The Columbia City Green is Seattle based Case Architects‘ latest green project. Renowned for their expertise in shaping up elegant, eco-friendly as well as economical dwellings, the firm specializes in offering the best energy efficient homes on the market. Fitted with green roofs and Insulated Concrete Form (IFC) foundation and walls, the structure will be completely green with rainwater harvesting system and solar pre-heating water systems. The radiant floor heat feature will keep the dens uniformly warm through the chilly days. Along with such water and energy saving features, the firm also explores new ways to reduce the depletion of our natural resources and re-examine old ways to connect with our surroundings. And to build a strong, sustainable bridge with their customers, Case focuses on developing on sites within walking distance of its office. Scheduled for completion in coming spring, it is currently available for pre-sale.
Mitsubishi shifts the gear in green mode once again with the electric i MiEV Sport Air Concept. Adding up to the line of zero-emission vehicles already crowding up for the future, this Japanese electric vehicle will make its debut at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show in March. Powered by 330-volt lithium ion batteries, the beefy 63horsepower (46kilawatt) electric motor will feed instant force. Fitted with a green heart, this sports car also flaunts a sexy body. Featuring a clear, removable top, the i MiEV Sport Air Concept is bound to render a sense of freedom to the driver. And certainly make many heads turn too.
It is generalized that when a cell phone comes loaded with tons of applications, it drives up against the green route. However the notable iPhone triumphs on this aspect with Clear Standards’ newly launched GPS-enabled application that will assist the users to keep a tab on their carbon footprint as they travel. iPhone users with a eco-conscious can now play the role of planet saviors too with such a clean, green, free application. Based on the data put together by the World Resource Institute, this application depicts a clear picture of carbon emissions. It draws a parallel link between the distance traveled and the mode of transport to measure the damaging footprint. To achieve targets, it even empowers the users to set monthly maximum emission goals. Users can also select the units of measurement for distance and amount of carbon emissions that complies with the norms in their country.
[Intomobile]
Newly sworn Barack Obama has earned a reputation as the Green President since some time now. But little did we know that he has fans with the same eco-attitude from other continents too. A 65 year old artist, Pete Mason, has come up with a green art-work to celebrate Obama’s victory. A resident of Gordon Brown, UK, the artist has crafted out a 3ft by 4 ft image of the current President by recycling 2,000 postage stamps. And with the help of generous stamp donors from UK as well as U.S, the artist, also known as Post Pop Art Man, managed to stick out Obama against the American flag backdrop. This stamped portrait will be on display at the Art Lounge in The Mailbox in Birmingham.
[BBC]
If other automakers are upping their green status by unveiling solar powered vehicles, Ferrari goes one step ahead by befitting its Maranello plant with 210,000 kWh photovoltaic system. Installed by EnerRay, the new solar system will use a 185 Wp Mitsubishi Electric module to generate peak power of 198.85 kWp. However the energy needed for heating and cooling this Italian unit will still be provided by a power plant generating electricity from a single fuel source. In an attempt to reduce its carbon footprint by 25-30% in the coming years, the company also has plans for a new tri-generation plant that will cover almost all of its electricity requirements. And you associated the term Ferrari with gas-guzzling racing beasts only? It is time to change the opinions.
[Gizmag]
Inhabitat reports that ignored Governor’s Island in New York will get a green makeover. Designed by West 8, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Rogers Marvel Architects, this outstanding eco-park will house watercourses, botanical centers, restaurants and aquaria. Striking a correct balance between landscapes and architecture, the team intends to design artificial hills from reclaimed material from the island’s buildings only. Such man-made mountains will also feature snack bars, exhibits, a funicular, and caves for spelunking. Visitors can move about this whole green haven via complimentary wooden bicycles. With plans to erect a10,000 seat amphitheater, this well-designed eco-park will render extraordinary eco-friendly recreational and educational opportunities to all. With an official completion date set for 2013, it is still in the development stage.
Where else can you find speaking garbage bins with a touch of green element, but in China. It is reported that ten solar powered, speaking trash bins are put up at People’s Square, Shanghai. Powered by sun’s energy, the bins are modified to give out verbal instructions about the where about of closest two toilets, via electronic voice, to pedestrians. So next time when you are in Shanghai and you need to answer nature’s call in hurry then instead of resorting to fellow pedestrians for directions to the loo, hunt for these helpful green bins. Soaking in the solar energy, the bins can also guide the lost locals or tourists with an illuminated map. Being touted as China’s first of the solar powered garbage bins, in all 480 such cans will be placed at various locations in the near future.
Source
Fossil fuel energy comes with its share of limitations like exhaustive reserves, environment pollution and greenhouse gas effects. Hence the need for a alternative energy sources arise. Though silicon solar cells have been in the spotlight as a source of clean renewable energy since some time now, it’s the efficient plastic solar cells that are grabbing the limelight as they are inexpensive and light weight comparatively. And to render such a green, affordable solar energy on the go, Solarmer Energy is developing plastic solar cells for portable electronic devices. The prototype, a cell measuring eight square inches (50 square centimeters), is expected to achieve 8 percent efficiency and to have a lifetime of at least three years. The invention, a new semiconducting material called PTB1, converts sunlight into electricity.
Everything wooden that is non-plastic or non-metallic cannot be termed as eco-friendly. As most of the times live trees are felled to carve out wooden products. But only the stuff shaped out of sustainable or used wood can boast of the eco-friendly tag. The Wooden Vespa is the reason why I am stuck on this woody subject. Though there isn’t much detailed information on this woody version of Vespa scooter, it is known that “the main spine of the bike is fashioned from steam bent and laminated veneers upon which very nicely carved body work hangs.” This customized scooter also sports a package tray and seat made of wood. So for now I assume that the wooden Vespa isn’t eco-friendly. Can anybody throw more light on it?
UK will soon boast of a turbine generated power but one that is generated underground. Excuse me if I have confused you but the fact is that by British engineers’ intend to place turbines in the thousands of gas pipes that zigzag their way beneath the country. The turbines will help to generate clean and renewable electricity from the natural gas, which is otherwise being wasted as it is created in the piping network. Developed by the geo-pressure clean energy company 2OC, the new geo-pressure technology will work by capturing the natural gas and decompressing it at hundreds of sites installed throughout the network known as letdown stations. Further, the decompression of the gas will propel a turbine to produce power that can be piped out to stations and homes. 2OC is collaborating with the National Grid, which owns most of the gas pipes in the UK, to install mini power stations at various locations.
