Architecture

The Blue Economy, 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs is a phenomenal book I have been reading lately by Gunter Pauli, founder of Ecover, and The Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives organization. The philosophy behind the book is the recognition and emulation of the interconnectedness of the five kingdoms of nature. Pauli presents an alternative economic system where human processes are modeled after natural systems, and work with nature, rather than against her. ... read more

A green career may be any position which is dedicated (or contributes) to preserving and restoring the environment's natural resources. Green careers contribute to protecting the overall environmental quality. They also meet the previously discussed goals of the labor movement, which consist of adequate wages, safe working conditions, and employee rights.... read more

It's the first of its kind – a $350 million green building renovation on one of the most visible landmarks today, the Chicago Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). In an effort to reduce energy consumption by as much as 80 percent, a significant modernization project has been planned. The project is designed to result in energy savings and reduced CO2 emission, and serve as a highly-visible 'green building' example.

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Stephen Del Percio of the Green Real Estate Journal recently wrote about some of the dangers connected with green roofs, particularly installation of uneducated project teams. In the article he cites a story by Kelly Luckett, the "Green Roof Guy" of greenroofs.com.

The story goes that a Toronto based team, in which Mr. Luckett was a part of, installed a green roof in 2008. The owner of the premises where the installation occured decided to disconnect the irrigation sytem after the intial establishment phase at the urging of another contractor. The contractor convinced the owner that the irrigation was not neccessary because of the climate of Toronto. By doing this the owner would achieve LEED certification.

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Welcome back to another week of green news from across traditional media.  Once again, the mainstream media is reporting on a number of developing stories.  Some focus on international and national issues, while others highlight small developments in sustainability. I found all the articles interesting and highlighting worthwhile topics.  Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Wal-Mart using its clout to go green: The Boston Globe published a small editorial comment on Wal-Mart's new eco-labeling initiative and the possible ramifications. A great explanation of why many company's will change habits merely because they have to now release embarrassing information, but I find the author to be a little condescending. He writes, "Wal-Mart's total annual purchases emanate from China, where it is high time environmental standards are raised." Really? Yes, China needs to raise envrionmental standards definitely in the industrial sector, but this sentence makes it seem like it is a free for all in China with no regulation. I wonder if the author knows that China has higher fuel efficiency standards for automobiles than the US?

India unable to accept any legally binding cut in greenhouse gas emissions: The Hindu, India's National Newspaper, is reporting that India will not accept any legally binding agreement for reduction of carbon emission.  This is a huge blow for the Obama administration that sought some kind of agreement from India for reducing its carbon footprint.  Though both nations plan to work together to reduce global warming, most believe that no real action will be taken without legally binding treaties to force individuals and industries to curb their output of carbon.

Popular Science helps you green your home: The Miami Herald did a quick piece on Popular Science's new online "Green Home Guide." The guide is in a magazine format and chock full of great information. Click on the title to be take directly to the guide.

"Green" radio emits from Palm Beach Gardens: South Florida now has its first all green envrionmental radio show.  The show, "Radio Green Earth," will provide a variety of interviews with policymakers, activists and entrepreneurs in the green sector.  Ed Begely,Jr. is already on the interview schedule.U.S. Green Building Council's new headquarters earns LEED Platinum:  Sometimes the government gets it right.  Building, Design and Construction reports that the U.S. Green Building Council recently announced Platinum certification of its new Washington, D.C. headquarters.  This makes the 75,000 sq. ft. building the it the first project to receive certification under the latest version of the LEED green building rating system.  Read the article to find out what makes this building so green.