Inflatable Solar Collector for Hot Water - SolarStore by IDC
Affordable and innovative SolarStore Inflatable Solar Collector by IDC (Industrial Design Consultancy) was made for the value-conscious environmentalist in mind. Made in the UK, the SolarStore uses solar heat to warm domestic water – in fact, it can heat up to three full tanks of water, reaching temperatures close to 80°C! Selling for under £100 (about $150 US), the inflatable solar collector is not only cheaper than conventional solar hot water systems on the market (compare at $2,000-$3,000), but can also be used in developing countries as well as on camping trips. Using the process of heat transfer, sunlight passes through the SolarStore’s clear outer layer, and travels down to a black inner layer that holds the water. To keep water hot, it uses the surrounding air between the clear and black layers as insulation. The SolarStore is set to hit the market in the spring of 2009. Industrial Design Consultancy.
3 Mar 2009 | Solar Power | Comments (0)
BP Solar Home Solutions System – easy to install Solar Panels
Clean, renewable electricity is within reach, thanks to BP Solar Home Solutions System. A lot of homeowners are scared away from using solar panels because the technology is complex, but BP Solar has made their Home Solutions System easy to install, use and maintain. Solar panels first transform sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, and an inverter converts it to alternating current (AC) electricity that you can use in your home. One of the benefits of using the System is that if your home produces more electricity than it needs during the day, it will store the extra electricity in a utility grid, and you’ll actually see a credit on you electric bill! When the sun goes down at the end of the day or if it happens to be cloudy, the system draws on the extra electricity in the grid to power your home. This system can be mounted on both flat and tilted roofs, and works best on roofs that are unobstructed and not shaded during the sunniest hours of the day. Calculate how much it will cost to install BP Solar Home Solutions System by clicking here. BP Solar.
2 Mar 2009 | Solar Power | Comments (0)
Two Blade Wind Turbine - Aerostar 6 Meter
Not only is the Aerostar 6 Meter one of the most quiet wind turbines on the market today, it’s also one of the most efficient to boot. Featuring a two blade teetering rotor, the 6 Meter loses the weight and complexity often associated with turbines and towers that use three rigidly mounted blades. Thanks to its teetering rotor hub, this Aerostar turbine runs smooth and vibration free while reducing the chance of it being caught upwind. It even looks good while it does its job – the sleek rotor blades are made from AS 200 proprietary low Reynolds number airfoils, which make them as attractive as they are aerodynamic. The 6 Meter also uses an induction generator that is efficient, reliable and trouble free, making it simple for you to operate. With a new color touchscreen display, you’ll be able to monitor a number of screens that provides information essential to the operation of your wind turbine. Prices for the turbine start at $24,950, and towers start in price from $11,950. Aerostar.
1 Mar 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)
Built-in Solar Electric System - Residential Roof Integrated, by Kyocera
Designed to visually blend with your home’s architecture, Kyocera’s MyGen Meridian built-in solar electric system installs flat with your existing concrete roof tiles. This solar system becomes integrated into your roof - it actually replaces some of the tiles as shown below. Meridian can be installed on a conventional roof of any pitch and is compatible with several manufacturers’ flat roof tiles. Assembled from high efficiency d.Blue solar cells, the system uses photovoltaic modules to convert sunlight into electricity, and is quick and easy to install and maintain. First, the frames are installed independently of the modules, and then all electrical connections on the roof are made via multi-contact connectors. Finally, the installed modules are blended with the roof to create a seamless and environmentally friendly built-in solar electric system. Here's one example of how it was done in Elk Grove, California...
26 Feb 2009 | Solar Power | Comments (0)
Grid-tie Photovoltaic Solar Power System by Kyocera - MyGen
The need to reduce power bills and a growing need for clean electricity are the forces behind Kyocera’s MyGen Grid-tie Photovoltaic Solar Power System. A value-added, environmentally sustainable solar electric system, MyGen comes in five different packages that use Kyocera KD180 modules in a variety of PV array configurations. Consisting of photovoltaic modules, a direct current to alternating current (DC-to-AC) power conversion device, DC wiring and protection, AC wiring and protection, lightning protection, component mounting and mechanical support, this interactive unit comes with everything you need to generate your own electricity. Another plus of this Kyocera solar system is that it is compatible with a wide variety of roof types and materials, and it can be sized to meet power requirements for maximum flexibility. Kyocera.
25 Feb 2009 | Solar Power | Comments (0)
Wind Turbine Energy Ball V100 from Home Energy - low noise
Energy imitates art with Energy Ball V100 Wind Turbine. As stunning as it is quiet, the Ball V100 is distinguished by six curved rotor blades that are attached to both ends of the rotor hub. When turning, it resembles a sphere, and the wind blows parallel to the rotor hub through the rotor. Thanks to its exceptional aerodynamics characteristics, it creates a wind flow pattern that first converges and is then accelerated through the rotor – picture it working similar to how rapids flow in a river. Boasting a higher aerodynamic efficiency, this home wind turbine can produce electricity from very low wind speeds and has a low standstill time. The Energy Ball V100 starts in price from $5,600. Home Energy.
25 Feb 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)
Eco Friendly Flooring - Walking on Green in Madison, Wisconsin
Eco Friendly Flooring offers a selection of green flooring options to accommodate just about any design aesthetic. Cork flooring naturally repels many allergens and provides excellent insulation. Sustainable bamboo flooring is a popular choice that is available in six options. Constructed from natural ingredients, linoleum is soft, quiet and biodegradable. Reclaimed woods, milled into a tongue and groove configuration, provide solid, natural warmth underfoot.
16 Sep 2008 | Building Materials | Comments (0)
2008 Green Roof Award of Excellence in Downtown Chicago - Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects
In downtown Chicago, Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects succeeded in turning a stark 14,000 square foot rooftop into a spectacular eco-friendly retreat that captured a 2008 Green Roof Award of Excellence. The modular, living green roof is composed from hardy, low-maintenance plant materials such as grasses, tall verbena, phlox and nodding onion, which are arranged in patterns to facilitate views from above. The design also incorporates small trees, including Japanese tree lilacs and cranberry cotoneaster, to provide seasonal changes and additional texture. A generous “patio” is constructed with recycled concrete and sustainable, toxin-free ipe wood. Sleek pergolas - also constructed with ipe – provide shelter for stylishly comfortable seating and dining areas. In addition to providing a serene outdoor space with stunning views of the Chicago skyline, the green roof insulates the building from both heat and cold, absorbs storm water runoff and offsets noise pollution.
Photos courtesy of Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects and The Residences at 900.
12 Sep 2008 | Green Roofs | Comments (0)
Urban Wind Turbine QR5 from Quiet Revolution - no noise
With the introduction of the Quiet Revolution QR5 wind turbine, two major deterrents to the use of wind power – undesirable visual aesthetics and noise - have been resolved. The elegantly twisted design of the QR5 is more reminiscent of a moving sculpture than the hardworking machine that it is. This helical design is also credited with virtually eliminating noise and vibration. The compact size of a the Quiet Revolution QR5 – a little over 16 feet (5 meters) high and just under 10 feet (3 meters) in diameter – makes it easy to integrate into urban environments. The base unit adds about 29 feet (9 meters) to the overall height of an installation. Due to being constructed with a single moving part, maintenance is limited to an annual inspection. Construction professionals across the United Kingdom have responded enthusiastically to the QR5; specifying a diverse variety of projects with the turbine as a source of wind power. Quiet Revolution
12 Sep 2008 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)
Socially and Environmentally Conscious Furniture Design - Botanist by Orange22
The Botanist Blank Canvas project is the brainchild of Dario Antonioni and Brandon Lynne, whose vision is to “bring together innovators in a collaborative effort to create socially responsible products that raise funds and awareness for charitable organizations”. 2008 participants included notable designers such Yves Behar, Margo Chase, Milton Glaser, Kahi Lee, Karim Rashid, Joe Ricchio, Claude Zwelleger and Massimo and Lella Vignelli. Botanist matches each designer’s royalty to the charity or foundation of their choice.
On the environmentally conscious side, Botanist benches and nesting tables are constructed from a single sheet of aluminum, with an eye toward minimizing waste. The manufacturer uses recycled and recyclable aluminum to produce their super thin, yet surprisingly strong, modern and eco-friendly furniture.
By eschewing liquid paint in favor of powder coating with no VOCs, Botanist provides additional durability and eco-friendliness. Wood veneers harvested from sustainable managed forests are used to envelope the Natural Collection. A selection of Botanist designs and finishes may be used outdoors as well. And, if personalization is a high priority, custom colors and designs are available.
Photos courtesy of Botanist by Orange22.
10 Sep 2008 | Green Furniture | Comments (0)
Recycled Sink casted from 100% salvaged materials - Enviro Bath
Enviro Bath offers a unique selection of vanities, sinks and faucets for the bath; which, according to the company website, are produced with 100% recycled materials. Enviro Bath products are cast from salvaged brass, aluminum and other alloys that may have added to an already overburdened landfill load. The company’s diverse selection of 100% recycled designs ranges from the clearly modern Fantasia sink (below) to the intricately organic Bella Flor drop-in sink (above). Sierra brings a rustic aesthetic to a gently patinated sink and is available in many finishes including this classic Mystique. Faucet designs at Enviro Bath are distinctly varied as well; with exotic choices such as Tree Frog, Giraffe, Peacock and Bird of Paradise.
Photos courtesy of Enviro Bath.
10 Sep 2008 | Plumbing Fixtures | Comments (0)
Sustainable Furniture Doesn't Have To Be Dull - Eco-conscious Designs by Environment Furniture, Inc.
At Environment Furniture, Inc., the mission is to “propel eco-conscious design out of the aesthetic doldrums, creating breathtaking, environmentally sustainable furniture for a diverse array of consumers.” Wood for the construction of the modern furniture line comes from three sources: reclaimed, recycled or certified. Reclaimed wood is procured from the deconstruction of existing structures, including houses, sheds and barns. Recycled wood is obtained from salvaged boards or trees and is repurposed to produce items such as flooring and particleboard. Certified wood is sourced from forests managed in an environmentally responsible fashion and evaluated by third parties - such as the Forest Stewardship Council. In addition to creating sustainable furniture, the company is also making strides to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing recycling programs within their offices, greening the materials and lighting in their stores, and screening vendors for their environmental performance. Environment Furniture, Inc. has retail locations in New York City, Los Angeles and South Coast Plaza, located in Orange County, California.
5 Sep 2008 | Green Furniture | Comments (0)
Enovo Modular Homes with Bio Recognition
By deriving their name from the Cheyenne Indian word meaning “your home”, Enovo pays homage to “the Amerindian peoples’ profound respect for nature”. The modular homes, designed by a team of Canadian architects which includes IME Habitat president Karl Mongrain and Pierre Leclerc, offer a variety of configurations that optimize available space and feature evolutional capacity. Self-sustaining vegetation carpets the roof, providing natural insulation against heat and cold. Rainwater is collected beneath the green roof, filtered and recycled. Grey water is also collected from the kitchen, bath and laundry room. Enormous windows of high performance glass let in natural light to minimize the need for interior lighting during the day. Other green features of Enovo’s eco-friendly modular homes include solar-powered radiant heating, energy efficient appliances and a bio recognition home automation system designed by IME. Photos courtesy of Enovo
5 Sep 2008 | Sustainable Homes | Comments (0)
Energy Film Provides Inexpensive Window Insulation - Save Energy
Budget-friendly and easy to apply, transparent Energy Film window insulation helps to decrease heat loss through windows in the winter and block incoming solar heat in the summer – without reducing the amount of natural light a room receives. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “an estimated $30 billion or more of energy is lost per year through single pane windows”.
Installation of Energy Film requires three simple steps: 1) measuring, 2) applying a mild dish soap and water mixture and 3) removing the excess moisture with a squeegee. For larger windows, multiple sheets of this inexpensive window insulation can be applied side by side for a nearly seamless application. To accommodate unusually shaped or small windows, Energy Film may be trimmed to fit with a utility knife. Sheet sizes include 24” x 48’, 36” x 48”. 48” x 84” as well as a 49” x 100” roll. Energy Film can be purchased online or at your neighborhood Home Depot.
Photos courtesy of Energy Film.
2 Sep 2008 | Building Materials | Comments (0)
Weaving Green Window Coverings For Over 50 Years - Conrad
There are several aspects to producing a green product and Conrad Handwoven Window Coverings cover the majority. The company’s richly textured selection of window coverings is woven on traditional hand-looms which use very little energy and create minimal waste. Sustainable materials such as bamboo, natural flax, hemp and vetiver are rapidly renewable, have little or no VOC emissions and support local economies. Hemp and flax are strong, durable and resistant to ultraviolet exposure; which makes these materials ideal for letting in light while reducing heat exposure.
29 Aug 2008 | Window Coverings | Comments (0)
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