Green Building

  • 8 Ways to Green Your Remodel

    August 25th, 2008


    A recent Harris Poll revealed that 77 percent of American homes have lost value in the past 12 months. For homeowners, a remodel may be a way of adding value back to their property. For those looking to buy in a down real estate market, remodeling may be the first step toward turning a great buy into an outstanding investment.

    Regardless continue …


  • Recycled Concrete on the Rise In Texas

    August 6th, 2008


    Pricey fuel and rising construction costs are causing more builders to use recycled concrete, reports the Houston Chronicle.

    One Houston-based company, Cherry Crushed Concrete, has seen its revenue increase from $14.8 million in 2003 to $31.3 million in 2007.

    Recycled concrete is a more environmentally friendly choice and is often less expensive than virgin concrete. Using recycled material saves a builder $2 continue …


  • California Homeowners Recycle 80 Percent of Their Home

    July 9th, 2008


    John and Joy Kelly of Santa Monica, California, wanted to rebuild their 2,200 square foot home. But rather than just demolish it, they deconstructed it and donated 80 percent of the materials to charity, reports the Los Angeles Chronicle.

    The non-profit organization which directed the project is called Deconstruction & Building Materials ReUse Network, Inc. Finished materials like doors, windows, cabinetry, continue …


  • Wineries Are Big on Renewable Energy

    July 9th, 2008


    California wineries have decided that it’s good product stewardship to use solar energy. The first ones to install solar were Grgich Hills and Foster’s Wine Estates, followed by Elbin Blatz, which installed nearly 1,000 photovoltaic panels mounted on 130 pontoons floating in an irrigation pond, and another 306 panels mounted on a nearby acre of land. These panels can produce continue …


  • Maine Going Green Expo to Feature “Art of Recycling”

    July 8th, 2008


    The next Going Green Expo, which as a series is the largest producer of sustainable expos in the Northeast United States, will feature an art show with exhibits crafted from recycled items. The Expo will take place in Saco, Maine on September 13-14.

    Saco was continue …


  • Arizona’s Largest County Goes Green

    June 3rd, 2008


    County governments have begun to set comprehensive environmental policies, and Arizona’s largest county, Maricopa (9200 sq/mi) is expected to adopt a program of green initiatives tomorrow. The county would, among other things, plant garden roofs on its buildings and require the use of solar energy or other renewable resources in the design of most new county buildings. County workers continue …


  • Green Modular Home Uses Recycled Materials

    May 12th, 2008


    There’s a new exhibit at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. It’s a “smart home,” which uses recycled materials and an open, sunny floor plan with an emphasis on using the outdoors as added living space.

    The contemporary, loft-style, sustainable green home — the mkSolaire — was designed by Michelle Kaufmann Designs, based in Oakland, Calif, and uses recycled and continue …


  • States and Cities Get Smarter About Smart Growth

    November 14th, 2007


    EPA today recognized one state and four local authorities for innovative community development that protects the environment, preserves community identity and expands economic opportunity.


  • PNC Financial Granted Trademark For “Green Branch”

    November 13th, 2007


    PNC Financial has trademarked the term “green branch” with the U.S. Patent & Trademark office so that it can brand its branches as environmentally friendly.


  • Building a Sustainable America—One Community at a Time

    November 8th, 2007


    The EPA awarded $3 million in grants today to cities and universities under its Collaborative Science and Technology Network for Sustainability (CNS) program.