In addition to a privileged zip code, the ultimate expression of success may now include a commitment to “building green.”
The smart-celeb- set including Orlando Bloom, Brad Pitt, and Johnny Depp insist on the use of recycled materials and “off the grid” energy solutions. The rich and famous now compete to achieve the coolest eco-friendly environments while addressing major pollutants such as asphalt-shingle waste in roof replacements and grey-water waste.
Green building improvements are rapidly challenging traditional ostentation and decor as a new hallmark of power and prosperity. Home renovation advocates compete to build sustainable mansions for eco-friendly stars with features like living roofs and radiant geo-thermal heating. Eco-friendly values and resource-efficient building methods have come to define design, construction, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction of new and existing structures. ... read more
As research continues, we are more aware about green issues than ever before. For this reason, a large majority of people have made changes to the way that they live to ensure that they are being more energy efficient. Some people care about the impact on the environment, while others are more concerned about the financial benefits of being green. However, regardless of the reasoning, using steel in construction is just one of the things that can be done to make a difference. In fact, there are a number of reasons why this is a much better material to use than many of the others from an environmental perspective. Here, we will explore many of the reasons why steel buildings are green.
It is important to understand that steel buildings are much more sustainable. One of the main issues that the planet is facing at the moment is the fact that we are losing too many trees, which is obviously not an issue with steel. When using this material, there is hardly any waste because all steel is manufactured based on the project that is taking place. Therefore, you can be sure that you are ordering the right amount with a steel building.... read more
Steel buildings have become a popular trend among companies and residents that are in need of some additional space. Steel is a type of material that is used for a number of different purposes, from heavy industry to the household, and many other applications. Steel buildings have a lot of significant benefits over other types of structures such as the ones made of concrete and wood. Furthermore, structures containing steel as their major constituent are easier to build and offer a number of environmental benefits as well as being durable and sustainable.
The main advantages of a steel building include durability, reliability, and flexibility, which make steel an attractive option for many different types of structures and buildings. Previously, these types of buildings were linked with objective storage structures such as aircraft hangers, silos, or warehouses. Nowadays, it does not come as a surprise when you witness buildings constructed out of steel such as churches, sports arenas or even houses. With the introduction of many new options and features, the steel structures can no longer be considered as uncommon. Moreover, steel is still considered to be a great option for roofs that are supported by bordering walls.... read more
Launched way back in 2006, the UK’s Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) is a huge step in the right direction for the construction industry. Similar to LEED in the US, it is an environmental protocol that aims to change the way houses and other properties are built. It was introduced with the view that making ‘environmentally friendly’, sustainable buildings now, will help tackle the issues with the environment that we are currently experiencing.
In the official CSH documentation the following benefits are highlighted:
1. Less Greenhouse Gas Emissions- Cutting greenhouse gasses is now the cornerstone of almost every ‘green’ project, so it’s not surprise to see this at the top of the list.... read more
I recently had the opportunity to view the construction of a sustainable house being built in my neighborhood in Newton, Massachusetts. The home was designed by LDa Architecture and Interiors, based out of Cambridge, MA.
Growing up outside of New York City, my sister and I used to always talk about things being "as tall as the Empire State Building." Nowadays, we can also ask: "Is this as green as the Empire State Building?" The Empire State Building recently got a green makeover, and you may be surprised and impressed by how green it has become. While things were seldom as tall as the Empire State Building, we can strive to be as green.
Here are 10 quick facts about the eco-friendly upgrades --... read more
When considering installing solar panels on your home, choosing an installer can be a daunting task. There can be hundreds of local and larger installers in your area. One of the growing companies you may want to check out is REC Solar, Inc. REC started out in 1997 in San Luis Obispo, California and has since become one of the largest installers in the nation, serving California, Hawaii, Oregon, New Jersey and Arizona.
While REC is a big company, they have a local feel. There are locations in each of their areas served so that you have a direct relationship with the company instead of just being a number on a page. They work on projects ranging from large scale commercial projects to residential projects and hold your hands a long the way to help you with financing options to make solar a reality for many who thought it was out of reach.... read more
Volunteers in East Oakland, California celebrated Earth Day this year by pulling out their hammers and doing some green building. Once a year, Habitat for Humanity of the East Bay holds their “Earth Day Build-a-Thon.” Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization which links low-income families with affordable homeownserhip opportunities.
The 5-day Build-a-Thon is a fundraiser where hundreds of volunteers (about 75-110 people per day!) dust off their hammers and hard hats to build homes for low and very low income individuals in the San Francisco Bay Area. Volunteers are sponsored (much in the way walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon participants are) in order to raise money for Habitat for Humanity of the East Bay.... read more
As I write this blog post, I'm hunkered down at a coffee shop next to a window, watching the April Showers come down. While the rain will help those tulips bloom, there is even a better way to make use of the rain. Collect it and reuse it!
Here are some rain harvesting quick facts:... read more
In addition to a privileged zip code, the ultimate expression of success may now include a commitment to “building green.” 
As research continues, we are more aware about green issues than ever before. For this reason, a large majority of people have made changes to the way that they live to ensure that they are being more energy efficient. Some people care about the impact on the environment, while others are more concerned about the financial benefits of being green. However, regardless of the reasoning, using steel in construction is just one of the things that can be done to make a difference. In fact, there are a number of reasons why this is a much better material to use than many of the others from an environmental perspective. Here, we will explore many of the reasons why steel buildings are green. 
Steel buildings have become a popular trend among companies and residents that are in need of some additional space. Steel is a type of material that is used for a number of different purposes, from heavy industry to the household, and many other applications. 
