Upcoming Tours of Green Homes & Businesses

Each October, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) coordinates nationwide tours of homes, commercial and municipal buildings that feature green technologies.  The purpose is to show others how cool green buildings can be.  The 9000 sites on the tours use sustainable strategies that increase energy efficiency, use solar energy, conserve water, use reclaimed or […]

What Happens to Obsolete Olympic Parks After the Games?

Years of planning and tons of money are invested in the chosen host cities, but what happens after the Olympics?  Many Olympic Parks are re-purposed into lively attractions, while others are left to decay with little interest. The Good with the Bad:  The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.  Here, the Olympic Water Cube now holds […]

Green Roofs: Open for Tours

Green roofs are built right into a roof system and composed of a “high quality water proofing and root repellant system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and plants,” according to GreenRoofs.org.  These planted roofs are beneficial in many ways, from stormwater management and reduction of a building’s energy usage to cleaning […]

Floating Cities of the Future?

Some coastal cities are running out of room inland, while others are losing their land due to rising sea levels.  Innovative architects are conjuring up some fantastical solutions, like Lilypad by Vincent Callebaut (pictured above).  These self-sustaining cities will produce their own energy, utilizing wind turbines, solar panels and water turbines. Lilypad will house 50,000 […]

Low Maintenance Decks that Green your Backyard

Considering a new deck to increase your outdoor living space?  Or, perhaps it’s time to replace that splintered old deck or boat dock.  Good news, there are lots of durable eco-friendly choices available today. Composite decking boards, railings and accessories are great options because they have a wood grain appearance, but these long-lasting materials resist […]

Tornado – Proof Construction

In recent months, many parts of the United States have been hit by devastating tornadoes.  News programs show footage of homes and buildings destroyed by high winds and flying debris.  Some of the numerous casualties could be prevented if we built stronger, safer buildings.

Eco-friendly Composite Fencing

Looking for long-lasting, durable fencing?  Today’s composites offer the look of wood without all the maintenance.  Not all composite fencing contains recycled or reclaimed materials, so be sure to inquire if you’re looking at brands other than those listed below.

Upcoming Portland Green Home Tour

Portland, Oregon is one of the greenest cities in the U.S. and is a great place to see first-hand the latest sustainable technologies in action.  Take a self-guided tour through 22 remodeled and new homes that have implemented measures to save energy and natural resources.  Learn about green building, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, green roofs, […]

Earth-friendly House Siding

We all want our home exteriors to look attractive and protect us from the elements, so when it’s time for new siding, remember that there are siding options that have less of an impact on the environment than others.  Whether you live in a charming bungalow or a cool modern abode, there is an eco-friendly […]

Got a Green Home? Show it Off!

If you’ve built or remodeled a home, or business, that features energy-efficient and eco-friendly elements, why not let others see what you’ve done?!  The American Solar Energy Society’s 16th annual tour takes place this October 1st in most areas of the country, and you can add your place to the tour list! Or, if you’re […]

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