We've seen prototypes for solar-powered cell phones, but now a Chinese company claims to have developed the world's first commercially available solar-powered cellphone. The company says a scale-like solar panel on the top side of the phone can also … [Continue Reading]
First 100% Solar Powered Community In California Opens
June 7, 2007 by 4 Comments
Solara is the first apartment community in California to be fully powered by the sun. The 56-unit apartment community, which opened yesterday, has some pretty impressive green features. The community has rooftop solar arrays that provide 140 … [Continue Reading]
The Midwest’s First Green Tower
June 6, 2007 by 2 Comments
The Roberts Tower, will be the first certified-green high-rise building in the Midwest. It has been designed to achieve a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) Certification by the US Green Building Council. The condos will have bamboo … [Continue Reading]
First Japanese Solar Powered Condo
June 5, 2007 by 2 Comments
This condo complex, called the Grandia Solare, is said to be the first of its kind in Japan. Each apartment gets 1530 watts of solar power from the building's roof. Apparently the solar cells are owned by a third-party, so the upfront cost of the … [Continue Reading]
Energy From Waste Heat: Via Sound!
June 5, 2007 by Leave a Comment
University of Utah physicists developed small devices that turn heat into sound and then into electricity. The technology holds promise for changing waste heat into electricity, harnessing solar energy and cooling computers. "We are converting waste … [Continue Reading]
HyperGreen Tower Concept
June 3, 2007 by 7 Comments
This is an interesting concept called the HyperGreen Tower by Jacques Ferrier, which was recently submitted to an architectural competition in Paris. The 246 meter tower design has an unusual curving exterior lattice facade made out of concrete that … [Continue Reading]
The Tallest Building In Thailand Will Be Green
June 2, 2007 by 1 Comment
Asia generally lags behind the U.S. and Europe as far as the green-buildings movement goes. But there are signs that green architecture is starting to move more into the mainstream. The Ocean One Tower is a 91-story beachfront residential high-rise … [Continue Reading]
Build Your Own High-Performance Hybrid Electric Bike
June 2, 2007 by 7 Comments
We recently featured the high-performance electric Optibike, which was mentioned in a New York Times article. Well, apparently you can build a equivalent electric bike for much less (for around $1,600). See the video for more details, and see notes … [Continue Reading]
The Greenest Skyscaper In The U.S.?
May 31, 2007 by Leave a Comment
This skyscraper, One Bryant Park, is being constructed on 42nd street in New York. The tower will be hard to miss: it has a faceted glass facade that maximizes the daylight entering the building, while minimizing the heat. The 54-story building is … [Continue Reading]
PowerHub: Backup Power From Solar, Wind
May 30, 2007 by 1 Comment
Xantrex, a company well known the renewable energy world, is introducing a new product called the PowerHub. It's a self-contained power storage system that can be recharged with DC power from solar cells or wind turbines. Additionally, It can be … [Continue Reading]
Recent Comments: