GreenDigs Blog

1) Integrity Block produces a compacted-earth block to be used as a cost-competitive replacement for concrete masonry units (CMUs). They are composed of portland cement and soil content which contains up to 60% pre-consumer recycled content from mining/manufcaturing byproducts.  Creating these earth blocks uses less energy (40%) than CMU, and plans are in place for additional distribution locations (its only availabe in Northern CA currently).  Keep a look out for these in the near future.

2) MIT is working on concrete that is projected to last more than 15,000 years. While seemly impossible, the mega-dense concrete could greatly impact green (and non-green) buildings alike.  Concrete production contributes nearly 5-10% of total earth CO2 pollutants, so longer lasting structures would add less pollutants and waste to the environment. Check out their article and read our Concrete as a Green Material blog!

3) Lastly, solar roof panels from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory  are flexible and moisture resistant, to be used as traditional roof tiles. Photovoltaic panel are quite spendy, but these thin solar panels may be more affordable once released.  Unfortunately, it’s still under development so we’ll update when we find out more information.

(Products spotted on GreenSource & Inhabitat)

Everyone could probably agree that they’d like to lower their energy costs, right? Well, Armageddon Energy recently released details about DIY Solar Panels for home use. Easily mounted to a roof, the panels can be installed, positioned and plugged in quite simply.  (See photos below).

 Although beta testing is still ongoing, it is estimated they will be available sometime next year for about $6,000.  This is an exciting (and easy DIY) way to be more green. 

The Chartreuse website is up and running!

Chartreuse is a new research institute that was introduced at the April Plain Green Conference at the Washington Pavilion. The organization is dedicated to identifying and developing sustainable building materials using the resources available on the northern plains. Brightgreenresearch.org provides users with…

- An easy-to-use database for browsing regionally available green products, natural building methods, and new sustainable material concepts by type and criteria.  Material information is constantly being added so check back often for updates.

- A weekly blog about current research topics, upcoming events, new green initiatives, regional and local projects, new case studies, and featured materials.  The blog will be available July 1, 2009!

- A frequently updated regional case studies section demonstrating the use of green products and materials in residential, commercial, mixed use, and civic applications.

- Monthly updates on pilot projects.

Check back often as Brightgreenresearch.org grows!  Also, see what Chartreuse is up to daily on Twitter at twitter.com/ChartreuseGreen.  A link will also be available on the website.

Countertops with recycled glass content are about as common as cell phones these days, but it’s a bit rarer to be easily accessible to the general public.

Available through Lowe’s is the ECO line by Cosentino, launched which contains a mix of up to 75% post-consumer and post-industrials recycled mirrors, glass, and porcelain materials. What makes ECO unique is its concrete/bio based resin composition; it has about 25% of natural based products used as a binder.  It’s even available in tile form as well as slab sizes.

Eco is Greenguard certified (doesn’t contribute to indoor air contaminants) and can even help contribute towards LEED points. Check out their site.

View photos from Plain Green 09 on Flickr at http://bit.ly/AMLcb. There is also a group set up for Plain Green at http://www.flickr.com/groups/plaingreen/.

Mark your calendars for Plain Green ‘10 on April 15-16, 2010 and check back at www.plaingreen.org for updates!

**6/30 UPDATE: So far this year, Koch Hazard has added 9 more LEED APs, making more than 50% of the staff LEED APs ! 

This past April, the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) announced that over 100,000 LEED Accredited Professionals have been accredited.  Our office is among the mix, hoping to add several LEED APs to the staff this summer before the big switch to different levels of credentialing.   Congratulations to all those who passed the exam and good luck to those who are studying!

FYI – For the tech savvy, USGBC just joined Twitter; follow the tweets at: twitter.com/USGBC!

If modern is your style and a`naturale (green) is the way you like it, check out the product line from Team 7. Their website is full of sleek, classic lined chairs, tables, storage components, and casegoods in residential and commercial grade lines.  No PVC or added urea formaldehyde is used; low VOC finishes and adhesives along with unprocessed waxes and oils give their products a natural look.  (Anyone else tired of chocolate-colored furniture pieces?)  A very refreshing and chic way to add modern furniture to your office or home. Check them out.

If you haven’t noticed the advertisements, TV shows, and media swarm, April 22nd is officially “Earth Day”.  Just a couple of quick notes on what we’re doing to celebrate:

- This past week was Plain Green 09, a conference dedicated to sustainability awareness and education for all ranges of people – college students, business professionals, and the general public.  Over 250 people attended training and seminars on green topics ranging from restaurants to building codes to a Sioux Falls arboretum project.

- The Argus Leader published an article called “Everyday Steps Save Energy“ on tips to save energy and conserve natural resources.  Although you probably have heard some of the tips before (use compact fluorescent light bulbs, unplug unused appliances), it’s a great reminder on how to “green” your lifestyle.

- On a more personal note, I’m doing a webinar (web/online seminar) about sustainable ceilings, hosted by Armstrong.  As ever, with the influx of green products, designers need to stay up to date with the latest green products and new technology, and webinars are a great way to do this.

Leave us a note below and let us know what you’re doing to celebrate Earth Day!

If this illustration does not look like your neighborhood, don’t despair.  Recently published in Good Magazine was a feature called “The Street of the Future is a Livable Street.” Virtually a how-to-guide, it focuses on key principles of street development, the balance between pedestrians and vehicular traffic, and creating streets that are, well…. umm, more livable! (And what could be more green that a street that accomodates foot traffic, encourages mass transit and cyclists, and supports local business and growth.)

Following the graphic above, here are just a few of the tips outlined:
2. Provide pedestrian street lamps.
5. Create dedicated bicycle lanes.
9. Nuture street tree and plantings.

Check out the article.
(Photo Credit: Good Magazine)

South Dakota is catching on…

Groundbreaking for the new Heartland Consumers Power District headquarters, designed by Koch Hazard, is scheduled for April 10 at 11:00 a.m. in Madison, SD . It’s definitely groundbreaking, in more ways than one, because this building is on track to become the very first LEED Platinum building in South Dakota.

Achieving the highest level of certification available from the United States Green Building Council – definitely cause for celebration!