.

    Similar to the way cows produce methane, the microbes inside of the waste water will also produce methane. Anheuser-Busch InBev gave scientists access to their wastewater from nine of their U.S. breweries. The result was enough methane to heat 20% of the breweries’ needs.

    Standard and unique bacteria were being cultivated by the bioreactors. The bacteria yielded range in population sizes, however the microbes were perfectly suited. The communities of these microbes are still being investigated. After the research is completed, the scientists are hoping that these microbes will be able to produce the basis for carbon fuel as opposed to methane.

    The reason that this method has everyone’s attention is because it isn’t damaging to the global food system as other biofuels often are. Typically, food sources such as corn will be used in the production of biofuel, which also uses large amounts water and other natural resources.

    Biofuels are much cleaner because they don’t produce as much carbon dioxide. They still use carbon as the fuel base, however they are considered “carbon neutral.” Because of the neutral effect, biofuel alone won’t be enough to save the planet because it isn’t doing anything to compensate for the large footprint of the fossil fuels.

    There are many beer companies beginning to experiment with using the wastewater produced during the beer brewing process. Anheuser-Busch is using something that would have otherwise been discarded. The Tampa brewing plant of Yeungling is beginning to recycle their wastewater as well. By utilizing something that would have gone to waste, they are able to reduce their consumption of fossil fuel or other natural resources, which ultimately are more damaging to the environment because of the carbon footprint and by taking away from the food systems.

    The system still has some flaws, but it is headed towards a much better process that will have a significant impact on the way wastewater is used for producing a fuel that will power the breweries, keeping them self-contained.

    Beer has found a way to be beneficial to the environment, unlike wine and even soda (so far). The next time you sit down upon a stool at your favorite bar and the bartender takes your order, just remember that beer is the environmentally-friendly choice to make. As the CEO of Purpose Energy’s motto goes, the beer drinkers are “saving the earth, one beer at a time.”

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    Natural Gas, Beer

  • Teaching Bedouin Women About Solar Power

    News

    It may be the most unique approach to higher education that anyone has seen in a long time. Barefoot College, established in India in 1972, doesn’t require that its students be able to read or write. Admission is based on finances - not how much a student can pay but on how much he earns - and only those making $1 a day or less qualify. Men and women from rural parts of developing nations learn the skills necessary to work as teachers, dentists, doctors, architects, and blacksmiths. In addition to traditional vocational training, Barefoot College offers training in sustainable energy related vocations like water tester, water driller and solar engineer. If you think the illiterate can’t learn solar engineering, you’re mistaken. In fact, two Bedouin women from Jordan recently returned to their village after having received exactly that training.

    Life in southern Jordanian villages is hard. The desert climate provides little in the way of food or water. Infrastructure is as scarce as water, making electricity a luxury rather than a necessity. But the Bedouin women who attended Barefoot College hope to change that. Having completed a six-month course at the college, they are back in their village, armed with an understanding about solar energy that could change their village forever. At least, that’s what they’re hoping. They can build solar-based systems that generate light and power other electrical equipment, and could be the village's first step back to a life of self-sustainability.

    It used to be that Jordan’s Bedouin communities were self-reliant, living off land and the herds it sustained. Today, however, most villages receive significant subsidies from the government that barely keep them above the lowest of poverty levels. The Jordanian government believes projects like the ones generated by Barefoot College could provide much-needed but often-elusive solutions to the Bedouins’ problems.

    Not only could Barefoot College graduates help solve challenges unique to Bedouin villages, but those solutions could help Jordan move toward its impressive goal of increasing from 2 to 20 percent the amount of energy the country produces for itself; a goal it hopes to reach by the year 2020. Jordan’s near total dependence on foreign supplies of energy significantly inhibits its own independence in much the same way that Bedouin independence has been compromised.

    The solar power course at Barefoot College is offered only to women, and was started in 2005. Since then, it has trained over 150 women, and those women have been able to assist thousands of homes in close to 100 villages – all of which now have solar electricity. The solar power not only creates higher self-sufficiency, but it has kept nearly 40 thousand gallons of kerosene from being burned and released into the atmosphere, helping diminish the threat of global warming.

    The Jordanian women are excited to return to their village and offer real solutions that will improve their lives and the lives of their fellow villagers.

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    Solar Power, Bedouin Women

  • UK Homes To Take Up The Zero Carbon Challenge

    News

    Homebuilder Morris Homes has undertaken a serious challenge in the UK by aiming to complete a 7 hectare project in which all of the houses created are zero carbon. The development is slated to be built in Peterborough and the company has just received the green light to start construction on a former factory site in the area.

    When it comes to sustainable design choices and a focus on viable new options such as LEED certification and lowered co2 emissions, companies like Morris are on the forefront of an emerging trend. This trend represents the desire by companies and countries to not only lower the cost of homes for buyers but lower their cost to the environment. In the case of this Morris development, such lofty goals are hopefully going to be met by conforming to level 6 of the UK's “code for sustainable homes” and will include things such an apartment building on the site with green walls and a glass roof, along with a gabion wall that will be made of rock, recycled material, and climbing plants.

    Morris hopes to not only aim for things like LEED certification in their homes but for more tangible and personal benefits by providing buyers with homes that reduce their fuel bills and make their neighborhood a more pleasant and less polluted place to live. Done correctly, this project will also help lower the costs of building for companies as well.

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    Morris Homes, Energy Digital

  • Production To Begin On 300 Zero-emission Buses For The UAE

    News

    Always on the forefront of sustainable design and green technology, Abu Dhabi continues to amaze us with new additions ranging from a sewage-fueled forest to city-wide recycling systems powered by the sun. The city has also been behind some rather outlandish features, such as the 40-foot Christmas tree in the lobby of the Emirates Palace Hotel, which was decorated with gold, silver and precious gems valued at a staggering $11 million. The latest development to construct a manufacturing facility for zero-emission buses is far more practical for a city focused on sustainable design.

    Details from Energy Digital estimate the facility will require an initial investment of $30 million with production planned for 300 buses annually. The joint venture between U.S. and New Zealand-based firms DesignLine and Liberty Automotive will use their proprietary hybrid technology to create a zero-emission bus powered by fuel from the oil-rich Emirate. While U.S. standards are pushing for hybrid-electric vehicles that reduce emissions by 60 to 80 percent, the UAE has managed to commission larger, lighter buses capable of running in zero-emission mode for 40% of the day, which equates to a drastic reduction in overall emissions.

    The new production facility in Abu Dhabi is expected to generate annual revenues of $80 million with additional job growth at the DesignLine and Liberty Automotive offices overseas. By incorporating sustainable design principles on an unprecedented scale, the UAE continues to enjoy economic and environmental rewards.

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    zero-emission buses, Energy Digital

  • Spiral Skyscraper Reaches For The Clouds In Abu Dhabi

    News

    Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming known for its environmentally friendly civic projects – even before the city has been fully completed. With many of its green building initiatives having both LEED certification and sustainable design as their focus, the metropolis is poised to outshine even Dubai. Now, a team of Spanish designers may be putting their own take on the emerging city’s skyline with the "Stairscraper," a spiral tower that makes full use of green technology.

    The story goes that the idea for such a tower came to Nabito architects when they were in Istanbul for the opening of another of their buildings. While there, they noticed a hanging spiral staircase and wondered if such a thing could be built on a larger scale and from the ground up. The result was the design now under review by the city’s engineers.

    With sustainability at its core, the spiral skyscraper will contain a multitude of layered levels, each of which would be open to the sky and contain a garden facility. The building would be multi-use – offices, housing and public spaces are among the planned units – it would tap into as many green features as possible in order to achieve LEED certification, and the sustainable design would feature using a central core to tap the local water table.

    With one eye on the sky and one toward a sustainable future, Nabito is poised to make their mark in this new city.

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    Stairscraper, Abu Dhabi

  • Got Sushi? Masdar City Has It Delivered

    News

    From magnetized rapid transit systems to zero-waste buildings packed with green technology, we thought Masdar City had it all, until now. The latest details reported by The National reveal this pioneering city added a full-service organic supermarket as well as a sushi restaurant to its extensive list of amenities and accouterments focused on sustainability. With all the technology and innovation, Masdar City has decided it can’t be without healthy dining options for the students, builders, scientists, and businesses people who are starting to populate this eco-friendly oasis. The question is: does a sushi bar fit the city’s eco-friendly philosophy?

    Sushi is served daily from 11am until 11pm by Sumo Sushi and Bento, an emerging chain of family-owned concept restaurants founded in 2000. The chain’s seventh location was opened in the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. The restaurant’s specialty, oddly enough, is freshwater eel although many will note the conspicuous lack of this resource in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Another small sustainability issue is the fresh tuna, a prominent menu feature, which is becoming increasingly scarce.

    Faring better on the eco-friendly scale is the organic grocery outlet known as Organic Foods and Café. With stores in Bahrain and Masdar, Organic Foods and Café offers local residents a range of natural products with a focus on vegan and vegetarian foods. The store sells everything from eco-friendly diapers to Yogi-brand teas and items to promote health and well being.

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    Masdar city, sustainable sushi

  • New Masdar Solar Plant Contract About To Be Awarded

    News

    Set to be completed in 2012, Masdar’s first renewable energy 100 MW solar plant, Shams 1, is a step forward for the first planned zero carbon city in the United Arab Emirates. Now, the city is looking to build a second plant, Nour 1, and is on the verge of selecting a contractor to undertake the task.

    The second plant is a necessary step in reaching the UAE’s sustainable design goals, one of which is producing 7% of Abu Dhabi’s energy from renewable sources by 2020. Interested contractors have until March 17, 2011 to submit their application for the project, and Masdar Power representatives are confident that this second 100 MW plant will cost less than its older sibling.

    Masdar’s sustainability goals and indeed those of the UAE as a whole have been seen as utopian, and some question the decision to move to a wider bidding process as well as seek manufactured solar panels outside of the country’s borders. These questions have come in large part because of a commitment by the UAE to build a domestic industrial base, but with solar panels produced elsewhere in the world topping those built in Masdar by 7.4%, only PR rather than good business sense would have kept production local.

    While Masdar’s utopian plan hasn’t gone off without a hitch, their attempts at sustainable design are leaps ahead of many other parts of the globe.

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    Masdar, Renewable energy solar plant

  • How Attitudes Towards Real Foods May Fight Climate Change

    News

    Everyone knows the link between the food that we choose to eat and our weight, energy levels, and other aspects of our physical health. However, when considering these aspects of our food, we often forget about sustainability. Sustainable food is becoming more important as a lack of effective legislation has failed to curb the effects of climate change.

    Conservationists have noted a sea of change in world attitudes towards food in recent years. Sustainable foods farmed in local gardens without the use of harmful pesticides have gradually gained favor in cities and rural environments. A change in attitude could potentially make a much bigger difference than legislative efforts. Many experts hope that by altering the general public's ideas of green technology and food, more sustainable practices will become standard.

    There's still a long way to go. Only about 1% of Americans use organic foods in day-to-day diets. However, organic food has a few major benefits. As adherents know, organic vegetables and fruits tend to taste better, and when they're grown locally, they can cost the same as factory-farmed foods.

    As more people look at food options that encourage sustainability, more stores offer organic and local products. It may be the preference for a better tasting and more nutritious product that ends up curbing the advance of climate change. Real food may make a big change in our environmental habits; for conservationists, that change can't come too soon.

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    Sustainable foods, Organic products

  • Sultan Of Oman Decides To Go Solar

    News

    Until 2004, Oman had no renewable energy sources to speak of and all of its operations – from industry to homes – were powered entirely using fossil fuels. Now, that's about to change with a decision by the Sultan of Oman to build a 200 MW solar power facility within its borders. Researchers for the Sultan looked at a number of sustainable design options to help the country meet its 3.3 gigawatt demands and while other choices such as biogas and geothermal energy were discussed, solar power simply made the most sense for long-term sustainability.

    As a result, the Sultan asked for proposals to create the new solar facility in 2010 and has now selected Astonfield Renewable Resources as his contractor. Astonfield is a sustainable design and energy firm from India which focuses on developing solar power in Africa, India, and the Middle East and has created projects ranging from 5 MW to 300 MW in size across India.

    Astonfield's plan for introducing the renewable energy to the Oman community will begin with a solar pilot program to get the populace used to the way that solar technology functions as well as familiarizing local industry with the impact solar power use can have on their overall costs.

    Currently, the project has no set beginning or end dates but is a step in the right direction for a country that has, up until now, relied entirely on a quickly vanishing fuel source.

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    Oman, Astonfield Renewable Resources

  • Egypt: Turning Crisis Into Opportunity

    News

    After years of turmoil and political tensions, Egypt and continental Africa are on an upswing. In a time when the word is looking on in fear and shock, Egyptians are putting the future in their own hands. The current Egyptian uprising is one example of the changes occurring today that will lead to sustainable development tomorrow.

    In Sudan and Tunisia, citizens and leaders have stepped up, demanding an official peace process to lead their countries out of the shadow created by dictatorial regimes and corrupt officials. The 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa marked a turning point for the continent on its course toward responsible and sustainable development. Africa is coming from behind to become a leader in green technology and sustainable design. According to an official address by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon from January 2011, Africa is rebounding faster and stronger than expected.

    Details released by The Economist magazine reveal six of the ten fastest-growing economies are located in sub-Saharan Africa. Similar projections from the International Monetary Fund estimate Africa will claim another spot on the top-ten list within the next five years. Based on these estimates, Africa’s economy will outpace the growth in Asia. Africa is already home to the world’s fastest-growing telecommunications market. With the 2011 Global Climate Summit held in Durban, Africa is set to make its mark leading initiatives in sustainable design and green technology to develop the continent’s significant wind, solar, and geothermal resources.

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    Egypt, 2011 Global Climate Summit

  • Ecobuild 2011 To Highlight Sustainability

    News

    London's ExCel venue will host this year's Ecobuild 2011, where the primary theme will be presented in an array of sustainable construction products and materials. More than 1,300 exhibitors and 600 expert speakers will attend the building industry event that is scheduled to open March 1 and continue through March 3.

    The event will focus on sustainable design, including those that bring eco-friendly concepts to reality. That includes Bill Dunster's straw house, unique in its design and is the latest jewel to emerge from his "eco housing stable." The sustainable design of Dunster's newest innovation makes it considerably less expensive to build than for a comparable Code Level 6 home. The purposeful imagination that creates homes with sustainability, such as the straw house, easily qualifies them to be LEED certified.

    Ecobuild 2011 will have more than 130 seminars that will present construction industry software specialists with a wide range of ideas. Some will focus on sustainability in the city, better energy efficiency in buildings and architecture design that meets the demand of green construction and development ideals. The seminars, while advising attendees about the practicality of construction works, will also provide information about the protocols inherent with working to increase the viability of environmental constructions.

    Construction companies could find there is benefit to be had if they sign on to use EValuate Estimating, Cost Planning and Post Contract Software. EValuate is designed to deliver end-to-end solutions for building projects.

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    Ecobuild 2011, ExCel

  • LEED Certified Building Projects Get Big Bucks From AFL-CIO

    News

    America's biggest union group has put together a plan to provide $274 million for building projects that will be eligible for LEED certification. The AFL-CIO, through its Housing Investment Trust (HIT), will back the construction of 1,653 LEED certified housing units, creating some 4,100 union construction jobs.

    So far, HIT has dedicated money to eleven LEED certified building projects in four states that meet sustainable design criteria. HIT official Stephanie Wiggins, in a prepared statement, said the LEED certification process helps produce healthier living and working environments.

    The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) developed the LEED certification program as a means to provide third-party affirmation that building projects operate according to the highest sustainable building and performance standards. The USGBC, founded in 1998, offers LEED certified credentials and has certified more than 157,000 construction professionals since it began operations.

    HIT registered with the SEC 30 years ago. It now controls almost $4 billion in assets for some 350 institutional investors. The AFL-CIO unit invests almost totally in high quality multi-family and single-family mortgage-backed securities and other mortgage related instruments.

    As an adjunct to its successful LEED certified funding operations, HIT has revved up a Construction Jobs Initiative to create 10,000 union construction jobs to help workers deal with the economic downturn. To date, 9,000 union building jobs, backed by $695 million in direct investments, have been created.

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    AFL-CIO, LEED

  • Danish Architect Brings Mountain-Making Ideas to New York

    News

    Bjarke Ingels, a 36-year-old Danish architect, completed the stunning "8 House" in Copenhagen last year. The mixed-use private development project (the largest ever built in Denmark) consists of nearly 500 apartments and is over 650,000 square feet. The "8 House" is shaped, literally, like a figure eight.

    Mr. Ingels is now bringing his sustainable architecture to New York, where the Bjarke Ingels Group (known as BIG) recently opened an office. Ingels plans to make an announcement soon about a project he is working on with the Durst Organization. He spoke to our reporter about the challenges of constructing residential housing in New York and what New Yorkers can learn from the Danes.

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    Bjarke Ingels, New York, Danish Architecture

  • Oregon Hotels Go Eco-Plus

    News

    The Oxford Hotel is just three blocks away from Drake Park in Bend, Oregon, a popular tourist destination where couples and families picnic and kids hand-paddle down the Deschutes River on innertubes. The hotel has become known for its use of sustainable materials and products, including all-natural mattresses—-made without polyester or off-gassing—-which are purchased from a local supplier.

    Consisting of 59 rooms (doubles start at $239), The Oxford Hotel, opened in January 2010, cleans its rooms with a nontoxic solution made from electrolyzed salt and water. With the help of Pacific Power's Blue Sky Program, the hotel is entirely powered by Columbia River Gorge wind farms and hydro dams. A rooftop garden is currently under construction, and is expected to produce the hotel kitchen's herbs by this summer.

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    The Oxford Hotel, Oregon, Pacific Power

  • Citigroup Center Awarded ®LEED Gold

    News

    International real estate firm Hines, based in Los Angeles, announced today that Citigroup Center has received Gold certification from the USGBC's LEED rating system. Citigroup Center is an 891,056-square-foot, 48-story office building located in the central business district of Los Angeles. Completed in 1981, it was designed by A.C. Martin & Associates. The USGBC awarded the Citigroup Center a LEED score of 95 (out of a potential 110 points): after the remodel, the building is 50 percent more energy efficient and saves an annual $1.49 million in energy costs per square foot when compared to the average U.S. office building.

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    Citigroup Center, Los Angeles, LEED

  • Housing's Silver Lining is Green

    If there's a silver lining to the housing market crisis, one that has both buyers and builders intrigued, it is the growing interest in going green.

    That became obvious last month as almost 30,000 people met in Chicago to attend Greenbuild, an sustainable design event displaying the latest in environmentally conscious building techniques and products for the commercial and residential construction markets. Industry experts believe the current depressed market is giving housing investors time to reconsider their building strategies. Through federally supported efforts and financial incentives, governments are making consumers more aware of ways to make their homes more sustainable and earth-friendly.

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    Chicago, Greenbuild, Housing Market