Carolinas USGBC

Ford Develops World's First Ethanol-Fueled Hybrid

2006-03-06T15:13:00.000-05:00

Ford unveiled a prototype vehicle that reduces petroleum consumption in two ways: it achieves a high fuel efficiency using hybrid technology, and it can run on a fuel made chiefly of ethanol.

Ford Motor Company - Featured Story - Ford Develops World's First Ethanol-Fueled Hybrid Marrying Two Gasoline-Saving Technologies

mobile idle reduction technologies (MIRTs)

2006-03-06T15:09:00.000-05:00

More than 500,000 trucks across the country idle their engines to operate equipment for driver amenities, such as the need for air conditioning or heating. Extended idling by commercial trucks represents a significant use of our petroleum resources, consuming more than two billion gallons every year.

News Story

US Says CO2 Injection Could Quadruple Oil Reserves

2006-03-06T13:24:00.000-05:00

The DOE said 89 billion barrels could potentially be added to current proved US oil reserves of 21.9 billion barrels through injection of carbon dioxide, the main gas that most scientists believe is warming the earth.

Planet Ark : US Says CO2 Injection Could Quadruple Oil Reserves:

States Appeal to US Top Court on CO2 Car Emissions

2006-03-06T13:20:00.000-05:00

the US government does not have to regulate carbon dioxide emissions spewed from cars and trucks

Planet Ark : States Appeal to US Top Court on CO2 Car Emissions:

EPA Seeks to Ease US Ethanol Plant Pollution Rules

2006-03-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

Doesn't this defeat the point???

Planet Ark : EPA Seeks to Ease US Ethanol Plant Pollution Rules

Bio-Diesel Car Rental

2006-03-02T13:38:00.000-05:00

A company offering rental cars powered entirely by bio-diesel set up shop in Los Angeles on Tuesday

Planet Ark : Bio-Diesel Car Rental Opens in World's Car Capital

Why Have Gas Prices Risen so Sharply in Britain?

2006-03-01T09:10:00.000-05:00

We should learn from Britain....look at what happens when you become dependent on foreign oil. Hopefully we are moving toward self- sufficiency.

Planet Ark : FACTBOX - Why Have Gas Prices Risen so Sharply in Britain?

No Easing US Ethanol Import Duties as Demand Soars

2006-03-01T09:07:00.000-05:00

Congress seems unlikely to lift import duties on much-needed ethanol to meet a domestic shortfall in the fuel additive due to opposition from US producers and farmers.

Planet Ark : ANALYSIS - No Easing US Ethanol Import Duties as Demand Soars

Fungi Could Break our Foreign Oil Addiction

2006-02-27T09:55:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : FEATURE - Can Fungi Trim the US Gasoline Habit?

US Corn for Ethanol to Exceed Exports Soon - USDA

2006-02-20T09:38:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : US Corn for Ethanol to Exceed Exports Soon - USDA

UPS to cuts costs on Energy Consumption

2006-02-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

United Parcel Service Inc said Thursday it will order 50 hybrid electric delivery vehicles and acquire 4,100 low-emission vehicles during 2006 as part of a strategy to cut costs

Planet Ark : UPS to Order 4,100 Low-Emission Trucks in '06

Global warming politics in a post-environmental world

2006-02-16T09:18:00.000-05:00

The link was forwarded to us by Don VanOllefen of the FWA Group through a Sustainability Book Club in the Triangle that is discussing the article at its March meeting. It is a very frank and challenging critique on the failure of environmental advocates to operate effectively in the political arena to advance meaningful solutions to the global warming crisis. You are guaranteed to learn something from the article, at least a new perspective!

Global warming politics in a post-environmental world By Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus Grist Magazine Main Dish 13 Jan 2005

An Inconvenient Truth

2006-02-15T17:04:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : Paramount to Release Gore's Global Warming Film:

Carbon Sequestration

2006-02-15T16:51:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : India, China Will Lead Green Tech Demand - UK Report

Key Points about Bush's Energy Plan

2006-02-03T10:13:00.000-05:00

Is Bush's call to end our energy dependence realistic? Is he going to back his words up with action (and money)?

Planet Ark : FACTBOX - Key Points about Bush's Energy Plan

�Greening� the Student Union

2006-01-31T16:58:00.000-05:00

�Greening� the Student Union

Trends in HVAC

2006-01-31T16:57:00.000-05:00

Trends in HVAC

Ethanol Could Reduce Fossil Fuel Need - Study

2006-01-30T13:54:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : Ethanol Could Reduce Fossil Fuel Need - Study

Piedmont Biofuels

2006-01-25T09:42:00.000-05:00

Interesting Website...

Piedmont Biofuels

America's New Villages

2006-01-24T16:35:00.000-05:00

When you look at the new master planned communities you will see elements like mixed-use downtown neighborhoods with live/work condos and dense residential developments close to the central business district. I thought these two articles were interesting from the New Urbanist perspective. In Columbia, we have seen Andres Duany's ideas for the Bull Street Redevelopment project reflecting this design attitude as well as our local developers like Tom Prioreschi and Ben Arnold. National developers are also taking notice.

I was just out in Colorado for a skiing trip. I drove through my old neighborhood in Denver and was amazed at the growth of Denver's Stapleton Airport project. This project consists of 1,500 single family homes, a 1.2 million SF lifestyle center, offices and other construction.

You can see an article from ICSC's magazine regarding master planned communities at http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0106/index.php

David Brooks of the New York Times had an interesting column regarding the new urbanism. You can view his column at http://www.nytimes.com/top/opinion/editorialsandoped/oped/columnists/davidbrooks/ but you might have to sign in or sign up for a free trial.

Designing Healthy Workplaces

2006-01-18T08:16:00.000-05:00

Absenteeism down 20 percent at new call center

Designing Healthy Workplaces

SOM Designs Skyscraper for a New Age

2006-01-17T15:44:00.000-05:00

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has designed a 69-story corporate headquarters that can produce more energy than it consumes and promises to set new standards for sustainable architecture. Pearl River Tower, planned for Guangzhou, China, would harvest wind and solar energy. The innovative design is among three finalists in an international design competition for a corporate headquarters for a major Chinese company. Guangzhou is a subtropical port city of 6.6 million, located 182 kilometers from Hong Kong.

SOM Designs Skyscraper for a New Age

Stucker, B&E Review, Vol. 52, No. 2

2006-01-16T17:53:00.000-05:00

Stucker, B&E Review, Vol. 52, No. 2

New Year, New Energy Tax Credits

2006-01-16T13:33:00.000-05:00

Provisions in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (that make available various energy-efficiency tax credits) took effect Jan. 1, 2006.

New Year, New Energy Tax Credits

Fish Flock to Christmas Tree Reefs in US Lakes

2006-01-16T13:30:00.000-05:00

The US Army Corps of Engineers collects discarded trees to create an underwater forest near fishing piers in man-made lakes that lack natural habitats

Planet Ark : Fish Flock to Christmas Tree Reefs in US Lakes

Insurance Company Offers Hybrid Car Owners 10 Percent Discount

2006-01-16T13:26:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : Insurance Company Offers Hybrid Car Owners 10 Percent Discount

Compulsory Biofuel Blending

2006-01-16T11:54:00.000-05:00

France is not yet ready to introduce compulsory blending of biofuels with conventional fuels and wants to keep tax incentives to boost green fuel output, government and industry sources said on Tuesday.

Planet Ark : France not Ready for Compulsory Biofuel Blending

Energy and the Building Envelope

2006-01-16T11:23:00.000-05:00

Learn how envelope design can impact mechanical system performance

Energy and the Building Envelope

Living Green Below Your Means

2006-01-16T08:58:00.000-05:00

You'll be suprised often you can use less of the everyday products you buy with no significant difference in your household, except in cost...

Living Green Below Your Means

architecture2030.org

2006-01-11T16:22:00.000-05:00

"The American Institute of Architects (AIA), representing
74,000 prefessionals, recently announced a bold initiative to reverse the environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions of the U.S. building sector. The AIA, adopting many of the actions called for by architecture 2030 (see open
letter" on the wesite), set a goal of reducing the fossil fuel consumption of buildings by 50 percent in four years, with additional 10-percent reductions every five years thereafter. The implications of this initiative are considerable and when implemented will transform the built environment in a way
we have not seen since the time of the industrial revolution. "

architecture2030.org

Whole Foods blows away record with wind energy purchase - 2006-01-10

2006-01-11T16:00:00.000-05:00

Whole Foods blows away record with wind energy purchase - 2006-01-10

The Greening of America's Campuses - New York Times

2006-01-09T15:02:00.000-05:00

The Greening of America's Campuses - New York Times

Water- An Endangered Species

2005-12-19T17:23:00.000-05:00

Water proves good fodder for two new books, fact and fiction | By Elizabeth Grossman | Grist Magazine | Arts and Minds | 09 Nov 2005

Green Matrix

2005-11-23T16:00:00.000-05:00

Green Matrix

This website offers a Matrix that suggests Green building initiatives, sites specific articles from "Environmental Design and Construction" and references resources for further research.

http://www.greenmatrix.net/index.html

Green Matrix

2005-11-23T15:57:00.000-05:00

http://www.greenmatrix.net/index.html

This web site has a Matrix suggesting Green building initiatives and then offers information from an article published in the "Environmental Design and Construction," which sites specific resources for further research.

Environment - Spec'ing Green

2005-11-17T16:34:00.000-05:00

Do Architects bear the brunt of cleaning up the environment? How powerful is the ability to specify a certain type of product?

ArchitectureWeek - Environment - Spec'ing Green - 2005.1102

Best Practices in Sustainability: UI Fuels Energy Needs with Oat Hulls

2005-11-17T16:29:00.000-05:00

An energy production project involving cereal-mill waste at The University of Iowa (UI) in Iowa City, IA, has earned several awards at both the state and national levels for its success in creating an environmentally responsible method of generating power for the 1,900-acre campus. The Biomass Fuel Project has been cost-effective as well: The university reports it is saving approximately $500,000 per year in facility operating costs.

Best Practices in Sustainability: UI Fuels Energy Needs with Oat Hulls

Red Tape Slows Kyoto Pollution Credit Scheme

2005-11-17T16:26:00.000-05:00

Rich nations are scouring the globe for greenhouse gas credits to help them meet climate change targets, but red tape in one of the Kyoto Protocol's main markets is hampering their search.

Planet Ark : ANALYSIS - Red Tape Slows Kyoto Pollution Credit Scheme:

Mother Nature Tops Time Person of The Year List

2005-11-17T16:24:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : Mother Nature Tops Time Person of The Year List

The World's Forests

2005-11-17T16:23:00.000-05:00

About 13 million hectares of forests are destroyed around the world each year, an area the size of Greece, although the net loss of trees has finally slowed thanks mainly to new plantations, the United Nations said on Monday.
Planet Ark : FACTBOX - The World's Forests:

Olympics - Italy Plans Carbon-Neutral Green Winter Olympics

2005-11-17T16:20:00.000-05:00

This winter's Olympic games in Turin, Italy will be the most environmentally friendly ever, the organisers said on Wednesday, vowing it would have no net impact on climate change

Planet Ark : Olympics - Italy Plans Carbon-Neutral Green Winter Olympics: "This winter's Olympic games in Turin, Italy will be the most environmentally friendly ever, the organisers said on Wednesday, vowing it would have no net impact on climate change"

New York State to Cut Greenhouse Gases from Cars

2005-11-17T16:18:00.000-05:00

Cars sold or registered in New York State must cut carbon dioxide emissions beginning in 2009, state officials said on Wednesday, in Republican Gov. George Pataki's latest break with the Bush Administration over steps to cut greenhouse gases

Planet Ark : New York State to Cut Greenhouse Gases from Cars: "Cars sold or registered in New York State must cut carbon dioxide emissions beginning in 2009, state officials said on Wednesday, in Republican Gov. George Pataki's latest break with the Bush Administration over steps to cut greenhouse gases"

US States say Power Bills Won't Soar on CO2 Plan

2005-11-17T16:14:00.000-05:00

Businesses who oppose a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions in nine Northeastern US states have overestimated how much the plan will raise electric bills

Planet Ark : US States say Power Bills Won't Soar on CO2 Plan: "Businesses who oppose a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions in nine Northeastern US states have overestimated how much the plan will raise electric bills"

US Midwest Farmers' Latest Harvest: Wind Energy

2005-11-17T16:12:00.000-05:00

For 150 years, farmer Dennis Cradduck's family grew corn and soybeans along a ridge. For the past 20 months, he's also been harvesting the wind.

Planet Ark : FEATURE - US Midwest Farmers' Latest Harvest: Wind Energy: "For 150 years, farmer Dennis Cradduck's family grew corn and soybeans along a ridge. For the past 20 months, he's also been harvesting the wind."

Wind Power seen Reducing Need for US Natgas

2005-11-17T16:08:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : Wind Power seen Reducing Need for US Natgas

China Faces World's Worst Water Crisis

2005-11-17T16:05:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : China Faces World's Worst Water Crisis - Paper

Report Slams World Bank Role in Clean Energy

2005-11-17T16:03:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : Report Slams World Bank Role in Clean Energy

France Looks to Frying Pan to Fire Biofuel

2005-11-17T16:02:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : France Looks to Frying Pan to Fire Biofuel

is United States Becoming Hostile to Science?

2005-11-17T16:00:00.000-05:00

Planet Ark : FEATURE - is United States Becoming Hostile to Science?

Solar Energy Fans Fry Burgers, Dry Towels in US Contest

2005-11-17T15:55:00.000-05:00

Every watt of power used to cook the meal and power every light bulb, refrigerator and iPod in this house came from an array of solar panels perched atop its roof

Planet Ark : FEATURE - Solar Energy Fans Fry Burgers, Dry Towels in US Contest: "Every watt of power used to cook the meal and power every light bulb, refrigerator and iPod in this house came from an array of solar panels perched atop its roof"

Investigation of the Impact of Commercial Building Envelope Air Tightness on HVAC Energy Use

2005-11-17T15:42:00.000-05:00

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has conducted an investigation to evaluate the energy savings potential of air barriers.

Bituthene: Grace Construction Products Summary of the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Investigation of the Impact of Commercial Building Envelope Air Tightness on HVAC Energy Use: "Investigation of the Impact of Commercial Building Envelope Air Tightness on HVAC Energy Use "

Wal-Mart to Seek Savings in Energy - New York Times

2005-10-25T19:40:00.000-04:00

Can Wal-Mart actually be considered a "sustainable company?"

Link: http://grist.org/cgi-bin/forward.pl?forward_id=5929

A few months ago, I heard an interview on NPR on inflation and the effect the rapidly rising fuel prices would have on the nation's economy. In the interview, it was suggested that at this point inflation seems to be in check because of the "inexpensive" products supplied by the global economy. This suggests that Wal Mart is supporting a health economy by providing the public with affordable merchandise. But, how does this fulfill the needs of a sustainable community and what will Wal Mart's recently introduced set of environmental initiatives effect the company's impact on civilization's social, economic, and environmental health?

My concern is that Wal-Mart has such power over the global economy that they have the potential of strangling any attempt by local leaders to encourage the development of sustainable communities in terms of their economic, social, and environmental health. In addition, there is no indication from the retail giant to begin carrying more "sustainable" products, i.e. products that are manufactured in close proximity to the store in which it is sold thus supporting the local economy. Wal Mart's commitment to feature 32 oz concentrated detergent falls short of requiring suppliers to provide products that are not detrimental to the environment.

Wal Mart's chief Executive Lee Scott's has also requested that Congress to raise the minimum wage suggesting that Wal Mart is unwilling to address the continued criticism of paying its employees well below the average salary of its competitors including Target and KMart. His request also evokes the question: If the minimum wage were to be raised, would Wal Mart raise its wages accordingly? This seems very unlikely since it is well documented that an average wage of a Wal Mart associate is well below the federal poverty line. Therefore, I would ask how is this socially sustainable?

There is also the issue of its retail stores, i.e. what is their architectural value to sustainability? Could LEED improve the big box by making them more sustainable? How could the architectural profession influence how Wal Mart's big boxes interact with the communities in which the are built? What would LEED certification do for the quality of Wal Mart's buildings?

It will be interesting to see if Wal Mart can live up to Scott's basic environmental initiatives. More interesting I would argue is how we as professionals should be questioning these issues as a means of improving the communities we live and work. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to ensure that these sustainable initiatives are successful and are take beyond the basic gesture.

What is your opinion? Please respond.

Nearly Half of Americans Cite 'Too Little' Environment Regulation

2005-10-17T13:12:00.000-04:00

This can give you a little bit more faith in our society....

WSJ.com - Nearly Half of Americans Cite 'Too Little' Environment Regulation

Sorensen wants USC projects to be eco-friendly

2005-10-14T10:29:00.000-04:00

USC may commit to LEED.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/local/12898121.htm

Where Is Away? Or, What Happens When You Flush the Toilet:

2005-10-14T09:37:00.000-04:00

That's the question Terry Calhoun, Director of SCUP, asks in this week's Opinion column.
"When we think we throw something away," he writes, "we are instead jeopardizing the ship on which we all travel through space, the Earth and its biosphere. Because, nothing does really get thrown away, it just ends up somewhere else. We even, sometimes, use up a lot of energy and resources taking it somewhere else. Often what we throw away is highly toxic ... Why should this concern information technology managers and workers? It's because we design, manage, and use tools which are relatively small yet contain huge amounts of toxic materials."

Where Is Away? Or, What Happens When You Flush the Toilet: Campus Technology

Green Fuel Revolution a Challenge for Grain Sector

2005-10-10T14:25:00.000-04:00

This article brings up an interesting issue. Should we use a basic food source like grain for fuel when so many people in this world are starving? I hadn't thought of it that way before. What do you think?

Planet Ark : FEATURE - Green Fuel Revolution a Challenge for Grain Sector

Some US Plastic Shortages Seen From Natgas Price

2005-10-07T09:43:00.000-04:00

Who would have thought that higher natural gas prices would make it harder to get tires, diaper liners and bread bags?
Planet Ark : Some US Plastic Shortages Seen From Natgas Price

Change a Lightbulb, Save Energy

2005-10-06T11:22:00.000-04:00

Since lighting accounts for about 20% of energy costs switching to energy star bulbs can save big bucks.

Planet Ark : Change a Lightbulb, Save Energy - US Government

Creation Cares

2005-10-05T16:05:00.000-04:00

Caring about the earth has biblical roots. Fighting mercury pollution is pro-life.
An interview with green evangelical leader Richard Cizik | By Amanda Griscom Little | Grist Magazine | Main Dish | 05 Oct 2005

AGC goes Green

2005-09-29T17:08:00.000-04:00

Nothing says you are committed to sustainability like a LEED rated headquarters. AGC is moving their HQ into the Navy Leaque building in Virginia which is on track for a silver rating.

AGC News and Views - Volume 2 -- Issue 18 -- September 29, 2005

'Operation Offset' meets resistance

2005-09-27T15:59:00.000-04:00

Should the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast be paid for by cutting funding on energy and environmental initiatives? Funny that "operation Offset" doesn't target subsidies for the petroleum industry as a way to cut federal spending.

'Operation Offset' meets resistance

Big Auto Makers Want Bush to Act on Energy - WSJ

2005-09-27T15:55:00.000-04:00

Looks like the big automakers are trying to be part of the solution instead of the problem. Hopefully they'll follow through on their commitment.

Planet Ark : Big Auto Makers Want Bush to Act on Energy - WSJ

BSU - Greening of the Campus VI

2005-09-27T14:25:00.000-04:00

I had the privelege to attend the sixth annual Greening the Campus Conference at Ball State University a couple of weeks ago. It was a great conference and I would recommend it to anyone interested in sustainability. I was especially impressed with the keynote speakers (3 pe day!). They ranged from the controversial David Orr , who feels this movement needs to get political and was quick to link our dependence on petroleum to our national security problems , to Tony Cortese who took a kinder , gentler approach while trying to make everyone realize we are running out of time to fix these problems. As an architect I especially liked hearing Bob Berkebile's personal account of how he got involved in the movemetn. I would expect the attendence at this conference to grow and I hope to return again myself. You can see some of the keynote presentations at the link below.

BSU - Greening of the Campus VI

Pimp My Prius

2005-09-26T16:25:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for a fuel efficient but you need to trendy also? Its only a $10,000 upgrade for the Prius.
Pimp My Prius - New York Times

Diesels to Take on Hybrids as King of Green

2005-09-26T13:29:00.000-04:00

Diesel gets a bad wrap in the US , but it might be making a comeback, especially for the truck industry.

Planet Ark : Reuters Summit - Diesels to Take on Hybrids as King of Green

EPA Wants Power to Suspend Pollution Laws

2005-09-26T13:22:00.000-04:00

Is the "Environmental Protection Agency" an appropriate name for this government agency? They don't seem to do much to protect the environment.
Planet Ark : EPA Wants Power to Suspend Pollution Laws - US Rep

Shifting into biofuels gear

2005-09-26T12:59:00.000-04:00

Katrina is a big wake up call for NC. "Our state spends over $5 billion annually on fuel imported from other states and countries, many of them hostile to U.S. interests...North Carolina has been called the "Saudi Arabia of biomass." We can make our own fuel rather than send so many of our energy dollars out of state."
newsobserver.com | A Opinion

Green Cities in China?

2005-09-21T13:53:00.000-04:00

Can China move 400 million people to its cities without wreaking environmental havoc? Eco-urban designer William McDonough says yes—and Beijing is listening

An intersting issue- since cities only take up 3% of the land currently are we better of to increase the density of cities vs. spreading the population out over a larger area? Which has a lesser environmental impact?

Building in Green - Newsweek: International Editions - MSNBC.com

ECO New Orleans

2005-09-19T17:20:00.000-04:00

What could New Orleans be? Should it be rebuilt exactly as before or is this an opportunity to rebuild it as a model of sustainable development?

What New Orleans could look like the second time around | By Timothy Lange | Grist Magazine | Soapbox | 15 Sep 2005

Hoosier burg to be pilot for energy project

2005-09-13T17:44:00.000-04:00

Check out the proposed "Biotown" in Indiana. With all our hogs North Carolina should be right behind them with our own BioTown.

Hoosier burg to be pilot for energy project

Toyota hopes to cut hybrid premium in half

2005-09-13T17:42:00.000-04:00

as if you weren't already tempted to buy one with our high gas prices.

USATODAY.com - Toyota hopes to cut hybrid premium in half

Scientists Comb a Ruined Coastline for Clues and Lessons

2005-09-07T17:35:00.000-04:00

Scientists Comb a Ruined Coastline for Clues and Lessons - New York Times

Environment Minister Criticizes U.S. Policy

2005-09-07T17:32:00.000-04:00

Environment Minister Criticizes U.S. Policy

Coastal-ecology degradation contributed to Katrina's destructive force

2005-09-07T17:30:00.000-04:00

NOLA.com: Search

local-food ambassador

2005-08-29T14:02:00.000-04:00

Meet the local food ambassador for Brown University. Did you know the average item on your dinner plate travels 1600 miles?

Louella Hill, local-food ambassador, answers questions | Grist Magazine | InterActivist | 29 Aug 2005

Water returns to Iraqi marshlands

2005-08-29T11:41:00.000-04:00

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Water returns to Iraqi marshlands

Slight Shift for S.U.V. in New Rule on Mileage

2005-08-25T09:01:00.000-04:00

Will the new fuel efficiency guidelines actually help or is it just a token gesture?

Slight Shift for S.U.V. in New Rule on Mileage - New York Times

Survey for LEED Project Planners in EPA Region 4

2005-08-22T17:31:00.000-04:00

As a graduate student in the School of the Environment at the University of South Carolina (USC) and an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) South Carolina Chapter, I am conducting a survey which focuses on the water efficiency category of LEED. My target audience is project planners of certified and registered LEED projects in EPA Region 4 (SC, NC, KY, GA, TN, AL, MS, FL). The purpose of the survey is to assist future project planners in the southeast identify the appropriate water efficiency credits to seek and the most efficient strategies by which to achieve those credits.
If you are a LEED project planner in EPA Region 4, I would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to complete a survey at http://www.environ.sc.edu/leed/ All personal and individual project information will remain strictly confidential. If you would like a copy of the study's compiled results, please be sure to check the appropriate box and to provide an e-mail address before submitting the survey.
Thank you for your time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at edurr@environ.sc.edu or by phone at 803-777-9911.

a student-run clean-car campaign

2005-08-22T11:46:00.000-04:00

With student activists like this maybe our future isn't so bleak....read about the "Road to Detroit"

"We, the youth of today, the consumers and workforce of tomorrow, have the opportunity to share our own vision of the American Dream with the nation. This summer, seven young organizers have taken to the road for a cross country tour to highlight the need to revitalize the US auto industry with a more socially and environmentally responsible vision."
"Dispatches from a student-run clean-car campaign | Grist Magazine | Dispatches | 19 Aug 2005

Building Materials Reuse and Recycling Deconstruction 2005 Conference Atlanta, GA

2005-08-19T10:21:00.000-04:00

Here's alink to one of the conference from Jim's post. Looks interesting....

Building Materials Reuse and Recycling Deconstruction 2005 Conference Atlanta, GA

World Running Out of Time for Oil Alternatives

2005-08-19T10:17:00.000-04:00

"The world could run out of time to develop cleaner alternatives to oil and other fossil fuels before depletion drives prices through the roof, a leading Dutch energy researcher said on Thursday"

Planet Ark : INTERVIEW - World Running Out of Time for Oil Alternatives:

Environmental Design and Construction - Calendar of Events

2005-08-17T10:45:00.000-04:00

Check this out! Great Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events

Australian Scientists Use Plastic to Make Steel

2005-08-16T16:08:00.000-04:00

"...many waste plastics, from shopping bags to dishwashing liquid containers and drink bottles, contain high enough levels of carbon to be useful in steelmaking."

Planet Ark : Australian Scientists Use Plastic to Make Steel: "many waste plastics, from shopping bags to dishwashing liquid containers and drink bottles, contain high enough levels of carbon to be useful in steelmaking."

CATS UNVEILS NEW HYBRID ELECTRIC BUSES

2005-08-15T09:08:00.000-04:00

Ride the new Charlotte Hybrid buses for free during their first week. I'm glad to here thet have taken this step. I was listening to a news story this morning that linked children's risk of childhood cancer with their exposure to vehicle exhaust. They cited that diesel exhaust from trucks and buses is the worst.

PR 8_12_05

Why use a blog?

2005-08-10T15:25:00.000-04:00

Its the best way to find the most current info.

Welcome to construction.com

Brits consider radical plan to measure personal emissions |

2005-08-09T16:27:00.000-04:00

The United Kingdom is considering issuing a "carbon card" --likea credit card --to each resident, to help monitor and lower emissions that contribute to climate change.

Brits consider radical plan to measure personal emissions | By Mike Wendling | Grist Magazine | Main Dish | 09 Aug 2005

Nuclear energy can't solve global warming / Other remedies 7 times more beneficial

2005-08-08T16:10:00.000-04:00

If you include the $2 billion + cost of building each nuclear plant we could use that money more efficiently to save energy. I suspect the nuclear power companies are thrilled with the new energy bill!

Nuclear energy can't solve global warming / Other remedies 7 times more beneficial

E-Waste

2005-08-08T16:04:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder what to do with your old computer (which by the way probably contains lead, cadmium, mercury, PVC, PBDEs, beryllium, etc) ? Here's a website with resource in every state.

National Recycling Coalition--Electronics Recycling Initative

TIME.com: Banks Go for Green -- May. 30, 2005 -- Page 1

2005-08-08T10:16:00.000-04:00

Was just talking to someone from Bank of America about this article in Time's May 30 issue. The pressure is on for banks not to fund environmentally and socially destructive projects.

TIME.com: Banks Go for Green -- May. 30, 2005 -- Page 1

Sustainable Facility Management

2005-08-08T10:07:00.000-04:00

"Why the Facilities Manager?

It’s all in the numbers—facilities professionals manage and control facility related O&M expenditures, which account for over 85 percent of facility life cycle costs. Facility operations and maintenance and demolition/capital renewal costs over the useful life of the building can be up to 40 times greater than design and construction costs. Yet, most decisions that have an effect on sustainable and green practices are made with an eye toward reducing first costs without regard to these “life cycle costs.”"

APPA:

Sustainable Furniture

2005-08-05T13:36:00.000-04:00

Here's a manufacturer that claims to have truly sustainable furniture with the option of closing the loop, for a cradle to cradle solution, in classroom environments/cafeterias/ offices/administrative areas, etc. utilizing non-VOC emitting, water-base finished, organic and recycled materials that will be recycled at the end of the furniture's life cycle.

Baltix Sustainable Furniture

Honda says Open to Fuel-Cell, Other Ties with GM

2005-08-05T09:25:00.000-04:00

The head of Honda Motor Co. said he is open to working with General Motors in various areas including fuel-cell development as a means of gleaning its rival's expertise in the US regulatory and political fields. Cooperation and information sharing.....what a novel idea!

Planet Ark : Honda says Open to Fuel-Cell, Other Ties with GM:

Widespread Environmental Damage seen from Shuttle

2005-08-05T09:18:00.000-04:00

The astronauts aboard the Discovery report seeing visible signs of environmental damage on earth from space, including erosion and deforestation. They also report how fragile our atmosphere appears.

Planet Ark : Widespread Environmental Damage seen from Shuttle

Toyota Developing 10 More Hybrid Vehicles

2005-08-04T09:53:00.000-04:00

Planet Ark : Toyota Developing 10 More Hybrid Vehicles

CxGreen

2005-08-04T09:27:00.000-04:00

James Sledd from Roanoke Virgina sent me an email to let me know about his sustainability blog. The goal of his blog is to bring the commissioning and sustainability communities together. It has some good information on specific LEED credits for both the current version and the soon to be released version 2.2. Check it out.

CxGreen� a division of CxCentral.com

Fundamentally Green

2005-08-03T14:04:00.000-04:00

This article from "School & University" summarizes the most important ingredient that the author feels are left out of Green Building discussions.

Fundamentally Green

Green Home Environmental Products

2005-08-03T13:14:00.000-04:00

Here is a great website for environmentally safe products for your home and office. There is even a resource to help you green your next event!!

Green Home Environmental Products

Bicycles Selling Like Hotcakes in US Stores

2005-08-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

"With oil prices at an all-time high and the nation's obesity epidemic raging, more people are riding their bicycles to work."
Save money , stay in shape and protect the environment ....what more can you ask for!

Planet Ark : FEATURE - Bicycles Selling Like Hotcakes in US Stores:

Hybrid cabs get a look from city

2005-08-01T11:17:00.000-04:00

NYC will be premiering hyvrid cabs shortly. They will test them out to see which ones can take the beating of an NYC cab.

New York Daily News - City News - Hybrid cabs get a look from city

Bottom Line Benefits to Green Development Identified by the ULI

2005-08-01T11:11:00.000-04:00

"Gregory Kats, principal of Capital E, Washington, D.C., pointed out that while green building features can add $3 to $4 per square foot (approximately 2-percent above normal construction costs), energy costs are cut by one-third"

Bottom Line Benefits to Green Development Identified by the ULI